Daven Tamayo

Christmas decor vendors in Metro Manila hope for recovery in sales after rains

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17593364451301759336452587.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Holiday decorations on sale in Dapitan, Quezon City, October 1, 2025. Lyza Aquino, ABS-CBN News </div>MANILA -- As the holiday season begins, some Christmas decoration vendors in Quezon City are expressing concern over slow sales, which they say have been affected by the recent weeks of continuous rain.Along the sidewalks of Dapitan, Quezon City, Christmas ornaments and festive decor are already on display despite wet streets from recent downpours. Vendors say it&#x27;s a way to catch the eye of potential buyers and encourage foot traffic.&quot;Aminado kami, mahina talaga ngayon kumpara noong Oktubre last year,&quot; said vendor John Pansuelo, pointing to a noticeable decline in customer numbers compared to the same period last year.They believe that the main culprit is the series of typhoons and storms that dampened both the weather and the buying mood.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/weather-traffic/2025/9/27/pagasa-5-to-9-more-tropical-cyclones-expected-this-year-1246">PAGASA: 5 to 9 more tropical cyclones expected this year</a></div>&quot;Last year medyo marami din, pero ngayon konti nalang, nakaapekto yung bagyo eh sunod-sunod. Mam, ang bentahan lang namin dito 200 pababa lang, depende po kasi hindi po puwede itaas kasi nakaapekto talaga bagyo,&quot; said Pansuelo, who has been selling holiday decor in the area for several years.Fellow vendor Romel Pacleb echoed the sentiment: &quot;Medyo lumalakas na po siya [bentahan] pero mas malakas po… last year po. Ngayon po kasi may bagyo-bagyo pa.&quot;Despite the sluggish start, prices of popular Christmas decorations remain stable for now. In Dapitan, Christmas trees range from P800 to P14,000, depending on the size and design. Various figurines, from candy-themed decorations to mini Santa Claus are available at 3 pieces for P100, depending on size. Christmas balls go for P35 each, or around P300 for 20 pieces.Hanging Santa Claus decor ranges from P350 to P850, while parol (traditional Filipino lanterns) are priced between P1,000 for small (20 inches) to as high as P12,000 for large (6 feet) ones.As for lights, an 8-meter strand (100 lights) is priced at ₱180, while 12-meter strands (200 lights) range between P200 and P250.With All Saints&#x27; Day around the corner, some stalls are also selling Halloween-themed wreaths and decorations.<div> </div><div>-- From Nueva Ecija to Divisoria --</div>Meanwhile, in Divisoria, which is also a popular shopping destination in Manila, buyers from outside the city have started arriving to get the best deals on Christmas supplies.&quot;Nagchecheck na kami ng mga Christmas lights kasi mas mura kapag mas maaga nakabili, and gamit pang personal use, pambahay, pang-decorate. Kasama ko mga kaibigan ko at mga boss ko. Galing pa kami ng Nueva Ecija, dahil mas mura at mas maraming choices,&quot; said MC Lee, who traveled with coworkers to canvass and shop for decorations.According to vendors in Divisoria, Christmas lights continue to be among the bestsellers.&quot;Malakas naman po [bentahan] kasi magdedecember na eh. Ngayon mga Christmas lights, yung mga ganito sa headband,&quot; said Marisol Bunan, a vendor. When asked about prices, she added: &quot;100–90 ang Christmas lights.&quot;Whether in Divisoria or Dapitan, vendors remain hopeful that foot traffic and sales will pick up in the coming weeks as the Christmas season approaches. Most expect price increases to begin in December as demand spikes closer to Christmas Day.

As the holiday season begins, some Christmas decoration vendors in Quezon City are expressing concern over slow sales, which they say have been affected by the recent weeks of continuous rain.

As the holiday season begins, some Christmas decoration vendors in Quezon City are expressing concern over slow sales, which they say have been affected by the recent weeks of continuous rain.