Lively music, dancing, and the scent of grilled meat filled the air as thousands joined the Pindang Festival in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

The highlight of the celebration, "Kalutan, Tugtugan Tan Sayawan ed Dalan," transformed Rizal Street into a giant grill fest with 500 barbecue stations lined up, cooking pindang (carabeef tapa), fish, frozen food, and barbecue.

For Lorna Garcia, a balikbayan from Singapore, attending the festival for the first time was a long-awaited experience.

“First time naming mag-attend. Nabalitaan ko sa mga kapatid ko na may fiesta tapos sabi nila madaming magaganap na [event], kaya sabi ko, gusto kong umuwi,” she said.

The celebration became even more festive with live band performances, drawing an estimated 15,000 attendees.

Despite the large crowd, police reported a peaceful event.

“Maganda po ang ating peace and order situation, wala tayong naitalang krimen,” PLTCOL. Roldan Cabatan, Chief of Mangaldan Police Station, said.