Spiky Caught Mussels in Camalig, Albay

I thought I will grow old without having this similar and worthwhile experience again.

On October 14, 2009, it was rainy and the water was high in danaw (lake) of Brgy. Tagaytay in Camalig, Albay. Without having second thought, I immediately said “Yes!”. 

Then I changed clothes.

First step, I felt the coldness of brown-colored water and the mud of the lake.

Several steps, my friend got one.

I cheered, “Igwa akong duwang bibe digdi.” “I got two bibe (freshwater mussel) here.”

After an hour of series of stepping deeper into the mud, we’re not contented of what we had in the yellow sack.

I kept on observing.

Then I used my hands while submerging into the water in reaching the base. I got more.

My other friend came to help us. Then we got more.

We’re done. Then I shivered and clicked still appreciating Mayon from the distance even it was partially blocked by the clouds and Mt. Santa Cruzan.

At my dearest friend’s home, we scraped the meat out from the shell and removed the muddy part. We boiled until it was soft enough to masticate.

I asked and he replied. “Ang pagluto ka ini ay crispy fry.” “The way it is cooked is crispy frying.” It was partnered with vinegar sauce with sprinkles of black pepper, and sliced red hot chili pepper.

I grabbed the chaser. Then he said, “Mana, mapuon na kita.” “Come on, let us start.”

Then we thanked Matador for giving us warmth.

Burp!