VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The city government of Vigan in set to launch its 101 Ways to Cook Longganisa cookbook in the 10-day celebration of the festival celebrating this city’s foundation.

Edred Piamonte, head of the City Events Promotions and Protocols Office (CEPPO), was elated to announce this during an interview for the Ammuentayo radio program Tuesday, Jan. 9.

He said, “It’s a book compiled from the Longganisa cookfests that we’ve had through the years. So, it is complete with hors d'oeuvre, soup, main course, and dessert.”

“We will launch this in the morning of Jan. 22, the cityhood day, all winners and the recipes that we find delicious are featured in the cookbook," he added.

He said that after the initial release of the book, it will be for sale to also serve as a souvenir  for tourists.

Apart from this, the city’s festival committee also prepared various activities that will run from the Jan. 18-27.

Another new highlight of the Longganisa Festival is the first-ever Banaoang Marathon which will cover an approximately 12-kilometer track from the Banaoang Bridge at the boundary of Santa and Bantay to the Plaza Burgos in Vigan City.

This will be held on Jan. 21 which will be followed by the LGBTQIA+ Day with three activities namely the symposium at the Vigan Conservation Complex, and the Community Alay Gupit, and the Got Talent and fashion show both at the said plaza.

This year’s celebration will also mark the introduction of the Vigan Food Festival, an upgrade from the usual food and trade fair that the city government holds.

“It will be open in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. until around 11:00 p.m. located between the Plaza Burgos and the Metropolitan Cathedral,” Piamonte said.

The annual activities such as the Search for Miss Vigan, Dog and Cat Fun Day, Longganisa Street Dance Showdown, Pinaka-Livestock contest, Education Day, and Social Services Night will also be conducted within the 10-day festivity.

He explained that the festival will benefit the economy in the city as it will have a domino effect wherein more tourists staying entails more livelihood for the Bigueños.

“We invite everyone to the Longganisa Festival, the details are posted on our Facebook page Vigan City PH, and if you have queries please message us through messenger,” he said. (JCR/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)