Photo of the Day for March 31, 2024 – At the farmers’ market in Valencia

Photo of the Day for March 31, 2024 – At the farmers’ market in Valencia

The farmers’ market in Valencia, Negros Oriental, is a vibrant hub of local commerce and community interaction, embodying the essence of agrarian life in the region. Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes and rolling hills of Negros Oriental, this market serves as a vital link between the hardworking farmers of the area and the residents eager to procure fresh, locally sourced produce.     Every market day, which typically occurs on Sundays from early morning to noon, the plaza and some side streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and aromas. Stalls brim with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other agricultural delights, all meticulously cultivated by the skilled hands of local farmers. From the sweet succulence of ripe mangoes to the earthy aroma of freshly picked herbs, each item tells a story of dedication and passion for the land. What sets the farmers’ market in Valencia apart is not just the quality of its produce but also the sense of community it fosters. Here, vendors and customers alike engage in warm exchanges, sharing stories and forging connections that transcend mere transactions. It’s a place where farmers proudly showcase the fruits of their labor, and patrons express gratitude for the sustenance provided by the land. Beyond the bounty of fresh produce, the market also offers a diverse array of artisanal goods and homemade delicacies. Handcrafted pottery, woven baskets, and intricately embroidered textiles showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region, while stalls selling homemade jams, preserves, and baked goods tempt visitors with their tantalizing aromas. For tourists and locals alike, a visit to the farmers’ market in Valencia is not just a shopping excursion but a sensory journey through the heart and soul of Negros Oriental. It’s a chance to savor the flavors of the land, support local farmers and artisans, and immerse oneself in the vibrant tapestry of community life. As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the market stalls, one can’t help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures found in the bounty of the earth.   See also the video VALENCIA – SUNDAY MARKET & FAIR | Negros Oriental 

Photo of the Day for February 07, 2024 – Rope shop at the Malatapay Market in Zamboanguita

Photo of the Day for February 07, 2024 – Rope shop at the Malatapay Market in Zamboanguita

In the bustling weekly farmer’s market of barangay Malatapay, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, a vibrant scene unfolds at one of the rope shops. Here, farmers gather to purchase essential ropes for their agricultural needs. The ropes serve various purposes, from tethering goats, pigs, and sturdy bulls or water buffaloes, to securing indispensable tools like the machete, locally known as the bolo. Each rope signifies the livelihood and labor of the farmers, embodying the indispensable tools and traditions of agricultural life in the region.  

Vegetables from the Farmer’s Market in Valencia

Vegetables from the Farmer’s Market in Valencia

Every Sunday in the mountain village of Valencia, very close to the town of Dumaguete, there is the now iconic ‘Sunday Market’, which has evolved from a simple farmers’ market. We are there this Sunday at around 9 a.m. and actually just want to buy some vegetables. It’s difficult to find a parking space at this time of day. We find what we are looking for in a second side street. A house owner points out that we are parking under a coconut tree with nuts. Good advice and we move the car a few meters further forward, where a falling nut cannot cause any damage. Next, we set off in search of one of the local carinderias where we can sit down for breakfast. We quickly find one there too. Only a few people are there. We order. As there are only native dishes with rice, I make do with a coffee and the ladies get native chicken soup. It’s worth noting that they cook on open fires with wood in the kitchen.   [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] After we have eaten and are now full, we walk two streets over to the Sunday market in Valencia. The girls look at their shopping list and quickly find one of the vegetable stalls, which already has a lot of the things they want to buy. It’s worth noting that they cook on open fires with wood in the kitchen.       Here are some impressions of the fruit and vegetables on offer at the various market stalls: [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] In addition to fruit and vegetables, there are of course other things to buy. For example, homemade specialties such as the cassava chips pictured here. The seller of brooms and dirt shovels is certainly happy when he comes home with some money in his pocket.       These things are made by many farming families at home in their free time when they are not working in the fields, where the material, such as for the grass brooms, grows.   Finally, I would like to show you my video about the Sunday market in Valencia: VALENCIA – SUNDAY MARKET & FAIR | Negros Oriental

Auf dem Bauernmarkt in Valencia

Auf dem Bauernmarkt in Valencia

Weekend markets, especially in business districts like Salcedo and Bonifacio Global City, are often visited by city dwellers in droves because they provide the perfect opportunity to sample and buy fresh produce from farmers and unique goods from local vendors. Valencia in Negros Oriental has a similar system, but this time it’s geared towards cutting out the middleman and getting local farmers to sell their crops directly to their community for more profit. This is the Paunay Farmers Market, which is held every Sunday from 4 to 12 p.m. at the Valencia Public Plaza in Negros Oriental. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] The inception of the Valencia Paunay Farmers Market traces back to a fundamental idea: providing farmers with a platform to vend their produce, a particularly vital initiative given the substantial rural population. This endeavor led to the establishment of the Valencia Paunay Farmers Association. Albert Tubal, the Tourism Commissioner of Valencia, elaborated on this genesis in an interview with SPOT.ph, revealing that the concept took root in 2013. Every Sunday, local farmers from Valencia united under this association to showcase and sell their agricultural products, fostering a vibrant marketplace for the community. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Gallery”][/siteorigin_widget] VIDEO VALENCIA – SUNDAY MARKET & FAIR | Negros Oriental