大きな池に建つ小屋の前で糸を垂れる。釣り人はひたすら待つのみ……。
Enjoy Tranquility by the big pond
ハックルベリー・フィンな気分で釣りを
マニラ首都圏はマカティ市やマニラ市、BGCがあるタギッグ市など16の市と１つの町、パテロスから構成されているというのは、皆さんご存じでしょう。しかし、マニラに長く住んでいても「1度も訪れるチャンスがない」という市はあるものです。マニラ首都圏北部にあるバレンズエラ市はまさにそんな市かもしれません。
そのようなところにこそ隠れ家的名所というのは存在するもので、バレンズエラ市にある「タガラグ・フィッシング・ビレッジ」は地元の釣り人に人気のスポットとなっています。自然の釣り場にしては施設が整っており、人工の釣り堀なのかと言えばあまりに自然豊か。池には沖に向かって橋が渡され、小屋が点在しています。その橋から狙うのはバグス（ミルクフィッシュ）、ヒト（ナマズ）、クリームドリー（パンガシウス）。フィリピンの食卓でおなじみの魚です。レンタル釣具は、竹の延べ竿に糸、針、エサはパン。ミミズなど生きたエサを触るのが苦手な人も安心です。
パンを水でこねてエサに
Kneaded bread with water for bait.
素朴な造りの小屋の前で、原始的な釣具を手に魚を釣る風景は、米国の小説「ハックルベリー・フィンの冒険」に出てくるシーンのよう。家族でハイキングに来たついでに、釣りでもやってみようかなという気持ちでやっていたら、思いがけない大物が釣れるかもしれません。
魚のアタリ？
Got a Bite?
Unwinding in Tagalag Fishing Village
Known as Valenzuela City’s “best-kept secret,” the Tagalag Fishing Village offers a taste of provincial life despite still being part of Metro Manila. Just like the name suggests, it is a place where freshwater fishing is prominent and has become popular among anglers and hobbyists around the Philippines. Surrounded by lush greenery and abundant with tilapia and bangus (milkfish) along with the occasional hito (catfish) and cream dory, the vast fishing pond supports livelihoods and provides food for the locals.
Several establishments in Tagalag like D’Cove Pavilion provide dedicated areas that let you focus on fishing. They are a popular place where you can choose any of their huts lined across the pond to settle down so that you can sit back and relax as you wait for the fish. Most anglers would bring their own gear but you can rent from them an ordinary bamboo rod and buy bread for bait if you just want to try it out. There are also minimal fees depending on the total weight and kind of fish you catch.
Apart from fishing, Tagalag has many restaurants that offer delicious food great for sharing with friends and family. It is also well-known to cyclists as a great place to unwind or take a rest, and to bird-watchers to see several species of birds.
壁一面に貼られた釣果の写真
Photographs of proud anglers and catches in D’Cove Pavillion.
Although popular in its niche and promoted as a tourist spot, it isn’t congested or bustling with energy. It is very peaceful in which the calm waters of the fishing pond give a sense of tranquility to anyone who visits. Whether you are a fellow angler, a bird watcher, a cyclist, or just someone who wants to take a stroll, The Tagalag Fishing Village is a place that welcomes you with the gentle breeze and the soft light of the sun.
D’Cove Pavilion
Location: 209 Tagalag Rd, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: PHP 70/head
Environmental Fee: PHP 20/head
Bait (Bread): PHP 30
Fishing Rod: PHP 30
Tilapia: PHP 100/kg
Cream Dory: PHP 120/kg
Bangus: PHP 130/kg
