Region 5 - Bicol Region Philippines

1. 1. INTRODUCTION  The Bicol region was known as Ibalon.  The Aeta from
Camarines Sur to Sorsogon strongly suggest that aborigines lived there long ago, but
earliest evidence is of middle to late Neolithic life.  A barangay (village) system was in
existence by 1569. Records show no sign of Islamic rule nor any authority surpassing the
datu (chieftain).
2. 2. INTRODUCTION  The region is composed of six provinces: Albay – Legazpi City
Camarines Norte - Daet Camarines Sur - Naga Sorsogon – Sorsogon City Catanduanes -
Virac Masbate – Masbate City  Camarines Sur is the largest province in area and
population, occupying 5,481.6 km2 (2,116.5 sq mi) or around 30.4% of the total land area
with a population of 1,822,371.  Catanduanes is the smallest in area as well as
population with only 1,511.5 km2 (583.6 sq mi) or 8.4% of the total regional area and a
population of 246,300.
3. 3. INTRODUCTION (Land of the most perfect cone) CAPITAL: Legazpi City  Legazpi
City, the regional administrative center of Bicol region, which is located in the southern
foothill of Mayon Volcano, the symbol most associated with the province.
4. 4. HISTORY  Long before the Spaniards arrived, Albay had a thriving civilization.
Formerly called Ibat, and then Libog, Albay was once ruled by Gat Ibal, an old chief who
also founded the old barangay of Sawangan, now the district of Albay and part of the city
of Legazpi.  In 1573, Juan de Salcedo penetrated the Bicol Peninsula from the north as
far south as Libon, establishing the settlement of Santiago de Libon. Jose Maria
Peñaranda, a military engineer, was made “corregidor” of the province on May 14, 1834.
He constructed public buildings and built roads and bridges.
5. 5. Tourist Attractions MAYON VOLCANO  No other volcano in the world has a cone
as perfectly shaped as Mayon.
6. 6. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  There have been 49 eruptions since the first
documented activity in 1616, with the worst explosion occurring on February 1, 1814 and
killing some 1,200 people in Cagsawa and Budiao.  Like other volcanoes located
around the Pacific Ocean, Mayon is a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Recorded eruptions
 1814 eruption - The most destructive eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1, 1814.
7. 7. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  1881–1882 eruption - From July 6, 1881 until
approximately August 1882, Mayon underwent a strong eruption. Samuel Kneeland, a
naturalist, professor and geologist had personally observed the volcanic activity on
Christmas Day of 1881, about five months after the start of the activity:  1897 eruption -
Mayon Volcano's longest uninterrupted eruption occurred on June 23, 1897, which lasted
for seven days of raining fire.
8. 8. TRIVIA  Natural diamonds, the hardest substance known to man require very high
temperatures (ranging from 900 to 1300 on the Celsius scale) and pressure that exists
only at depths of 87 to 120 miles (140 to 190 kilometers) in the Earth’s mantle to form.
Unlike other gems which are formed by a combination of elements, diamonds are made
up of one single element- Carbon. Carbon-containing minerals present in the Earth at
those depths, crystallize to form diamonds because of the immense pressure together with
the heat from molten magma.
9. 9. Tourist Attractions Cagraray EcoPark
10. 10. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  The Cagraray EcoPark is a nature camp on Cagraray
Island, which is connected to mainland Albay by the Sula Bridge.  It offers adventure
activities such was wall climbing and zipline rides.  A signature spot within the park is
the amphitheater, which is built just near the entrance to the park. Other noteworthy
structures are the chapel, hanging bridge, and solar-powered lampposts.
11. 11. TRIVIA  Opened in 2004 Zip 2000 at Sun City is the world’s original extreme Zip
Slide. For over six years it held the title of the world’s longest, highest and fastest zip
slide. With an average speed of 120 km/h over two kilometres and reaching speeds up to
160km/h.
12. 12. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Danao Lake  Danao Lake is located 500 meters above
sea level and about 20 kilometers away from the town center. It is surrounded by lush and
verdant vegetation where animals graze freely, usually when rice- planting season is over.
13. 13. PRODUCTS  Pili trees are usually grown in the Bicol forests. Nuts come in clusters.
In Bicol, they call the tree bearing pili nuts as simply, PILI.
14. 14. PRODUCTS  brittle pili nuts, caramelized pili nuts, yema, azucarada....
15. 15. PRODUCTS  The major producer of abaca products even before the Spaniards
came to the Philippines.
16. 16. PRODUCTS  NO food coloring agents have been added to give such bright and
happy looks to these delicious noodles. These multiple vitamins and minerals' enriched
noodles Flavors:  Green Noodles: MALUNGGAY/Moringa + (leaves, seeds, and
flowers)  Orange Noodles: CARROTS  Yellow Noodles: SQUASH+( shoots and
flowers)
17. 17. TRIVIA  Did you know that Albay is the country's No. 1 producer of Squash Fruit
in 2011? They produce 24,720 squash annually.  Albay has its very own version of
Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills. Named Ligñon Hill
18. 18. PROMOTIONS & MARKETING  Promotion can be done by different media,
namely print media; newspaper and magazines, electronic media; radio and television,
digital; internet, social networking and social media sites.
19. 19. INTRODUCTION CAPITAL: Virac  It is the 12th largest Island in the Philippines.
Its capital is Virac and the province lies to the east of Camarines Sur across Maqueda
Channel. Where it got its name  One legend states that Catanduanes came from the
word “tandu”, a native click beettle that was abundant throughout the island.
“Katanduan” then was the reference made of this island. When the Spaniards came, it
was corrupted from katanduan to Catanduanes.
20. 20. INTRODUCTION  Another legend says that the name actually originated from the
