MANILA — It was a momentous day for Malabuenos as the city broke the Guinness World Record for the Longest Line of Noodle Bowls using the local staple Pancit Malabon on Friday evening, March 21, at the Malabon Sports Center.

The Malabon city government invited 12 panciterias to the occasion, namely Josephine's Original Pancit Malabon, A Course by Chef A, Emma’s Pancit Malabon, Nelia’s and Lisa’s Special Halo-Halo, MFlores Pancit Malabon, Nanay’s Pancit Malabon, G1, and Dolores Pancit Malabon Bayan-Bayan and Concepcion branches.

According to a press release, they created a version of the dish that binds tradition and practicality as preparations were done outside near the venue at the Malabon Ampitheater.

This version of the dish used calamansi, red oil, crushed kropek, tinapa flakes, ground pepper, and fish sauce. 

Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said Pancit Malabon is not just a dish, but also the identity of the city. 

“This attempt reflects our community's unity and determination to put Malabon on the global culinary map,” she said in the press release.

LOCAL STAPLE FOOD

Pancit Malabon originated in, well, Malabon City. It is a rice noodle dish with a sauce made of shrimp broth, crab fat, annatto seeds for the color, and fish sauce to taste.

It is then topped with some shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, tinapa, shredded cabbage, and chicharon.

It is easily confused with Pancit Palabok. While their sauce is similar, the noodles and how they are served are the key differences between these dishes. 

Palabok uses thinner rice noodles and the sauce is usually served on top. On the  other hand, Pancit Malabon uses thicker rice noodles and the sauce is already mixed with the noodles. 

BREAKING THE WORLD RECORD

To ensure uniformity, every bowl had 100 grams of cooked noodles, with each bowl touching two others to form a continuous line.

Third-party witnesses oversaw the whole event with Guinness adjudicator Soina Ushirogochi present to verify the results.

Proper food safety protocols were also strictly imposed as attendees were told to wear hairnets and facemasks. 

Preparations were done by students from Arellano University and City of Malabon University.

After hours of preparation and deliberation, they reached a total of 6,549 bowls, more than the 6,000 bowls of Pancit Malabon they had aimed for and breaking the record held by China in 2019, with 3,988 bowls.

At a press conference, Mayor Sandoval dedicated the world record to Malabuenos. She added it is more than just a record as it also showed that the city is rich in tradition, talent, innovation, and community spirit.

“This event is just another milestone in our city’s journey towards greater things. To everyone who played a role in making this happen - to this success - thank you very much. This is our victory and I couldn't be prouder to celebrate it with all of you,” she continued.

Ushirogochi also gave her regards during the press conference.

She emphasized that only 10% of those who try to break a world record succeed in doing so.

She also likened the dish to the Malabuenos by stating that the city’s people are passionate, dedicated, and focused.

City tourism officer Catherine Larracas said the world record will open more opportunities for Malabon. 

“Winning the [Guinness World Record] means that it only proves our claim na ang Malabon ay city of labors and heritage. We’ve already pinned ourselves as a food hub in the National Capital Region,” Larracas also shared.

She added that achieving the record can encourage local and foreign tourists to visit the city.

When asked about financial assistance for the local panciteria businesses tapped for the event, Sandoval assured the public that they will receive the financial assistance to show support. 

When asked why they only attempted to break the world record now, the Malabon mayor said that it was a special project during her first term as a way to showcase the dish.

She also emphasized that several sponsors made the event possible. 

THE HEART OF EVERY MALABUENO CELEBRATION

True to its status as a staple food in Malabon culture, attendees Loreby Sy and Rachel De Guzman from the city’s health department shared that they are proud that the city made its mark on the Guinness World Record. 

They also shared that they would usually buy the pancit during birthdays, New Year, and Christmas, to name a few.

They added that the dish brings the family together, which makes the dish a valuable element in gatherings.