Weekend Markets

One prediction that would/could come true is that weekend markets will continue to survive. They have been the homemakers’ alternative palengke, giving them the freshest harvest, newly-caught fish, crustaceans and innovative food stuff that range from home-made honey to a variety of bread, cakes and pastries, even suman and puto. To top it all, they come at a considerably lower price, for where can one get vegetable fried lumpia at P10 each? Or a bunch of fennel leaves for P20?

Judging from the shoppers (including men), they go regularly to their nearest weekend markets with specific items to buy, mostly vegetables and fruits (one of the fastest going are the export quality mangoes sold by Pelican at the Alabang Weekend Farmers Market). One gets the impression that they also stick to their budgets, as they have second thoughts about getting extras. However, if the stuff on offer is something unique and special, it is most likely that their resistance will be weakened.

Sidcor on EDSA must have pioneered the weekend market concept. It expanded to the TRC compound and eventually transferred, on a much bigger scale, to the FIT area in Taguig. Then came Market!Market!, a preview of bigger things to come at The Fort. Eager homemakers are looking forward to the final opening of the massive 5-storey structure, wondering what else will be housed in such a humongous complex.

There is Nusa Dua in the Filinvest area in Muntinlupa, by Westgrove center. And Cuenca inside the village. But what is becoming very popular is the Saturday Farmers’ Market on Narra Road, off Dao, in Ayala Alabang Village. Conveniently within walking distance from their respective residences, the ladies who shop also make a fashion statement–shorts or jeans topped with casual tees, windbreakers, rubber shoes–each of them carrying a basket, or followed by house staff to help with the heavier purchases. This becomes a social event, when the ladies get updated on each other’s lives or sip coffee and savor the puto bumbong or lumpia on one of the long tables with comfortable plastic chairs. You can even have a full breakfast or enjoy the many kakanins heated or cooked right in front of you.

Within a year of its existence (the anniversary was marked recently with a pre-Christmas potluck, where the more than 50 concessionaires sampled their competitors’ or neighbor stalls’ specialties), it has expanded, and the organizers are hoping more residents will acquire the habit of shopping there.

Among the new sellers is Nieves Jacinto Santos, who we knew from way back for her pure Ube Puto. This is the genuine stuff, not like those peddled in other areas. They come boxed (20 each) and costs P120. She also offers her Brazo de Mercedes with its creamy filling spilling out from the sides. For a small family, a box costs P220 while the bigger box goes for P400. She also makes heavenly Food for the Gods, which you can request to be packed in attractive glass jars. She takes orders through tels 842-1049 and 807-3570.

There’s Fatman’s Meats, including pork teriyaki which was one of the best flavored and tenderest we have tried. They sell this at P90 a pack of 500 gms and P170 for a kilo. We missed their tapa, but will surely get it the next time. Also in their selection are bacon (P115 and P230), corned beef (P65 and P125), meat loaf, sweet ham and square ham. They are home-based and those interested may call 850-9092.

Maricar Marcos has the stall by the entrance. She sells soft and delicious ensaymadas at P175 for six pieces in a box and palillos at P125, also in a box. Those who are hassled with the tedious preparation of salad dressings or pasta sauces can get them at Alabang as well. Choose from Bread and Blue Cheese, Mustard and Cream, Tuna and Eggplant Tapenade at prices ranging from P125 to P165 a tub or bottle.

So look up a weekend market near your place, make it a habit and save yourself some money. Also, you don’t have to wade through slimy mud and murky water which is a given in most wet markets.