The history of Pancit ng Taga Malabon dates back Spanish colonial era, from Impong Inay of the big Caligay clan of Navotas. What started out as a habit of bringing "pancit bame" to family reunions in Manila became an opportunity to open an eatery in 1911. It was only closed when no more Caligay clan member was enthusiastic to continue the
endeavor years after the Second World War. But in 1965, Im
pong Inay’s grandchildren revived the old business, this time in the far municipality of Marikina. From Impong Inay’s daughter, Emilia Buntan (married to Raymundo dela Cruz), came Jose, the eldest, who became a monsignor and Parish Priest of Marikina; Ismael; Rosa, the only girl and foundress of Pancit ng Taga Malabon chain of restaurants; Arsenio; and Pedro, who married Leonora Villegas of Malabon,and had nine children who promoted and developed the restaurant chain to its heights. No one ever thought of establishing eateries until Jose, saw the potential. They joined the late mayor Osmundo de Guzman and several key people in organizing the first major trade fair in Marikina. Several shoe stalls (which was an infant industry back then) were set and Rosa and cousins saw the need for a food booth. They established a food corner, selling “pancit bame” and thereby introduced the townspeople to the dish they started to call “Pancit ng Taga Malabon" and opened a small restaurant along the parish (side) Church. From 1966, when the first restaurant Pancit ng Taga Malabon was opened, several branches were developed one after the other. The first branch along Aurora Boulevard corner Harvard Street came two years later in 1968. At present, they have seven (7) branches. Now they have more than 70 branches to-date. This is attributed to the nine enterprising sons and daughters of Pedro and Leonora who took it to themselves to manage the branches. Now further expanding and the tradition being acquired by the 4th generation sons and daughters, Pancit ng Taga Malabon is set to stay and thrive in the hearts of the Filipinos from generation to generation.
