DECORATING houses every Christmas season has been a tradition in the Philippines. Families adorn their houses with Christmas trees, lights and lanterns as early as September every year.
But aside from the traditional decors, figurines are also a stand-out. This year, one of the go-to-places for Christmas figurines is the "Espacio House of Decors," which is located on N. Escario St., Cebu City.
The store sells hand-made figurines and miniatures featuring Santa Claus, the Christmas elf, angels, Christmas tree, Nativity Scene or Belen, and nutcracker, among others.
Randy Ariata, a vendor from San Carlos, Bukidnon, said a number of customers have already bought some items from the store.
"Bisan sayo-sayo pa, naa na juy namalit. Naa man gu'y ubang customer nga mas ganahan sila sayo mamalit kay basin bitaw inig ka December mahutdan sila sa mga gusto nila (Some customers want to make sure that they get what they really want, so they buy early)," he said.
He said the decors are made of fiber glass. The price ranges from P190 to P11,590, depending on the size of the figurine. A giant Santa Claus is the most expensive.
Ariata said the prices offered last year are the same this year, but they would give discounts depending on negotiation.
"Last year, nag-markdown mi'g 50 percent, pero karon, wala lang sa. Naghulat pa mi sa tawag sa among amo (We offered a markdown last year, but this year, we are still waiting for instructions from our boss)," he said.
The store sells figurines every Christmas season. The items, said Ariata, arrived last September 29, but they started selling on October 1.
He said the swinging Santa Claus is the store's best-seller.
He said they added new designs this year, such as the small Santa Claus with racking chair and the Santa candle holder.
He said they already gained loyal customers who keep on coming back to buy items not available last year.
The Espacio House of Decors has branches in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Robinsons Iligan. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 23. (USC AB Communications Intern Lawrice Glee B. Eltagonde/VoxPop Philippines)