The streets of Aborlan burst into life and color for the Rakudan Festival 2024, with the annual Lechon Parade at its heart. Imagine a parade, but with a delicious twist—46 beautifully decorated roasted pigs (lechon), each one a mouthwatering masterpiece representing the different barangays, private sectors, and organizations in the municipality. It was a celebration that not only delighted the eyes but also tantalized the taste buds.
The Sizzling Showstoppers
This year’s celebration saw lechon pigs dressed to impress, each showcasing unique and sumptuous designs. The festive atmosphere was palpable as these porky participants strutted their stuff down the streets. With every step, the aroma of roasted pork filled the air, making it impossible not to smile.
Barangay and Volunteer Category Winners:
- 1st Place: ATEC/AMLEC/ALPEC
- 2nd Place: Fisher Folk’s Association
- 3rd Place: Barangay Isaub
National and Provincial Agencies Category Winners:
- 1st Place: DepEd South
- 2nd Place: Western Philippines University
- 3rd Place: PNP, DTI, COMELEC
Special accolades were also given for Best in Food Arrangement, Orderliness on Food Distribution, and Cottage/Kubo. Kudos to ATEC/AMLEC/ALPEC and Western Philippines University for snagging these tasty titles!
Zumba Kabataan 2024: Dancing to the Beat of Youth
As part of Aborlan’s 75th Founding Anniversary, the energy was electric at Western Philippines University. Nearly 500 youths from various barangays participated in the Rakudan Festival’s Zumba Kabataan 2024. The competition was fierce, the movements swift, and the choreographies nothing short of spectacular.
Zumba Kabataan 2024 Winners:
- Champion: Barangay Isaub
- 1st Runner Up: Barangay Sagpangan
- 2nd Runner Up: Barangay Plaridel
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for bringing your A-game to the dance floor!
A Glimpse into Aborlan’s Vibrant History
Aborlan, officially the Municipality of Aborlan, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. With a population of 38,736 as per the 2020 census, this town has a rich and vibrant history. Once a municipal district, it became a municipality on June 28, 1949, thanks to Executive Order No. 232. Although it lost the barrios of Berong and Alfonso XII to the newly created town of Quezon in 1951, Aborlan remains the province’s only town with an agricultural college, now known as Western Philippines University, founded in 1910.
Etymology Mysteries
How did Aborlan get its name? There are a couple of interesting theories:
- Abelnan: Named after a legendary tree of the gods.
- A Boar Land: Coined by an American who exclaimed this upon seeing the wild boars in the area, eventually evolving into Aborlan.
The Rakudan Festival 2024, with its lively Lechon Parade and Zumba Kabataan, was a testament to Aborlan’s rich cultural tapestry and spirited community. Here’s to many more years of delicious, fun-filled celebrations in this vibrant municipality!
Enjoy the article and the festivities! If you have any more events or attractions you’d like to feature, feel free to share.
Photos credits to Municipality of Aborlan Facebook page