word “samdong”, a tree that once abounded in the island, which people consequently
called “kasamdongan”, meaning a place of many “samdong”. The word was also
hispanized, perhaps because of the difficulty of the Spaniards in pronouncing words
ending in “ng”. From “kasamdongan”, it became “katandungan”, which gradually
metamorphosed to Catanduanes.
21. 21. HISTORY  Juan de Salcedo arrived in this island in 1573, hunting for pirates, and
conquered the natives. Three years later, a galleon expedition from Acapulco was
shipwrecked near the island and the survivors were either killed or made servants. The
Batalay Church in Bato, just several kilometers from the capital town of Virac, marks that
historical event.
22. 22. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS LORAN Ruins
23. 23. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  an abandoned American Naval base tucked behind the
turquoise water, white sand, and palm fronds.  Short for "Long Range Aid to
Navigation," the base was used as an outpost to monitor movements in the Pacific Ocean.
It was built in the early 1950s and abandoned by the Americans in the 70s. Local
coastguards then took over before it was abandoned yet again. An old lady who used to
be the laundrywoman in the station now took the reigns in telling the ruins' story.
24. 24. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
25. 25. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Maribina Falls
26. 26. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  It is one of the most popular and most accessible
waterfalls in the province. The falls is about 5 meters high with marvellous gushing
rapids of crystal clear waters.  Named after the villages of Marinawa and Binanwahan,
it is made of a series of strong cascades coming from the mountain top. Surrounded by
lush- green vegetation, it is an ideal place for picnickers and weekenders.
27. 27. Trivia  Angel Falls (Parakupá Vená, meaning "the fall from the highest point") is a
waterfall in Venezuela. It is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, with a height of
979 m (3,212 ft) and a plunge of 807 m (2,648 ft). UNESCO World Heritage site in the
Gran Sabana region of Bolívar State.
28. 28. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS LUYANG CAVE  Luyang Cave is loacated at San
Andress, it was the cave that the natives used as a refuge from the attacking Moro Pirates
during the 17th century. The pirates uprooted several sili (red peppers) and some dried
leaves at the entrance of the cave to suffocate the natives inside.
29. 29. TRIVIA  Sơn Đoòng Cave is a solutional cave in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National
Park, Bố Trạch District, Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam. As of 2009 it has the largest
known cave passage cross-section in the world, and is located near the Laos–Vietnam
border. Inside is a large, fast- flowing subterranean river. It was formed in
Carboniferous/Permian limest one.
30. 30. PRODUCTS  The detailing and craftsmanship of the hand-sewn bags, pouches,
potholders and comforters are of the type that finds good market overseas.
31. 31. PRODUCTS  Terestian Craft makes novelty items (lamps, frames, boxes, cards) and
home furnishings using handmade paper. It started production in 2000 and has been
supplying its creations at Balikbayan Handicrafts and some shops in Boracay.
32. 32. PRODUCTS  The town of Caramoran on the western seaboard of the island
reportedly produces tiger grass of commercial volume. Tiger grass is the primary material
used for broom making.
33. 33. Products  The estuary in the northeastern coastal towns of Viga, Panganiban and
Bagamanoc is reported to be the spawning grounds of this crab species, "scylla serrata"
before migrating to the open sea. Mature crabs can be bought from local fishermen and
crab growers.
34. 34. PROMOTIONS & MARKETING  Promotion can be done by different media,
namely print media; newspaper and magazines, electronic media; radio and television,
digital; internet, social networking and social media sites.
35. 35. INTRODUCTION (Cattle Island of the Philippines/Rodeo Capital) CAPITAL:
Masbate City  Masbate is an island province located in the Bicol Region and lies at the
center of the Philippines archipelago. It consists of three major islands: Masbate, Ticao
and Burias.  The province is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 1 city which is
 Masbate City, the provincial capital.  Father Alonso Jimenez was the first missionary to
the islands of Masbate, Burias, Leyte and Samar.
36. 36. HISTORY  The account that "Masbate" was coined after the words "masa" and
"bate" remains anecdotal.  Chinese visited Masbate and established small settlements
during the Srivijaya and Majapahit periods.  Ruins of cave-like dwellings, possibly built
by Indians that accompanied the traders, were discovered along the coasts of Aroroy,
Palanas and Masbate.Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century were excavated at
Kalanay Cave in Aroroy town in the 1930s.
37. 37. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Catandayagan Falls (Ticao Island) One of the most
beautiful falls in the province. It cascades from 60 feet to its base where multi-colored
fishes cavort. It is one hour by motorboat from the capital.
38. 38. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Sombreno Island (San Pascual)  Hot-shaped island
with stretches of white sand beaches.
39. 39. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Tinalisay Island
40. 40. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  Located in Burias Island, this enchanting place is ideal
for sunbathing and swimming. spacerspacer Aroroy Beach Fast becoming an attraction
among the excursionists. Its unspoiled natural beauty is the dominating feature.
41. 41. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS San Isidro (Claveria, Masbate)
42. 42. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  Beach located in Brgy. San Isidro extending south to
east from the barangay proper with an approximate and aggregate length of four
