The Rebirth of Freedom Park and Carbon Market
Built across a prestigious university and historic church in the Philippine city of Cebu, the Carbon Market and Freedom Park used to be an underdeveloped urban habitat showing extreme contrast from what you’ll witness nowadays.
Despite the ease of access and availability of cheaper commodities at the Carbon Market, I previously hesitated going there for sanitary reasons and fear for my personal safety. This public marketplace was poorly maintained, almost resembling the slums filled with dilapidated shanties, dangerous structures, and homeless members of society. Unhealthy practices and unavoidable crimes were surely rampant there that time. Fortunately, the local government eventually took action by entirely transforming this miserable area into a much organized, cleaner, and safer environment for shoppers and visitors. A world-class tourist attraction was conceived!
That included the complete overhaul of Freedom Park. During those days, it didn’t appear like a proper public park at all because it was occupied by commercial stalls that sold flowers, handicrafts, and other household items. It was still a filthy marketplace!
Fast forward to today, Freedom Park has already been totally redesigned with a novel architecture. It currently consists of an open atmosphere with lots of natural elements and seating areas. People from all walks of life can now hangout with their friends, families, and loved ones without fear of their overall safety. It was definitely a welcomed change embraced by everyone!
With an emblematic concrete obelisk constructed in the middle, it now looks more professional as a green environment. Though not as sophisticated as other urban parks of the city, at least it’s presently much better than its former state.
Feel free to read through these commemorative plaques for better context plus to gain more valuable information about this historical landmark. What have you learned so far?
See, even a stray cat felt truly relaxed without the tendency of being harmed. So, why worry?
Welcome to Cebu City’s official Hawker Center
Let me present to you our main highlight for today!
Directly facing Freedom Park is a roofed single-storey building housing street food outlets known as The Barracks (Hawker Center) - your one-stop destination for everything street food.
This new culinary complex is still integrated into the city’s new Carbon Market redevelopment project. Hence, it likewise radiates with a marketplace vibe yet with a modern twist.
Next, lining up its exterior facade were commercial kiosks displaying electronic products, mobile phone accessories, and various gadgets for sale. It seemed weird to me at first, but shouldn’t they be selling food-related products too? Anyway…
Covered Courtyard for Decent Dining Experiences
As soon as I entered its vast dining interior, a powerful tsunami of different noises hit me!
Diners conversing at their tables. Typical sounds of kitchen utensils and cooking wares banging. Different vendors shouting to compete for customer's attention. Piped-in music (live acoustic bands were available on some occasions) complementing the culinary experience.
The atmosphere was absolutely alive and kicking. There were enormous collections of delicious street food stalls on both sides of the main seating area. Quite overwhelming, but worth the exploration indeed. At that instant, my stomach suddenly made grinding sounds - pushing me to order my favorite meals asap!
Delicious Meal Options for Everyone’s Delight
Fair Warning:
The succeeding images might trigger sudden hunger. Proceed at your own risk. 😂
Yes, you've read that right. You simply can’t deny that the street food visuals you’ll experience here are mouthwatering! And even while uploading these photos, I couldn't resist their tempting flavors myself, lol. Could you?
Words weren’t enough to describe how I felt during those moments. The overwhelming varieties of street food were laid in my presence, making it more challenging to choose what to enjoy for my early dinner (or late lunch maybe?). Have you found yours already?
Fresh bread and pastries. Gigantic sumptuous pizzas, lasagna, and pasta. Tasty Lechon (Roasted Pig). Refreshing fruit shakes, juices, and desserts. Yummy!
Appetizing barbeques of meat types like pork, beef, and chicken. Satisfying rice meals. Succulent choices of seafood varieties. Flavorful!
And the list of available selections of street food goes on and on…
Because of the immense number of street food options actually ready for purchase and consumption there, some market stalls weren’t included in this photo marathon. But you get the idea, okay? Whew! What a street food adventure!
Cozy Atmosphere to Complete your Food Trip
With a staggering assortment of delicious street food at The Barracks, I merely couldn’t contain the satisfaction I felt due to a full stomach. While walking towards the building’s exit, I bought a cold glass of mango shake to cool down.
It was already dusk while enjoying my quenching refreshment. Outside, Freedom Park certainly had a romantic ambiance as the twilight sun began to set. I sat close to the imposing obelisk and admired its dazzling lights, the night sky above, and the fascinating surroundings. It was a great way to digest the street food I just ate.
In fact, more recent visitors gathered there too. And as we savored the rest of the evening, I felt a sense of contentment knowing that the current improvements of the new Carbon Market and the exceptional street food experiences at The Barracks surely made my day!
I’ll definitely return to this interesting marketplace soon. Since it’s conveniently situated within Cebu City’s historic district, I can’t wait to try the other street food varieties to feed my curious cravings.
What’s your favorite street food #MarketFriday?
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Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
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Wow, I already loved to see him in the center of that square and then at the end of the post I see it with lights at nightfall, for me it has been love at first sight, I am glad to have passed here to see it. Thanks for sharing the beauties of your zone ❤️ Happy weekend My friend...
That's true. I also fell in love with the Obelisk the first time my eyes were laid on it at Freedom Park - especially its dazzling nighttime glamor. But, that's only one of the features of this historic place. The street food paradise nearby is also a Cebuano experience you shouldn't miss. Happy weekend my friend! ☺️
Congratulations @storiesoferne! You received the biggest smile and some love from TravelFeed! Keep up the amazing blog. 😍
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Much appreciated @for91days @travelfeed. All the best! ☺️
My favorite stall is Luy’s Tuslob Buwa which offers unlimited tuslob buwa. They probably have the best tuslob bus in the city. Then some dessert after the meal would be perfect♡
Yeah. Being an original Cebuano invention, Tuslob Buwa is also one of my favorite street foods. Although it's publicly available on the streets of Cebu City, it's also one of the main highlights at The Barracks. Pair it with refreshing drinks, then you'll savor a satisfying culinary experience. I'll check out the stall of Luy’s Tuslob Buwa next time. Thanks for the idea! ☺️
Wow! what an interesting story, with machetes, knives and spears the Cebuanos confronted the Spanish guard, the park has cozy spaces for family enjoyment, even the kitty looks relaxed and calm at the foot of the obelisk; as for the variety of food all look delicious, without thinking too much my favorites are the pizzas and pastas. 😋🍕
Greetings and blessings @storiesoferne!
Greetings @belkyscabrera. I'm glad that you're fascinated by the historical nuggets of Cebu. Being the oldest city in the Philippines, she certainly has lots of valuable heritage to share with the world. ☺️
Thank you for admiring our street food offerings at The Barracks and Freedom Park. Does Venezuela also sell street food to its citizens and tourists?
🌭🍕Hi @storiesoferne, in Venezuela there are also these gastronomic markets, they are called calle el hambre, they are usually located near the center of the city or crowded areas, they operate in small premises and there you get hot dogs, pizzas,hamburgers, empanadas, among others, a great variety to choose from. 🍔
Happy weekend!
Oh wow! It's great to know that street food is also part and parcel of Venezuelan gastronomic culture. Thank you for the interesting information. Have an enjoyable weekend @belkyscabrera! ☺️
Much appreciated @brumest and the @qurator Team. Many thanks and more power! ☺️
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