Legazpi Sunday Market-An Overview

It's still a long time before another ramen house review, so why not check some other stuff to let my (novice) creative mind wander for a while.

This in particular the Legazpi Sunday Market!

Legazpi Sunday Market. Eat, Shop & Mingle

Introduction

The nagging feeling to review this place was so prevalent ever since I discovered this place by accident so many years ago (since 2008 I think). It was a time when I was industrious to spend all of my precious weekend to work (yes to work). I was heading towards the office, walking along Amorsolo Street when a view caught my attention. It was the parking lot near 7-Eleven (along Salcedo Street), covered with white tents. I thought to myself, "Hey, this is supposed to be a parking lot? What are these tents doing here?". As I come near to the seemingly busy "parking lot", I saw multitudes of people roaming around inside over something. Since it was early and there was time to spare (anyway), I found myself inside to scour the place.

Here's some trivia: They set-up the tents a day before (Saturday), ready
for the stall tenants early tomorrow! (Hey, this is not an "astounding" trivia!)

Inside there were a lot of stalls! It was like a bazaar that happens every weekend and eventually found out later that it only happens on a Sunday. Ever since then I prefer to work on a weekend every Sunday (if needed of course) so I can stroll in this place to see what is new and to be able to eat some "kakanin" and other delectable dishes that I am interested to try (depending on the mood of course).

This is the story of how I discovered the place. So, let us start the review shall we!

Overview Review

Legazpi Sunday Market only happens every Sunday from morning (don't know what time they opens) and closes in the afternoon (still don't know what time they closes–silly me lol). But I am pretty sure they close before 2:00 pm. By that time I suppose the customers are already done with their shopping and the food stands empty handed (not to mention the happy and stuffed “foodies”)

They sell about almost everything and several interesting items as well. It varies from foods; fruits and vegetables; fish, poultry and meat (they have a “wet market area”); gift and souvenir items; home furniture and let us not forget the "kikay" items to name a few. There are also seats available for visitors who just want to eat and sample at the array of dishes that are sold. For people who do want to finish their religious obligations first (go to church and hear mass), a mass is also held at the small portion of the place which happens at around 9:00 to 9:30 am (not really sure on that).

Let us see some of the stands that did spark some interest in me (and maybe for you too)!

This food stand sells an array of Longanisa from various areas.

They also sell Tapang Usa (left) and
Tapang Baboy Ramo (right). Php 400.00 per "tali".

Diana's Special Bibingka sells Bibingka and Pork
cuts (like Liempo and Baby Back Ribs) cooked Pugon style.

Grilled dishes are also offered here.

If "big" and "hamburger" is always on your
vocabulary, then Monster Burger is for you!

Besides local cuisines, several stalls also serve
foreign dishes. My Big Fat Greek Kouzina is one in particular.

Casa Goni Spanish Cuisine

Skew U Grill. Skewered Angus Beef or Chicken anyone?

For those who are (oh so) young and no family
history of "high blood", here is Cebu Lechon just for you!

I could not resist taking the proprietor's picture while cooking
some authentic Thai dish (Khan Caesar's Thai Kitchen stand).

Bottled vegetables and fish in an assortment of
oils and sauces. Good for bread and as cooking ingredient.

Nature's Gift Garden sells decorative plants
and also provides landscaping design and services.

I do like all of their decorative plants, but what did
caught my eye was their array of cute Cactus plants (Php 60.00).

Here is Mr Gianni, the proprietor of Nature's Gift Garden. I was able to chat with him about several interesting topics. He truly adores the Philippines and we both agree not to reside on the primary urban areas here (because it's heavily polluted).

The Framelogic stall, for art lovers (like me).

I sure do wish that I can draw and paint this good.

Some items also sold at Framelogic

This stall mostly sells earthenware, in White that is.

A white owl.

This stall mainly sells pictures that
 may be used as postcards (the way I see it).

But what did interest me are the sunglasses
that the proprietors are wearing. Sunglasses with pizzazz!

Here is a closer look on the design,
made out of formed bare metal wires.

There are also weaved baskets. Great for storage.

Kai's Woodcraft sells wooden bowls, chopping boards and kitchen utensils.

Great gift idea for people who loves to cook!

Paintings And Artwork Ng Mga Bilanggo stand sells
artworks done by our inmates, sponsored by Caritas Manila.

Patika Bead & Wireworks sells women's
accessories such as bracelets, necklace and earrings. 

