Paco Market

August 5, 2012

Last weekend Maja Olivares Co asked me if I could host their cultural event at Paco Market. Maja is the Project Designer and Head of Culture and Education of the redevelopment of Paco Market. She has told me about the work she’s done here together with ABS-CBN Foundation’s efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River. I had always wanted to see how they’ve transformed the old market and cleaned up the ‘estero’ but never had the chance. So I thought even though it’s a weekend, this was a good time to give back and have the kids learn a few things about our city and the environment.

Paco Market was built in 1911. Through the years it fell to decay and became one of the main pollutants of the Estero de Paco. When Maja started the restoration plans, some of the beams were structurally unsound. It took a lot of donations from the private sector and government to get this project going.

My kids are not new to markets. We always take them to public markets. This, they say, is one of the prettiest in terms of the “building”.

The event was held at the cultural/multi-purpose wing by the entrance. I love the bleachers and all the big arched windows.

Vice President Binay came early because he had to leave early. But the children of Paco Market held up a sign and chanted, “Vice President, Stay,” so he stayed and watched them perform. Check out how the market was restored. Lots of natural and artificial lighting and cross ventilation.

Cardona Youth Musical Ensemble performed using various instruments. They spent a few months training the Paco Market Youth Ensemble.

This is the Paco Market Youth Ensemble. They were under the guidance of the Cardona group for just a few months. And they were so good with the recorder.

With the children of Paco Market.

With Maja Olivares-Co and her mom, one of the pioneers of professional interior design in the Philippines Sonia Santiago Olivares (in white).

We took the kids to see the estero.

Hard to believe it was once completely filled with garbage. Imagine all this feeding into the Pasig River?! The newly rehabilitated market not only got a physical makeover. The tenants and nearby residents were taught and trained about proper water and waste disposal.