FOUR months to go and Father Christmas is just about here. Greenhills Shopping Complex?s COD Christmas display is almost done, while Makati has started its dry run for the annual Christmas spectacle along Ayala Avenue.

If Christmas is near, expect the bazaars to take up most of our weekends to complete our list of holiday gifts. As early as August, groups such as Zonta Club of Makati headed by Olga Martel held a weekend bazaar at Rockwell Tent.

Bazaars are actually hotbeds for the next best thing. Entrepreneurs utilize bazaars to market-test their products.

Who will ever forget the success stories of Blued, a college project by trailblazing Ateneans led by Tess Manimtim? What started as a college exhibit called Bluemark became a household name, thanks to the brand?s preppy dose of colorful windbreakers, paisley-printed hooded shirts and cotton boxer shorts. From college bazaars to stand-alone store in the old Glorietta 2 that opened in 1992, Blued became a benchmark of bazaar success stories.

Candles and more

Recently, I did a visit of bazaars and listed possible Christmas gifts.

For candle lovers, Pont A La Ligne, Gien France and Deco Candles are brands meant for export to Europe. They are made at the Export Processing Zone in Rosario, Cavite. Nautical-inspired candles ranging from corals to clams will definitely look good on dinner tables or in one?s private study.

For bag hags, Bags in the City sells everything from magnetic money clips to totes to accessories organizers, while Lulu Virata Jorge?s 1203 Exchange Limited sells trinkets and colorful faux croc-skin minaudieres, perfect for ladies who love to smooch come cocktail hours.

For bazaar veteran Jocelyn Ramos, her Multi-realms Enterprises sell Pucci-printed shirtdresses and clothes fresh from the runway. She faithfully scours fashion magazines for fashion inspirations that will catch the eye of discerning bazaar-goers.

Meanwhile, Vella offers leathergoods from tissue holders, cardholders to notepads. Imagine checking in at Immigration counter using a Vella travel wallet that carries your passport in style.

Everywhere you look ? hotels, country clubs, even vacant lots ?
a bazaar is happening these days, and it?s still 15 weeks before Christmas. As the world limps out of recession (hopefully) before 2010, let us spread the joy of the holidays by bazaar-shopping.