Pescadores Restaurant | Collectors Connection

Malabon Food Trip

Posted on February 27, 2011 by rence chan

Malabon City -Philippines

Last February 26, 2011 the author met Mr. Doy Arriola of Pinoy Frugal Chow, which organized the food trip. We met at the MRT North Triangle station at around past 9 am together with 6 other people. Just like any informal lakwatsa group with the same passion over food, heritage and travel. Everybody seems very comfortable with each other. After the introduction, the group decided to rent a taxicab to meet our travel guides in Malabon.

colorful buntings adds festive atmosphere to the malabon waterway

Malabon used to be a rich swampland inhabited by a few hundred of people before the Spaniards came.

Mr. Monchet Lucas -owner of the restaurant

The group went to stopover at the Pescadores Restaurant and met its owner Mr. Monchet Lucas, Architect Richard Tuason – Bautista an active member of the Heritage Conservation Society and NCCA, Ms. Cecile Manapat a proud Malabon native and a blogger of My Malabon. and a couple of French students doing some research on old colonial districts of Metro Manila. Our group swell from eight to well over a dozen.

ceiling of the restaurant with lights

Pescadores restaurant used to stand on what was once a fishpond before the reclamation during the1970’s, hence the restaurant’s name, which is Spanish for fisherman.

The restaurant is like art galleries were collections of various paintings hung along its wall. The restaurant can be rented- out on special occasions and is a popular event venue center in this side of Malabon.

blue colored vintage bottles functioned as vases decorate the dining area

According to the owner, the massive reclamation projects happened during the time of the former first lady Madam Imelda Marcos (also head of Ministry of Human Settlement and Metro Manila Governor) in the late 1970’s that eventually filled up some old fishponds and worsened the flooding situation in the area as the reclamation did not care to account how Malabon’s waterways work.

Mrs. Marcos dream of “ Metro Manila as City of Man ” eventually started several reclamation projects all over the city. It is recommended for big groups to pre-book before coming to the restaurant .

The establishment is available for any special occasion upon appointment. The restaurant is divided into three areas: Function Room, Restaurant and the newly built Special Function Room with terrace and an outdoor garden space.

restaurant signage fronting Letre road in Malabon

Pescadores Restaurant Address: #4 to 6 P. Aquino Street, Malabon City
Telephone: 288-77-20, 288-62-96
Dining Hours: Lunch 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Mondays to Saturdays

However, Some of Malabon’s striving industries are slowly declining due to some environmental issues like reclamation projects, pollution, climate change and rapid population growth among others.

signage of music band

The city is well- known for its colonial houses, churches, sugar cane industrial estate, fish sauce factories, community music band, tabacalera, various native delicacies, fishponds, shell crafts, convent schools and a host of a zoological center for those interested in animals and plants.

Malabon has this connection to the water thanks to its close proximity to the bay and the presence of Manila Bay’s tributaries like the Navotas (Ambion) and Tullahan River flowing around this city.

The colonial Spaniards who founded this settlement way back in 1599 and used to be part of Tondo . The new masters began to take advantage of the potential of the place they called then as “Tambobong,” a place considered before as just land where plants like the tambo (tiger grass) and Labong ( edible bamboo shoots) would strive.

Tiger grass or Thysanolaena maxima

Thysanolaena maxima Belongs to the family Graminae. This grass has a great economic potential and ecological importance, because it is a main source of material in the soft broom-making industry.

This native grass has a bamboo like appearance and grows up to 10 feet tall. This evergreen blooms in late September with foliage turning gold by late November which is the onset of dry season . Leaves tend to curl at night re-opening during daytime. This grass can be grown in or out of the water and is good for large ponds. The plant can thrive in full sun to part-shade and can tolerate muddy shores and is salt tolerant.

Tambobong was said to have been one of the tribal domain of Rajah Soliman, cousin of Rajah Matanda of the Kingdom of Tondo area.

