The “Palengke”

In the Philippines, the “palengke” (dry and wet neighborhood market) is synonymous to inexpensive goods and cheaper produce as compared to grocery stores or supermarkets. Almost anything can be found in a local neighborhood palengke. Palengkes are usually found at the corner of the most busiest street in a neighborhood.

One of the things that makes a palengke popular is that… You can always make a counter-bargain on the price tag which we call “tawad”. In palengkes, the price tag is not always the last price. Most often than not,  tawad on the prices starts at 50% of the tag price… And if you’re lucky, you can have it at such a price!

But beware of pickpockets as palengkes usually have plenty of them… Like vultures waiting to attack unknowing victims. Palengkes sometimes sell knockoff (“fake”) products like Rolex watches, Gucci bags and accessories, and what-have-yous. These knockoffs can pass for a real one and no one will know the difference… Except that their prices are way off the charts! Only a tenth or even lesser from the original!