BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
Residents and tourists in La Trinidad, Benguet, gathered to witness the unveiling of a giant strawberry cake shaped like a “kayabang,” a traditional Ibaloi basket.
The event, held on March 23, was a highlight of the town’s 44th Strawberry Festival.
Standing 10 feet tall, the cake was sliced into 16,000 portions, delighting festival-goers.
“The kayabang symbolizes a promise of harvest, and the cascading strawberries reflect nature’s generosity and our town’s progress,” said Mayor Romeo Salda.
Twenty bakers worked together to create the massive cake, using 150 kilograms of eggs, 375 kilograms of flour, 322 kilograms of sugar, 345 kilograms of all-purpose cream, and 700 kilograms of fresh strawberries.
The preparation took a month, while baking and assembling the cake lasted three days.
“It was challenging because of the size, but we did our best to finish it on time,” shared baker Nicolo Espadero.
Visitors eagerly lined up for a taste, including first-time festival attendee Spencer Ferrer.
“It’s amazing! Even though I live here, this is my first time experiencing it,” he said.
Another resident, Christine Antonio, expressed gratitude for being part of the celebration, while Jezzelyn Samdao shared how she arrived as early as 7 AM just to secure a slice.
Before being served, the giant cake became a popular backdrop for selfies and group photos.
La Trinidad has a long history of record-breaking strawberry cakes. In 2005, the town set a Guinness World Record for the largest strawberry shortcake, weighing 9,622.23 kilograms.
Mayor Salda hopes to continue the tradition, saying, “Since we entered the Guinness World Records in 2005, we should keep up the legacy of making a giant strawberry cake every festival.”
Beyond tourism and economic benefits, the annual event also serves as a thanksgiving celebration for the town’s bountiful harvest and a tribute to its rich cultural heritage.
