In a celebration marking the return of the Pinangat Festival, the local government of Camalig in Albay province hosted a boodle fight on Friday, June 21, serving 3,000 pinangat dishes to residents, visitors, and tourists.
Pinangat: A Taste of Bicol
Pinangat–a specialty of the Bicol Region–is a dish made from taro leaves, chili, and meat, all stewed in coconut milk and wrapped in coconut leaves. Known for its rich flavor and spicy kick, pinangat has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Tim Florece, the spokesperson for the Camalig local government, mentioned that both regular and spicy versions of pinangat were purchased from local sellers for the event. "We bought the products to provide additional income and livelihood to our local producers, and at the same time, we are promoting our product to be known internationally," he said.
A Feast for the Community
The boodle fight, held on the streets, invited everyone to taste the delicious pinangat dishes. This communal feast was not only a celebration but also part of Camalig's efforts to support local producers and promote local cuisine. The event aligned with the Department of Trade and Industry's One Town, One Product initiative, which aims to promote local produce and boost local economies. By purchasing pinangat from local sellers, the local government ensured that the festival benefited the community economically.
Revival of Tradition
The Pinangat Festival, which began on June 10, had been on hiatus for the past four years due to the pandemic and the eruption threats from Mayon Volcano. The festival, which concludes on June 24, marks a significant return to tradition and normalcy for Camalig.
