Going to the market on a Sunday is a common activity for many… I’d say particularly for those coming from the provinces, usually done after hearing mass. This is when we buy what to cook for the family meal that day (usually lunch), and to stock up for the incoming week.
@outragemag Done with your #palengke yet? #LGBTQ wandering should lead you to #weekendmarket #sidcorsundaymarket ♬ original sound – outragemag
Yeah, yeah… nowadays, we have the likes of Shopwise, S&R, Cash and Carry, SM Hypermarket, and so on. So really, we can do the grocery shopping at any time of the day, any day of the week.
And yet… at least for me, heading to the market/s on Sundays is somewhat magical as it takes you to smaller communities, and back to simpler times. And this is how we found Sidcor Sunday Market in Quezon City.
This is, by the way, one of the bigger weekend markets in Metro Manila – e.g. it is 3-5 times bigger than Makati City’s Legazpi Sunday Market. And so there’s more to check out. Now how to do is depends on your “style”. But here are some tips to consider:
- Come early if you can. This place is, I was told, already bussing as early as 5AM. So you can already do your pamamalengke/marketing here as early as then. And since the place closes around 12NN anyway, then it can be said that the earlier you come over, the more for you to grab while there.
- Check as many of the stalls as you can. This is because this place has a lot to offer – e.g. fruits, veggies, seafood, butcher’s goods, accessories for your gadgets, RTW fashion, and ready-to-eat offerings.
- Chat with the vendors. They are actually blunt when recommending or warning you about other vendors, so listen well.
- Eat while there – e.g. cuisines from various countries are offered (including Thai, French, Indonesian, et cetera) – and many of the food that’s there are actually affordable. So sit/share a seat and eat.
Truth: At the time of Marcos Jr., when worsening inflation is the norm, checking other markets make more sense (e.g. Divisoria, Baclaran, Zapote). But if you have some money to spare, and if this is accessible to you at all, at east check out Metro Manila’s weekend markets, including Sidcor Sunday Market. Who knows, you may find stuff there that you can’t find elsewhere…
So let’s go, mamalengke ta! – WITH ALBERT TAN MAGALLANES, JR.
Sidcor Sunday Market is located at the Eton Centris Walk Parking Lot, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila.
