Mama and I decided to go to the market last Sunday to buy the ingredients we needed for our daily meals and a few other essentials we lack at home. It was a simple plan but for me it felt like something more. It had been such a long time since I last went with Mama to the market. It was hard to make some time because of school. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I was looking forward to spending time with her and doing something as ordinary but special as going to the market together.
As we prepared to leave, I remembered the last time we did this. It felt like ages ago, back when life was a little less hectic. Those moments were always so enjoyable—Mama and I weaving through the market stalls, her teaching me how to choose the freshest vegetables or the ripest fruits. Those memories brought a warm feeling to my heart, and I realized how much I missed this simple bonding experience.
The journey to Bogo Public Market that day felt so refreshing. The weather was nice and the slight breeze through the open window of the tricycle made the ride pleasant. When we arrived at the market, the energy of the whole place immediately greeted the both of us. Stalls were lined up with fresh displays of fruit, vegetables, frozen goods, meat, seafoods, and a lot more. Vendors called out customers here and there while some offered discounts in a cheerful way just to attract customers. The other vendors were just busy arranging their products to make it look presentable to the eyes of the customers.
The air in the market was filled with the hums and buzzing of conversations between customers and vendors. There was also laughter and the sound of coins being placed inside boxes, plastic wraps being ripped, and weighing scales being used. Mama held her basket and eco bag as she looked at one stall and the other while walking through the sea of customers.
I walked quietly behind Mama. I tried to keep up with her pace as she moved through the busy market. Bogo Public Market gets swarmed with customers every Sunday Morning because those who attend the early Sunday mass would head straight to the market because the products are still fresh in the morning. I observed Mama as she calm and confidently asked the vendors for discounts, her voice friend but firm and it amazed me how easily she got the vendors to agree.
I also noticed how Mama would take her time to observe and inspect each vegetable and fruit that she would plan to buy. She would turn it around with her hands, give it a gentle squeeze or tap to check if it was ripe. Sometimes, I couldn't help but ask Mama about some things that I got curious about and she would answer me in a soft voice while concentrating on her task. I found myself admiring Mama because of her patience and understanding.
When we were finished buying fruits and vegetables, Mama and I headed to the fish and meat section of the market. Papa drove us to that section of the market and while we continued with our shopping, Papa chose to wait for us in the car. He said he would listen to the radio while waiting for us since that time the radio was giving some kind of random numbers and I saw how he took note of each one of it.
The smell of fresh seafood and raw meat filled the air when we stepped inside. The atmosphere inside was louder and busier. Fishmongers yelling prices and calling customers, the sound of knives and axe hitting wooden chopping boards and even the sound of huge ice containers being dragged on the floor, selling ice here and there all entered my ears. The floor was also slipper but we still managed to buy what we needed before heading out.
Mama and I went back to the car and Papa drove us to out next destination which was the store that sells agrivet supplies. Papa bought some vitamins and new ropes for our goats since the ones our goats are currently using was very old. Mama, on the other hand, went to buy some bread for snacks since she told me she was feeling rather hungry.
After finishing our shopping which involved getting everything we needed, Mama and I came to an agreement and it was time to head home. With bags full of fresh produce, meats and fish, we walked back to where Papa was. The ride home wasn’t super long, but it felt peaceful. As soon as we arrived home, I changed into comfy clothes, ready to help prepare lunch. Mama and I had planned to have grilled fish for our meal that day, so I set to work getting everything ready. When the grill was ready, I gently placed the fish over the fire while listening to the soft sizzling sound as they began to cook. The smell of grilled fish soon filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
After a while, the fish was perfectly cooked and it was golden brown on the outside, with just right amount of smokiness. I carefully placed them on a plate and brought them to the dining table, where Mama had already prepared rice and some side dishes. We all gathered around the table and the sight of food we had worked hard to prepare made the meal feel even more special. As we ate, we shared stories about our day, laughing and talking about little moments that made it memorable. It was a simple meal, but warmth of being together as a family made it feel extraordinary. The sound of laughter and clinking of utensils filled the room, turning an ordinary lunch into a moment of joy and togetherness because it was not just about food, it was about connection we shared.
