The Birth of a Market Phenomenon
Over 20 years ago, a group of Salcedo Village residents--Nene Lichauco, Tricia Lichauco, Trickie Lopa, Lisa Periquet, Marc Medina, Mia Villanueva, and Malyn Lorayes--organized their first community market at Jaime Velasquez Park. Their goal was modest: create a venue where Salcedo Village residents could get to know each other. What began as a twice-monthly gathering in 2004 would transform into one of Metro Manila's most beloved weekend traditions.
The turning point came when Ineng's Special BBQ developed a devoted following, demonstrating the market's potential beyond its original community-building purpose. The demand was clear--people wanted this market every week, not just twice a month. The organizers responded, and the Salcedo Saturday Market was born, eventually putting Salcedo Village on the map for food lovers across Metro Manila.
Salcedo Saturday Market Today
Every Saturday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Jaime C. Velasquez Park comes alive with vendors, shoppers, and food enthusiasts. The market has grown far beyond its community origins, now serving as Metro Manila's premier destination for organic produce, fresh flowers, artisanal products, and exceptional ready-to-eat food.
Local farmers bring organic vegetables and fruits harvested at their peak, ensuring quality and freshness that supermarkets struggle to match. Artisans display handcrafted goods, from home decor to personal accessories. But for many visitors, the food stalls are the main attraction--vendors serve everything from traditional Filipino breakfast dishes to international cuisines, ice cream, freshly baked pastries, and specialty coffee.
The market's success lies in its careful curation. The organizers maintain high standards for vendors, ensuring quality and diversity. This isn't just a place to shop--it's where the community gathers, where families make weekend traditions, and where Manila's food scene showcases itself every Saturday morning.
A Neighborhood Built for Living
Beyond the market, Salcedo Village distinguishes itself through its sophisticated architecture and community-centric atmosphere. The tall buildings that create the neighborhood's perimeter also provide a sense of enclosure and intimacy, making Salcedo feel like a village within the city. Wide sidewalks lined with fire trees encourage walking, and the neighborhood's layout makes it one of Makati's most pedestrian-friendly areas.
The proximity to offices makes Salcedo Village particularly appealing to young professionals who can walk to work while living in a residential neighborhood. This mix of residential comfort and business district convenience has made Salcedo one of Makati's most sought-after addresses.
Exceptional Dining Year-Round
While the Saturday Market draws weekly crowds, Salcedo Village's permanent restaurant scene offers exceptional dining throughout the week. The neighborhood has become known for its diverse culinary offerings, from traditional Filipino cuisine to international flavors and contemporary fusion concepts.
XO 46 preserves Filipino culinary traditions with servers dressed in traditional baro't saya, specializing in dishes like Adobo Batangas featuring beef braised for four to six hours. Sofrito introduces Puerto Rican cuisine to Manila with dishes like Mofongo--mashed plantains mixed with meat--and deliciously spiced rice. Kodawari serves modernized Japanese food including spicy gyudon bowl and chilimansi preparations.
The cafe scene thrives here as well. Commune Café has become a neighborhood favorite with its welcoming atmosphere and hand-drawn doodles adorning the walls, creating the kind of place where you want to linger over coffee and conversation. Multiple international coffee chains and local roasters ensure quality caffeine is never far away in Salcedo Village.
Walkability and Accessibility
Salcedo Village's location in central Makati makes it easily accessible from across Metro Manila. The neighborhood is well-served by taxis and ride-sharing services, and several buildings offer parking for those driving. However, Salcedo Village truly shines as a walking neighborhood--the tree-lined streets, wide sidewalks, and concentration of destinations make it ideal for exploring on foot.
The neighborhood connects seamlessly to other Makati areas, including nearby Ayala Center for major shopping and the neighboring villages of Legazpi and Urdaneta. This integration into the broader Makati landscape while maintaining its distinct village character is part of what makes Salcedo special.
The Salcedo Experience
Salcedo Village represents the successful evolution of community planning in Metro Manila. What began as a residential neighborhood has matured into one of the city's most dynamic areas without losing its village character. The Saturday Market embodies this balance--a commercial success that remains community-focused, drawing crowds from across Metro Manila while serving neighborhood residents who've supported it since the beginning.
Whether you're visiting for the Saturday Market, exploring the diverse restaurant scene, or simply walking the tree-lined streets beneath the fire trees, Salcedo Village offers a sophisticated yet approachable slice of Makati life. This is where community spirit thrives in the heart of the business district, where good food brings people together every weekend, and where urban living achieves an enviable balance between convenience and livability.