The People’s Palate
The Perfectionist - http://www.marketmanila.com
Marketman, Businessman
PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE BACCHUS EXPERIMENTAL KITCHEN, MAKATI CITY ON JULY 9, 2009
Some might call his attention to detail obsessive. Others would say his opinions are extreme. And there are those who would label his stance on keeping his identity secret borderline neurotic. But for Marketman’s numerous loyal fans, all that is exactly what they come for.
Launched in late 2004 to keep Marketman, 44, busy during retirement, what sets Market Manila (http://www.marketmanila.com) apart is his commitment to excellence. Whether it’s researching on an unusual fruit, studying how to make budbud kabog, perfecting an ensaimada recipe, or serving the mother of all merienda buffets to celebrity chef Bobby Chinn, he refuses to take shortcuts. This dedication was most evident when he decided to learn to cook lechon. From having a lechon pit built, to observing an expert lechonero, to experimenting with different varieties of pigs, ingredients, and techniques, Marketman went (pardon the pun) the whole hog. But it was all worth it when the TV show No Reservations called on him to prepare lechon for Anthony Bourdain. Upon biting into the ear-shatteringly crisp skin, the world-famous chef pronounced it—to an international audience of millions—“the best pig ever.”
It comes as no surprise, then, that Market Manila gets an average of 16,000 page views a day, from over 140 countries in six continents. Many readers actively participate in the comments section, which can be just as fascinating and educational as the blog itself. The virtual community that has arisen from the blog has come together several times to attend Marketman’s highly anticipated “eyeballs,” as well as to support his feeding program for undernourished schoolchildren.
It’s Marketman’s hope that his blog “has made Filipinos globally realize we have some wonderful produce and ingredients, we have a rich food history, and we have an incredible storehouse of food memories.” Undoubtedly, he has succeeded.
By Katrina Lagman
