Twelve years old, slimy, but aggressive–that’s the Arapaima, an interesting specie of fish, which surprised me when we visited El Puerto Marina Resort in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The giant tropical freshwater fish in front of the lobby wouldn’t be missed because of its size–six feet-long. Animal Planet even said that the “living fossil fish” can grow up to 10 feet. Mrs. Flor Verzosa, owner of the resort, told
us that they transferred their arapaimas from their petshop to the resort when it opened in 2006. A drop of small fish onto the pond created a splash as the arapaima responded to its hunger.
After taking the shot of the arapaima, I walked towards the native nipa hut built on top of bamboo stilts.
While walking, I saw some ducks swimming freely in the bigger fish pond, which has a sign saying: “Fishing is allowed.” Those who have a knack for fishing can rent a fishing rod for Php 50.00 and catch tilapia (St. Peter’s fish). Once you caught the tilapia, you may opt to have it cooked/grilled.
The four-hour trip from Manila to Lingayen made me sleepy. And when I saw our cozy room, it invited me to nap and rest.
CHASING the SUNSET
After two hours of rest, we walked towards the beach front and set foot on the powdery grayish sand which sways with the waves of the Lingayen Gulf. It was an afternoon of serenity.
The sun’s rays painted the sky orange, signaling its farewell. The locals said that sunset is best captured at the Limahong Channel, which was about 10 minutes away from El Puerto Marina Resort.
Limahong Channel, a part of the Agno River, was named after a Chinese pirate, Lim Hong, who escaped in Pangasinan after failing to seize Manila from the Spaniards in 1574.
We arrived just as the sun sought its refuge behind the mountains. Time was so fast. Nonetheless, we were fortunate to see the lifestyle of the fishermen waiting for their catch. Our boatman said that they were fishing for large shrimps or sugpo using the huge fishing rod and fishing net.
One wouldn’t think that the seemingly peaceful and simple life in the area was once challenged by time and circumstances. The river witnessed the battles brought by conquerors centuries ago and withstood them all.
River Cruising