Araw ng Palengke (Market Day)

Day 4

Today, the market looked different to me. It's Sunday today and it's our town's market day, which means that the marketplace will reach a point when every side is full of vendors and you can barely move as you look for items to buy. It is organized chaos. Today, I felt I was a part of this chaos. The moment I entered the street (usually empty) lined up with vegetables and fruits and saw the people coming and going, I knew this is a different day.

When I was five years old, I enjoyed going to the market because it was bonding time for me and my mother. Since I have two younger sisters, going to the market was the only time when I was alone with my mother. I looked forward to holding her hand while we go through different stores buying our weekly needs. And it was like a treasure hunt. Navigating the stores and the various turns was like walking through a maze. The best part was when we stop to buy my pretzels and "palamig." No market day is ever complete without my pretzels!

When I turned older, I didn't like going to the market anymore. It was too hot, too crowded and too messy for me, especially when it was raining. Then of course came the time when it was financially difficult to go to the market. For many, many years I didn't go to the market. By the time I went to college, the town market had totally lost its appeal. I sourced all my needs from supermarkets and department stores - less hassle, with more choices, and air conditioned.

When I started working, there were times I went to the market but I didn't dare go inside. I bought what I needed on the outskirts of the market. And always, I felt it was an annoying trip. Then, a few months ago, after giving birth, I decided to become a full time mother to my infant and seven-year old son. Since I am always at home, I started going to the market again to buy our weekly (although when I can, I make daily trips) needs. I started having a "suki" for every part of the market. I love buying from a "suki" because you're sure she'll give you the freshest fish, with a discount.

I enjoyed haggling for prices (although I'm not as good as my mother yet) and asking for "hiling." Sometimes, while choosing the vegetables that I will buy, I see former teachers and classmates. I enjoy listening to people's discussions - about their life, their concerns, and their products. Every time I go to the market, I discover a new store with great products.

Today is market day and I am happy I am part of the noise and chaos. This is a part of my community and I am a part of this.