“Pop Talk” Review: Shopping and dining at weekend markets

Many shopaholics and foodies are making weekend markets part of their Sunday habit. “Pop Talk” reviews three weekend markets in Metro Manila.

Most families spend their weekends relaxing, eating out, or shopping. Because of this, Saturday and Sunday markets have started to appear around the Metro. “Pop Talk” host Tonipet Gaba, Life is KuLaYFuL blogger Kathy Kenny Ngo, full-time mom and makeup artist Joyce Chua, and stage actor Gian Magdangal explored three weekend markets. The challenge for each reviewer: to buy as many things as they can at each market with a budget of P1000. Which weekend market got the best reviews? Read on:

Legazpi Sunday Market
Rufino cor. Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati City
Open every Sunday, 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM



Legazpi Sunday Market is a community-based market composed of more than 100 vendors. Their products include fresh produce, homemade food, handicrafts, artwork, native products, and more. “The things that you will find here, you will not find anywhere else,” asserted Joey Casimiro, Market Manager of Legazpi Sunday Market.



“Sobrang daming gusto mong bilhin at iuwi para gamitin sa bahay,” Kathy exclaimed. She added: “Every time you go to Legazpi there’s always something new.” Indeed, the Pop Talk reviewers were able to buy a variety of things. Kathy got a bag made of recycled maong pants, Joyce bought some incense, and Gian snagged some perfume, kitchenware and a painting.

Final verdict: 9 pop points

Sidcor Sunday Market
Eton Centris Mall, EDSA, Quezon City
Open every Sunday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM



Established in 2000, some consider Sidcor Sunday Market the “Mother of Philippine Weekend Markets.” It was originally located in Cubao, and then transferred to the Lung Center of the Philippines. In 2010, Sidcor relocated to its current home at Eton Centris. At Sidcor Sunday Market shoppers can find food, clothes, plants, furniture, regional products, and more.

“What happens is lahat ng mga products from the provinces bumaba sa Maynila para siyempre ma-experience natin, which is very good. Tayo, nagbe-benefit din,” Tonipet explained. Joyce and Gian spent their P1000 on fruits. Kathy was very happy to buy patis, itlog Tagalog, chicharon, and other products from La Union: “May mga halaman pa siya. What more can you ask for?”

Gian gave plus points to Sidcor: “Talagang wide talaga yung range nila. Meron pa dun mismong wet market doon. Yung talagang market literally wet market na pinupuntahan talaga ng mga tao.” However, the reviewers thought that Sidcor can still be improved in terms of comfort and security. Kathy pointed out: “Siguro the traffic because it’s too open. Parang ang dami niyang entrance, ang dami niyang labasan. Kahit saan pwede.”

Final verdict: 6 pop points

Mezza Norte
Mindanao Open Parking Lot, Trinoma Mall, Quezon City
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 4:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Food, food and more food. That’s what Mezza Norte offers to its customers every weekend. This food market opened at UP-Ayala TechnoHub in 2012 but transferred to Trinoma in May 2013. It has more than 50 vendors selling home-cooked meals and desserts. The food selection includes grilled steaks, burgers, corn on the cob, Ilocano food, Japanese dishes and more.

“From appetizer to main course to dessert, meron sila,” Joyce commented. “So for me, variety... although puro food siya, one-stop shop na rin siya for food lovers.”



Kathy also gave props to Mezza Norte for its service: “Dito naman ako nakakita na ang bilis-bilis maglinis nung service crew nila. Tapos napansin ko the vendors, they look out for the customers.”

Her final verdict? “Ngayon na na-try ko ito, feeling ko babalik ako dito.”

Final verdict: 7 pop points


–Lara Gonzales/PF, GMA News