An Authentic Taste of Japan: Aki Oishi at Brgy. Coloong 2, Valenzuela City

If you have been to Japan, you more likely have fallen in love with their local cuisine other than their sakura blossoms, picturesque parks, and the very comfortable train rides. One Valenzuela can still remember how good the food was from their miso soup to their ramen and bento meals in a short trip that she had several months ago. 

Thus, it is indeed a welcoming treat to find Aki Oishi at Coloong II. It is owned by the Sato family, led by Chef Aki, and is on its ninth month of serving wonderful Japanese dishes. It has become popular to many Valenzuela residents looking for authentic Japanese cuisine. Their menu is pretty extensive for they have several starters, maki, sushi, donburi, gyoza, sashimi, shoyu and miso ramen, a variety of bento meals, burgers, tempura and takoyaki platters. They also have milkshakes and kakigori (shaved ice) for dessert.

Aki Oishi's red door invitingly welcomes everyone to sample their dishes.

Vibrant lanterns and kawaii food images greet and surround diners at Aki Oishi.

One particular dish that One Valenzuela really aimed to eat here was their Ise Ebi, or Japanese spiny lobster. Eating lobster has been sitting in her bucket list for so long since it is quite expensive, reaching Php1,500 to Php3,000 a piece at Seaside Macapagal. Who would have known that a Japanese restaurant in Coloong would offer such wonderfully baked lobsters?

The lobster takes some time to cook and so ordering something else on the menu will help you tide over your hunger pangs. One Valenzuela also got a few more staples to eat together with her group. One Valenzuela has eaten a ton of california maki in several places within and outside the city and she has to say that Aki Oishi's california maki is highly recommended. On the other hand, their bowl of hot miso ramen is quite big and is good for sharing (as what they did). The texture of the noodles is smooth, chewy, and renders a firm bite. Very Japanese. 

Do not miss ordering some california maki at Aki Oishi. (Php60 for 4 pcs.; Php120 for 8pcs.) 

A bowl of miso ramen can already be shared by two hungry Valenzuelanos. (Php190.00)

The ebi tempura bento meal and lobster dish eventually followed. The bento meal was bigger than what One Valenzuela expected. The set includes some egg soup, veggies, nicely fried ebi tempura, rice, and a scoop of what she believes is chocolate ice cream. The lobster dish was the showstopper! It was nicely baked with creamy bechamel sauce and topped with some melted mozzarella cheese.

The ebi tempura bento meal will leave you with a very happy tummy. (Php195.00)

Aki Oishi's baked Japanese spiny lobster. The one in the photo is worth Php750.00. Aki Oishi also has small ones which are priced at Php250.00 (200grams).

Dining at Aki Oishi was another great opportunity to experience good food with fantastic people in tow. The Land of the Rising Sun may be around two thousand miles away from the Philippines but through Aki Oishi, Valenzuelanos can recreate their own little Japan experience without leaving home.

Gochisousama deshita.

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Aki Oishi
Address: #198 Coloong 2, Valenzuela City
Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30am-10:00pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact number: (02)277-0662 / (0975)789-3667 (accepts reservation)
Like Aki Oishi on Facebook here for updates on their menu and more.

How to get to Aki Oishi via public transportation: 

From Brgy. Malinta along McArthur Highway, ride a jeepney going to Malanday (Php7.00). Then take any of the following options:
Option 1: Look for the terminal of jeepneys going to Paco. Ask the driver to drop you at Brgy. Coloong II (Php7.00). Then ride a pedicab to reach Aki Oishi (Php10.00).
Option 2: Ride a tricycle at Malanday. Give the exact address of Aki Oishi. (Estimate: Php36.00-40.00 for a special ride)

Fish frenzy!: Fishing at Aling Nene's Pond, Coloong I, Valenzuela City

Video: Aling Nene's Pond

One of the many things that One Valenzuela appreciates about her home city is the ease of having access to bodies of  freshwater. For her, these render a "province like" environment. Thus, given the opportunity to go on a short break (#thankyouAPEC), there is no more reason not to go fishing. 

It has been a while since One Valenzuela held a fishing rod again. After browsing the web for some knot tying review, off she went to Aling Nene's Pond (ANP). You can easily get to the said fishing grounds located at Coloong I (see instructions below).

