A group of Bulakenyo runners enjoyed fishing in backyard ponds after jogging along the long road of Sitio Gulod in the village of San Vicente, in Santa Maria, Bulacan early Wednesday dawn, Sept. 14.
Joggers Nikko Fernando, 20, and Nora Bautista said that once a week the group passes by the backyard ponds of their relatives in the village to catch catfish that they will cook for their breakfast.
Fernando said fishing is his father's favorite as it is a good exercise for their hands and shoulders.
"Araw-araw ay nakaugalian na nilang gumising nang maaga at sabay-sabay silang tumatakbo sa mahaba at paliku-likong daan ng aming barangay. Kaya napanatili nila ang kanilang sigla, lakas, talas ng pag-iisip, taus sa pusong pagmamahal sa pamilya at sa mga kapitbahay (Everyday they wake up early to jog together along the long and winding road in the village. That’s why they maintain their vitality, strength, sharp thinking, and love to their family and neighbors)," Fernando said.
Bautista said the favorite dish of the joggers is the crispy fried catfish.
"Masarap, malinamnam at masustansya ang alagang hito, at napakalinis, (The catfish are delicious, tasteful, and nutritious, and very clean),” she added.
Bautista shared that the perfect time for catfish fishing is in the early morning wherein the water is cold and the fish are above the middle of the water.
She added that it is also advised to catch catfish late in the evening because the water is likewise much colder.
Bautista said that during the hot and sunny days, the catfish stays in the deepest part of the pond to stay away from the heat and is hard to set bait.