Native delicacies such as “lubi-lubi,” “suman,” “bibingka,” “bilo-bilo” and “dudol” took residents and visitors down memory lane during the opening of Batac City’s fiesta celebration at the Imelda Cultural Center on Friday.

In the Ilocano tradition, lubi-lubi calls for a convergence of friends, old and new.

Before the internet, mobile phones and computers, the making of lubi-lubi was one of the ways Ilocanos socialized as adults and young ones would team up for the elaborate process using boiled bananas or cassava, grated coconut, margarine or butter and sugar.

Lubi-lubi and the other native snacks are heirloom Ilocano recipes that practically gathered the community in the making process as well as in partaking of it.

“It is with pride and honor that we bring this up to you in recognition of our gastronomic heritage that we helped preserve through the years,” Mayor Albert Chua said as he opened the celebration in the Ilocos Norte town.

The “Salo-salo sa Merienda” (eating together) was participated in by all 43 barangays and farmers’ organizations in the city, preparing the specialty snacks for both visitors and locals to enjoy.

Aside from native snacks, Batac is also famous for its empanada, which is fried crusty bread with filling.

Despite the growing number of fast food chains and restaurants here, residents have been able to sustain and rekindle their rich culinary heritage.

Fiesta, Christmas and other celebrations are never complete without the native delicacies which have always impressed guests, especially the first-time visitors. (PNA)