By: Iris P. Concepcion
What is essential is getting wider with the rotation of retinas.
I was browsing through major Philippines news on the Internet but was summoned for a brief motor ride to Yala's version of "ukay-ukay" by one of my hosts, my sister-in-law (the other one being my brother). Here, it is called "salat mapher" or something close to it.
It is no different from the fiesta bangketa sales back home. We entered an old but beautiful line of arches with a lanky girl entering it by her lonesome. Our Honda wheezed through the burnt gates as we see pick-up trucks, normally regarded as prime commodities back home, used as farm transportation in this area.
What greeted us first were football shoes in various colors. They looked sleek and adorable, with spikes ready to kick in. They were fashion oddities in the setting; I was thrilled upon discovering these World Cup marvels though. I am not an athlete and could not use the shod display to practical use, hence, we skipped the mini shoe bazaar.
The vendors were busy putting back their merchandise back to sacks. I asked my sister-in-law why they seem to be hiding their products. She replied that selling here has an allotted time. After which, the vendors move elsewhere. Besides, noon break has turned to a dusky ember, with rainfall signalling its trickling entrance.
We hurriedly looked for the bargains. My sister-in-law directed me to a rack of denims that are priced 100 baht for two items. I am used to this kind of hunting in the Philippines. It did not take long for me to choose those that fit me.
The 20 per baht clothes are a mix and match of the previous and the present in that rich case of textile history. We had laughed at some of the clothes for their blazing colors. Surprisingly, I had huddled with the aqua-colored cotton gears that are easier to dry after washing. Of course, they wear me like true winners.
Unbeknownst to my companion, I was surveying the area with a curious, creative eye. The palm trees are majestic, tall and regal. I have seen these in films located in Sunset Boulevard. Here though, the distinct Asian culture is felt; even the people looked like a casting of Oliver Stone's Vietnam-themed ditties.
I saw a California Mickey Mouse at the end of the road and had to grin at the impish way things are sold over here. The curtains and towels looked Princetonian. I saw a familiar guy I had exchanged pleasantries with in little comic funnies.
They are packing the merchandise and we had to sidle up to the clothes' journeys.
We headed home, passing by massive jars of green olives and traffic lights with CCTV cameras.
Even here, the peekaboo erupts.
I opened a pen case and was expecting a writing gadget inside.
Not a Parker day.
Instead, a smiling Sponge Bob with his silly tooth lazed on it, like Ali Bhaba in his magic carpet.