World’s Longest Boodle Fight Set for Laoag Today

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (PNA) — Laoag is set to establish a niche in the Guinness Book of World Records Friday as it attempts to set up the longest boodle fight ever with its famed Ilokano “pinakbet” and “igado” as the centerpiece.

Pinakbet originated from the Ilokano word “Pinakebbet” which means to shrivel or dry up. It symbolizes the Ilokano’s frugal yet healthy lifestyle, mixing all ingredients composed of whatever in season indigenous vegetables such as long beans, eggplant, bitter gourd, okra, chili and tomatoes stewed with bagoong and garlic for its heavenly taste and aroma.

Igado, on the other hand, is a typical Ilokano favorite that goes well with a “meat and veggie” budget meal.

The longest boodle fight ever, measuring about five kilometers to feed thousands of guests, visitors and locals on Friday highlights the culmination of the month-long Pamulinawen festival in Laoag.

Reviving the spirit of bayanihan and volunteerism, all the 80 villages of Laoag City including various non-government organizations here participated in the preparation.

“The intention is to set a world record award that will promote not only the city but also its people,” Ramon Formantes, chief of the Laoag City media office said.

The Laoag City Government led by mayor Chevylle Farinas is on top of coordination with NGOs, village officials, city government employees, students, business entities and establishments, fraternities, motorcycle rider clubs, and all other sectors.

At about 3 p.m. today, the long line of tables stretch from Laoag’s main thoroughfares which will start at Rizal Avenue going westward to Ablan Avenue going up north to P. Gomez Street then eastward to Marina Dizon street, going southward towards Rizal Avenue then moving westward until it meets the starting point at the Aurora park.

“The boodle fight will show that regardless of status in life, all people get to eat in one table with the same food and using bare hands,” Farinas said. (PNA) FFC/LGA/EDS