Historians would still argue on the origin of the etymology, Some accounts say that the origin was derived from “ May labong “, a few would argue that is was derived from a bamboo musical instrument called “ bombong “, others say it came from compounded Spanish words “mala” and “bon/buen,” good and bad which took into account Malabon’s bad muddy shores which dirtied the clothes and shoes of the conquistadors , good atmosphere and rich marine resources found there.

Historians would recall that the town’s commerce and trade grew during the advent of the Spaniards colonial regime with the opening of the Manila –Acapulco Galleon trade.

Chinese ships would dock their cargo in neighboring ( Ambion) now Navotas . The Chinese cargo ships were not allowed to enter the old- Manila port (near the present day Plaza Mexico).

bicycle with passengers

Colorful bicycle ply the small streets and alleys of Malabon – the bicycle ‘s wheel is slightly elevated to prevent flood waters from reaching its passengers during high tide or rainy season.

bicycles of Malabon

Somehow this would reminiscent people of transportation like rickshaws in other Asian countries. Some of the author’s relatives also resides in Malabon along M.H. Del Pilar Street in Barangay Tugatog and had fond memories of the place.

old tranvia lines crossing the Malabon river -personal collection of Mr. Daniel Santos

Old- folks would also recall tranvia lines would bring commerce and trade in the place during the Spanish, American and even up to the Japanese occupation.

Malabon had always fascinated people’s culinary palate and had an interesting architectural heritage. Our first stop for lunch is Mely’s Carinderia or simply called Ate Mely’s Carinderia “eatery”. This place retains a simple charm of an old-town eatery. This place had a reputation as one of the best eatery in the town. When we arrived at the eatery, there were arrays of around 30 or so dishes being served.

the author together with the Ms. Milagros Tuason

Some of the eatery specialties are Tapang Kabayo, Tortang Alimango, Kare-Kare , Adobong Pusit , Adobong Manok among others.

assortment of home cooked meals

The price of per viand serving is not so cheap compared to the eateries of Sampaloc and University Belt areas but is well upon the reach of any ordinary person.

I ordered one of the famed specialties Tortang Alimango. The ingredient was cooked with scrabbled eggs, crabmeat flakes, ground pork, garlic and onions fried in vegetable oil. It was presented like a whole pizza cut into triangular section. The presentation is quite different from what I am used to. The most common practice is to put the meat back to the crab carapace.

tortang alimango with banana ketchup

It depends on the person on what condiments would they like to accompany the torta (soy sauce, vinegar, hot sauce etc.) but banana ketchup, as a condiment is perfect combination.

It was the freshness of the ingredient that makes the Tortang Alimango different from other parts of the metropolis. While walking to nearby eateries, I again saw several eateries serving Tortang Alimango . I guess this is a popular viand in the area and not a sole monopoly of Aling Mely’s .

tapang kabayo with sauce

I also tasted the famous Tapang Kabayo (Horse meat) of the eatery; Compared to other tapang kabayo in the metropolis, the meat is not tough, with a lot of sauce and spices. While eating, we were met by Mr. Alvin Tan a blogger who arrived few hours late from the meeting place.

A few photo opportunities with the entrepreneur Ms. Milagros R. Tuason capped the first stop. The carinderia is roughly around 40 square meters and a dozen or so people can easily fill –up the available sitting space.

The carinderia also accepts catering and reservations.

Ate Mely’s Carinderia

Address: 10 Andres Bonifacio Street, Malabon , Metro Manila

Telephone # 281-63-16 / 282-62-99

turon pinipig with caramelized sugar coating

Tessie’s Puto Store- For an early snack, we visited this store. This sari-sari store serves some of the most interesting merienda items in this part of the town. The store specializes in puto (rice cake) and ( turon) .Unfortunately , when we arrived there, they have not yet cooked the puto . The store also sells quek-quek and fish balls.

