Zambo seeks record in longest ‘boodle fight’

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Soldiers and civilians will join forces to try and set a world record for the longest “boodle fight” today during the city’s weeklong fiesta. 

A kilometer-long table will be laid out on RT Lim Boulevard and Councilor Gerky Valesco, city tourism committee chairman, has asked authorities to temporarily close the seafront boulevard for the event.

“The event will showcase not only the possible longest ‘boodle fight’ but also boost the city’s reputation as the sardines capital of the country,” he said.

“Boodle fight” is military jargon for officers and soldiers eating together at a long table to show unity and boost morale.

Valesco said the “boodle fight” will start at 5 p.m. with the sounding of the city’s oldest giant buzzer.

Rice topped with sardines and mackerel will be served, he added.

Valesco said at least four to six canning companies based in the city have donated approximately 27,000 cans of sardines and mackerel for the event, dubbed as “Wow Sardines diaton este.”

While the adjudicators of the Guinness World Records would not be able to come, the city will document and authenticate the event and submit the documents to Guinness in London, he added.   – Roel Pareño