If you're hungry to shop local and are missing out on all the usual holiday market events, this virtual marketplace showcasing Vancouver-area Filipino vendors might be perfect for you and your "clicks."
The Magkasama Virtual Filipino Christmas Market is open for business through Nov. 29, and features over two dozen vendors from the Lower Mainland's Filipino community, including several that make specialty Pinoy foods and drinks.
Last fall, Matt Brennan and Corvette Romero, operators of Vancouver's tantalizing Filipino fusion food truck Shameless Buns, organized the inaugural Magkasama. The market-style event showcasing Filipino vendors from across the mainland region was a big success.
The husband-and-wife duo had planned on putting together a follow-up event this summer, but COVID-19 derailed their plans, so they went online. The inaugural virtual market was a success - inspiring the busy couple to get behind another online project, the monthly MRKT HAUL - so they've curated a holiday edition.
Shoppers will find an array of goods and grub: Macarons, Cake in a Jar, Bibingka (rice cake) Savoury and Sweet Ensaimada (brioche), Sweet and Savoury pandesal, Taho (tofu pudding) Brown Butter Cubes, BBQ Skewers, Filipino Coffee beans, Filipino chocolate, Sushi Bake, Chocolate covered strawberries, Filipino inspired tote bags, greeting cards and many other creative and delicious treats, according to the organizers.
A number of the items featured via Magkasama would also be great holiday gifts to give to loved ones.
Customers will choose their pick-up date and time (select times on Dec. 4 through 6) and will gather their goodies from 302 Industrial Ave in Vancouver. The Shameless Buns truck will be on-site, so you can also order up some of their delicious Filipino eats while you're grabbing your Christmas haul.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place, and customers will pre-select their pick-up time in advance to ensure appropriate capacity.
Magkasama: Virtual Filipino Christmas Market
When: Shop now through Nov. 29 at midnight; pick-up time slots available Dec. 4-5 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Dec. 6 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Shop online; pick up at 302 Industrial Ave, Vancouver
