Weekend of Greens, Arts, and Fashion
Flea markets aren’t new to this generation, but Merkado Market transformed the weekend with its Matcha Market, bringing together matcha makers, artisans, food concessionaires, jewelry and accessory brands, fashion finds, and even a community cause at Frabelle Corporate Plaza on August 15–16, 2026.
Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of Coleen Wong
September 4, 2026
Art by Tristan Talon
Matcha has gone from being an internet debate to becoming a staple on café menus. More and more Gen Z consumers are discovering—and developing a taste for the vibrant green drink, with matcha shops and specialty cafés popping up not only across Metro Manila but also in different provinces.
But with countless cafés offering their own versions, where does one begin when looking for the best matcha in town?
Merkado Market’s Matcha Market offered one answer: skip the usual café run and experience matcha in a marketplace where drinks, food, fashion, art, and community come together.
Whisk and Whip
The Matcha Market showcased how versatile the beloved green drink can be. From creative presentations to Filipino-inspired pairings, participating vendors put their own spin on matcha while introducing visitors to new ways of enjoying it.
Photo by Coleen Wong
Among the featured matcha brands were Hoi Cha, Daily Origin, Kura Matcha, PM Matcha, Mei Tea, Zuki, Tora Matcha, Momo Matcha, Yura Matcha, and Waypoint. Each brought something different to the table, whether it was a new menu creation, a playful topping, or an unexpected pairing.
Some drinks were elevated with chewy desserts, while others incorporated flavors and textures that made each cup feel like an entirely new experience. There were even playful details, such as Spider-Man stickers, proving that matcha can be just as fun as it is aesthetic.
And for companions who aren’t quite sold on matcha, there was plenty to eat. The market featured food concessionaires including Chewy Bee, Oh Chata!, Figo Sandwich Bar, The Healthy Oven, Aldrino’s Bibingka, San Rosie Foods, Honeybee, The Ddalki Story, Francisca’s Bakery, Tusok Usok, 2908 Burgers, and Marley’s Meals.
For visitors looking to enjoy their food while supporting a cause, Cats of Celandine offered another meaningful stop. Proceeds from every purchase went toward supporting their community cats, making a simple market purchase a small contribution to a bigger cause.
Went for Matcha, Went Home with Fashion
The Matcha Market had another surprise, you could arrive looking for a cup of matcha and leave with an entirely new wardrobe.
Photo by Coleen Wong
Fashion brands Beyond Collectives, Blanc Basics, Queen’s Closet, and Paint by V showcased pieces for shoppers looking to refresh their style. For those who prefer the thrill of the hunt, thrift finds were also available from Zecond, Cia Vintage, Jem’s Clothing Essentials, and Not a Trash - Thrift Shop.
And, of course, no outfit is complete without the right accessories.
Bag lovers could browse Everything U Fancy, The Bag Attic, Noonday, and Michelle the Label, while jewelry enthusiasts could explore the collections of Anara, Get Celeste, CleModa, Bling Collector PH, and HB Jewelry. Urban Glasses MNL offered sunglasses to complete the look, while Mave provided footwear options.
For those more interested in beauty and self-care, Beachface and TBH Cosmetics offered skincare and makeup, while fragrance lovers could explore Scentera Handcrafted Fragrances, Lexskin Vegan Perfumes, Scent Lab, and A.C. Home & Co.
Not Just for Yourself, But for Your Home Too
The market extended beyond things to eat, drink, wear, and collect. Visitors could also discover pieces that brought a little more personality into their homes.
Art by Tristan Talon
Art enthusiasts could explore paintings and sculptures from The Good Art, while homegüds offered rags and coasters for everyday spaces. Sélo showcased artistic silverware, and Just Trendy brought playful accessories such as keychains, phone cases, socks, and other animated finds.
It was the kind of section where “I’m just looking” could easily turn into an unexpected purchase.
Immerse Yourself
To complete the weekend experience, Merkado Market also prepared activities for visitors who wanted more than just shopping.
Photo by Coleen Wong
At the Chic Cam Club booth, guests could customize vintage cameras and give them their own personal touch. Those curious about what the future might hold could sit down for a tarot reading with Cristella Crafts and Tarot, while Sulyap Photobooth offered visitors a tangible souvenir in the form of photo strips.
And when all else failed, there was always music.
DJ SYLO provided the soundtrack for the market, giving shoppers another reason to stay, browse, and soak in the weekend atmosphere.
More Than Just Matcha
Merkado Market’s Matcha Market showed that a weekend market doesn’t have to be limited to food and drinks. It can be a place to discover local makers, experiment with new flavors, refresh your wardrobe, find something for your home, support a cause, and simply spend an afternoon surrounded by creativity.
For a generation that values experiences as much as purchases, perhaps that is what makes markets like this worth returning to: you may come for the matcha, but there’s always something else waiting to be discovered.