The group then tried some dessert, In this part of Malabon , they had a different kind of call Turon which they called the turon pinipig, A triangular shape pinipig and a thick caramelized sugar coating . Most of us would remember that a turon is a stuffed saba banana with nagka/ langka (jackfruit) wrapped in lumpia wrapper then fried in vegetable oil. The turon of Malabon actually contains munggo or mung beans rather than the usual banana in it. (The banana turon actually called Balensiya / Valencia in Malabon)

Travelers and Food bloggers must try this one!

Tessie’s Puto Store

Address: Flores Street, Malabon

Contact # 281-58-04

We pass the old tabacalera factory and this vicinity also had a tiangge- style market every Saturday were live freshwater aquarium fishes, parakeets, cockatiels, finches, African lovebirds, dogs, rabbits, plants are being sold. This is the equivalent of a weekend market in this part of Metro Manila.

roving store with freshwater aquarium fish on sale

The place is a beehive of some sorts for animal, plants and pet lovers. It is best to come to the place early .

Rufina Fish Sauce Factory

When you hear Rufina this is synonymous to one of the industries that made Malabon famous . There are also several homemade patis around the corner. However due to lack of time, the group was not able to explore the nooks and details of the factory.

Fish sauce is very important in the culinary heritage not just of our country but in all Southeast Asian and even some Asian nations.

Patis, called Nuoc Nam in Vietnam and Nam Pla in Thailand, is a pungent condiment made from fish in brine solution left to ferment outdoors. Patis is a major ingredient in Filipino cuisine though westerners sometimes call it “stinking” fish sauce. “ Patis “ is added in many foods to add taste and Pancit Malabon is no exception.

Address: 290 Cayetano Arellano Street, Malabon

Contact: (632) 281-62-30 fax (632) 281-56-36

house balcony full with rows of potted flowering euphorbia hybrids

House of Mrs. Rosy Pacheco with potted orchids on the balcony

Rosy’s Pacheco Pancit Malabon

Aling Rosy Pacheco is by-word among Malabon locals. Her restaurant has been considered the hallmark of what was the original and best tasting Pancit Malabon is.

Her restaurant had a humble story which started as a small family eatery -type of operation more than 60 years ago. Soon people from far flung communities could came and savor the taste of her home style pancit . Rosy Pacheco’s Pancit became a household name as its famed Pancit Malabon . Television shows, food magazines and food bloggers would feature her restaurant.

It was unfortunate though that Aling Rosy Pacheco, the second-generation proprietor of the restaurant for almost 60 years passed on the night before. So we decided to drop by the place anyway to pay our respects to Malabon icon.

signage in front of Aling Upeng’s store

Aling Upeng’s Que Kiam and Siopao

The local people fondly call the small sari-sari store Aling Upeng. One could easily pass this small store without knowing that they sell Que Kiam and Siopao . Thanks for the small signage! Unlike other que kiam in the market, ingredients which are made either from, fish, pork or chicken meat. Aling Upeng’s Que Kiam / Kikiam is made from picama / singkamas with bits of pork meat which is a healthier options.

Aling Upeng’s Que Kiam with its unique sauce

Address: Cayetano Arellano Street corner Cuatro Cantos

assorted kinds of native kakanins being sold at the Visita

A visit to the nearby wet market locals called the market “ Visita” in Barangay Concepcion revealed that Aling Upeng does not have the monopoly of the product since a couple of wet market vendors claimed that they also made similar and even had cheaper Que Kiam compared to Aling Upeng . Humm sounds market competition!!!!

stall of Nanay Ising at the Visita market, notice the tapang kabayo and que kiam

Nanay Ising Market Stall in the wet market of Concepcion sells a variety of tapang kabayo , bagoong , atsara , quekiam , tocino, longganisa and a dealer of a well-known brand of Tocino.

freshly caught marine crabs with full of aligi ( eggs ) at the Visita market

Dolor’s Kakanin which first delighted people in the late 1930’s with its wide array of food choices, in particular native delicacies like the sapin-sapin, ube, cassava cake, biko to name a few. It still is based on its original home along a narrow alley way near the Immaculate Concepcion church.

