Commerce in Burnham

We're still at Burnham Park in Baguio City. I saw a thriving informal economy at the park and couldn't resist taking photos of the people selling goods and services. You're going to see a few weird angles here. I didn't want the people to notice that I was taking their picture because they might turn away. Hungry? Let's start with some warm taho, perfect in Baguio's cooler weather. It's made of fresh, soft tofu with tiny pearl sago and sweetened with brown sugar syrup.


If your heart can take it, you might like what this guy's selling: chicharon (puffy fried pork skin), hard-boiled quail eggs, and inside the basket, balut (boiled fertilized duck or chicken egg). And just so you know, I have never eaten balut, and never will!


If you like sour foods, you're going to love this snack: burong mangga (fermented green mangoes). Click on the link to get a recipe from our Department of Science and Technology. Using rock salt is a must for this one.


I question the viability of selling ice cream in a cool city, but I guess some people have a higher tolerance for cold than I do. There are three flavors of homemade ice cream inside that cart and you can choose which cone to have it on. There's a bigger wafer cone and the tiny one that's more like a very thin sugar biscuit. I always choose the sweet cone.


When you're done eating and beginning to feel sleepy, or are starting to ache from all the walking you've been doing, then it's time to get a massage. The sign says you can choose between Siatsu (sic) or Swedish.


I'm not one for getting pounded, pulled or kneaded, so I'd prefer this woman's services: a pedicure or manicure while watching the rowboats. This young lady was waiting very patiently while her friend got a pedicure, though they were chatting too so I don't think she minded much.


For those who don't have a camera (not in this group!) but would like a souvenir photo of themselves at Burnham Park, there are photographers who will take your photo with film cameras. They probably have small dark rooms set up very near the park. You meet up after an hour and they'll hand you your prints.


Sunny day and you forgot your sunglasses? Not to worry, you can buy a pair from this young man. I saw a man buying a pair of knock-off Oakleys and the first price quoted by the vendor was 200 Philippine Pesos (less than US$5). Bartering is very much encouraged.


Finally, time to buy some souvenirs. Baguio is well-known for its silver because of Benguet's silver mines and smiths. You don't have to go to the city market to buy some jewelry as I saw several men selling them in the park. As a rule of thumb when bartering, your first offer should be no more than half of the quoted price. BAGUIO CITY SERIES #6