Anglers at Aling Nene's Pond.

Luckily, One Valenzuela was able to meet Aling Nene in person. She said that ANP was just a freshwater pond then where they grow fish for a living in the 1980's. They eventually converted it to a fishing spot for enthusiasts. According to Aling Nene, there were even individuals from Mandaluyong and Cavite who go to ANP to fish. Additionally, One Valenzuela also saw several Japanese who were casting their reels on that same day.  

Aling Nene looks on. Salamat po!

One Valenzuela realized several convenient points on why many are fishing at Aling Nene's Pond. To name a few: (1) there are huts which you can rent for half or a whole day (Php400 for smaller huts; Php800 for bigger huts, rates as of this writing); (2) there is a canteen which serves good meals and drinks that you can bring to your hut; (3) there are several boys who will assist you (like in instances where, being a newbie, you cannot figure out how to set up your rod); (4) fish bait (masa and worms) can be bought from Php20 to Php50; (5) a grilling area is present; and (6) a comfort room is available. Do take note that you have to bring your own fishing equipment. On the other hand, nets for your catch can be borrowed.  

Fishing for tilapia (St. Peter's fish), bangus (milkfish), and apahap (Barramundi).

Breath in some fresh air. Relax and look at the still waters. Reel in fish.

At the end of the day, your catch will be weighed. Payment varies, depending on the type and weight of the fishes. In the afternoon, One Valenzuela saw some with ayungin to bring home other than tilapia and bangus. As One Valenzuela packed her bag which is now a kilo heavier, a new set of anglers came in to get some Barramundi with their live baits.  

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"Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers." - Herbert Hoover

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How to Reach Aling Nene's Pond:

It is quite easy to reach Aling Nene's Pond via private or public transportation from Malanday, McArthur Highway by following the guide map below. If commuting, there is a tricycle terminal at Malanday which can bring you directly to Aling Nene's Pond. 

Address: 675 Cabeza C. Porciuncula St., Coloong I, Valenzuela City, Philippines (from Facebook)

Fishing hours: 6:00am to 5:00pm daily (from Facebook)

Like Aling Nene's Pond on Facebook here.

Guide to reach Aling Nene's (From Aling Nene's Pond FB page) 

Want to read more about fishing in Valenzuela City? Check out One Valenzuela's past fishing escapes here:
Kap. Larry's Pond (Post 1 Click Here) (Post 2 Click Here)
Fun Fishing Tournament Experience (Click Here to Read)
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5th Fun Fishing Tournament at Kap. Larry's Pond in Coloong I, Valenzuela City

Beginning One Valenzuela's Day of Fishing

As early as 4:30 in the morning, One Valenzuela is already at the back seat of the family car with her father and siblings. They woke up and started their day early in time for the 5th Fun Fishing Tournament at Kap. Larry's Pond. They were rushing for the walk in registration because her  Tatay and two brothers have not signed up yet. One Valenzuela and her sister already got their names listed at the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development Office located at the New Valenzuela City Hall Complex.

There were already many private cars and vans parked at the provided area for vehicles. The registration area was full of anglers waiting for their names to be called. A sticker with a number was given to each participant.

Anglers waiting for their names to be called

One Valenzuela's Number is 165

Good thing, Tatay and her two brothers came just in time for the registration. That was indeed a great relief! Striped plastic bags were then given after. It contained a red long sleeved shirt, a sandwich, binalot (rice with chicken and red egg wrapped in banana leaves and paper), and a bottle of water. Not bad at all for a Php100 registration fee.

Show me your back!

Little sister helping a group take their photo

After getting their kits, One Valenzuela's group proceeded to the holding area to wait for the boat ride. Kap. Larry's Pond is quite big. Several stations are like small islands.

One Valenzuela's group is next in line.

See that!?!

 On their way to "Back to Back"

What's the Catch?

One Valenzuela's group got down at a place they call "Back To Back". It is among the "islands" in the pond. Here, they set up their gears and waited for the gun start.

Almost everyone is catching the right fish for the competition: bangus (Milk fish) and tilapia (St. Peter's fish). One Valenzuela saw the much experienced anglers reel in big milk fiishes and quite a number of medium sized St. Peter's fishes.They use masa as bait since the fishes there were used to eating that.

