To avoid the Christmas rush, Ariella Arida shops for gifts in advance.
It is an "all year round" activity for her.
She said, "Yes. For example, I travel to this place, when I see something na bagay sa isang close friend ko, I buy it.
"I see to it kasi na yung binibigay ko, personal favorites talaga, yung magugustuhan nila.
"Sa mga places na pinupuntahan ko, lagi kong iniisip ano yung puwede kong mabili—either something unique sa place na yun o something a friend will like.
"'Tapos iipunin ko na sila. Kaya sa bahay, parang gift shop."
Ariella is not a big fan of long lines at the malls.
"Oo kasi ubos-oras, e. May traffic 'tapos pagpasok sa malls, pila ulit sa parking, 'tapos pag magbabayad ka ng pinamili mo, pila ulit."
So for her acquaintances, she buys "a gift na puwede sa lahat."
She said, "Yes, halimbawa, food. If I taste it or it’s recommended by a friend, siya ang ipapamigay ko."
But as much as possible, she wants her gifts to be personalized.
"Yung pagra-wrap, ako gumagawa, nai-enjoy ko naman siya lalo na pag may time."
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) spoke to Ariela at the launch of Converse X Hello Kitty collection, after trying on some sneakers with her friend Nina Almoro.
Smiling, she said, "Mahilig talaga ako ever since college days sa U.P. Kung nasa mga events, heels. Pero may baon ako parating sneakers sa kotse."
Interview: Karen A.P. Caliwara