CRISTY IN THE CITY: weekend markets

weekend markets

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Review: Trendtitas Pop-Up Bazaar at North Grove

The Trendtitas Pop-Up Market at North Grove has quickly become Iloilo’s most talked-about bazaar, thanks to its stylish concept and carefully curated line-up of merchants. From artisanal coffee carts, baked treats, and gourmet refreshments to trendy clothes and accessories, it’s a weekend hotspot that perfectly blends shopping, food, and fun.

Adding to the lively atmosphere are photo booths, live music (as they say, if it’s too loud, you’re too old!), plus games and surprise activities that keep the crowd buzzing.

Despite its playful name, the event draws a mainly Gen Z and young millennial crowd. The real Gen X “titas” — those with the actual purchasing power — might feel a bit out of place, as the current mix caters more to youthful tastes in food and fashion.

Perhaps future editions could take a page from the iconic Salcedo Market concept — offering a broader, more inclusive mix of merchants. Imagine healthy food finds, local fashion labels, wellness and skincare products, home décor, travel accessories, art pieces, and of course, plants for the plantitas. A market where Gen Z girlies can happily drag their moms, aunties, or even grandmas along for a shared shopping and lifestyle experience.

There’s no doubt that Trendtitas has huge potential to become a signature Iloilo event. With its prime location at North Grove and ever-growing following, we’re excited to see it evolve — and we’re already looking forward to the next Trendtitas Pop-Up Market this holiday season!

Thursday, March 6, 2025

The Kadiwa sa WVSU pop-up farmer's market

There is a monthly pop-up farmer's market happening at West Visayas State University main campus every last Thursday and Friday of the month. Dubbed as "Kadiwa sa WVSU" this is a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas and the university. This marketing platform shortens the agricultural supply chain while providing consumers the freshest produce at the best price.

Given the skyrocketing prices of basic food items (hello inflation!), this pop-up farmer's market is God sent. This mutually advantageous initiative gives university staff, students and the general public the opportunity to purchase fresh, healthy food while supporting local farmer cooperatives and entrepreneurs.

My market haul always consists of fresh shitake mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and assorted fresh vegetables that make weekend cooking fun!

QUICK FRESH OYSTER MUSHROOM SAUTE

Ingredients:

Fresh oyster mushrooms, shredded
1 piece tomato, chopped
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup broth
1 piece small onion, diced
Minced garlic
Sprig of parsley
Dash of mushroom powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil and saute onions and garlic. Add chopped tomato.

2.Add shredded oyster mushrooms. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup broth.

3. Cook mushrooms until soft and tender. Sprinkle a dsh of mushroom powder.

4. Remove from heat and add salt/pepper to taste.

4. Sprinkle and garnish with flat leaf parsley.

5. Serve with toast.

KADIWA SA WVSU POP-UP FARMER'S MARKET

Rizal Hall Grounds

West Visayas State University

Luna St, Lapaz, Iloilo City

Friday, December 20, 2024

The Panindahan Christmas Pop Up

The Gen Zs and millennials behind The Panindahan Pop-Up Collective are back for the holidays! This time, it's the Star ng Pasko pop -up event happening at the Balay Sueno from December 18-20, 2024. I got the chance to drop by after work as I was craving some snacks. They do have a lot of awesome vendors ready to cater to your coffee and bread cravings.

I like the line-up of vendors, especially those little handmade brands that make romanticizing your life a little bit sweeter. I got myself a Korean style Christmas card and these super sweet journaling stickers that look like pressed flowers. So perfect for my new Flying Tiger Copenhagen 2025 planner!

The event ends this Friday evening. Go get some handmade treats and tricks and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Good finds from the Tahum Weekend Market

Local weekend markets are great places to scour for unique handmade items and artisanal finds. Small batch production and commitment to creating innovative products with as much handmade flair are what makes weekend markets very popular with discriminating Ilonggo shoppers.

The Tahum Weekend Market held last June 4, 2022 at the right wing of Festive Mall in Iloilo Business Park provided an easy like Saturday morning vibe to shoppers in the popular shopping strip. From quirky embroidered espadrilles to statement jewelry, there was something for everyone--the Titas of Iloilo and even the millennial crowd.

These are the items that caught my eye!

Friday, January 8, 2021

Score amazing lifestyle finds at these Dinagyang fairs and bazaars

The Dinagyang festival in this city which happens every 4th Sunday of January is going digital this year. With the coronavirus pandemic still hovering around, Dinagyang Digital 2021 will be celebrated in a more restrained style with events and festivities limited to virtual performance and cultural showcases, art events, photo contests as well as bazaars and lifestyle/food fairs.

In compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols, these events will showcase the best of what Iloilo City has to offer. Rolling kiosks and pop-up shops teeming with assorted kitsch and souvenir merchandise were a normal spectacle in the downtown area during the pre-COVID days. This year, merry makers can still have their fill of festival-inspired retail therapy with this line-up of weekend markets and week-long bazaars hosted by popular hotels and malls in the city. If you happen to swing by the Megaworld area, you can do a bit of bazaar hopping. Look out for Ilonggo designed fashion and accessories, gourmet treats, unique home decor and even trend potted plants to spruce up your home. I will certainly be looking out for hand painted pots and baskets to showcase my small collection of indoor plants.

Visit the social pages of these events for details and schedule confirmation.