Bundok ng alimango, pinagkaguluhan sa Lanao del Norte! | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

The Alimango Festival in Lala, Lanao del Norte, is a vibrant celebration showcasing the bounty of local crab harvests. The festival features an awe-inspiring 'Alimango Mountain,' a towering mound of crabs, drawing crowds eager to partake in the feast. Alongside the crab mountain, a cooking contest highlights local delicacies like crab dishes, from ginataang alimango to kalderetang alimango. The event celebrates the region’s rich culinary traditions and the hardworking fishermen and farmers of the coastal barangays. Known as the crab capital of Lanao del Norte, Lala continues to promote its unique seafood offerings, bringing the community together in joyous celebration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Alimango Festival in Lala, Lanao del Norte celebrates the local harvest of crabs, a key part of the region's identity and economy.
• 😀 The highlight of the festival includes the creation of the 'Alimango Mountain,' a massive pile of cooked crabs weighing over 1,000 kg and containing around 10,000 crabs.
• 😀 The Alimango Mountain becomes a tourist attraction, with locals eagerly taking part in the 'free-for-all' event to collect crabs from the mountain.
• 😀 The event draws large crowds, with people bringing sacks and even rice to enjoy the crabs directly from the mountain.
• 😀 Local officials, farmers, and fishermen work together to prepare the crabs for the festival, ensuring a fresh and delicious feast for the attendees.
• 😀 In addition to the Alimango Mountain, a cooking contest is held with local barangays competing with their unique crab dishes, showcasing the variety of flavors and recipes from the area.
• 😀 Aling Agripina from Barangay Pasita wins the cooking contest with her dish 'Ginataang Alimango with Kalabasa,' which is praised for its fresh ingredients and rich coconut milk.
• 😀 Mary Gene of Barangay Rawan participates with her entry, 'Kalderetang Alimango,' highlighting the local love for hearty, flavorful dishes.
• 😀 Gloria from Barangay Kabasagan introduces 'Egg Crab Chili,' a budget-friendly dish that is both savory and spicy, adding diversity to the competition.
• 😀 The Alimango Festival not only promotes the local cuisine but also strengthens community ties, as families, officials, and businesses collaborate to showcase their cultural heritage.
• 😀 Lala is recognized as the 'Alimango Capital of Lanao del Norte,' with each barangay having designated areas to sell their freshly caught crabs, making the festival a crucial part of the local economy.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Alimango Festival in Lala, Lanao del Norte?

The Alimango Festival in Lala celebrates the abundance of local blessings, particularly the plentiful crabs (alimango), which are a key product of the area. It is an opportunity to appreciate the region's agricultural and fishing products while engaging in fun, community-based activities.

How is the Alimango Mountain created, and what is its purpose?

The Alimango Mountain is a large mound made up of thousands of crabs, created by the local officials and community members during the festival. It serves as a major attraction, drawing tourists and locals who can take part in gathering the crabs for free, making it both a spectacle and a source of local enjoyment.

How long has the tradition of building the Alimango Mountain been celebrated?

The tradition of building the Alimango Mountain has been celebrated for 17 years in Lala, Lanao del Norte.

What role do local officials play during the Alimango Mountain creation?

Local officials actively participate in the creation of the Alimango Mountain by helping carry coolers and baskets filled with crabs. They work together to set up the mountain, ensuring it becomes a visual and participatory centerpiece of the festival.

How many crabs were estimated to make up the Alimango Mountain, and how much did it weigh?

The Alimango Mountain was made up of approximately 10,000 crabs, weighing over 1,000 kilograms, and standing around 5 feet tall.

Why do people flock to the Alimango Mountain during the festival?

People flock to the Alimango Mountain because the crabs are available for free, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere where locals and visitors eagerly rush to gather as many crabs as they can.

What are some of the cooking competitions held during the festival?

During the festival, a cooking contest is held where representatives from different barangays compete by preparing crab-based dishes. Examples include Aling Agripina's ginataang alimango with kalabasa and Mary Gene's kalderetang alimango.

How did Aling Agripina win the cooking contest?

Aling Agripina won the cooking contest with her ginataang alimango with kalabasa, which she attributes to using fresh ingredients and the secret touch of her grandmother’s recipe.

What is the role of crabs in the local economy of Lala, Lanao del Norte?

Crabs, particularly from the coastal barangays, are a significant part of the local economy in Lala. The festival highlights the importance of crabs, and they are sold by local fishermen, contributing to both the local market and the cultural identity of the region.

What is the traditional way of preparing crabs for the festival?

Crabs are often boiled first, then the meat is extracted and placed back into the crab shells for dishes like relleno (stuffed crab). This preparation allows for easy serving and consumption during the festival.