kilometers. Its fine and silvery white sand can easily accommodate over a thousand
people. The bottom of the sea is clear and sandy extending some one hundred meters
from the shoreline with a gradual depth of 5 to 7 feet during high tide. Extending further
from the shoreline are beautiful and colorful coral reefs which are inhabited by a wide
variety of fishes. The beach is lined with coconut trees.
43. 43. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Ki-albay River and Beach (Claveria, Masbate) This
beach extends east-southeast from the town proper with an approximate length of one and
a half kilometers of sandy and well-polished pebbles ending on Ki-albay River, a place
believed to have been inhabited first by people from Albay.
44. 44. PRODUCTS BEEF DRIED TAPA
45. 45. PRODUCTS CARMELADO
46. 46. PRODUCTS DRIED FISH
47. 47. TRIVIA Did you know that...  The first ever Coastal Resource Management
Interpretive Center (CRMIC) was inaugurated in Masbate City on September 2001. 
Lapay (Visayan Horn bill) is a sign of “food” for the citizens of Barangay Bantigue. 
Masbate is the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines because of its rich cattle production. 
Masbate is located at the Heart of the Philippines.  Because Masbate is an island it is
home to vast marine ecosystem and its location contributes to the warm climate, suitable
for agriculture.  Because of the establishment of the CRMIC, Masbate City has
produced two marine sanctuaries and a mangrove park.
48. 48. INTRODUCTION  The name of the city is derived from the word "sosogon"
meaning "trace the river by going upstream".  It is the southernmost province in Luzon
and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities (towns) and one city. Its capital is
Sorsogon City (formerly the towns of Sorsogon and Bacon) and borders the province of
Albay to the north.
49. 49. HISTORY  Sorsogon was discovered in 1569 by a group of Spanish missionaries
named Father Alonzo Jimenez, Juan Orta and Captain Luis Entiquez de Guzman.
Sorsogon became an independent region on October 17, 1894 with Juan de la Guardia as
the first governor.
50. 50. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Barcelona  the Coral Church of Barcelona The pastoral
town of Barcelona which is only a few kilometers away from Gubat prides itself for its
18th century church.
51. 51. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Bulan  the World War II Japanese Tunnels In the fields
of Brgy. Sta Remedios, there lies a hidden tunnel.
52. 52. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Bulusan Lake  Go Paddling in Bulusan Lake Nestled at
the heart of Bulusan Volcano National Park is a popular tourist attraction in Sorsogon
called Bulusan Lake.
53. 53. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Mt.Bulusan  One of the most active volcanoes in the
Philippines is Bulusan Volcano.
54. 54. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Matnog Island
55. 55. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Matnog Island  Hopping in Matnog The paradisiacal
tropical islands in Matnog are the kind of escape you dream of – dazzling azure waters,
powdery white sand beaches and coastline dappled with coconut trees and jungles.
Marvel at the splendid scenery while beach hopping in Tikling Island and Subic Beach in
Calintaan Island.
56. 56. PRODUCTS  The province of Sorsogon has an agricultural economy with coconut,
rice, corn, abaca, and pili nuts as the major products of Sorsogon
57. 57. PROMOTIONS & MARKETING  Business is concentrated in the downtown area
near the public market and major commercial establishments primarily geared towards
retail and wholesale and the Bacon District is the secondary business district of the City.
Despite being a city and its increasing annual income, agriculture and fisheries sector is
still the driving force of its economy. The main agricultural products include rice,
coconut, abaca, pili nuts, root crops and vegetables.
58. 58. TRIVIA  'Sanctuary' to Whale Sharks Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province,
serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks (Rhincodon typos), which are
considered as the largest fish in the world, measuring between 18 to 35 feet in length and
weighing about 20 tons. Locally known as "butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of
Donsol from November to May.
59. 59. INTRODUCTION “Bicolandia’s Goldmine” Capital:Daet  It’s a crescent-shaped
province that stretches northwest to the southeast.  The province of Camarines Norte is
found in the northwestern coast of the Bicol Peninsula, which form the southeastern
section of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago.  It is composed of 12
towns with the municipality of Daet as the provincial capital.
60. 60. INTRODUCTION  Camarines Norte derives its name from the Spanish word
“camarin”, meaning rice granary or warehouse.  Camarines Norte is famous for its
Formosa- the sweetest pineapple.  It is known for mining, jewelry craft, pineapple and
coconut industry.
61. 61. HISTORY  The province of Camarines was created from Bicol in 1636. That
province was divided in 1829, creating Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. They were
briefly merged from 1854 to 1857 to make Ambos.  Juan de Salcedo, dispatched by
 Legazpi to explore the island in 1571, influenced the existence of Camarines Norte. After
subduing Taytay and Cainta, he marched further across Laguna and Tayabas.He visited
the rich gold-laden town of Mambulao and Paracale, obsessed by them about which he
heard from natives there of existing gold mines.  Francisco de Sande took over from
Legazpi as Governor General, Spanish influence started to be felt in the region. He
established a permanent spanishgarison in Naga to control the region and defend it from
Chinese and Muslim pirates.
62. 62. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Bagasbas Beach • One of the top surfing destinations in
the Philippines. • In February 2009, Bagasbas hosted the First International Kiteboarding
