The "Ber" Months

A few weeks ago in early October while walking out of a store, I realized I was humming "Let It Snow, Let It Snow".  Yes, it's been pretty darn hot and some cooler weather might be welcome, but "let it snow"??  It dawned on me that the retailer was playing holiday carols, and I had that song stuck in my head.  Christmas arrives early in the Philippines!

Filipinos love Christmas.  The joke here is that any month ending in "ber" is Christmas season.  I didn't see too many holiday decorations coming out in September, but many stores are now fully stocked with all the traditional decorations you can think of.  So next time you say "I wish they'd wait until after Thanksgiving to start Christmas", think of us here!

      

Salcedo Market

Makati is the country's urban and financial center.  Commercial and residential high rises have sprouted up everywhere and are multiplying fast.  But in the midst of all this hub-bub, one section of town, Salcedo, hosts a very popular Saturday market that is really quite delightful and well worth the visit.

Like many weekend markets, the focus is food, but you can find handicrafts, orchids and other local products, too.  Recently harvested organic produce, fresh fish and seafood and all sorts of home made gourmet dishes and treats abound in more than 100 vendor stalls set up every Saturday morning.  Mind you, this is not your "typical" Filipino market, but I'm told more and more are popping up.

There seems to be a bit of food from all over the world here, much of it cooked and ready to eat at tables set aside in the center of the park.  Local and international chicken, pork and vegetarian hot dishes, bibingka and other rice cakes, ice cream and desserts, fresh buko (young coconut) and other juices, are just some of the things that readily come to mind.  No need to go hungry here.

For more Salcedo Saturday Market photos, CLICK HERE.