‘Laruk-Laruk’ Fest: Zambales town breathes life into a tradition

A hand tractor is decked with plants, local produce, and other ornaments as it joins the “Kuliglig Makeover” contest during the Laruk-Laruk” festival in Candelaria town, Zambales. (Contributed photo)

CANDELARIA, Zambales — A five-day festival in this northern town of the province rediscovered an almost forgotten local tradition of making “laruk-laruk” or rice crisps, authorities said Monday, Oct. 31.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., who hails from this town, said the festival, which began on Oct. 26 and ended on Monday, highlighted the town’s local culture, indigenous games, homegrown produce, and unique way of life.

“This is a rediscovery of the culture that defined us as Candelarians and Sambals, and we hope this will rekindle among the present generation an appreciation of local culture and ignite [a] love of our town and people,” Ebdane said in a statement.

According to Ebdane, the tradition of making laruk-laruk, or “pinipig” in Filipino, reflects the town’s tight community ties, such as the “pukot,” the practice of helping each other haul fishing nets along the shallows of the Uacon Cove.

Ebdane launched the Laruk-Laruk festival in 2012 with the support of the municipal government and the Uacon Cove Resorts & Residents Association.

The festival was a thanksgiving period after the palay harvest season.

“But you will notice that we have incorporated non-traditional elements into the festival formula so we can engage more audiences and promote Zambales as a tourist attraction,” Ebdane added.

This year, organizers staged a community fun run and a “Kuliglig Makeover” contest to allow farmers to decorate their hand tractors, the local farming workhorse, and turn them into floats.

Also, part of the festival was an agri-trade fair that featured local produce, the “Obra Zambaleño” art contest for local talents, and the “Sayawit” dance and singing competition.

A fun ride for bike enthusiasts, traditional Filipino games, sea-themed activities, a street dancing competition, a beauty pageant, a 4×4 challenge, and a motocross event also capped the five-day festivity. INQ

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