Competition in the region.
63. 63. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS First Jose Rizal Monument  The construction of the
memorial marker started on December 30, 1898 and it was declared as a historical
landmark in 1961.  Made of mortars and boulders from the demolished Old Spanish Jail
in Daet where many patriots died, making it historically and culturally significant.
64. 64. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Capalonga Shrine of the Black Nazarene  One of the
famous tourist spots of the province.  Lead to every May 23rd
65. 65. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  The century Old church holds hisstory and mystery. 
One of the first churches built in Camarines Norte in 1611.  The 400 year old town of
Paracale is believed to be rich in gold mines, but to date, despite of the town's gold
mining activity.  The old stone church was built by the early Franciscan
missionaries.Our Lady of Candelaria Church, Paracale, Camarines Norte
66. 66. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  The Pabirik Festival is celebrated every last week of
January up to the day of town fiesta on the second day of February.  Pabirik means
“pan” which is a medium used by the natives of Paracale in gold panning. Gold-panning
or Pabirik Festival
67. 67. PRODUCTS  Mining (particularly gold and iron ore)  jewelry craft 
Pineapple/Pilipiña pie  Coconut industry
68. 68. TRIVIA  Daet is a first class municipality and capital of the province of Camarines
Norte in the Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 95,572
people. The municipality is a popular surfing spot among surfers worldwide. It is also
home to the annual Daet International Aerosports Show, first held in 2013.
69. 69. PROMOTIONS & MARKETING  Promotion can be done by different media,
namely print media; newspaper and magazines, electronic media; radio and television,
digital; internet, social networking and social media sites.
70. 70. INTRODUCTION (World’s Smallest Fish and Higher Climbs) Capital: Naga 
Camarines Sur is home to the smallest fish in the world and famous for its Mt. Isarog,
lots of beaches, old churches, and many splendid attractions.  Camarines Sur or also
called CamSur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol region in Luzon both in
terms of population and land area. The province is subdivided into 2 cities and 35
municipalities. Its territory includes: Naga City, the lone chartered city, while Iriga City,
is a component city.  The province's name has been derived from "camaronchones" or
"camarines", a Spanish word for “kamalig” referring to small nipa or bamboo-made huts
by the natives.
71. 71. HISTORY  Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman and Fr. Alfonso Gimenez, first
explored the Province in 1569. As they went deeper they encountered many rice
 granaries, which in Spanish were called camarines.  In 1573, Juan de Salcedo leading
his troops, penetrated and explored the peninsula as far as Santiago de Libon in search for
spices, gold and other precious stones.  Naga City, the former capital of Camarines Sur,
was found in 1573 as Nueva Caceres namesake of the Province in Spain and among the
original five royal cities of the colony.
72. 72. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  A flight of 524 steps (530 if landing is included) to the
grotto leads to the 26-foot image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The construction of Our
Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace Grotto began in 1989 under the
leadership of St. Dominic of Guzman parish priest Rev. Fr. Felix F. Barella. Our Lady of
the Most Holy Rosary, Mother of Peace Grotto
73. 73. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  The Tayak Lagoon is a hidden pool of mostly
seawater partitioned from the sea by rocks and thus can be reached by swimming under
gaps under the barrier of rocks.  The lagoon is hidden in a mountain with forest and
rocks.Tayak Lagoon: The Hidden Lagoon of Malarad Island
74. 74. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  Nalalata Falls has an impressive gush of water
providing a cool mist and spray to the area.  The falls has an approximate height of 60
feet. Nalalata Falls
75. 75. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) is a world-
class 6-hectare watersports park located in Pili, Camarines Sur.  The park offers
facilities for various water sports, especially for wakeboarding, wakeskating,
kneeboarding, and waterskiing, day and night. CamSur Watersport s Complex
76. 76. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS  Marks the foundation day May 27, 1569 of Camarines
Sur.  It has been modified to "Kaogma Mardi Gras: the World's Hottest Festival".
Kaogma Festival
77. 77. PRODUCTS  Major Products – Agricultural (rice, corn, coconut, hemp, sugar, root
crops, bamboo) livestock (cattle, sheep, deer), mineral products.  Abaca products such
as Manila hemp, hats, bags, mats and slippers is one of the main sources of income in the
rural areas
78. 78. PROMOTIONS & MARKETING  Promotion can be done by different media,
namely print media which includes newspaper and magazines, electronic media which
includes radio and television, digital media which includes internet, social networking
and social media sites and lastly outdoor media which includes banner ads, OOH (out of
home).
79. 79. TRIVIA  Smallest fish in the world- The world’s smallest freshwater fish is found in
the Philippines. The dwarf goby (pandaka pygmaea) measures 1.2 centimeters or less
than half an inch, the tiniest known vertebrate. American Ichthyologist Albert Herre first
discover it in Malabon river in 1925. The Philippines is also the home of sinarapan, the
world’s smallest commercial fish. Sinarapan, scientifically known as Mistichthys
luzonensis, is a goby found only in Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur province.
Sinarapan grows to an average length 1.25 centimeters, only slightly longer than the
dwarf goby. Today, unabated fishing in the two lakes threaten the population of
sinarapan.

