Carbon Market, Cebu

The labyrinth-like Carbon Market is the oldest and largest farmer's market in Cebu. It is located in downtown Cebu, right by Magallanes Street, across the University of San Jose - Recoletos. It's one of the most accessible places in Cebu seeing as most jeepneys pass by it or even if not, most jeeps' last route is through somewhere near the market. You can find almost EVERYTHING there. From food to souvenirs or household materials. It is bustling with activity, one of my favorite things about it.

I've been feeling really unhealthy and gained a bit of weight, not good at all for a figure skater, so I decided to finally get into a strict diet. I decided to consume healthier food like fruits and vegetables. Getting them in a normal grocery store is often a ludicrous thought for Filipinos, especially with the existence of Farmer's Markets. That then fueled the adventure to Carbon Market.

There and back again

Why is such a big deal for me, going to carbon alone? Well, you see, I've known the place at a very young age. I know the roads, where they lead to, where you can find specialty stores like the Ong King King baking company. I know my way inside Freedom Park, where you buy flowers. I went to university right across of Carbon Market, I know the place like the back of my hand. But why is it still such a big deal?

It's cuz I don't know just HOW to buy. Which products are better? From what vendor? Is there anything cheaper than what I just bought? Did I get scammed? I don't know the normal prices??????????

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My Lola (grandma) was the reason why I got to know Carbon in the first place. When I was little, she would shop early morning in the Market every Saturday, and she would take me alone with her. The places, then, got embedded into my mind. But of course, as a little girl, I wasn't not familiar to bargaining and prices. I did not know how to tell if something wasn't spoiled unless it was obvious, or when a product was fresh.

Now that I live alone, I had to set out by myself. With my "Carbon Bag" (a bag made our of recycled products, mostly with cartoon-y designs), I headed into the belly of the beast. As soon as I stepped into the section where all vegetable stalls lined up, I DID NOT know where to start buying. You can just imagine how confused I was.

I felt like a hobbit than left hobbiton for the first time in her life.

Then I just started walking towards those stalls, checking every product, contemplating prices like an actual adult. I did sort of remember how prices were a couple of months back, I was just as shocked at how they skyrocketed. I remember a kilo of mangoes were 80 php, now they were 130 php for a kilo, I legit only got 2 pieces of mangoes for 80 php. It was horrifying.

I think the vendors were getting annoyed at how I was every time they tell me just how those products cost:

I won't mention each that I bought of course but I mainly bought vegetables and fruits. I also started conversations with vendors on how I could use a certain veggie for a meal, like ways in cooking them. They also help me find cheaper things throughout the market. Through them, I discovered that there is also a hierarchy withing vendors. Those we see at the side, with barely any stall, are selling their own harvest, fresh from where it grew. The flashy stalls get theirs from suppliers. NOW YOU KNOW

In the end I've filled my bag with what I came for, it weighed a ton, and I had to walk through 30 degrees of swealtering heat, but it was worth the experience. I've learned much, I've seen much as well. I gotta say, I'm pretty proud of myself. It was somewhat an accomplishment due to the fact that most teenagers my age are ignorant at what Carbon Market offers and most are scared of going into downtown Cebu. I came home satisfied with my purchase, here's to a new life in this new year! Cheers!

I hope you guys enjoyed this article. If you aren't from Cebu, share your experience with going to a bizarre place likened to our very own Carbon. I hope it also helped some Cebuano teens and young adults want to venture into the market. All the love! Salamat! xx