Weekend markets have been a great venue to get to know little-known bakers, farmers and home cooks or chefs to showcase their products and specialties. I am such a fan of these events because they usually hold treasures waiting to be discovered. In fact, as early as the '80s, I think, my parents would travel all the way to Quezon City from Las Pinas to go to the SIDCOR market. Then later on, my sister and I would tag along since we would be going to SIDCOR after the early morning Sunday mass at St. Clare's Church along Katipunan.
Since then, there have been other weekend markets that would sprout up - the market at the grounds of Lung Center of the Philippines, the one in Magallanes which later transferred to the FTI Complex in Bicutan, then the more notable Salcedo Village weekend market followed by the one in Legaspi Village, both in Makati.
But at present, I'm more excited with the one closer to home. Finally, the first ever food bazaar in Antipolo has been organized. Actually, it already started during the weekend of 6-8 December, and will continue on for the remaining weekends of the month. Entitled "Food Trip, Tayo Na Sa Antip", Lala Bagsit, Darleen Javillonar, and RJ Tolentino from Ad Peak Events Management thought that it makes a whole lot of sense for Antipolo to have its own weekend market considering that most farms, and artisanal cooks and bakers usually come from Antipolo or the nearby towns like Tanay or Angono, some of whom are also participants at the weekend markets in Metro Manila.
"Food Trip, Tayo Na Sa Antip" occupies a portion of the parking area at the Lores Country Plaza in front of SM Hypermart in Antipolo. It was indeed very festive when we got to visit and the event was further enhanced by the cool mountain air. It certainly felt more like Christmas than other parts of the Philippines.
There was truly a variety of goods being sold. Of course, one has to have the season's staples that is the bibingka and puto bungbung.
Then there were assorted pates from Gordita's (our favorite is the Pate de Pesto con Queso at Php120/jar) being sold alongside their imported brands of colognes like Denenes, Fa, and Bien-etre (remember them?).
We also got to meet Benny O'Bannon of Mulberry Hill Farms who is an active advocate for the benefits of the mulberry tree. She concocts her own tea made from the leaves and bark of the mulberry and sells them at Php60/half liter. She also produces organic lettuce (of the lolo rosa kind), basil and edible flowers that are perfect for salads. She also sells mulberry seedlings (Php60/plant) so that there will be more people who will take care of these trees and enjoy the health benefits it gives.
Other products on sale are food from Trick's Resto Bar, cupcakes and gourmet donuts, chicken dishes, and even Vigan furniture along with table-top zen fountains. It's very affordable, home-grown, and absolutely delicious. We even forgot to document the cupcakes and donuts since we were too busy eating them :-)
Hopefully, with the success of this first weekend market, there will be more markets that can be organized by the charming trio of ladies behind this. The more reason with which to showcase Rizal products, and get to know the thriving sense of community which make up the small entrepreneurs of this province.
Food Trip Tayo Na Sa Antip Food Bazaar
Lores Country Plaza
M.L. Quezon Avenue, Antipolo City
open 4pm-12mn all weekends of December 2013
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