I do like their utensils, decorated with a combination of beads and shaped wires. There are
also pairs by color (lower left). These will surely impress guests when they dine at your home!

This is one of the unique and admirable finds here!
Siklo Pilipinas recycles old tires and tire tubes into bags.

Here is a closer look on one of the items (upper right corner).

Another stall that promotes "earth-friendliness" is Island's Wood which
sells furniture from recycled wood. This is perfect for a room bookshelf!

How about some white nighties for that seductive look before bedtime!
(I am merely suggesting ladies.)

Django Leather Art & Craft sells leather products
from bags to sandals. They do have baseball gloves too!

One unique stand is Decorio Egg Crafts which
sells hand-painted eggs. Ideal for home decoration.

I admire the artist's patience and steady hands in painting these eggs.
Price ranges from Php 240.00 to Php 290.00 depending on the egg's intricate design.

In the Chlorophyll stand, you will see these curiously-looking crystals in
plastic jars. These are known as Himalayan pink salt which originated from Pakistan.

They also have ginger and berry juices sold in bottles. To my surprise, the ginger juice
(the one with the pale color) is really delicious! Php 110.00 (small bottle) and Php 150.00 (large bottle).

There are about four stands that sell local and fresh produce.

Fresh Lettuce, great for salads and sandwiches.

How about some Cherry Tomatoes? Ideal for Italian pasta dishes, and for salads too!

In Letty's Fresh Vegetable stand, you would get
to see some of the biggest tomatoes (lower middle).

Chestnuts is one of the staple items sold in this
fruit stand. They also sell fresh cleaned Jackfruit (Langka).

In the "wet market" area, you will see Chopper's Meat shop which sells Batangas Beef.

However, the "wet market" area is mainly dominated by fish and seafood stands.

The customer might be thinking that "bigger is better" so he bought the large Shrimps.

Save the best for last! This is my "suki" food stand which mostly sells Filipino dishes.

But the thing that I really (really) love in this stall is their wide
variety of "kakanin"! Here is a shot taken while waiting for my turn.

And this wraps up my brief overview of the stalls! Time to eat lunch! Ittadakimasu!

Tips and Advice
I would recommend visiting early at around 9:00 to 10:00 am if you intend to shop and dine as well (and to reserve some seats which is scarce in the noontime). Some food stalls close early due to the sum of regular customers that munch on their dishes–one thing to look out for first time visitors and “foodies”. Expect to mingle with residents nearby; some regulars of stalls especially in the fruits and vegetables area; foreigners and people who curiously checked-out the place. I would advise to dress-up nice (casual attire is okay), arm yourself with some basic English language and a reasonable amount of money. 

Seats are available in the middle and around the area for visitors and shoppers. 

"Why a reasonable amount of money?" you may perhaps ask? That is because the items sold here are not that cheap (like in Divisoria). You would think that since it's like a bazaar, the price would also be cheap (but you will soon find out that it’s not-in a shocking way). That is also one of the reasons why some of my co-workers who knew the place (also by accident) does not even bother visit (again) or dine in. Nevertheless after some inquiry on a number of stands, the prices are fairly reasonable. You can see for yourself the quality of the goods and the appetizing taste of the selection of both local and foreign dishes.

Conclusion

For a person like me who usually pass along at almost every mall in Makati everyday to get home looking at the not-ever-changing scenery; shopping and dining at the same spots time and again (or is it just me)–you get to feel the eventual desire to "not go" inside a mall. Legazpi Village Sunday Market gives you an alternative: to shop and dine with friends and family in a “bazaar-like” fashion in a small open area. In a place this small, it’s also not that hard to meet and befriend new people. Plus, it does not give the "oh no, not the mall again" that you get to feel when going in a mall because it only happens once in a week. You might even look forward to visit the place at the end of every week!

The Legazpi Sunday Market!

So why not vacate one of your Sundays and visit the Legazpi Sunday Market! It’s located at the Legazpi Car Park, V.A. Rufino (formerly Herrera Street) Street corner Salcedo Street, Makati City. 

Credits

I would like to extend my gratitude to all of the stall tenants who allowed me to take some pictures and stall proprietors in particular Mr. Gianni of Nature’s Gift Garden for the wonderful chat at Ms. Mylene of Patika Bead & Wireworks for some advice on taking pictures of people!

Please look forward for the next ramen house

review this coming February (I hope)! Ikimashou!

P.S. Please also check out my blessing's blog site! Thanks!