The vendor

Commuting around Metro Manila could literally be a drag. The heat, smoke and slow pace seemed to offer no hope at all. Sometimes we console our selves with the basic indulgence of a fishball. Yep, that street food that many attribute as source of food-borne diseases. Imagine almost everybody re-dip their morsel of kikiam or squidball into the sauce after they have already taken a bite. It's like french kissing everybody in a grand scale less the actual touching of the lips.

But there are ingenious vendors who employ some basic marketing techniques in their presentation to rid the street vending industry of this stigma. Take the case of my suki along Aurora Avenue near Anonas St. the fishball, or in my case the squidball, is served on disposable aluminum-lined paper dishes, sauce is added directly on your order. The iconic tuhog stick is also there.

See my suki vendor here wearing a bonnet not because its a bit cold but because its a replacement for a hair net. Also, basic tools include stainless or aluminum utensils that are almost immaculately clean.