AMULUNG, Cagayan: The native cake “linubian,” which is prepared with a large mortar and pestle (al-o and al-song) and is a favorite snack in the countryside during the olden times, has been highlighted at the Linubian Festival, one of the events in the month-long 439th Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration, held at the agri-tourism center in Anquiray village here on June 27. With the theme “Ayat a minuli ti Linubian” (Love that Linubian nurtured),” the native cake-making had been the bonding time of youth and couples in the early years while showing endearment with their partners. Linubian, a Filipino word that means “mashed” or “crushed,” is made of minced cassava or banana, and is spiced with grated coconut, sugar, margarine and condensed milk. Others also add various food colors and other ingredients. Twenty-one rural improvement and 4H clubs in the province prepared their food entry for the contest. Lawyer Mabel Villarica-Mamba, the 439th Aggao Nac Cagayan celebration chairman, lauded the advocacy and industry of villagers in promoting local delicacies like linubian. “The stories behind the Linubian making are exciting as these depict the culture and inspiration of the Cagayanos,” she said. The Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Libertad in Abulug town was adjudged champion with a P30,000 prize. Its linubian has four ingredients as toppings, which include cheese, sesame seeds, sweetened grated coconut, and solid coconut curds. Its linubian was mixed with coconut milk and butter and a minced ube or water yam on its center. The 4H Club-Lal-lo took second prize with P25,000 with its linubian innovation that includes toppings of grated mango and calamansi. Santa Teresita’s RIC took third place with a P20,000 prize with its toppings of grated coconut and a designed heart symbol to depict the theme. Consolation prizes worth P5,000 each were given to non-winning entries. The theme portrayal was won by 4H Club-Lal-lo with P15,000 while second and third place winners were RIC-Aparri (P10,000 prize)and RIC-Tuao (P5,000), respectively.