CEBU, Philippines – At first glance, the Molave Community Marketplace (MCM) might seem like any other place to buy things, with stalls filled with handmade crafts, thrifted vintage clothing, food vendors, and unique finds.
But spend a little time here, and you’ll realize MCM is alive with a unique energy. It’s not just about buying and selling, it’s about the people and the community they create.
Located along Molave Street in the heart of Cebu City, MCM is a gathering place where local musicians, artists, food enthusiasts, and curious souls come together to connect, share stories, and celebrate creativity.
Every weekend, the market transforms into a stage for local talent and a runway for expressive fashion.
Artists showcase their work, musicians and homegrown rock and metal bands perform live sets, and food vendors serve one-of-a-kind dishes. Visitors stroll through the market, proudly sporting diverse clothing styles without fear of judgment.
MCM is a melting pot of creativity, a space where strangers become friends, drawn together by a shared appreciation for Cebu’s vibrant culture.
The visionary behind this thriving community space is Willow Hoods. Inspired by the dynamic pop-up cultures of Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan, Willow envisioned MCM as more than just a marketplace.
After opening his barbershop on Molave Street, he saw the area’s potential as a venue for entrepreneurs to test their ideas and bring passion projects to life.
“It all started back in October 2021 when I saw the space for my business,” Hoods told Rappler.
Hoods shared that he realized earlier on that the street could be used to help people pursue their passion projects, free of charge and open for all.
“It’s a space where it’s okay to make mistakes… it’s really for people who want to do their thing without worrying about profit,” he added
Willow measures MCM’s progress not by the number of vendors but by its positive impact on the surrounding community.
“We’ve hired people living on the streets. One example is Marlon Giligao, who used to sleep on the street. Now, he helps clean the area and manage parking spaces,” Hoods explained.
Marlon, now one of the community members, also shared that before MCM became a lively community, he used to sell coffee and cigarettes along Molave.
“Ngayon, dahil sa MCM, dumami ang tao na pumapasok dito. Maraming benepisyo ang nakukuha namin dito, nagbago ang buhay namin. Iniipon namin ang pera at nakabili na kami ng cart. Nakakabenta na rin kami ng mga ulam.”
(I used to sell just coffee and cigarettes. Now, thanks to MCM, more people come here, and we’ve benefited greatly, our lives have changed. We’ve been saving money, bought a cart, and now we can sell meals too.)
Creating community
The heart of MCM lies in its belief that culture isn’t confined to museums or festivals, it’s present in everyday life, in what we create and how we contribute to our community.
More than just a marketplace, MCM is a hub for collaboration and self-expression. Young creatives, like architecture student Anthoniette Mercado, find their footing here.
“I set up a stall to sell my poetry,” Mercado said.
For the artist, MCM is an open space for the youth that helps them feel seen and appreciated. Through this space, Mercado shared that more people have gotten to know her brand.
“I started with poetry four to five years ago and later expanded to creating stickers with taglines and relatable humor,” she added.
Thom Jopson, a portrait artist and University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate, makes on-the-spot illustrations at the market.
“I’ve met so many people here, and the portraits make their visit memorable,” he said.
Jopson lauded MCM as the place to be at to see Cebu’s talents and creatives.
“Not everyone will understand what you’re doing, but nothing worth doing is ever easy if you truly want to succeed in the arts,” Jopson added.
MCM is a hub for various subcultures to thrive and interact; it is where these communities find common ground. It’s unpolished, authentic, and welcoming, a place where it’s okay to make mistakes, experiment, and grow.
Above all, it’s a reflection of Cebu’s vibrant and evolving culture.
If you’re interested to see the hub for yourself, MCM is open every Saturday from 3 pm to 7 pm. – Rappler.com