Some milk fish / bangus action!

Well, One Valenzuela tried both masa and worms. She is a bit luckier with worms--but caught biya/bia and ayungin instead. Oh, and one juvy tilapia.

Last time, One Valenzuela got 2 tilapias in one line.

Now it is time for some hooked ayungin!

One Valenzuela's Biya catch / Long Finned Goby. She is quite proud of this one.

Tatay's photo op with the first catch at "Back to Back"

 One Valenzuela's brother got a bit lucky and caught a medium sized milk fish. Hooray!

Astig!

It's hot but they still managed to smile for the shot.

Who Won the 5th Fun Fishing Tournament?

At around 1 p.m., One Valenzuela and her group proceeded back to Station 1/ Base of Kap. Larry's Pond because of the scorching heat of the sun (hallucinations of halo-halo are already filling One Valenzuela's mind). As time went on, other anglers came also with their catch for the day. The big St. Peter's fishes as well as the milk fishes were weighed after.

Returning to Station 1

Weigh In

While watching the exciting weigh in of big fishes, One Valenzuela roamed around and took pictures. Never knew she would finally meet Coloong's Legend, Kap. Larry.

Coloong Bikers

Kap. Larry (in blue)

A draw was done before the awarding of winners.

The prizes of the biggest catch are as follows: 1st-Php5,000.00; 2nd-Php3,000.00; 3rd-Php2,000.00. Each angler who won also got a trophy and a gift pack.

Laid down my other cellphone for comparison in size.

The winners of the Biggest Bangus Catch: Antero Antonio, Ipe Soriano, Sanny Cruz
The winners of the Biggest Tilapia Catch: Jun Duplon, Teng Reyes, Abraham Tantingco

Cool trophies

1st Place - Milk fish Category

1st Place - Tilapia Category

The winners of the Milk Fish Category with Cong. Rexlon Gatchalian

The winners of the Tilapia Category with Cong. Rexlon Gatchalian

Congratulations to all the winners! And to every Valenzuelano, have fun fishing in the city!

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How to reach Kap. Larry's Pond at Coloong I, Valenzuela City:

Kindly read the article "Kap. Larry's Pond at Brgy. Coloong, Valenzuela City: One Valenzuela's First Fishy Visit" for the instructions via public transportation.

Kap. Larry's Pond at Brgy. Coloong, Valenzuela City: Baits, Hooks, Fishing Rods and More

One Valenzuela went to Kap. Larry's Pond to practice fishing with a rod and reel last Tuesday and this Saturday. Hubby accompanied her on Tuesday (Fish Tally-Hubby: 2, One Valenzuela: 3) while her Tatay, siblings, and Marjon were with her on the second trip (Fish Tally- Tatay: 2, Little Brother:0, Little Sister: 1, Marjon: 3, One Valenzuela: 5). Take note that most of the fishes that they caught were young adults/juvies. For beginners like One Valenzuela, one hooked fish is more than enough to keep her casting.

Here are a few photos and videos she took on those two days:

Patiently waiting for the bite

This guy got a big one. No rod, no reel!

An ayungin! (Silver fish)

Tilapia catch

A boat

Putting bait on a hook

Some grilling action

Worm fishing

Paolo-Jhay C Tandem

Masa made of hopia

Tilapia!

Tatay's photo opportunity with a milkfish

This guy got the milkfish above

Two fishes on one line!

My baby bia. Released after the photo op.

Tatay on fishing at Kap. Larry's

Half a kilo of Tilapia (Php40)

Looking all positive for a catch

A Few Fishy Learnings:

• Patience is the key to a successful fishing experience.
• Know your rod and reel parts. 
• When casting a line, do not throw your rod like a pitching baseball player (180 degrees). Someone advised One Valenzuela to cast the line up to the 12 o'clock position.
• It is not unusual for a beginner to hook grass, tree leaves, and yourself on your first fishing try out.
• Different sizes of hooks, different types of catch.
• Bring a net for your catch. One Valenzuela and hubby used a plastic bag as an improvised net but the tilapia moved around and bore some holes on the plastic, thus draining the water inside.
• Bring baits for the fish but also bring something for your tummy.
• Bring extra hooks, line, and swivels.
• Ask experience individuals on fishing. 
• And then again, patience is the key to a successful fishing experience. 