Martinez family clan home – The light green colored walls protect the spacious art deco inspired home to be seen by unsuspecting passers-by is located in front of the famed Arny Dading’s native peachy -peachy

Arny Dading Peachy Peachy

Located on Cayetano Arellano Street near the Art Deco homes of the Martinez clan is Arny Dading the store takes pride with their Peachy-Peachy – made from cassava, this delectable mouth watering dessert is topped with cheese. This is an all time favorite pasalubong .

Address: C. Arellano Street, Barangay Baritan,Malabon

Tel. Nos. 281-06-37 and 281-06-41

The store had several branches in other parts of Metro Manila.

pianono rolls a specialty of R.B. Gregorio Bread House

Conception Bakery or R.B. Gregorio Bread House is considered as one of the most famous and perhaps the oldest existing bakery in the locality. Until recently, the bakery takes pride for having a pugon style manner of baking their breads, now they use modern equipments for baking their breads. According to one of the vendor – using the traditional pugon style baking increased their cost (rising prices for wood) and time-consuming preparation in baking the bread. The bakery started their operations in 1947.

The bakery specialties are the Pianono rolls, Spanish bread, Pan de Coco, Pan de Putok , Camachile , Broas, Pan de Sal, Cheese bread among others.

a participant sampling the famous pianono roll

Compared to other pianono rolls being sold in other parts of the country, the rolls are much bigger not too sweet and very soft.

R.B. Gregorio Bread House

Address: 306 General Luna Street corner Bernardo Street, Conception, Malabon, Metro Manila

Store Operation: 4am to 12midnight

Contact: 281-03-41

Church of the Immaculate Conception

The church was built way back in 1886, making it one of the oldest churches in the city. The church underwent a number of “makeover” changes in recent years, activities that were criticized by many, as they did not help preserve the church’s history. There is a huge statute of Jesus Christ within the Parish church.

statute of Jesus Christ in open arms is located within the church courtyard

A historical marker with NHI inscription showed the historical importance of the church.

He parochial school is located in 272 General Luna Street, Concepcion , Malabon .

One of the most prominent and perhaps the wealthiest part of Malabon in terms of colonial style-houses and historical value is barangay Concepcion

Rojas- Borja Ancestral House built in 1923

The lower floors of the house served as a Pharmacy several years ago.

Lugaw ni Onoy

facade of Lugaw ni Onoy

Located a few meters away from Immaculate Church is Lugaw ni Onoy this is the main specialty of the store, it serves mainly lugaw or rice porridge.

The store also serves noodles, variety of short orders from Pork Asado Rice Meal, Chili pork with rice, Buttered Chicken, Beef Brisket, Chili Shrimp, Crispy Shrimp, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Tokwa Fish with Rice, Hototay Soup, Nido Soup, Chicken Asparagus and Soup Number 5 is made from cows testicle.

Left- Soup Number 5 ( one of the must -try soup )

Mr.Doy Arriola enjoyed the Lugaw Utak

Compared to other store that offers the same menu around the Metro, the price of Soup number 5 in this eatery is cheaper than those in Sta. Cruz or Binondo in Manila.

Lugaw with tokwa and brain as side dish

Its Lugaw menu is also varied from the ordinary to the exotic ones like the Lugaw Mata and Lugaw Utak, which respectively consist of parts from a cow’s eyes and brain. One can choose from an array of about a dozen lugaw meals.

halo-halo

The store also served halo-halo that had an average taste enough to quench the heat of afternoon sun.

author posed for a souvenir shot before crossing the river

The group then tried to cross the river and paying a small amount Php 3.00 from the banks of Malabon going to Navotas side and another Php 3.00 going back to Malabon side.

ship dock at this portion of the river

flowering zinnas in one of the houses near the river ferry station

Zinnas are an annual or perennial plants native of the family Asteraceae. Zinnias come in 20 or so species of composite flowers. The flowers are ideal for indoor arrangements. Zinnias bloom in a wide variety of colors with large, mixed blooms.

