2026: the night market

Before the night unfolded into bright lights and food stalls, the afternoon grounded us in faith and devotion. We attended the fiesta mass of Señor Sto. Niño, where the Basilica was already overflowing with people. We squeezed ourselves into whatever small space we could find just to be inside, shoulder to shoulder with fellow devotees.

That day, we became part of the five million visitors who came not just to witness the celebration, but to feel it—through prayers, quiet moments, and the shared warmth of the crowd. It was overwhelming, humbling, and deeply moving.

As the sun slowly set, the solemn atmosphere of the afternoon gave way to the lively energy of the night… and that’s where my night market story begins.

As night slowly settled in, I found myself wandering through the Cebu night market. The place was alive—bright lights, busy stalls, and people moving in every direction. The air was filled with the sounds of conversations, sizzling food, and vendors calling out to customers.

One stall that caught my attention was a fruit display piled high with fresh guavas. They looked so inviting—green, firm, and freshly harvested, still with their leaves attached. It reminded me of how simple things like fresh fruits can stand out in a place full of cooked food and snacks.

Walking through the market felt comforting. Some people were lining up for food, others were just strolling, while some vendors were busy preparing orders.

As we walked around, we couldn’t resist buying from the many stalls that lined the way. Jenel and Roxan happily moved from one perfume stand to another, testing scent after scent. I tried to smell almost every bottle too, but with so many different fragrances, my head started to ache a little from the mix of smells. In the end, they both chose the same scent, laughing at how their choices matched, while I decided to pass on buying one.

We then moved on to what truly called our attention—the food. They were especially eager to buy sweets, so I guided them toward the sweet stalls I had noticed on my last visit. It wasn’t hard to find the place; the crowd made it obvious, with people constantly coming and going.

The festival spirit was everywhere. Some people even had painted faces, adding more color and joy to the celebration. Surrounded by lights, laughter, and the smell of food, the night market felt alive—an entirely different world from the quiet devotion of the afternoon.

There’s something special about night markets—the mix of hunger, curiosity, and the shared feeling of ending the day together.

We didn’t rush. We just walked, looked around, and enjoyed the atmosphere. Moments like this make me appreciate the simple joys of city life—wandering without a plan,
noticing small details, and enjoying the energy of the night.

Tonight’s walk through the Cebu night market wasn’t about buying many things. It was about experiencing the place, the people, and the quiet happiness that comes from being present in the moment.

See you tomorrow 😊

^{Photos are mine | Captured with Vivo 1901.}