A 51-year-old former fish vendor in Mangaldan, Pangasinan has turned his love for ornamental fish into a profitable business.

What started as a hobby has now become a steady source of income for Kim Lee of Barangay Bari.

“Nagsimula ako sa betta, tapos nung pumunta ako [sa] pinsan ng asawa ko, binigyan ako ng anim na piraso. After ng dalawang linggo, nabuhay. Ayun, nag-success hanggang dumami,” Lee said.

He now breeds a variety of colorful species such as flowerhorn, betta fish, goldfish, and guppies.

Besides being a stress reliever, the business thrives in good weather, bringing in between P20,000 to P30,000 monthly.

Lee advises aspiring breeders to stay patient.

“Konting tiis lang, huwag ka lang mapikon. Tuloy-tuloy lang. Minsan kapag hinaluan mo ng katamaran, walang patutunguhan... Kailangan ituloy-tuloy mo lang,” he said.