hanging plants in plastic containers , basil, lemon grass and herbs

The houses at the nearby ferry stop had an array of plants, flowering bougainvilleas, santans ( ixora) , flowering zinnas, herbal garden and an array of native orchids like Phalaenopsis intermedia, Dendrobium cucullatum proof that residents are also fond of growing plants despite the fact some of the plants are not tolerant to salt spray coming from the Manila Bay . Somehow adaptation makes the plants hardier.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco of Navotas poster

workers gamely pose for a group shot at the Navotas ferry boat station

group shot at the Malabon ferry boat station

House with capiz windows and air tunnel on its roofs which acts as an additional ventilation – notice the mural art on the facade of the stone house

Mr.Mario Luna House – notice the intricate floral designs made from wood

on Cayetano Arellano Street are several heritage houses that stand proudly side by side. Mario Luna House built in the 1890′ s. Just like any houses on C. Arellano street. , its ground floor has become much lower than street level.

The Teodoro Luna House has been more fortunate than its neighbor because its ground floor is higher — still three or four steps up from the street. You can notice the graceful iron grill works . I just wonder if the two houses owners are distant cousins ?

Ismael Lapuz and Magdalena Santos Ancestral House

The group then past walks several colonial style houses passing the old house with the main gate had an initials of Ismael Lapuz (IL) and Magdalena Santos (MS) grandparents of of GMA Kapuso Channel 7 CEO and Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon.

The old house said to be built in 1881 with a spacious garden with lots of Malunggay trees , Caimito trees , Mac Arthur palms .

Paez House with iron window grills and ugly graffiti signs

Another notable house Paez House built in 1877. When the street were elevated due to floods. Now the house looks smaller than before.

former home of Ms. Evelyn Santos- Camus , Binibining Pilipinas – International 1971 title holder

This house located just across the Paez House is the home of Binibining Pilipinas –International 1971 and Miss International 1971 2^nd runner-up Ms. Evelyn Santos Camus. The house had since been remodeled to suit the modern outlook of its new owner.

Miss Evelyn Camus in terno , Philippines national costume parade at the 1971 Miss Intentional pageant held in Long Beach, California, USA

Picture is from: Maharlika sa Larawan http://www.missosology.info/forum/viewforum.php

plastic food container from Japan, China, Korea and United States on sale

This home doubles as an ukay-ukay (thrift) store selling different arrays of vintage figurine, glasses, plastics, porcelain dish, toys, vases and other stuffs from Japan and other parts of the globe.

red postal coin bank from Japan

A red postal mailbox coin holder eventually caught the fancy of the author, which decided to buy the coin holder for sentimental reasons.According to the staff , This is a limited edition postal coin bank issued by Japan Post , you need to purchase about 10,000 yen in Japan post office before they can give you this as a souvenir.

Well, whether this is a sales pitch or not ? Who cares?

cups , plates , serving dish , bowl from Japan, Korea , China and United States tuck in one corner of the house

Some of the participants also bought some interesting figurines and even toys from the store.

Benedicto Santos -Luna family clan house

originally owned by the Santos-Luna family, This heritage house is a three-story Filipino colonial period Ilustrado house built in the early 1900s. It is located at General Luna cor. Paez Sts., Barangay Concepcion and is presently abandoned and slowly deteriorating .

cartoon characters Squid ward and Sponge Bob in wall mural along General Luna street

Interesting folk art in the wall are murals of Sponge-Bob Square Pant and Squid ward reminding citizens in the vicinity not to throw garbage on the street corner.

Tropicana Studio is considered as a landmark and was opened by prominent Malabon photographer Mr. Dominador Cruz or simply ” Mang Ador “. The photography studio started its operation in 1945.

What makes this humble studio so prominent is that it has served as the photo studio of choice of many celebrities over 65 the years, which earned him the distinction, “ Celebrity Photographer ” Being hired as a photographer of the famous LVN film studio . Soon afterward, some of rival film outlets like Sampaguita Pictures and Premiere Studio would also sought his service.

