Laoag City bids for Guinness world record for ‘longest boodle fight’

 

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Laoag City—This city is poised to establish a new record in the Guinness Book of World Records as it attempted to set up the longest boodle fight ever with its famed Ilokano pinakbet and igado as main course.

Pinakbet originated from the Ilokano word “Pinakebbet” which means to shrivel or dry up. It symbolizes the Ilocano’s frugal yet healthy lifestyle, mixing all ingredients composed of whatever in season indigenous vegetables such as long beans, eggplant, bittermelon, 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 five kilometers to feed thousands of guests, visitors and locals got underway on Feb. 27, 2015, which served as the culmination of the month-long Pamulinawen festival here.

Reviving the spirit of bayanihan and volunteerism, all of the city’s 80 barangays, including various non-government organizations here shared in the crafting of bamboo tables, food preparation and setting of food.  

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

The Laoag City Government led by Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas 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.

The long line of tables stretched from Laoag’s main thoroughfares from 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 met 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,” Ms. Farinas said.

The boodle fight also serves as a prelude and a most fitting opening salvo that heralds the 50^th golden anniversary of Laoag's cityhood on June 19, 2015.