Travelers know that in every place, there are hidden treasures that are bound to remain unnoticed unless you know they’re there. That’s why they’re called “hidden” treasures, right? (It sounds redundant because a treasure is supposed to be hidden). But let’s not get lost in the words.

Going through the streets of Malabon is not really something that any traveller would relish, especially during the rainy season. The flooded streets get worse when the rain pours during high tide. It seems that global warming and the rising ocean levels are slowly eating up the low-lying Malabon.

Governor Pascual Avenue is nothing spectacular. Well, you’ll find the LTO office along the road and the courts nearby, but nothing extraordinary. At the end of Gov. Pascual Avenue is Barangay Concepcion, where you’ll find one of the better crispy pata, in my opinion. That, however, is another story.

By now, you’re surely wondering what’s that picture doing in a travel blog. It isn’t spectacular. Very true, but that’s the whole point of this post — there are many food stops along Gov. Pascual Avenue that you would simply pass by if you don’t know they’re there. That photo is the entrance of Nanay Pancit Malabon, where you order authentic Pancit Malabon.

Just across the street of Nanay Pancit Malabon is the nondescript sign of Arny-Dading’s Peachy-Peachy. Up the road is Dolor’s Kakanin and Mommy’s. If you’ve seen branches somewhere else, they all started here.

Who is Arny, Dading and Peachy? Ahhh, the confusion is understandable. Once upon a time I was as confused. I didn’t know of Peachy-Peachy until a few years ago when I discovered Malabon. Peachy-Peachy is a variety of cassava cake. It’s soft and yellowish. It tastes great, especially with the liberal sprinkling of cheese on top. If you don’t agree with my assessment about Peachy-Peachy being delicious, then you haven’t tasted Arny-Dading’s Peachy-Peachy.

(How to get to Gov. Pascual Avenue? Drive towards Monumento then turn right from EDSA to MacArthur Highway, then after around 500 meters, turn left towards the Malabon Zoo at the Potrero Elementary School to your left. Just follow that long road then you’re on your way. Enjoy.)