Do you know what happens to the oldest street in the Philippines at night? From a bustling city traffic, the Colon street in Cebu City transforms into aΒ livelyΒ night market. ThisΒ brings backΒ the street’s old glory which was the center of trade and commerce several decadesΒ ago.

The Colon Night Market is a program initiatedΒ in 2007 that turnsΒ the busiest street in Cebu into a trading place just like the Divisoria in Manila. Here you can find a wide range of goods and stuff for a low price.

Colon Night Market

Check out these before and after photos that show the Colon street transformation. (Photos taken by smartphone only, not the best quality πŸ˜€ )

Super Metro Before Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(Before) Outside of the new Super Metro Gaisano

Super Metro After Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(After) Vehicles are not allowed to pass anymore

The street starts to get crowded at around 6:30-7PM where the traders start to pitch theirΒ tents and display their products. Vehicles are then re-routed so people can walk through the 3-block stretch of the market.

Colonnade Before Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(Before) Outside Colonnade Mall

Colonnade After Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(After) Shoes and clothing are on display

By the way, the night market does not happen all year round. It is usually held around Christmas-Sinulog season from December to January and also during the Cebu Business Month and start of classes in mid-May to June.Β It’s a good opportunity for small scale businessesΒ as well as bargain shopping for the consumers.

Colonnade Mid Before Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(Before) How you can get hit by a jeep

Colonnade Mid After Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(After) How you can get hit by a pickpocket, pun intended πŸ˜€

Although the city has ensured the safety and security of everybody by deploying Police visibility, still protect yourself at all times. Here are some quick safety tips:

  • Wear casual outfit. Be comfortable. Blend in.
  • Bring cash, leave your cards. Keep your bags closed.
  • Don’t show off your jewelries and gadgets, those are eye candy.
  • Be friendly but vigilant.
Rose Pharmacy Mid Before Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(Before) Outside 7 Eleven, facing Metro Colon

Rose Pharmacy Mid After Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(After) All kinds of stuff for all ages

Here you can find bags, clothes, electronics, accessories, toys, fruits, dry goods, school, office and household supplies, decorations and β€œeverything under the sun”. And if you’re hungry, there are a lot of food stalls and street foods you can try.

Mcdo 2 Before Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(Before) At McDonalds 2nd floor, my favorite spot.

Mcdo 2 After Colon Night Market Cebu Transformation

(After) Isn’t it amazing? πŸ˜‰

Did you enjoy the before and after photos? You can also check Cebu Then and Now for a related post. Unfortunately I only took a few shots as I was uncomfortable showing my camera out. But wait there’s more! πŸ˜€

Virtual Tour

How about a virtual tour of the Colon night market. Lucky for you I still have my phone after that night and I get to create this street view map using Photosphere. It’s a 360 degrees view experience and you can drag around up, down, left or right.

The street view below has 3 locations you can visit. Click on the arrow that shows on the center of the street to teleport. Go ahead, check it out and experience the market. πŸ˜€

Views: Colon Night Market by emjae argallon


It’s a great way to check out the oldest street in the Philippines from a different perspective.Β So how did you find the virtual night market? What is your favorite street transformationΒ photo? Let me know in the comments below. Hope you enjoy this and spread good vibes! πŸ˜€