“Ukay-Ukay" at the Carbon Market

The Carbon Market

We wanted to take a short walk but we walked far through a labyrinth of wonder filled with different characters. I am referring to the dusk scenario at the famous Carbon Market of Cebu City where you can find almost all stuffs at a huge, huge, huge BARGAIN—native food items, preserved food items, plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, different sizes of fishes, meat, fresh and beautifully picked flowers, plastic wares, hard wares, sets of furniture, live animals, used clothing and shoes, even the apothecaries too and a whole lot more if you have the patience to walk through it, race and compete with other buyers who wanted to get the best bargain ever. And of course, you have to deal with and survive the heat, the thirst, the smell, the smoke and sometimes the snatchers—so better be prepared, vigilant and alert.

Front view of the Carbon Market

The Price is Right

Good for us, we went to Carbon Market at around 6pm so the scorching heat of the sun is eliminated from the challenge. Like all Saturday nights in public markets, you will be greeted with the bellow of sellers advertising their goods and beckoning posts of the low prices they offer. Our target is the “ukay-ukay.” We wanted to buy used shoes but we did not forego the thought of buying other things that we may find interesting…hehehe…so we searched from stall to stall. One stall sells pants of various sizes and prizes, another one sells t-shirts and blouses, others shorts, leggings and jackets all tagged at a range of 10 pesos to 20 pesos and higher. But depending on your convincing power and appeal and of course patience you can really bring the price right to the brink where there becomes a thin demarcation between buying and asking for it.

All displays are worth 10 pesos

The “Ukay-Ukay”

 “Ukay-ukay” or in slang “UK” is derived from the Filipino “halukay” or “ukay” in Visayan which is used to describe the scenario in the market where the used clothing, shoes, apparels and accessories are all mixed up in one big and long display area and the buyers dig and search for the item that they find best. It is comparable to a quest for the best among the thousands of goods on pile. Thus, perseverance, a good eye, a quick hand and a relentless bargaining are some of the must haves if you want to venture into this endeavor. As far as I know, these goods are sent as donations from foreign countries, as a result these goods do not pay the customs duties, thus they sell cheap. However, I wonder if they were really donations they should be distributed to the intended beneficiaries or else it defeats the exemption. Anyway that is beside the point (I will research on that), I am losing track of the fun. “Ukay-ukay” is a good way to find quality and branded clothing, shoes and home items (of course do not forget to wash them well), it can also be a good business opportunity for those who want to engage in business of buying and selling.

Dig up for the treasure

The Precious Find

After a few minutes of arduous search, we found a single stall which at that time sells used shoes. Without any hesitation and delay, we grabbed on the displays as if wild animals protecting their territories. I did not let go of my first find while I was looking for another one, better one, and cheaper one. It’s good to be assured of at least one of your choice before another buyer gets hold of it and pays for it—that is when you lose your lifetime opportunity forever. From an initial price of 350 pesos I was able to bargain 100 pesos and paid 250 pesos for a pair of running shoes. My companion was even luckier because from 180 pesos she paid only 100 pesos for her pair. After paying for them, we still strolled around and eyed for some interesting stuffs. The precious find is worth the hardship, I should say.

Run for the right fit

The Reminder

As a final word, this is what I observed, more valuable finds can be found during the opening of the new arrivals but you can avail of more bargains at the closing time because the vendors will have to give in so they can sell more before they close. You can visit the “ukay-ukay” at Carbon Market at any time of the day, preferably on a Saturday night or on a Sunday early morning because most of the stocks at this time are new but just be wary of the other buyers who might eye the same item as you like. One final reminder, please wear face mask because you will never want to bring home colds and cough. We never did that so now we are developing colds and sneeze once in a while, the price of the bargain. Despite that, the fun and the experience will be priceless.

9:55 am

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(photo courtesy of fiscaplyder and minglanilla cebu blog site)