A walk through Malatapay Tabo Market may be described by some as an assault on the senses, but I found the cacophony stimulating. So if you find yourself diving the waters of Dumagete, Negros Oriental in the Philippines, I highly recommend taking a break from diving to take in the local farmers market. This particular market only happens on Wednesdays, and if you are staying at the Atlantis Dive Resort as I did, they will be happy to arrange for you to experience this weekly gathering for yourself.
A site to be seen
Driving down the main road in the resort's jeepney, it doesn't take long before you realize you have arrived. The hustle and bustle of the market simply overflows into the main thoroughfare. People are milling at the tables to the market entrance. Families with bags full of goods hop on their motorcycles to head home. And jeepneys are stuffed with riders and livestock inside and out, including on their roofs.
As you disembark from your chariot, you become overwhelmed by the multitude of sites and smells to take in. Where do you go? What do you look at first? What is that scent? Well, take a deep breath, get your bearings, and begin. It's actually quite simple. The market consists of mainly one large aisle to explore from the street to the beach. Just remember to remain alert to make sure your are not in the path of a tricycle laden with livestock or a farmer walking his cattle and you'll be fine.
Your one-stop shop
The Malatapay Market is where the locals come to sell their wares. You'll find everything from fresh fruits & veggies, dried & fresh fish, to jewelry, clothing & even hardware. The main difference from this farmers market and others you might find is the livestock market. Far down on the right-hand side of the market are the livestock pens. You'll find chickens, goats, pigs, water buffalo and cattle are all here for the buying. This is where I must put in a disclaimer. If you are very sensitive to what you may interpret as cruelty to animals and are not well-prepared for the difference in cultures, you may want to steer clear of the market. I do have to admit, being the animal lover that I am, I did find the market difficult to experience at times.
Good eats
At the very end of the market you will find the food huts where hot meals and cool desserts are prepared. Take a look around first to decide what looks tastey, then dig in. You can get a filling meal pretty cheap. And don't be afraid to try something different, you could be deliciously surprised, or not.
Going to the market is a morning event. Come noon-time, everyone packs up and heads home, only to return to do it all again the next week. It is definitely something you won't soon forget.
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