The company’s motto “ For Excellent Photography “. Tropicana Studio stands along side with the record of their achievements.

His photo studio has become a photo gallery /museum of some sorts that displayed hundreds of star photos from the late 1940’s even up to the present. Some of the glamor and pictorial shots by the celebrities eventually were used in movie promotions and movie postcards.

gallery of celebrities among the roster of clientele of this photo studio

This photo studio takes pride of having rare pictures of former presidents of the country.

cast of Ang TV Kids shown on ABS-CBN channel 2 circa 1990’s

According to one of the staffs, the defunct Ang TV Kids of ABS-CBN channel 2 would ask their studio to take pictorials of their young stars.

L-R Mr. Juan Rodrigo , Ms. Judy Ann Santos, Ms Beverly Vergel and Ms.Galdys Reyes from Mara Clara

The production crews would also arrange our photographers to take pictures of the cast in the 1990’s afternoon soap opera Mara Clara . The original show was aired by ABS-CBN channel 2 from June 22, 1992 to February 14 , 1997 . Since the last airing , there had been a remake of this popular soap opera featuring new casts.

Ms. Angelica dela Cruz

celebrities like Ms. Angelica dela Cruz, Mr. Rhoderick Ramos –Santos aka (Erick Santos), Mr. Cipriano “Alwyn” Sumulong Uytingco III ( Alwyin Uytingco ) is said to frequent the place before they became stars.

Before the group left the studio, Our group decided to have some photo opportunity as souvenir.

Tropicana Photography Studio

Contact Person: Atty. Vergel Cruz

Address: 252 General Luna Street. Concepcion ,Malabon City

Telephone # 281-2987 /281-3167

Fax: 281-55-41

signage of Jamico’s Restaurant

Our group headed for Jamico’s Restaurant more popularly known as Judy Ann’s Crispy Pata being established in 1972. According to one of our local guide, the former name of the restaurant is Judy Ann however during the course of business registration, it was found out by the owners that they cannot use the name anymore since there was another restaurant which had the same name (Judy Ann) so they had to use the trade name Jamico

Ms. Karl Aguilar – blogger ( Urban Roamer Journal) pose for a souvenir shot in front of the store

The house specialty is Crispy Pata! Unlike other crispy pata in town, the sweet taste of the pata makes it a totally different appeal. Jamico’s Pata is best served hot with pickle relish and sauce.

This restaurant also boasts of being included in the “ List of Best Food Remembered “ featured on Philippine Daily Inquirer –Lifestyle Section that mentioned their crispy pata as one of the best food in Metropolis.

crispy pata with pickle relish and special soy sauce

The quaint store can accommodate up to 60 people. Aside from the crispy pata , the store other specialties includes pancit , camaron rebosado , tortang baboy, , chicken , lumpiang shanghai , lechon macao, bola-bola pork , sweet and sour pork . The restaurant also accepts catering and reservation.

Jamico’s Restaurant / Judy Ann’s Crispy Pata and Restaurant

Address: 201 General Luna, Brgy . Ibaba , Malabon City

Store Hours: 9am to 10 pm Monday to Sunday

Telephone # 281-41-93

Malabon Cityhall

The group then headed to city center, Residents of the areas would still refer the city hall as poblacion that is dominated by the 11-story glass window skyscraper that is actually the Malabon City Hall. The new Malabon Cityhall is the tallest structure in this side of the city.

San Bartolome bell towers -photograph taken near the city hall complex

Adjacent to the building were the sports complex, San Bartolome Church and cemetery, police station, Malabon Central Market and a covered court that also serves as a function area.

Malabon Central Market

signage of Betsy’s Cake Center

Betsy’s Cake Center which opened its doors in 1962 is just located a few steps from the Cityhall . This local bakeshop predated the arrival of the more prominent bakeshops in Metro Manila. The local pronounce it “ Betchie”. Even with stiff competition from commercial bakeries and bread shops in recent years, many folks, still patronize this bakeshop not just because of its Malabon pride but its baked products and friendly crews.

