Thinking of Malabon
I grew up in Malabon City within Metro Manila. The first thing that comes into mind when people ask me about the place, is Pancit Malabon. True enough the food lives up to it's own reputation. I now live in Cavite and people always request that I bring back food and "pancit" from Malabon.
I have already concluded that people there love to eat. It's like their hobby. There's no corner where there isn't a single "eatery," may it be the local porridge, noodle house or the ever famous Nanay's Pancit Malabon and Dolor's Kakanin.
I say it's famous because friends from Cavite and other parts of Manila know about it. Once a month I go there just to purchase food that I crave so much. I would like to include Arny and Dading's in the group as a favorite. Theirs is the only "peachy peachy" I eat, with cheese toppings of course.
A lot of competitor's for the best pancit title are known but for me Nanay's is still the best in terms of taste, price, presentation and atmosphere. It also helps that it still follows the original recipe.
I also like visiting the San Bartolome Church. The mere sight of the church brings the viewer way back into the Spanish era. It's grandeur boasts of the history and cultural importance. Of all the churches I have visited, and I visit a lot, it probably houses the most number of bats that would even rival a cave.
The area is generally low and flooding is no stranger. Some areas flood with just high tide period. The locals are prepared and used to it. Several towns are within the city and each celebrates their own feast day.
The "fiesta" usually includes gatherings with a lot of food, contests on a makeshift stage and street games. Also almost everybody on the road gets wet during the street party time of the evening.
Although I don't live there anymore, it has all the right reasons why I keep going back for a visit.