80. The Bicol Region, also known simply as Bicol and historically known as Ibalong prior
to Spanish colonization (Spanish: Bicolandia) , (Central Bicolano: Rehiyon nin
 Bikol/Kabikolan; Rinconada Bicol: Rehiyon ka Bikol; Filipino: Kabikulan; Spanish:
Bicolandia) is a region of the Philippines, designated as Region V. Bicol comprises six
provinces, four on the Bicol Peninsula mainland (the southeastern end of Luzon) – Albay,
Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon – and the offshore island provinces of
Catanduanes and Masbate.[2]
81. The regional center and largest city is Legazpi City.[3][4] The region is bounded by the
Lamon Bay to the north, Philippine Sea to the east, and the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf
to the west. The northernmost provinces, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, are
bordered to the west by the province of Quezon.

food Trip: 5 Dishes You Must Try in Bicol

When you hear Bicol, the first things that usually come to mind are its beautiful beaches, the
Mayon Volcano, and the CamSur Wakepark. But there’s more to the province than these famous
spots!

Their delicious food and delicacies, for one, are to die for.

Just a heads up, though. Bicolanos like to use A LOT of spices on their food so it’s best to tread
lightly if you haven’t experienced their cuisine yet. Don’t worry! If you’re adventurous enough
to try the food then you will take the taste with you forever because it’s just that great.

5. Bicol Express

One of the most famous dishes from the Bicol region is the revered Bicol Express. The dish is
pork cooked with shrimp paste, coconut milk, and a whole lot of chili! You can get it in different
levels of spiciness so test the waters `til you find the taste that’s just right for you!

Stop by Graceland Restaurant in Legazpi for an awesome batch of Bicol Express and other local
delicacies. Graceland also has several other branches in other places in the Region including Pili,
Tabaco, and Naga City so go ahead and treat your taste buds whenever you happen to be in these
areas!

