A resident once said that in Malabon, there are more days with flood than dry land. It is because among the cities found in the sub-region of Camanava, Malabon is the one worst-hit by floods. Despite this, Malabon is even among Manila’s most densely populated areas. Tragedies seem to be an everyday piecemeal of people here, but these do not seem to stop the residents from creating culinary wonders or from celebrating lively festivals.
Local Venice?
Since it is waterlogged throughout the year, Malabon has been tagged “Venice” by locals. Here, people go around in boats, while students study at the roofs of their schools. Malabon is not scenic or touristic like Italy’s original sunken city, but like the authentic Venice, Malabon boasts of heritage houses, some dating back to the 18th century Spanish era. Among these are the Rivera house, SyJuco house, and Raymundo house. There are also the heritage homes of Nepomuceno House, Asilo de Huertano, and the Paez House, which have been well-preserved despite the frequent floods.
Culinary adventures
The city of Malabon is also famous for its namesake delicacy, Pancit Malabon, a stir-fried noodle dish distinguished by its orange color. Among the famous eateries known to serve the best Pancit Malabon in town are Rosy’s Pancit Malabon, Pescadores Restaurant, and Nanay’s Pancit Malabon. The city’s streets are flanked by peddlers selling other delicacies such as broas, puto bubong, bibingka, camachile, puto sulot, and sapin-sapin. The 350-seater floating restaurant Balsa sa Niugan and Steakside fast food restaurant serve East meets West cuisine.
Cottage industries
Most of the ingredients being used in Malabon’s specialties are being made within the city since the locals also engage themselves in industries such as sugar refining, patis (fish sauce) making, fishing, cigar making, and extraction of Ilang-Ilang flowers to be used as perfume oils.
Folk culture
Malabon’s most famous market, Bulungan at Tanong (Whisper and Ask) Market, is named as such because whispered bidding in fish trading is the tradition being observed here. Every December 8, the people of Malabon commemorate the feast of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception through “Pagoda-Caracol,” a festival marked by street dancing and a fluvial procession.
