I think there are two types of people in the world: morning people and those who aren't morning people. I have always been part of the first group. It doesn't take me long to get up in the a.m., and once I'm up, I'm up. No need for coffee or even hot chocolate to get me going. Leaving for Baguio at 3 am? I'm there. Breakfast on a Sunday at 7? No problem. I also do my most challenging work in the morning, which includes my routine at the gym and writing my food articles.

At 6 am, I'm working my way into the Guadalupe Public Market. The buses on EDSA wheeze and weave their way through the metropolis' major highway, every honk from their horns a strident complaint at being up so early. As I enter the market, I leave the cacophony behind and am swallowed up by a gentler buzz and tranquility of people who thrive at what others would call a still-ungodly hour.