Mindanao Trade Expo 2012 Goes Retail at Abreeza Mall in Davao City

Mindanao Trade Expo 2012 Goes Retail…. it means that products sold in this trade expo will become more affordable to a wider range of buyers and consumers according to the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. (MTEFI) President Ann T. Pamintuan.

This year’s trade expo now on its 17th year is organized by the MTE Foundation Inc. It will be from August 13-16, 2012 at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall Davao just in time for Kadayawan 2012. People will find various products like locally processed food products, native handicrafts, fine jewelry pieces and fashion accessories that are native inspired, also home textile, and a lot more. This trade expo is one way for Small and Medium Enterprises or SMEs to reach out to the local market and make their products known to local people and even tourists that we saw checking out the stalls.

Together with my very handy and trusty SGS3 again (yes our DSLR is on indefinite vacation since we got this), I checked out the said trade expo that is ongoing now at Abreeza Mall starting today until August 16.

* * * ALL PHOTO CREDITS TO DAVAOLIFE.COM * * *

At the center one would find a creatively made map of Mindanao…

I found these dolls interesting…

I was looking for anything durian there today among the food products and when I saw that Choco Vron has durian polvoron, I wanted to buy one but they only sell it by box. I’ll try it next time when I have someone to share eating all of those in a box.

Oh my cashew nuts and macadamia nuts!

I bought a pack of these sampalok from Nena’s Delicacies made at San Isidro, Davao Oriental. I have not eaten this for a very long time.

The first stall I actually noticed when we arrived at MTE was this stall selling Charis Ice cream for only P15/cone and you can choose one or two flavors. I decided to give it a try as this maam was calling to us already.

At first they said they have no more durian flavor but then they decided to start selling this one gallon durian ice cream. I love durian ice cream and I was so tempted to buy all of it. But I know I can just have to be content with one cone for now.

This is a DOST assisted project by the way and is made by Charis Nutri Fruit Bars at Ruby St. Liwayway Village, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Sweet Durian Ice Cream treat for me this afternoon for only P15!

Next we saw one of the fave snacks of my boys… Pastel from Vjandep. The durian and bavarian flavors were no longer available. They have a sample taste of the flavors to help you decide which one to buy. We went for the macapuno flavor since I love macapuno. We’ll be back for the durian flavor which they said will be available on Thursday. They sell the original flavor cheaper than the usual price at the supermarkets here. Though prices may vary and may be higher for the other flavors which we don’t usually and easily find here. They have pineapple, apple, langka, mango, strawberry, blueberry, cheese, bavarian, macapuno and durian.

They also have cheese sticks and stick bread. These are also some of my fave snack food before. Better option than popcorn when you want something to eat while watching TV, a movie or for midnight snacks as the peeps from this stall told me.

This one below is selling products made from pineapple and mango.

I stopped by this one called Calo Candles. They can sell a set of 3 pieces of candles for P500. I was tempted to buy one. I will try to bring one of my sisters here and she may just buy me a set of three candles! *wink*

I liked those round shaped candles. They can be great home decors as well or centerpieces in your tables in the dining or or sala.

The Mindanao Pearl Center….

Holding this trade expo will hopefully boost the handicraft industry of Mindanao which supports the livelihood of many indigenous people. Do visit the Mindanao trade Expo at Abreeza until the 16th.

MTE 2012 is supported by the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport)-Davao Chapter, USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Abreeza Ayala Mall.

Happy Kadayawan Festival 2012 to all!