Fresh Finds at Festive Walk Parade

There's something to love about an outdoor market teeming with aesthetically laid out goods like home baked bread and pastry, bottled fresh fruit juices as well as an assortment of fabulous impulse buys like handmade crafts, artisan treasures and limited edition apparel that appeal to both Generation Z and Titas of Iloilo.

I was lucky to catch the last night of Fresh Finds, a holiday outdoor market organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo last December 23, 2024. After some last minute grocery shopping, I dropped by the market to check out some of the coffee stalls for drinks and snacks. A lot of familiar vendors were present-Theo's, Coffee Brewtherhood, Courtyard by Marriott, and Richmonde among others. There were also new and upcoming vendors with exciting products and offerings.

Being a crafter and a lover of all things handmade, I gravitated towards the booth of Scibs Art Shop. They have the adorable Ichigo Strawberries, a product line inspired by cats and strawberries, Mako Makolit and Kumomaka Village illustrated postcards. I got myself some sticker packs, keychain, mini notepad, wearable buttons, postcards and the must-have 2024 Dragon Cat wall calendar.

Of course, there's my favorite homegrown coffee shop Coffee Brewtherhood where I got some whole coffee beans, a live coffee plant and a cup of hot matcha latte. I also tried the homemade donuts of Courtyard by Marriott. Their mango and chocolate donuts infused with batuan were the bomb!

I look forward to another installment of Fresh Finds! Maybe at the Dinagyang Festival, soon?