A new adventure is always good for the soul, be it a new hobby to practice, a new place to visit in the Philippines, or a new person to let into your life. New weekend experiences also give your 9-to-5 and humdrum weekday routines a little more zest and make you excited for the great things that are yet to come.
But a common myth that needs to be debunked is that you need to spend a lot of money or travel far to get a new adventure. Thousands of potential adventures are just waiting for you to discover right here in the city, and a popular trend is catching some well-deserved buzz lately: weekend markets. These mall market alternatives are making a name for themselves, and with good measure since you can find everything you need, from fresh produce, to artisan food, to even handicrafts.
Address:Jaime C. Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati
The Salcedo Saturday Market is a project of the Women of Bel-Air Foundation, Inc.
Image: Salcedo Market
Established in 2005, the Salcedo Saturday Market is flanked by both Makati and non-Makati citizens. It opens only every Saturday and operate from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, but despite this rigid schedule, it never falls behind in attendance.
Aside from having access to fresh produce such as pomelo and papaya and unique finds like Japanese pancakes and Greek yogurt in the market, you will also find some stalls that offer steaming-hot Filipino dishes. Cuisines from all over the world are also represented as there are also stalls that sell Chinese and even Spanish dishes. A small bad news for your furry companions: they aren’t allowed inside the market so best to leave them at home and enjoy your walks some other time during the weekend.
2. Greenfield Weekend Market
Address:Mayflower Street, Greenfield Central Park, EDSA cor. Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong
Souvenir crafts can also be found within the market.
Image: Ivan Christian Limjuco
Open on Saturdays from 4:00 PM to 12 midnight, the Greenfield Weekend Market is conveniently located just a few blocks away from the MRT Shaw Boulevard station. The market is filled with a total of 90 stalls and they offer everything, from Japanese and Indonesian food to vintage pieces and vinyl records. You can even have your profile drawn by one of the portrait artists in the area, and enjoy your food while listening to the live music that enthralls all visitors to the place.
Address:Herrera Street cor. Legazpi and Salcedo V.A. Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati
Street parking is available in the area.
Image: Legazpi Sunday Market
Composed of about 200 stalls in total, the Legazpi Sunday Market is open on Sundays from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Locally made fashion items like scarves and bags, homemade juices, and fresh produce are just some of the items you can find in this place. If you get tired, you can take a break and have a brunch, since there are also food stalls all over the place. Chinese mushroom fries and Moroccan couscous are just some of the food choices here. Vegans can also find a wide selection of vegan-friendly food like vegan ice cream.
4. Sidcor Sunday Market
Address:Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Sidcor Sunday Market first opened for business in 2000.
Image: Joana De Leon-Hoffman
Open on Sundays from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Sidcor Sunday Market is only a short walk away from the MRT Quezon Avenue Station. This weekend market in Metro Manila is composed of more than a hundred stalls that offer different products and services, from fresh produce to antique trinkets to plants, and even adorable pets. Their food stalls also serve both international and local cuisines, regional dishes, and other eccentric choices like salted egg hopia (filled moon cake-like pastry) and Vigan empanada (fried stuffed pastry).
Address:Pilar Banzon Street, BFFHAI Park, BF Homes, Parañaque City
Live music also echoes throughout the market.
Image: The BF Saturday Market
BF Saturday Market, which is open on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, is one of the newer weekend markets. It only opened in 2015 and yet, it already caters to a mob that can reach as much as 12,000 hailing from households within BF and visitors from outside. Located in a vast grass-covered area within BF Homes, the market is family-friendly and has a playground for the kids to play at. Fresh produce, craft items, and hole-in-the-wall food options are just some of the things that the crowd would usually find and indulge in when they visit the market. A few special citations that families and friends can dig into are the whole-roasted pork loin and belly, paired with a nice, cold cup of freshly-squeezed sugar cane juice that can be mixed with various flavors.
Adventure can be anywhere and everywhere if you just know where to find them. Now that you know the impressive finds you can score at these weekend markets, you are well on your way to a new set of explorations.
Make sure to visit Yoorekka to learn and find out more about the best weekend markets in Metro Manila.
What weekend market mentioned above are you and your friends most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments below!
About Eunice Sheene Fulgencio
Eunice knew that she’d be writing for the rest of her life from a very young age. Naturally introverted, she is selective with how she uses her time and who she spends it with. Has a penchant for sweet treats, sentimental proses, and online personality quizzes. A true-blue INFJ.
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