In the old days, “bayan” meant the center of the town, its most commercialized and most populated district. The more rural areas were “barrios”. In young cities that used to be towns or municipalities attached to a province, the term is still used to describe that center of the city where one usually finds the city hall, the market, the post office, the church and most schools. So it is in Antipolo where the main thoroughfare of the “bayan”, M. L. Quezon Avenue, is lined with ambulant and sidewalk vendors, eateries and shops.
Above, a food stall selling suman, a native rice delicacy, cashew nuts and sweets.
Thanks for the colorful photos. It brings me closer to home. I’ve given your website to a few friends here in the states. I appreciate your recipes and stories about your family, especially about your lovely girls… I have all boys! keep ‘em coming.. your fan, Judy
Thank you, too, Judy. I bet it’s a feat keeping up with your boys.
Great pics, Sassy! Your photo “diary” is a good reference pagbisita namin jan someday -so I know some of the good places where to bring my hubby. Didn’t get a chance to enjoy the good sights before–work, mall & home lang ang routine ko. So your pics are quite a treat for me–kakahomesick!
My lola would always go to Antipolo every year (May) with some relatives. I just loved the kalamays & kasuys. I miss our Kalabaw mangoes–nothing beats the taste of the Pinoy mangoes.
Have a great weekend!
Hi Connie,
I was in Antipolo, at the Shrine, last May, I think. It’s been ages since I visited. Last time I was there was when I was still in the elementary grades. Wow tagal na nun. At ang laki ng difference. There were ooohh so maaannny vendors.
But I am glad I made the trip. It gave me a sense of renewal — para bang may “cleansing”.
Now, I don’t know if I am making sense.
Nice photo essay, Sassy!
Such stories should be the ones gracing the pages of lifestyle sections of Philippine boradsheets.
I miss “suman” na.
malu, i think the important thing is that the trip made you feel good.
jayred, when you come home for a vacation, we will gorge on suman. oooh, that would be nice. we can walk around the “bayan” and just hunt for the best priced suman.
Hello from Germany
Lovely street pictures!
Hi Herbert.
Greetings!
Sidm you’re back!!!
hello sassy
I was born in the PI, left the country 1973, i am a Portrait artist in new jersey(www.dentalpaintings.com) I am thinking of retireing in the PI, considering two places Tagaytay or Antipolo, definately inside a subdivion, I have already dozen of subdivision in antipolo and tagaytay on my list. your comments if most needed in my decision making. thanks don
Don, if you prefer a place that isn’t too far from Metro Manila, Antipolo would be a good choice.
But if you want a slower pace of life, Tagaytay is better. Note that real estate prices in tagaytay are higher. No cinemas, not much of a night life except the casino. But veggies are fresh (lots of places where you can get organic veggies and spices), there is a huge meat market, and the rows and rows of flowers for sale along the highway is such a pleasant view. And, of course, there’s Taal volcano which must be the most romantic view in the world. Well, for me at least.