GUINOBATAN, Philippines: About 10,000 pieces of bite-sized longganisa (a type of sausage) were served and eaten by hundreds of residents, students, and teachers during a boodle fight or food festival in Albay on Monday (Aug 10).
The fried, crispy sausages, along with fresh slices of cucumber and tomatoes, were laid on banana leaves on 500-metre-long tables along the streets in the town centre as part of the Longganisa Festival.
The annual boodle fight, now in its 10th year, has become one of the festival’s highlights, held every August to promote the town’s signature product.
Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said the event was also intended to help local longganisa makers and vendors earn additional income.
“This is our way of promoting our local product, which is highly patronized by Bicolanos and even by local and foreign tourists,” Ongjoco said.
For Norma Ortiola, 69, who joined the boodle fight for the first time, the event was an opportunity to share a meal with fellow residents.
“Food plus friends eating together is really an unforgettable experience,” she said.
Dorothy Colle, Albay tourism officer, said the Longganisa Festival had become a source of pride for the town and was helping boost tourism, particularly its gastronomic experience. - Philipppine Daily Inquirer/ANN