Broas one of the specialty of this bakeshop

The specialty of this bakeshop is the special and regular Broas – the only difference is the fillings and ingredients used. There price difference is not much, only one-peso difference between regular and special.

Other specialties of the bakeshop include Brazo de Mercedes, Cheese Cakes, Sponge Cake, Mocha Rolls, Ube Rolls, Mocha Crunch, Betsy Roll and Custard Cake among others.

We saw that this bakeshop had a lot of patrons . Proof to the pudding is that this bakeshop had a following among local residents and from other parts of the metro.

The store had a small parking space and those who wanted to buy in bulk is encourage to pre-order their house specialties, especially during peak season when supplies may be limited.

Besty’s Cake Center

Address: 10 Rizal Avenue, adjacent to Malabon Cityhall , Malabon City

Contact # 281-11-27 / 281-11-31

San Bartolome Church and Cemetery

The parish of San Bartolome in Malabon was first established in 1614 but the present church itself was somewhat younger. The current structure was completed in 1861 , with the columns and the twin bell towers added to it 7 years later. The sight of the church’s unique architecture would make this a familiar and beloved iconic structure.

church dome

The church was featured several times on postcards and a tranvia line that ran in front of the church.

Currently, this historic church is undergoing a “renovation” of sorts as flourishing are being added to its exterior. Old materials like adobe walls give-way for cement finishing and giving the church a more modern look. It could be a win-win solution for the parish, community and the town’s colonial church heritage.

tombstone of prominent Malabon residents are buried inside the church

Have the parish priest consulted people from the National Historical Institute, Heritage Conservation Society or other concern agencies for the church renovations? Based from what the group saw during our visit, the renovation of these structures will forever deface Malabon with history and pride.

steel scaffolding beside the church main pulpit near the altar

Right next door to the church is the San Bartolome Cemetery that is also undergoing renovations. To those who are interested in old tombstones, things don’t look good if you plan to visit that cemetery one of these days.

list of bodies exhumed at the cemetery

There are also plans by the parish to open a crematorium that according to some residents might pose a health hazards to the residents. Still more questions are being thrown rather than being solved. Will the Malabon clergy listen to the plight of these historical buildings and monuments???? Hope not.

family mausoleum

I must commend those people in Malabon for their fight to preserve the colorful past and Mr. Doy Arriola, Architect Richard Bautista, Ms. Cecile Manapat for the warm hospitality and the arranged trip to Malabon.

houses on the Navotas side

Navotas

As the group entered the final leg of the day –long trip, we decided to cross the bridge that connects Malabon and Navotas.

group picture

As the sun begun to set down, we went to Aling Norma’s Special Pancit Lug-log in order to savor the taste of their specialty, which is pancit lug-log. Pancit lug-log is the term used since the noodles are dipped into boiling water hence the name “lug-log” to dip the noodles into boiling water.

Aling Norma’s Pancit Luglog

Unlike other pancit lug-log which proliferates in the city, Aling Norma’s pancit luglog noodles are bigger, with shrimps, pork, chicharon , egg slices, chopped spring onions and sauce made from achuete seeds.

Other house specialty includes puto with salted egg and grated cheese toppings. Puto is best accompanied their pancit lug-log.

Aling Norma’s puto

It totally depends on the person’s taste bud and whether or not he / she would prefer a more saucy appeal on their pancit lug-log or pancit Malabon .

The price of Aling Norma’s Pancit Lug-log at Php 70.00 per serving price range is average ( not too cheap and not so expensive) given the fact that it had more shrimps. Just like any food trips, food tasting is not just satisfying your own taste bud but you had to rate the cleanliness of the restaurant whether small or big, service – how fast or slow, ambiance, friendliness of the service crew, price , its total appeal and maybe historical value.

facade of the restaurant