A few days ago, I visited the Gemilang Kampong Gelam food bazaar and had a great experience. There were plenty of unique cuisines that I’m excited to try. Visiting Gemilang reminded me of a bazaar I attended during my short trip to the Philippines.
It was part of the Panagbenga Flower Festival, which allowed local entrepreneurs to sell their products throughout the event.
One thing I realized after visiting this bazaar is that the people of Baguio are incredibly creative and artistic with the products they sell. Their bazaar offered a wide variety of items, ranging from food and artwork to handmade products and quirky crafts. As I share photos from this visit, you’ll be surprised or intrigued by some of the products they have.
The bazaar is located within Burnham Park, one of the most popular public parks in Baguio. During the event, numerous fresh flowers were in bloom, making the festival a one-of-a-kind experience.
An interesting feature of the bazaar’s archway is an ostrich sculpture, whose body is crafted from plants adorned with tiny blooming flowers.
At the entrance of the bazaar, there are various souvenirs and handmade accessories. The accessories are particularly interesting, as some are made from tiny gongs, which play an important role in the culture of the Mountain Province.
These handmade purses showcase excellent workmanship. I have never seen anything like them before, especially since they are crafted using indigenous materials.
Which country uses gun bullets as part of their fashion accessories? 😁 I bet the list is short, and it seems the Philippines is one of them. It looks badass!
I also noticed that some stall owners use humorous methods to attract customers. For example, one sign reads "Kitchens" and advertises 12 for PHP 100 😁.
The bazaar is arranged so that the entrance leads to rows of stalls selling accessories and various items, eventually guiding visitors to the food stalls. You'll first browse the shopping items, and when you feel tired, you'll find yourself wandering among the food stalls. I think that's a well-thought-out plan 😁.
It was also my first time seeing oil paintings sold at a bazaar like this, which shows that there are talented artists here in Baguio.
Halfway along the shopping stalls, there is a display of orchids. At first, I thought they were fake because they looked too perfect, but they turned out to be real. Then I wondered, why use artificial ones when nature is so abundant in this city?
At the end of the bazaar, there's a biking area where people can rent bicycles with various designs and enjoy a ride. The amazing thing about this city's weather is that I never felt sweaty, even after long walks, because it’s pleasantly cool here 😁.
In conclusion, my visit to the bazaar was a vibrant and unforgettable experience that showcased the rich culture and creativity of Baguio. Every detail, from the unique fashion accessories to the beautifully arranged stalls, added a distinct charm to my journey. I left inspired and eager to explore even more of what this dynamic city has to offer.
