Tags: Entrepreneurship, Wholesale and Retail
By KC Santos
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA – If you’re from the far South of the city then you should definitely swing by the newest go-to weekend food market in Makati that brings together people who share the same love for food, shopping, entertainment and the arts.
The Salamanca Night Market & Food Hawkers is a weekend souk dedicated to Makati dwellers and tourists who seek respite from the hectic life in Manila’s business capital.
More importantly, the market serves as an avenue where small-scale entrepreneurs, advocacy groups, independent artists and performers can freely express their love for their respective crafts.
Salamanca is organized by Dawn Mawis, a thematic event organizer who used to work in the food industry. Dawn used all that she learned from her 15 years in that field to organize what she considers a place of opportunity for all its participants.
“I really envisioned this market to be a place where people who aren’t that established yet in their chosen fields can improve in their craft and prosper in the future,” said Dawn.
The name Salamanca which means magic is also suited to the market’s theme which Dawn changes every month. In a few weeks, Dawn said they will be setting up a mini-perya (carnival) complete with fortune tellers and magicians to give tourists an idea how unique the Pinoy peryahan is from other carnivals.
Since the market started its operation in May, Dawn said it has gathered a small but steady following from guests for their one-of-a-kind booths. Dawn added she makes it a point that all the sellers have distinct products so that customers will have more options.
The food is definitely the highlight of Salamanca. Whether you feel like going Persian, Hungarian, pescetarian, even classic Tagalog food, this market will not disappoint you. As an added value to dining at Salamanca, their food selections are slow-cooked on the spot to ensure its freshness.
“I encourage them to show people how the food is prepared because I want to stress to them how important hygienic food preparation practices are early on in their business,” said Dawn adding that her being meticulous is only for the good of the participants.
Apart from the affordable food and booze, guests can browse the booths and shop for pre-loved clothing, antique appliances, and knick knacks sold by charitable organizations.
Dawn recommends Magic Sing Nights every Friday for brave souls who don’t mind entertaining the crowd with a song or two. On some days, young budding artists also conduct on the spot paintings and sketching.
Dawn doesn’t charge for the use of booths on the condition that the exhibitors will pledge a contribution to the market’s chosen charities, mostly ones that cater to the needs of abused Filipino children.
The market opens every Thursdays to Saturdays at 5 P.M but depending on the turn out of late night customers the market will still be open until 3A.M. Dawn says she tries to make the market a fun place for families and groups of friends who just want to hang out and take home not just a full stomach but the experience.
“If you do something that you’re really passionate about, you’ll gain something more important than money. I’ve felt the fulfillment I have always wanted to feel before and that’s more than enough for me,” she said.
Get more information about Salamanca Night Market and Food Hawkers
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It’s nice to have this kind of setup. As my experience as a first time entrepreneur in the food business, it gives you flexibility in establishing your first time business. Not much hassles on the paperworks in business permits. You can focus more on selling your products and entertaining local & foreign visitors.
Kudos to Salamanca and D’Dendar organizer Ms. Dawn Mawis