Cover Photo: Maria Lin Kim / Unsplash
Photo: Maria Lin Kim / Unsplash
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For more than 20 years, the weekend community market has become a commercial hub for farmers and SME’s
It has been over 20 years since the founders of Salcedo Market organised their first community market one Saturday in Jaime Velasquez Park, and decades later, it still shows no signs of slowing down. The wait list for their stall spaces is notoriously long, making a permanent spot in the popular shopping and dining destination a true testament to a vendor’s consistency and relevance. “When we started Salcedo Market in 2004, we just wanted a venue for Salcedo Village residents to get to know each other,” said former Barangay Bel-Air captain Nene Lichauco in their 15th anniversary commemorative magazine. “Little did we know that we would eventually become a must-visit destination and accredited tourist hub. We are proud of our vendors who come every Saturday, rain or shine. They take pride in their products and always serve with a smile.”
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Along with Lichauco, the founders and organisers are Tricia Lichauco, Trickie Lopa, Lisa Periquet, Marc Medina, Mia Villanueva, and Malyn Lorayes. The idea to have a weekend market began to take shape when Periquet, who had a clear view of Velasquez Park from her home when she lived in Salcedo Village, suggested that the park should be bigger. She noticed that it was mostly used as a parking lot while only a fraction was utilised as a children’s playground. Periquet then sent a letter to MACEA (Makati Commercial Estate Association, Inc) suggesting that they expand the park. Fortunately, the association liked the idea and urged Barangay Bel-Air (who has jurisdiction over the park) to help fund the expansion.
Lopa, whose father was a barangay councilor in 2003, was tasked to come up with their first event in the newly renovated park—trick-or-treating for Halloween. The following year, they had to think of something new, and the weekend market was born. Medina and the younger Lichauco were tasked to bring in vendors, which at the start was not an easy task. Periquet disclosed that nobody knew where Salcedo Village was, much less Velazquez Park. At one point, she tasked her mum’s cook to sell goods just to add more vendors to what was then a rather flimsy selection. The turning point was when Ineng’s Special BBQ (which back then was a fresh concept offering generous portions of grilled skewered pork) came in and developed a strong following, turning what was meant to be a two-saturdays-a-month occasion into a weekly event.
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Since the market has expanded over the years, Tricia Lichauco is happy to share that they now allow duplication in their product mix, when before, it was just one vendor per category. “So now we have two paella vendors, two lechon vendors, etc,” she explains.
While the secret to Salcedo Market’s resilience lies in its consistent governance and curation of products, they have also made sure to stay relevant. Healthy food alternatives are a rising trend, and those selling them at the market have stuck around—proof that they sell well. To cater to their many foreign guests, the product mix has grown to include many international vendors, a Halal corner, as well as partnering with embassies when they celebrate their respective independence days. Vendors have also expanded their reach by making things more convenient for customers, offering cashless payments as well as accepting orders for pick-up and delivery.
The team continues to adjust and adapt to the times by integrating a range of brands and diversifying. They have even hosted a variety of community activities to keep their regulars and Salcedo residents entertained, from art to fitness.
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Vloggers are also currently having their fun. “Social media has given rise to the Salcedo Girls,” Lichauco says. “Every Saturday, these girls come fully made up, dressed nicely and they always have a bouquet of flowers. They have to post on their social media accounts, always with the flowers. You can imagine how many of them came for Valentine’s weekend. Our flower vendors made a killing!”
From a small social project meant to bring the residents of the area together, Salcedo Market has become a beloved destination that has launched many successful businesses and, safe to assume, countless friendships fostered over many delicious meals.
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Jaclyn Clemente Koppe is a food and lifestyle writer, as well as a consultant to some of the country’s beloved food and beverage brands. Her passion for food and drink is only surpassed by her devotion to her family, most especially to her soulmate, Pepa the poodle.
