Living the Day at Night

TOURISM

words by: MDPWN. JANNAH MAE S. PIDOY illustration by: MDPN. ARCYNE JOHN N. SERMENO

As the sun began to rise at the “Heart of Antique”, a harsh, high-pitched squeaking sound of roll-up doors reverberated through the hushed market. It was like a curtain had lifted after you woke up – welcoming another day. Slowly setting up displays for sale in order to lure customers.

The locals rush to San Jose Business Park whenever they need brand-new uniforms, need ball gowns tailored or rented, or simply want a decent pair of Crocs. This place has everything you need.

A long bus trip of three to four hours is needed to reach Antique from Iloilo. I could hear echoes of people asking me where I was headed as I made my way to Mohon Terminal. After feeling overwhelmed, I finally replied to someone who mentioned my destination. At 12 noon, I paid 200 pesos to fix myself in a van for two hours.

The van entered the last town of Iloilo before Antique. The vista beyond the darkened window captures the glory of the crystalline sea as the sun sets. When we reached the mountains, the dizzying adventure begins. The twisty San Joaquin and Hamtic, Antique mountain ride made me lightheaded for an hour. However, the scenery keeps me enthralled and at ease.

Indeed, the journey is butt-numbing. The moment the ride stops, passengers are thrilled to hop out.

I grabbed a tricycle going to San Jose Business Park for 20 pesos. The busy townspeople welcomed my eyes as soon as I got out of the tricycle. At exactly 2:30 pm, I finally stepped foot on the business park. Enough to witness the place bare.

Walking like a celebrity, vendors from left to right want to catch my attention. It momentarily gives the impression of being on the red carpet of a lavish ball. If curiosity killed the cat, then the intriguing shops gave justice to its death. Running my bare hands on each textile they sell; I compared one fabric to the other as they stand like spring rolls. Shops in this area offer tailoring, rental, and ready-made uniforms.

The day is slowly approaching its end for these vendors. With loud and squeaking sounds of rolled-up doors, a sound of closing and new beginnings can be observed. It’s time for something tranquil to revive into the liveliest thing.

Business Park during the Daytime, Tiripunan Market at Night.

Who would have imagined that an ordinary and peaceful business park in the morning would turn into the busiest and bustling place in the evening?

The moon can be seen rising as the sun sets. At the market’s heart, a new group of stores began to arise. This time, it’s different. A large selection of food, beverages, and other non-food items are available at the night market, which also features street performances by local musicians singing kinaray-a songs.

The Tiripunan Night Market was conceptualized during the election by Congressman Antonio Agapito Legarda and Mayor Elmer C. Untaran, the Local Government Unit of San Jose de Buenavista. The congressman’s observations of comparable night

markets in other provinces served as an inspiration for this nightly scene. The Tiripunan Night Market began to take off as soon as Cong. Legarda declared victory.

The market is located at Villavert Street, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, and was opened on September 30, 2022. It aims to give small business owners the opportunity to market their province’s crafts and delicacies.

There were people wherever you glanced at the Tiripunan Night Market from locals of San Jose to visitors from nearby towns and provinces. The children were greatly amused when the performers graced the stage while they ate their snacks. Snaps of cameras were heard and filled the tiny corner of the market. The hanging lanterns are striking and aesthetic, which made for a stunning background for Facebook and Instagram post. The new sensation of rebirth in our lives was marked and documented in photos.

The dark night remained vibrant with the ambiance of the market. Busy townspeople roamed the place endlessly. I spent approximately five hours wandering, tasting everything, and purchasing goods that made my wallet weep. However, the grace of the visitors and the lights never ceased to enliven the market’s atmosphere.

It was a long yet viable day. The path leading back to Iloilo was hazy. The overlooked lights from the outside of the tinted window made me nearly dream of the great memory from the Tiripunan Night Market. Living the day at night was the coolest experience I had. The Symbolism of Chinese Lantern Colors

The hues of lanterns convey several meanings in Chinese culture. They are used on various special occasions.

RED lanterns

Red paper lanterns symbolize fame and fortune. They are traditional decorations for big occasions because they represent a prosperous life and a successful business.

YELLOW lanterns

In China’s Imperial era, yellow lanterns were mostly used in palaces. Yellow was the color of emperors in ancient China, hence, it was forbidden for the common people to wear it. Yellow lanterns are now thought to bring luck to young pupils attending school.

WHITE lanterns

White lanterns are associated with death or funeral in Chinese culture.

GREEN lanterns

During temple fairs, green lanterns are frequently used. The color green is associated with peace, health, and wealth.

source: https://www.chinahighlights.com/ travelguide/culture/lanterns.htm

Inflorescence

words by: MDPN. DANIEL JUSTINE H. BELONIO

On the blackest dreary night, hope only clings to the moon’s light. Void of beauty in every sight, how can one bloom in such blight?

The murky depths it stays still, for it waits for its grand reveal. Patience is key to its fight, knowing victory is in sight.

Blooming in grace and illumination, freed from the clutches of certainty, it shows its radiating divinity, for it has revived from mortality.

Sibol

words by: D/C ANTHONY KEN J. BUCASAS

Sa pagsalo ng init ng araw, kagandaha’y hayaang lumitaw. Akitin ang mata ng mundo. Bighaning tunay sa bawat anggulo.

Hayaan ang mga paru-paro sa talulot ay naglalaro. Gumapang sa tubig man o kalupaan. Ugat ay magsisilbing panlaban.

Halimuyak na singtamis ng kulado sa kahanginan ay isaklaw mo. Hayaang tagumpay ay ipalasap, sa pagsibol na tanging pangarap.