Mang Abet's fishpond: where it still feels like Malabon

Malabon has changed so much over the years, that there are only a few places left in it that really lets me feel like I'm still in Malabon.  One of these places is ABET'S FISHPOND.

Located at the end of Rodriguez Street, it's near enough and yet it feels like you're somewhere far away -- because once you're inside, the ambience is so different. It feels like you stepped into simple rustic Malabon... the Malabon that our parents and grandparents (and some of us who are old enough) grew up in...

On the day that I took pictures of the fishponds along Muzon Road, we also dropped by ABET'S FISHPOND. Visiting with Abet was like taking a trip down memory lane for me because we've been there countless times during my younger years and on occasion in recent times. Abet is a second-degree relative, and the clan used to have its reunions there when Abet's father was still alive.  When his father died, the fishpond fell into disrepair.  But Abet fixed it up years ago and he now opens up the place during weekends to those who want to do some fishing or have gatherings.

In recent years my siblings and I sometimes have our own family get-togethers at Abet's.  We love the peaceful and relaxed setting that gives us the chance to catch up on each other's lives, enjoy a comforting "inihaw" (grilled) lunch, and at the same time experience the rustic simplicity of Malabon.

We bring the pork and chicken to be barbecued.  Then while the adults begin grilling, the children catch the fish that will become part of our inihaw medley.  How the kids love fishing!

One of the wonders of fishing:  teaching kids focus and patience... and appreciating the simple joys in life.

You never would have thought it possible:  four-to-twelve year old kids patiently -- yes, patiently -- sitting or standing out in the sun waiting for the fish to bite. Amazing. I myself tried once, but after close to an hour of keeping still and not being able to entice any fish to take the bait, I gave up. But the kids, well, to the adults' astonishment, they would sit or stand there for hours. And soon enough, the fish took the bait, and their bags would start filling up with their catch.

Every catch stirs up excitement among the kids.  This picture was taken in 2004. The kids are tweens and teens now, but they still enjoy fishing at Abet's.  In this day and age of malling, the Internet, and all sorts of high-tech gadgetry and distractions, it's a refreshing change!

Unusual sight nowadays in Malabon - a river free from floating garbage and still seemingly untouched, no encroachments.  And where bakawan, kalapinay, and other trees can be found growing on the embankment. Or is it just this portion of the Dampalit-Muzon River behind Abet's fishpond that has so far been lucky?

A new concrete house in the neighboring lot shows modern times creeping up on Malabon's fishponds. 

I'm already looking forward to our next visit to Abet's.  Every now and then, even if it's just for a few hours, it's so good to be where it really still feels like Malabon...




MANG ABET'S FISHPOND
Rodriguez Street
Barangay Hulo, Malabon City
(Rodriguez Street is right before Bayantel Malabon branch)

(Please call or text first)
Mang Abet Rodriguez
0915.531.1323

Notice:  As of mid-May 2011, I learned that Mang Abet's fishpond is closed.  It's undergoing some changes and may re-open by year-end. 



Note:    Pictures with kids were taken in February 2004 by my son. The rest by me in September 2010.

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