Locals consume 25,000 longganisa in Albay fest

Residents and visitors feast on 25,000 pieces of longganisa in a boodle fight in Guinobatan, Albay staged by the local government to help increase the popularity of this famous viand. INQUIRER photo / Michael Jaucian, Inquirer Southern Luzon

GUINOBATAN, Albay—Upon hearing the sound of a siren, thousands of residents started eating 25,000 pieces of fried crispy longganisa (sausages) that were put on banana leaves on a boodle fight meal along the streets in this town’s center on Friday.

The boodle fight, which is now on its second year, serves as one highlight of the Longganisa Festival celebrated here every August, said Guinobatan Mayor Ann Ongjoco.

Aside from thousands of longganisa, residents also consumed 2,500 pieces of scrambled eggs, 1,500 sliced tomatoes, 1,000 pieces of fresh cucumber, and bowls of steamed rice that stretched for about 300 meters.

“This is our way of promoting our local product, which is highly patronized by Albayanos and even by local and foreign tourists,” Ongjoco said.

She explained further that by staging the boodle fight event, they are helping the local businessmen generate more income. /jpv