The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
We are such huge fans of trade fairs, expos, flea markets, public markets, garage and bodega sales. Tiangge, Sunday market, talipapa, swap meet.
Name it, whatever you call it, we go for it. No matter the distance. Come hell or high water.
We love browsing through items, things and stuff, old and new, slightly used or previously loved, books we could keep, including and especially food we could bring home to eat or give away as gifts. Preferred are those that sell for a bargain.
It is with anticipation therefore that we look forward to the 4th edition of “Sa Pantalan-Biyaheng Pangkatagalugan,” a food and culture heritage expo set on October 12, 2024 (Saturday) from 9AM to 5PM in Sta Cruz, Laguna. Venue is Ted’s Kitchen Laguna right smack on the national highway.
Pantalan started in 2017 as a food and heritage expo featuring food and non-food products by artisans and artists from all over Laguna.
Gel Salonga-Datu says, “Our goal is to encourage artists, artisanal producers and skilled craftsmen, as well as farmers, to continue their work by putting a spotlight on their products.”
The 39-year old pastry chef behind Ted’s Kitchen says Pantalan’s focus is on the eastern towns of Laguna, such as Paete, Liliw, Paquil, Nagcarlan. Featured are their crafts and food, works of art.
She cites for instance bags and bayongs made from water lily that are handmade by women in Pila, baskets and homeware fashioned out of pandan leaves from Cavinti.
Spotlight is also on the fabled kesong puti, whose making is a fading industry in Sta. Cruz where only three families are left to continue the art and tradition of making them. Space is offered free to exhibitors.
To further enhance the skills and talents of Lagunense entrepreneurs, Pantalan is also hosting a forum on areas that are vital for the growth of Laguna food, arts and culture. Experts in food biodiversity, cultural promotion and history will be sharing their knowledge and experience to both exhibitors and guests.
According to Gel, “This is our small way of trying to ensure traditional products continue for the next generations, and our way of giving back to our community and province.”
Gel walks the talk in support of farmers and artists. As a pastry chef, one of whose specialties is Cheesecake Bibinca, Gel uses kesong puti from her hometown and itlog na maalat from Victoria town to whip up a much-talked about snack fare.
For packaging, she uses materials sourced from Cavinti.
Admission to the trade and culture fair is free.