Coffee and matcha bazaar in Estancia draws complaints over alleged neglect and fee issues

Participating businesses reported losses from the event.

Small businesses say they faced rude behavior and neglect from a bazaar organizer during a recent weekend event at Estancia Mall in Pasig City.

Merchants who participated in Whisk and Bean, a coffee and matcha pop-up held from June 12 to 14, claim the organizer misled them about rental fees and failed to address logistical issues that arose during the event.

Some stores claim that the organizer, The Manila Artisans, charged a higher booth rate at the end of the bazaar than what was initially offered, allegedly without explanation. Others who experienced electrical issues said they sought assistance but were left waiting and allegedly encountered rude behavior from members of the organizing team.

The bazaar allegedly saw low foot traffic, which some netizens attribute to the Independence Day weekend and the presence of other pop-up events across Metro Manila. However, some bazaargoers say the event was not properly promoted.

“I live nearby but I didn’t even know which brands were there, and only found out there was a pop-up because I looked it up online myself,” said Pedal Cafe owner Amica Avena-Go on Threads.

Participating businesses reported losses from the event, adding to the frustration they said they experienced because of the organizer.

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