Paoay Celebrates Tradition with Dudol-Making Fair During Guling-Guling Festival

PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE – The quaint town of Paoay buzzed with excitement and tradition on Monday as it hosted its annual dudol-making fair, a highlight of the Guling-Guling Festival. This event not only serves as a nod to the town’s rich cultural heritage but also as a unique attraction for both residents and visitors eager to delve into the local flavors and traditions.

According to Philippines News Agency, dudol, an Ilocano rice cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and fresh sugarcane juice, symbolizes the town’s deep-rooted traditions and culinary heritage. The delicacy’s origins trace back to before the Spanish colonization, influenced by Malay and Indian settlements along the coastal areas of the Ilocos region. The preparation of dudol, known for its meticulous and patient stirring over a slow fire until it reaches the perfect consistency, was showcased at the Sawang Bridge in Barangay Laoa, drawing attention from tourists and locals alike.

The Guling-Guling Festival, celebrated on the eve of Ash Wednesday, marks the final day of merriment before the Lenten season. It is a time when Paoay showcases its heritage, Asian influences, and, importantly, its culinary delights like dudol, which stands as a testament to the town’s vibrant cultural identity.

This year’s fair attracted a diverse crowd, including tourism students from across Ilocos Norte, returning residents, and local dignitaries, all keen to partake in the festivities and sample the traditional delicacy. Redge Acapuyan, a visitor from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, expressed excitement over the opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Paoay firsthand, highlighting the event’s ability to connect participants with the town’s historical and cultural roots through its culinary practices.

Local merchants, including Gemma Alegado, welcomed the festival as an opportunity for increased business, noting that tourists tend to purchase local products like Inabel, a locally-woven cloth, and cornick, a corn snack, as souvenirs. The festival not only boosts local commerce but also strengthens the community’s bond over shared traditions and heritage.