streaks across my psychedelic sky

G has been telling me all about the great finds, good food and perya-like amusement activities of Colon Night Market. Today, I finally had a chance to go. I had loads of fun! Everything you can think of (and even those you haven’t thought of) are for sale at bargain prices. That plus all the food that would remind you of your childhood: fish balls, squid balls, kwek kwek (quail eggs in batter), sweet corn, those cool colorful drinks with sago in big white plastic jugs, and all the fresh fruits in season like oranges, guavas and mangoes. The best part, though, is me not buying any thing! I oohed and ahhed over a lot of bags and shoes but did not make a single purchase. Too bad we didn’t bring our cameras. Well, there’s always next time.

Some tips for a much more fun experience at the Colon Night Market:

1. If you have a tendency to be claustrophobic (like me) be sure to keep moving. Do not stay too long in one place, especially in the designated pathways. If you want to take a closer look at the merchandise, go inside the stall.
2. Do not immediately buy the first item you like. There might be similar or like items a few stalls away that are cheaper.
3. Haggle like crazy! That is half the fun experience at such markets.
4. Make sure your bills are in PhP100 denominations or lesser. Makes it easier when paying and makes haggling more effective (for obvious reasons).
5. Wear your most comfy shoes and getup. Cargo jeans or cargo shorts are preferable. All those pockets means security for all your valuables like mobile phones, wallets and currencies.
6. Bring your own big shopping bag. It is better to put all your purchases without the standard plastic bags the items come wrapped in. Be kind to Earth. Remember what Masi Oka said: It’s time to Green Your Routine.
7. Bring your own bottled water.
8. Leave the arte side of yourself at home. By this I mean bear in mind that this is Colon; not uptown or Ayala Business Center. There will be sights and smells that are uniquely downtown and if that spoils it for you, better not go.

G further said that the place bustles with a different kind of energy in the early evenings than it does an hour or two toward closing time. I just might try that next time. I will hopefully have taken the cam and have some photos to share in another post.