By: Engr. Edgardo A. Bravo

As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, the vibrant echoes of celebration transitioned seamlessly into a cherished tradition on January 6, 2025, that has become the hallmark of starting the year right: the annual boodle fight. This year’s event, held at the Training Room of the Commission on Audit, Regional Office III, drew a mixture of familiar faces and new employees from the Regional Office eager to partake in the feast that symbolizes camaraderie and unity.

For the uninitiated, a boodle fight is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With long tables draped in banana leaves, heaping servings of traditional Filipino dishes, fruits, and desserts were laid out for everyone to enjoy—eaten communally and with bare hands, but to make it more hygienic, with food grade plastic gloves. This year, the menu boasted ‘binalot’ – a decade-old Filipino dish with rice topped with ‘tocino’, garnished with salted egg, eggplant, and tomato all wrapped in banana leaves, and a slice of ripe mango for dessert, offering something for everyone.

The past year, 2024, reminded us of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and holiday cheer. Carrying those values forward, we were gathered to build on that foundation, sharing food and fellowship. “In meals, it is not just the food, it is about the people we are sharing the meals with. I only ask one thing, let us nourish each other, bless each other, and be a blessing to one another,” said Regional Director Omar S. Roque.” It is a beautiful way to show that we are not just individuals, but a community bound by shared values and mutual support.

RD Omar’s message was echoed by many attendees who saw the boodle fight as a fitting way to begin the new year. One of the long-time participants noted that this tradition also serves as a reminder that we’re stronger together, and it gives us a chance to reflect on the blessings we’ve received while looking ahead with hope.

The event also featured a community prayer led by Regional Supervising Auditor Maria Baby Lena Agas. Starting the year with gratitude and togetherness is a testament to our faith. “May this meal remind us of the importance of unity, humility, and gratitude in all we do in the holy name of Jesus Christ,” RSA Agas prayed.

Meanwhile, our utility personnel worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, including the security people, had their fill of the festive meal.

As the first event of COA RO3 for 2025 came to an end, the civil servants dispersed with full hearts and renewed spirits. The annual boodle fight—a celebration of unity, abundance, and faith—once again proved to be more than a tradition; it was a promise of hope and a shared commitment to a brighter year ahead.