You might be seeing a pattern here – I’m actually creating blog posts for vlogs I’ve already posted on YouTube! But this is for a reason! I also want to promote Filipino culture on this site, given I am Filipino first before a Japanophile so expect some posts like this in the future as well!

For my foreign readers, this is how a typical Filipino market looks like. We call this a “Palengke” in Filipino, or “Merkado” in Bisaya (borrowing the word from Spanish). The market has two main sections – the dry section and the wet section.

The Dry Section

In the dry section, you’ll find goods that are, well, not wet. This is where you can buy fruits and vegetables, grains/rice, household goods, supplies, and sometimes, even clothes and apparel. Especially in rural towns, you’ll find all sorts of things since the market is already the “mall” in these areas.

It’s very common for Filipino markets/stores to have repacked ingredients so that consumers can buy what they only need. You’ll find also that things like shampoo, toothpaste and even deodorant, are sold in “sachets” which is economical but not really environment-friendly.

The Wet Section

The wet section is where you can buy fish and meat and is characterized by sticky, wet floors, so you need to be careful when walking in this area.

In the wet market, you buy things by the kilo (or fractions thereof). Prices are usually negotiable, especially when you buy a lot so don’t hesitate to ask for the “last price”, and try to look around if they don’t give in the first time!

Other tips when visiting the market!

1. Bring eco-bags for a more environment-friendly shopping experience. They’ll usually pack the dry goods in plastic bags but you can do away with this if you bring your own bag.
2. Bring cash and coins. You obviously can’t use your credit or debit cards in markets like these.
3. It’s OK to haggle! Well, you can opt not to if you want to help out the store owners but this is normal practice in markets, especially when you buy in bulk.
4. Get ready to be dirty, especially in wet markets. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty so that you don’t slip off when walking in such a slippery area. I actually personally don’t like going around the wet market section because of the slippery floor!
5. For foreigners, just be open to the experience. Part of getting to know a country is experiencing things local people do. Don’t be quick to judge, especially if you feel it’s negative, because that’s daily life for the local folks! And you’re not entitled to validate this from your own point of view so go out there with respect and an open mind! Get ready to be overwhelmed by the sights and the smell! 🙂

When international travel resumes, I recommend you visit a Filipino local market for the experience! Let me know also how different (or perhaps similar) markets are in your countries!

You can also check out the vlog I shot on the same day I took these photos below. 🙂