When you hear Bicol, the first things that usually come to mind are its beautiful beaches, the
Mayon Volcano, and the CamSur Wakepark. But there’s more to the province than these famous
spots!

Their delicious food and delicacies, for one, are to die for.
Just a heads up, though. Bicolanos like to use A LOT of spices on their food so it’s best to tread
lightly if you haven’t experienced their cuisine yet. Don’t worry! If you’re adventurous enough
to try the food then you will take the taste with you forever because it’s just that great.

5. Bicol Express

One of the most famous dishes from the Bicol region is the revered Bicol Express. The dish is
pork cooked with shrimp paste, coconut milk, and a whole lot of chili! You can get it in different
levels of spiciness so test the waters `til you find the taste that’s just right for you!

Stop by Graceland Restaurant in Legazpi for an awesome batch of Bicol Express and other local
delicacies. Graceland also has several other branches in other places in the Region including Pili,
Tabaco, and Naga City so go ahead and treat your taste buds whenever you happen to be in these
areas!

Via knorr.com.ph

4. Sili Ice Cream

If ever you find yourself in Albay, do yourself a favor and indulge your taste buds with Albay’s
ice cream collection in First Colonial Grill in Daraga town. With flavors like gabi, malunggay,
and pili, you will notice right away that the selection is not what you’d normally find in a regular
ice cream parlor. This place serves to the adventurous, and if you’re one of them then you should
dive in head-first and try their most famous, yet intimidating, item on the menu: the fiery sili ice
cream. Yes that’s right, it’s ice cream made from hot chili! With spiciness levels ranging from
one to 10, you can choose to go mild or go all in. Don’t worry, it’s actually REALLY good!
Via gmanetwork

3. Pili Nuts

Ah, pili nuts. If you’re a Filipino and you’ve never tried pili nuts, then you must have been living
under a rock! It’s available in most souvenir shops all over the country, most pervasively in
airport stalls but the true origin of this amazing nut is the Bicol region. In fact, the pili tree is
indigenous to the province.

The kernel is high in calcium and potassium, as well as rich in fats and amino acids. A soft but
crunchy nut that melts in your mouth, the pili nut is cooked in various ways. The most famous
variant is the honey-glazed pili which you can find at most airport stalls and souvenir shops.
Other variants include crispy pili with sugar, pili with sea salt, and plai-roasted pili. It is also
turned into cakes and tarts. For an authentic pili experience, head to the Bicol region and eat it
while it’s fresh!
Via tradewindsbicol

2. Sinarapan

Dubbed as the world’s smallest edible fish, Sinarapan can be found in certain bodies of water in
Camarines Sur. These tiny 12mm-long fish are usually sold in the markets as dried sheets or
cakes.They can also be sautéed with some garlic, onions and tomatoes for a hefty meal paired
with hot rice. If you’re looking to take some home then you can also opt to buy uncooked blocks
of frozen Sinarapan. Available throughout the region of Bicol, don’t be fooled by the fish’s size
because it packs a punch full of flavor!

Via malate.wordpress

1. Pinangat

There are two popular versions of Pinangat: the sour version which uses kamias, tamarind or
vinegar with fish as the main ingredient, and the Bicol version which uses taro leaves, chili,
meat, and coconut milk. The Bicol version of Pinangat is the more famous version of the dish.
The ingredients are wrapped in gabi leaves before being simmered in coconut milk. The dish is
similar to laing except that it uses meat such as pork, crabmeat, or shrimp – depending on
preference. Check out the First Colonial Grill in Daraga Town for some authentic Bicolano
Pinangat!

EXPLORE BICOL REGION WHERE TO GO , WHAT TO DO

PHILIPPINES

BICOL REGIONAL PROFILE

 Region 5 (Bicol Region) is best known for being the home of the world's largest fish -
the butanding (whale shark) and the majestic Mayon Volcano. It also has the other beautiful
natural features like mountains, waterfalls with lush vegetation, and beaches that have grown
famous for water sports activities.

The region is located in the southermost tip of Luzon Island. It is bounded by Lamon Bay to the
north, Pacific Ocean to the east, and Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost
province, Camarines Norte, is bordered to the northby the province of Quezon, thereby
connecting the region to the rest of Luzon.

The Bicol Region is composed of six (6) provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,
Sorsogon, and the island-provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. It has one (1) independent
component city - Naga City, and six (6) component cities: Iriga, Legazpi, Tabaco, Ligao,
Masbate City, and Sorsogon City.

POPULATION

Per 2010 census, Region 5 has a total population of 5,109,798. The region's population density in
2010 was 299 persons per square kilometer.

