Christmas is in the air at Lorelei’s Pan.
Nestled on a quiet corner of the city, the cozy venue transformed into a lively Filipino holiday spirit for the much-anticipated Marikit Markt pop-up event. It was a celebration of Filipino culture, food, and crafts, drawing in families and friends from all corners of the city.
The pastry shop, normally intimate and charming, was packed with Pinoy-food lovers.
The savory aroma of adobo, pancit, and lechon kawali filled the air, blending perfectly with the festive hum of chatter. Team Lorelei’s Pan’s menu of the day offered a feast that felt like home. Tables were stacked with warm, hearty servings of arroz caldo, topped with a sprinkle of fried garlic and scallions, served with fluffy rice. The sweet, seasonal puto bungbong and bibingka desserts were the perfect finish to the meal, filling the space with festive cheer.
As the guests mingled and enjoyed their meals, the vendors, each bringing their unique flavor to the market, charmed everyone they met.
Ligaya Apparel by Christel Gano had a booth brimming with statement Filipino-themed shirts. The UBE, Mahal Kita and Halo-Halo shirts were a hit, with people eager to wear their love for Filipino culture on their sleeves—literally. The designs sparked conversation and laughter, with each customer proudly leaving with a new piece of wearable pride.
Angelato—a homemade ice cream venture from Angelo Tagle—was a standout.
His ice cream creations, made from vegan and lactose-free ingredients of coconut, mango, and ube-flavors, sold out quickly. Visitors lined up to taste the refreshing, creamy tropical concoctions. The ice cream was unlike any other, capturing the flavors of the islands in each smooth bite, leaving everyone asking for more. -> Angelato
Muni-Muni Crafts
by Jittycreative Studio and RiaDigiCorner
Their booth was a canvas of bright colors and textures, with handmade accessories – be it earrings, necklaces, and bracelets all inspired by the unique technique of acrylic paint pouring. Each piece was one-of-a-kind, reflecting the modern Filipino woman’s spirit—bold, beautiful, and creative.
There were also to-paint handmade cards and mini canvases for gifting. -> Munimuni crafts / Munimuni Etsy
Hiyas offered an assortment of exquisite jewelry, each piece crafted with precious stones and pearls by Apa Amler.
The intricate designs, rich in color and texture, drew admirers from all walks of life. A necklace here, a pair of earrings there, many guests left with a little bit of sparkle to take home, carrying the spirit of Paskong Pinoy with them. -> Hiyas.shop
And finally, there was the heart and soul of the day, Sherry Bongalon
who not only curated the event but also created an environment that felt like home. Sherry’s vision for Marikit Markt and Paskong Pinoy was clear—to bring the Filipino community together in celebration of heritage, artistry, and food. She floated from table to table, greeting guests, ensuring everything ran smoothly, and reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas: family, community, and giving. -> Marikit Markt
The event buzzed with warmth and joy, a true Filipino bayanihan spirit on full display.
Guests from all backgrounds embraced the festive spirit, sharing stories, laughter, and memories of Christmases back home. The vendors were busy, the food was delicious, and the music played softly in the background—a soundtrack to an unforgettable day.
And as the last of the guests trickled out, with smiles, full bellies, and bags of handcrafted treasures, everyone knew that this Paskong Pinoy would be a cherished memory for years to come.