“Taboan sa Kasadya,” a sale of goods, food, and novelty items, organized by the School of Management Student Council, added to the festive spirit of UP Mindanao’s Kasadya week from December 2-4, 2025, at the Atrium. UPMin faculty, staff, and students availed of the various offerings as Christmas gifts to family members or themselves.
The husband-and-wife team of entrepreneur Wilma De Tomas and tailor Joseph De Tomas, of JED Souvenir Shop, offered Mindanaoan-themed bags, necklaces, purses, and novelty items. “We buy our woven material from Lake Sebu weavers, and our native cloth from other suppliers,” said Wilma, in Filipino. “From these, Joseph and our tailors, who are also husband and wife teams, create our bags and other items in our home shop.” In turn, they supply the Lake Sebu merchants with their finished products. “There are no skilled bag makers there,” she said.
Keesha Fernandez of the Office of the Chancellor bought a colorful bag. “It’s for my laptop,” she said in Filipino. “Buy local tayo,” she said. “Tama lang ang size, matibay, mura lang, at luxurious sa loob,” she said.
Amihan Dagangon of Barangay Bago Oshiro sells pastil, empanada, and other processed food products on behalf of the Great Treasure Rural Improvement Club Association. “We were the trainees of the UP Mindanao and National Grid Corporation (NGCP),” she said in Filipino. “Our association lives on and continues to thrive,” she said.
Rowena A. Ponte mans the vegetable stall on behalf of the Tagakpan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TFMPC). “We’re very pleased with the opportunity to sell our produce here,” she said.
Fredalyn Sangalang minds Izzy’s Seaside Cafe, which sells chicharon, honey, bottled pastil, and other foodstuffs. She also oversees the stalls of Ali Mae Farms and Raiza Dried Fish Trading. “We hope to receive certificates for our participation, which is something we can display,” she said.
