The Guinayangan Republic

Alimasag’s life cycle is dependent on estuarine, a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. It is not strictly marine as it commonly enters estuaries for food and shelter. Ragay Gulf is one of the best example of this kind of habitat.

Not surprisingly, Alimasag has become intertwined with the gastronomy, economy, and the culture of the people of Guinayangan, a coastal town owing its foundation from this mighty gulf.
Alimasag have become the most recognizable icon of Guinayangan, more identified than coconut. The people here enjoy and utilize this most endeared and highly patronized seafood. As a table fare for them and for their visitors, and most importantly as the livelihood of the fisher folks who catch it. When all aspects were factored in, alimasag has contributed a great impact in this town. It serves as the leading tourist attraction for seafood lover.

Guinayanganin knows how to make the best tasting alimasag on the planet. With their expertise, cook it alive if you wanted it sweet and rich. It is compulsory to hear the moving agony of the crabs inside the casserole while the heat is in full blast. Animal activist must be in pain while reading this article, but this is the best way to get the heavenly taste of this gastronomical fare. By the way, it’s logical to position the crabs on their back when steaming them or they will crawl out of the pot during the process.

Female crabs are most sought after than the male, because of the rich and tasty fats called aligue inside their body. Especially those "Pregnant" which carry fertilized eggs under their abdomen. Some prefer the males for its juiciness and not so firm meat claws. And also it doesn’t have aligue, presuming less of a calorie bomb.

Male crabs can be distinguished from females by the shape of the abdomen. The male has a T-shaped abdomen that is held tightly against the body until maturity, when it becomes somewhat free. The immature female has a triangle-shaped abdomen that is tightly sealed against the body. The mature female’s abdomen becomes rounded and can be easily pulled away from the body after the final molt.

It’s unlikely or very seldom in other places like Manila to buy this crustacean alive and feisty. The crabs often come dead, or recently deceased. Probably owing to their being caught from the sea and placed on ice for many hours before they make it to the city. Here in this town, you can buy the freshest (as fresh as -you can go straight home and cook it alive) and the cheapest (cause you can buy it directly from the crabbers beside the beach-where it caught) alimasag you’ve been craving for.




Ang Alimasag at Alimango

Nakaamoy si Ngongo ng pabango sa isang store.
Sabi ng Ngongo: "Ale, mango!"
Sagot ng Saleslady: "Pabango 'yan, hindi alimango!"
Sambit uli ng Ngongo: "Ale, mango!"
Nag-agawan si Ngongo at ang saleslady sa pabango. Nahulog ang pabango at
nabasag.
Sabi ni Ngongo: "Ale, masag!