Hi friends 🤗
One Sunday afternoon, just before the Holy Week holidays, I decided to go to the city to look for something I could bring home. While doing the laundry earlier that day, I had already planned it out in my mind. Maybe I could buy some fruits or even a jar of peanut butter. Living in an island city, going to the mainland always feels like a small adventure, and for a moment I hesitated. But eventually, I got ready, gathered my things, and headed to the terminal to catch a bus.
I arrived at the Metropolitan Cathedral around 2:00 PM and attended Mass, which lasted for about an hour. It was Palm Sunday, and outside the church, vendors were selling woven palm crosses. I noticed them as I entered, but I decided not to buy one yet since I still planned to explore Carbon Market afterward.
After the Mass, I exited through the left wing of the cathedral and made my way toward Sto. Niño Church. As expected on a Sunday, the church was filled with devotees. I lit a candle, said a quiet prayer, and took a moment to reflect. From there, I exited toward Magellan’s Cross. The afternoon sun was still intense, wrapping the city in heat as I began walking toward Carbon Market.
By the time I arrived, it was around 3:00 PM. Trucks loaded with vegetables were just coming in, and vendors were starting to arrange their goods. The market was calm at first but gradually became busier as more people arrived. I bought pipino, sayote, and lettuce. Simple but fresh choices to bring home. As I continued walking through the streets, I was surrounded by rows and rows of vegetables, all vibrant and abundant.
In another section, I saw stalls filled with ingredients for binignit, a reminder that the Holy Week season had truly begun. I wanted to take more photos, but with the weight of my bags growing heavier, it became difficult to manage. Carbon Market is massive, and I wished I had explored it more freely, without carrying too much too early.
Still, the experience left me both excited and exhausted. What I love most about the market is how affordable everything is, since many farmers sell their produce directly. There’s something special about seeing where the food comes from and feeling connected to the people who grow it.
After about two hours of roaming, I decided it was time to head back. I wanted to use the remaining hours of the day to rest. As I made my way home, tired but satisfied, I told myself that I would come back again next time, lighter, slower, and ready to explore even more.
See you tomorrow 😊
Photos are mine | Captured with Vivo 1901.