Have fun fishing!

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How to reach Kap. Larry's Pond: 

Kindly read the article "Kap. Larry's Pond at Brgy. Coloong, Valenzuela City: One Valenzuela's First Fishy Visit" for the instructions via public transportation.

Thank you for reading this article!

Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa? 

Kindly leave a comment or suggestion below. Every comment is deeply appreciated.

Kap. Larry's Pond at Brgy. Coloong, Valenzuela City: One Valenzuela's First Fishy Visit

The signage about the 5th Fun Fishing Tournament on the community bulletin board definitely tickled One Valenzuela's "Happy Feet" instinct. She has never been to Coloong and the generic invitation of the tournament seemed to be the sign she has been waiting for from the heavens.

5th Fun Fishing Tournament at Coloong, Valenzuela City

From Malinta, she rode a jeepney going to Malanday at around 2 o'clock in the afternoon. From Malanday, Kap. Larry's Pond is just a quick tricycle ride away. 

Almost there!

Since One Valenzuela does not own a fishing rod (Translation: She has never tried fishing before.), she courteously asked the person in charge that afternoon if she can just take a look at the place, snapping photos here and there. Gladly, he said "Opo, Ma'am" (Yes, Ma'am). Later on, One Valenzuela learned that the person she has spoken to is JC Montemayor (Jhay C/JC, hope the spelling is right), a graduate of Valenzuela City's local university.

Kap. Larry's Fish Pond Rates

Upon entry, One Valenzuela saw several cottages by the pond's bank (pilapil). There were many trees which offer shade to those patiently luring fishes with their worm and masa baits. And yes, the gentle breeze definitely gave coolness against the hot summer heat.

Cottages at Kap. Larry's Pond

A shot from one of the cottages. Cottage rate: Php300-500.

 The pavilion can be seen from a far

Breezy day at Kap. Larry's Pond

There were a few individuals casting their lines on a pond near the entrance of Kap Larry's. The area where bigger fishes can be caught is closed in time for the tournament which will take place on the 20th this April.

Casting a line

Masa,a type of bait, can be seen in this photo as a lump of dough on the bamboo end.

The fishes that you catch will later on be weighed. They got an ayungin here.

So serene

According to Paolo, he sometimes sees some individuals selling masa, a type of bait made of flour and bread, at Php30 and cups of worms at Php20. JC said that one can rent their pavilion for special events. You can also grill your catch from the pond at the available grilling stations. 

Grill your catch!

Regie, Melanie, Faith, Jen, Paolo, and JC

One Valenzuela would like to thank a group of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela graduates (see photo above) for making her visit more lively and fun. She is already thinking of trying her hand on fishing soon after the many stories they have shared.
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How to reach Kap. Larry's Fish Pond (via public transportation):

From Malanday, McArthur Hiway, ride a tricycle (red) at the COTODA/Malanday Terminal (Php12 per head; Php36 special ride). 

Brgy. Malanday. The terminal of tricycles going to Coloong is just at the right of  7-Eleven.

Tricycles at the terminal.
Photo is quite dim since One Valenzuela took the shot when she  was on her way home.

COTODA

The tricycle will be traversing M.H. Del Pilar Road and will turn right at Coloong I Road.

Coloong 1 Road, Valenzuela City

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The 5th Fun Fishing Tournament will take place on the 20th of April 2013, Saturday. Directly quoting from the announcement in Valenzuela City's Official Website: 

"Download Registration Forms at www.valenzuela.gov.ph Forms also available at the CULTURAL AFFAIRS & TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Ground Floor, Executive Building, Valenzuela City Hall For Inquiries, contact 352.1000 local 1825 or 293.8486 Look for Mr. Gerry Malabanan or Ms. Eunice Serrano FUN FISHING TOURNAMENT 2013 April 20, 2013, Saturday, 6:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Kap. Larry’s Pond, Barangay Coloong It’s more FUN Fishing in Valenzuela!"
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Thank you for reading this article! For more photos and videos, kindly read another article about One Valenzuela's second and third trips at Kap. Larry's Pond.
Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa? 
Kindly leave a comment or suggestion below. Every comment is deeply appreciated.