8 Dapitan Arcade Christmas Decor Shopping Tips You Need To Know

The Philippines has one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. As early as September 1, people start their Christmas shopping, and Jose Mari Chan songs are piped out at malls.

By the time the "ber" arrives, homeowners begin decorating their houses for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. One of the best places to shop for holiday décor this early is Dapitan Arcade, as this Quezon City bagsakan of decorations overflows with Christmas items at the beginning of the “Ber” months. Here, you could get Christmas tree decorations for as low as Php200 per pack of 20 ornaments.

But before you head to Dapitan, map out a game plan, as the area could get overwhelming (and crowded). Here are interior designer and Real Living stylist Dagny Madamba’s tips on how to do your Dapitan holiday shopping:

1. Don’t go too early

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

You might want to get a head start on shopping, or maybe just to avoid traffic, but Dagny advises not to visit Dapitan in the morning, and to go after lunch instead, as most of the stalls open in the afternoon.

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2. Go shopping with a Christmas theme in mind

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

“Think of what holiday décor theme you want, whether it’s classical, rustic, all-white, crafty, or Pinoy,” says Dagny, who cautions that you might get overwhelmed by the sheer number of style choices on display. “It’s easier to shop when you know what you want.”

3. Don’t forget to bring sturdy tote bags

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

“If you’re planning on buying breakable items or glassware, bring your own sturdy tote, because the tinderas usually just wrap the items in newspaper and put them in flimsy plastic bags.”

4. Canvas before buying

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

Dagny cautions: “There are a lot of items on sale that are identical, so go to other stalls first, to see which one sells cheaper—usually some are much, much cheaper than from the last stall, even without haggling!”

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5. Start first at the Dapitan Tiangge

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

If you’re looking specifically for holiday décor, hit Dapitan Tiangge first. This is a large, pink warehouse located outside the main Dapitan Arcade.

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

It is chockfull with every type of Christmas décor imaginable, from specialty tree ornaments and glitter wreaths, to giant Santa Claus and reindeer figurines. But don’t miss the miniature Christmas villages and music boxes that they sell there, which are just magical-looking. The ceramic carousel music boxes start at P350 a piece, but the more elaborate villages can cost from P4,000 to as high as P25,000!

6. Stock up on Santa Claus

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

You can find papier mache and polychrome Santa Claus figurines aplenty in almost every stall and outdoor corner of Dapitan, but do hit Stall A-48 at the Dapitan Tiangge for the best selection of Santas. Get your fill of Santa tree ornaments, medium to big figurines, and hanging Santas starting at P150.

7. The bigger decorative items are outside

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

If you’re looking for Christmas trees and large decorative items, head to Kanlaon Street just outside Dapitan Arcade. A five-foot-tall Christmas tree costs P2,500 and up. It’s also nice to visit this place at night, as it is literally glowing with Christmas lights from the stores.

8. You have to be brave enough to dig up things

IMAGE Jilson Tiu

Lastly, Dagny advises that you have to sift through a lot of items to find what you really want, so take your time. “You really have to sort through the piles of items. Don’t be afraid; maraming diamonds in the rough.”

Happy Christmas décor shopping! Visit Dapitan Arcade at 37 Dapitan cor. Kanlaon Sts., Laurges, Quezon City. 

This story originally appeared on Realliving.com.ph.

*Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.

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