There are many things I miss about Manila. Since I’ve moved to Singapore, I catch myself thinking of delicacies that were once easily accessible, and most of which could be found in my former neighborhood weekend market — the original Salcedo Market.   It was great living just a couple of buildings away from the market (and at one point, right across it!), smelling all the different kinds of food cooking at the same time and bumping into friends and neighbors amidst the searing heat!

I started frequenting the Salcedo Market since its first few months.  It was only later on that I bothered taking pictures to capture the energy and colors of the place.  The first booth I see is where I get some of our kitchen stuff.  I’ve mentioned Himalayan Pink Salts in several of my old blog.  Well, this is the source.  That huge slab to the right is a solid chunk of salt which has been turned into a groovy lamp.  To find the stall, find Salcedo Market’s Tordesillas entrance. You will see the salt booth as you veer towards the right (that is, if they haven’t reshuffled any of the booths).

There are some small details I tend to overlook because we always just head over to one booth, keep busy chatting with friends, say hello to friends, then leave.   Not knowing what prompted me to do so, I thought I’d look closer at some of the things I usually miss at the Salcedo Market,

like these colorful knick-knacks,

native fans,

and beautiful wooden spoons.

When people ask me what inspires me to paint, I tell them I really do get moved by the sight of vibrant shades of vegetables,

fruits,

the many forms and shapes of food (these smelled good!)

like fresh prawns (ahhh, native seafood!),

freshly baked bread,

and leaf-wrapped traditional kesong puti.  I crave this from time to time here in Singapore.  And cottage cheese is just not the same

While my favorite Salcedo Market booth was preparing lumpia,

I noticed one booth that now serves Takoyaki Balls… and it looked so yummy and I had to remind myself to buy stuff good for one meal.

There really is something for everyone at the Salcedo Saturday Market, from kids wanting Pinoy-style sorbetes, housekeepers buying fresh ingredients for the weekend, or people who love keeping fresh cut flowers in their home.

My best advice for those coming to the Salcedo Market for the first time is this: spend wisely. There usually is this great excitement and temptation to just get everything you see (or smell!). Before you know it, you’ve got an armful of bags loaded with excess food that might spoil in the next few days.

One of the reasons why I enjoy traveling abroad alone is the senses end up being heightened and tiny details suddenly spring to life.

Some ideas:

1. It could be hot with direct heat and sunlight. Only the booths are covered with just a wee bit of extension. Best to bring your own umbrella.

2. Some items at the Salcedo Market might appear “cheap” but it might be best to avoid purchasing everything in sight and prevent overspending. Besides, they’re there every Saturday Operating hours are from 7:00am-2:00pm. I would suggest to go no later than 12:30pm because most of the time, all the yummy food is demolished by then, with some stalls beginning to pack up as early as early as 1pm.

3. Dress comfortably and light.

4. Salcedo Village is pedestrian friendly. Should parking in the direct vicinity be full, try the parking further down Leviste Street or along the back roads of Tordesillas and San Agustin, and take a quick stroll around the corner.

5. Save the earth and bring a giant bag where you can stuff all your good finds to prevent excessive use of plastic bags.

Where to find the Salcedo Saturday Market: From Buendia, turn left on Paseo De Roxas. Go straight down past Mandarin Hotel’s intersection. When you see Citibank to your right, turn on the corner. Go all the way down to the end street, Leviste St. Turn left. Salcedo Park is the chaos on your right.