“A city is more than a place in space, it is a drama in time” - Patrick Geddes. The buzzing sound of city life is as exciting as the lives we live. Whatever we find in the city - whatever and whenever we experience things around us, we are learning something and that makes us think. And truly, as an anonymous author said, “If you don’t get lost, there’s a chance you may never be found.” Malabon is one of the most densely populated areas in the Philippines. Nonetheless, it is a place rich in literature, history, and environment. Get to experience Malabon!
Get familiar with Malabon
You can reach Malabon from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport throughRadial Road 10 in 55 minutes or you can take the C2 road. With the huge population of Malabon, travelling from the airport can take even longer. Although it’s a good idea to take the bus at for some adventure, make sure you take precautionary measures when traveling in the city.
1. Epifanio de los Santos Avenue: monuments and shrine
This road is quite famous in Manila. It’s busy streets cater to people from all walks of life from different provinces and from different parts of the world. It is the longest and most jam-packed highway in the metropolis as this road links the North and South Luzon Express highway to the Balintawak and Magallanes Interchange Highways, respectively. It also is the access road to the Makati Cental Business District, the Araneta and Ortigas Center as well where most of the towering commercial buildings are found.
Historically, this is where the famous bloodless revolution called the “EDSA Revolution” happened. Amidst the chaos of the EDSA (or Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) is one of the most prominent landmarks of all time which is also in a park, the towering statue of Our Lady of Peace which is made of bronze, commemorating the bloodless revolution, perceived to have been made possible through Her presence among those who fought a dictator. Quite a grand view of a memory from the past.
EDSA Shrine
Address: The corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and Ortigas Avenue | Ugong Norte, Quezon City, Luzon, Philippines
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Website: EDSA Shrine
2. People Power Monument
The towering shrine located at the EDSA-Ortigas intersection will lead you to the monument that commemorates the bloodless revolution that happened way back in 1985. The 45-foot (14-meter) structure is made of bronze and stands on a platform.This monument depicts the towering Filipino people who were hand-in-hand, marching together with nuns and different people of all status, encouraging soldiers to march with them for freedom. The sculpture is highlighted with a woman reaching out to the sky as if her stretching arms declare freedom. Looking back at those times, the bloodless revolution was not just a great achievement, but a glorious one.
3. Old Spanish houses and more
Malabon, known as the Venice of the Philippines, as it is a site open to eleven rivers, was not affected by World War II. Old Spanish structures are still present here, some have been maintained, while others remain untouched. The old tiled roofs, the capiz style sliding windows and other Spanish details you can see from the gates of the homes are eye-catching.
Due recognition should be given to the descendants of these families, whose houses serve as a reminder that the once conquerors of this country have contributed much of what we still see today. And also to the Filipino families today, who preserve these structures as much as they try to preserve their own culture and traditions and should be recognized.
4. Secretive trading
Malabon is a low-lying land and quite near the borders of the National Capital Region, the source of the fresh catches from the sea. Early dawn in the Malabon port area starts with the whispers of fish suppliers and market sellers. People whisper their bid for the day and whoever gives the highest bid gets to take the dealer’s fish supply. Such an odd and interesting way of trading has been handed down from generation to generation, bringing food to tables and making life possible in the metropolis.
5. Art galleries and more
Filipinos are not just hardworking, they are also very artistic, so take a look at some of the things that they work on and how their artistry helps to provide them a living. The colorful works, with intricate designs from the past to contemporary, are showcased, even in other countries. Bring one home from your recent travels!
The Drawing Room
Facebook: The Drawing Room
Light and Space
Facebook: Light and Space
Angel Cacnio's Art Gallery
Angel Cacnio’s Art Gallery is temporarily closed, please check online for updates
6. Fun in the park
I am quite an adventurous person, and what curbs my adrenaline rush is a feeling of belonging. While human beings are empowered to do things beyond their instincts, we are not at all superhumans and just a touch of nature brings us to that quiet place. Malabon was formerly known as “Tambobong”, or “bamboo shoots” and this reminds me of the nature I am always wanting to keep in touch with.
The People’s Park is a place where families can get together and have fun with the kids and perhaps run around. This is where “zumba” sessions are also held and where young and old keep up with the need to stay healthy.
7. Tantalizing treats
At the end of the day, what always makes travel complete, is a good snack. Malabon is known for a lot of food and delicacies and especially their noodle dish which is commonly known as “pancit malabon” or “pancit luglug.”
Nanay's Pancit Malabon
Address: 37 Governor Pascual Avenue, Malabon City, Metro Manila
Contact: +63 2 2810449
Norma's Pansit Malabon
Address: 24 L. R. Yangco St., Navotas, Navotas City
Facebook: Norma’s Pansit
8. Baked bangus
Bangus is commonly known in laymen’s terms as milkfish. The usual preparation for this dish is either frying the fish, broiling it or making it into a soup. But in Malabon, one of the best ways the locals prepare milkfish is baking it. The soft white fish, with all the spices just melts in the mouth with no fishy taste. A must try!
Red Palmas Restaurant
Address: Panghulo Road, San Vicente, Malabon City
Contact: +63 32 2771203
9. Crepes and coffee
A little break from pasta or noodle dishes is a good idea, too. Cups N Cones offers the most sumptuous cone crepes and coffee in Malabon. If you need a quick, sugary pick-me-up, this is the place.
Cups N Cones
Address:247 General Luna Street, Conception, Malabon
Contact: +63 2 294 2194
Facebook: Cups N Cones
10. Kakanin
A good meal always has a sweet ending. Kakanin is ground sticky rice that is mixed with other ingredients for flavor. The soft texture and light sweetness of this delicacy are quite appealing to the taste buds.
Dolor's Kakanin
Address: 19 Governor Pascual Ave., Concepcion, Malabon City
Facebook: Dolor’s Kakanin
Experience Malabon
We all come in different packages and we all look at things from different points of view, but as I pass through different cities, I notice how we all bring with us our different life experiences.
Historical and heritage houses are but a reminder that one who has been conquered can be a conqueror in time and that we always need to look back and preserve the most beautiful remnants of what once was. Finally, life is only a wonderful journey when we can taste amazing history, culture and art in front of us as if it is served on a platter. Discover a new you in Malabon!