Before big malls materialized all over Cebu, there was only one shopping district known to the locals and visitors of the city. That is Colon Street. Unfortunately, with the establishment of modern marketplaces, Colon’s image shifted from being famous to infamous for snatching incidences and the like.
To relive the good old days of Colon Street, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, then Vice Mayor, opened the Colon Night Market 8 years ago for several occasions.
This 2014, the night market will be open for more nights from November to January.
image source: http://simplejesha.blogspot.com
TIPS FOR NIGHT MARKET BUYERS:
- The thought of you going to the night market will tell lawless elements that you’re actually bringing money with you, it would be better to keep watch of your belongings especially your backpacks, if you’re using one.
- Even with a lot of police in the area, you shouldn’t be comfortable using your gadgets in public. The crowd could be helpful for the snatchers.
- Dress comfortably as you’ll be literally rubbing elbows with people. I suggest you don’t go there in heels.
- Don’t carry a big amount of money or give vendors a big denomination. You might not be able to haggle for your items or worst, you might attract pickpockets.
- Go in groups to not only help secure one another but also to get more discounts when you buy your items together
So what items are in the Colon Street Night Market?
- clothes
- footwear
- accessories and watches
- bags
- gadget accessories
- toys
- perfumes and other assorted items
NOTE: Ukay-ukay are priced from P50 up. You can still haggle if you’re planning to buy more items. You can also just easily grab snacks in the corner as well.
image source: www.sunstar.com.ph
Mayor Rama passed an executive order last September 11 regarding the opening of the night market, and the requested P5 million was approved. The budget will be used to make the market more attractive to customers.
We can also expect vendors to wear uniforms and name plates as required by the city government.There will also be more police to secure the area and make sure that everything sold are not harmful and illegal.
The street market is opened four times every year: every January for Sinulog, every June for the celebration of the Cebu Business Month, every August for Ramadan, and every November to December for Christmas.
The night market is open from 6PM to 2AM.
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