LAND USE AND FORESTRY

The Bicol Region has a total land area of 1,763,250 hectares, of which 541,189 hectares are
established as forestland and 1,238,091 hectares are alienable & disposable lands. Per 2011
Philippine Forestry Statistics, it has a total forest cover of 156,476 hectares.

As of 2011, a total of 83 Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Agreements were

signed by the DENR in the region involving 47,926 hectares of forestland, and benefitting
12,328 households and 83 people's organizations. The CBFM is agovernment strategy which
"gives the management of forests back to the people." It offers long-term security of tenure to
partner-communities and promotes an integrated approach to sustainable forest resource
management.

The region also participated in the National Greening Program, a flagship program of President
Benigno S. Aquino III which aims to reforest the entire Philippines within 2011-2016. In 2011
alone, Region 5 was able to rehabilitate 6,080 hectares of open and denuded lands by conducting
massive tree planting activities involving its citizens, thereby expecting to increase the region's
forest cover. 

Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flat land, and agriculture is the largest component of the
economy, followed by commercial fishing. Coconuts, abaca, banana, coffee and jackfruit are the
top five permanent crops in the region. Rice and corn are among the chief seasonal crops. Mining
is also one of the contributors to the region's economy.

GEOLOGY
Bicol Region is volvanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Volcanism is evident by
the number of hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanoes that dot the region starting from Mount
Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon. Mayon Volcano is the
most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its perfect conical shape and for being
the most active in the country. Other volcanoes include Bulusan Volcano, Mount Isarog, Mount
Iriga, Mount Malinao, Mount Masaraga, and the Pocdol Mountains.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The region is endowed with rich mineral resources, which include gold, copper, guano, rock
phosphate, marble, silver, lead and manganese.

WILDLIFE

The Bicol Region is home to both the world's largest and smallest fishes.

Donsol, a fishing town in Sorsogon province, serves as a sanctuary to a group of 40 whale sharks
(Rhincodon typus), which are considered as the largest fish in the world. Locally known as
"butanding", whale sharks visit the waters of Donsol from November to May. They travel across
the oceans but nowhere else have they been sighted in a larger group the in the waters of
Sorsogon. They measure between 18 to 40 feet in length and weight about 20 tons.

Despite the enormous size and the popular misconceptions about all sharks being "man-eaters",
this species does not pose any significant danger to humans. In fact, they are quite gentle and can
be playful with divers. Divers and snorkellers can swim with this giant fish without any risk
apart from unintentionally being hit by the shark's large tail fin.

The world's smallest commercial fish, sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), can be found only in
Lakes Bato and Buhi in Camarines Sur province. Sinarapan is a goby which grows to an average
length of 1.25 centimeters, just slightly longer than the dwarf goby. Today, unabated fishing in
teh two lakes threatens the population of sinarapan.

Another species endemic to the region is the Isarog shrew-mouse, which inhabits in Mt. Isarog,
Camarines Sur.

PROTECTED AREAS

The following sites in the region have been declared by law as protected areas and components
of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS): the Malabungot Protected
Landscape and Seascape (Garchitorena, Camarines Sur), Chico Island Wildlife Sanctuary
(Cawayan, Masbate), Naro Island Wildlife Sanctuary (Cawayan, Masbate), Lagonoy Natural
Biotic Area (Lagonoy, Camarines Sur), Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area
( Camarines Norte), Bongsalay Natural Park (Batuan, Masbate), Mayon Volcano Natural Park
(Albay), Bicol Natural Park (Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur), Bulusan Volcano Natural
Park (Sorsogon), and Mt. Isarog Natural Park (Camarines Sur).

DENR JURISDICTION

Six (6) Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENROs) and eleven (11)
Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) are serving the mandate of
the DENR in Region 5. These are: PENROs Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon,
Masbate, and Catanduanes; and CENROs Daet, Naga City, Iriga City, Goa, Sipocot, Legazpi
City, Guinobatan, Sorsogon City, Mobo, San Jacinto, and Virac.
When you get that itch on your feet to go frolicking in the sand and dipping away the hot sting of
the summer heat, the Bicol region is the perfect place for you as it offers not one or five but 17
perfect summer getaways to fill up a month’s travel.

Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte

Top 16 Must-visit Travel Destinations in Bicol Region

WayPH

39

When you get that itch on your feet to go frolicking in the sand and dipping away the hot sting of
the summer heat, the Bicol region is the perfect place for you as it offers not one or five but 17
perfect summer getaways to fill up a month’s travel.

Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte

Photo by Gay General
This place boasts of two main tourist must-haves in their vacation – long stretch of white sand of
Mahabang Buhangin and pristine blue waters of the Pacific, both of which are ideal for
relaxation. Since it is less frequented and less commercialized as opposed to more crowded
beaches, the island is a perfect getaway for seclusion away from the busy hustle and bustle of
city life.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Matukad Island/ Photo by Brian Flores
Lahos Island / Photo Brian Flores

Caramoan brings into reality every person’s imagined beach paradise – deep blue waters teeming
with marine ecosystem perfect for snorkeling and swimming and backdropped by lush green
mountains. What makes the place more perfect? Finding not one but 10 perfect destinations in
the island where you can equally enjoy this kind of beauty while getting unique, once in a
lifetime vacation experience.
Caramoan Tour Package

Camarines Sur

 No of Days: 3
 People: 1 or more

View details
Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon
Photo by Melvin Baroga
This beach gives “hidden treasure” the best face. As you travel from the port of Matnog and
nearing Subic Beach, its beautiful pinkish sand will leave you awestruck. And the best part is
that as you marvel at the diverse and almost untouched coral formation perfectly visible above
water you will realize that the beach has more than its aesthetic beauty to offer.

Misibis Bay Resort in Cagraray Island, Albay

Misibis Bay Resort
Most people usually frown at developed and luxurious resorts. But before your bias gets the
better of you and miss one of the best Bicol experiences you will ever get, make sure to include
Misibis Bay Resort which has been able to perfectly marry both resort sophistication and nature
preservation.

Halea National Park in Ticao Island, Masbate

Photo by Alan Velasco

 
True to its being a national park, Halea is haven to various sea species with its rich ecosystem.
Because of the protection it gets, the area has maintained its beauty drawing tourists from all
over the globe to experience its wonders. It is so wonderful that the locals themselves could not
get enough of this place.

Apuao Grande Island in Camarines Norte

 Photo from www.ironwulf.net

Although the great part of the island is home to a fishing community, it used to house an old
resort built in the 80’s but was devastated by a typhoon in 2006. Now, what it is left is an
abandoned villa which could still be rented for overnight stays. The place offers a very simplistic
but relaxing island getaway experience completed by the white sand beach, the clear water and,
yes, pines.

Rizal Beach in Gubat, Sorsogon

Photo by Melvin Baroga
Another perfect surfing destination in the Bicol region is the Rizal Beach Gubat which is
becoming a sensation for surfers in the country. The place is very humble but definitely very
scenic and relaxing. It still has its province charm of backwardness that many city goers who are
tired of the busy city life are craving for. If you are done with your surfing for the day, you can
mingle with the community and enjoy life’s simple bliss.

Catandayagan Falls in Ticao Island, Masbate

Photo by Harly Limlingan Marcuap

Just west of the island of Ticao is Catandayagan Falls which gives you one of the weirdest but
wonderful scenery that nature can offer. This falls is unlike most falls in the Philippines. Yes, its
water still comes from the mountains. However, what made this special is because it directly
spills its water to the sea. Indeed, something that you only see in the movies.

Palumbanes Island in Catanduanes

Palumbanes or Parompong for the locals used to be a hidden gem in the northern part of
Catanduanes which has only been recently gaining prominence all thanks to its natural allure.
However, even if it has become one of the most sought-after beaches in the country, it has been
able to maintain its seclusion and serenity. If you wish to channel your love for the more rustic
lifestyle, then this island is the best place to go to.

Twin Rock Beach in Catanduanes

Photo by Benjie Tabilog

If one wonder of nature is not enough, then the two humongous jaw dropping rock formation of
the Twin Rock will surely leave you breathless. JUst offshore Barangay Igang, the place has
become a reputed island destination for both surfers and divers.

Paguriran Island, Sorsogon

Photo by Melvin Baroga

The island is secluded yet accessible, making it a very ideal getaway overnight trips. In fact, the
island could be easily accessed during low tide when the water is only knee-deep. However, it is
advisable to always travel with a local and prepare when the water gets deep during high tide.
Aside from the wonders that the island’s formation has to offer, what makes the island stand out
is lagoon, frequented for its charm and rare scenery.

Tinigban Beach in Aroroy Masbate

Photo from http://tinigban.com/

There is only one word to describe this beach – stunning. The stretch of its white sand, natural
rock formations and the abundance of its marine life are the very reasons why this beach should
be included in your top-places-to-visit in Bicol. It is an ideal place for solitude and relaxation.
Puraran Beach in Baras Catanduanes
This is another frequented surfing destination in the Philippines. The waves are just simply
majestic owing to its location. It basically lays bare in the sprawling waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The winds are so strong in this area that the place has been tagged as the “Land of the Howling
Wind”. Although the trip going to the island can be quite an adventure, the trouble is all worth it.
The place is just perfect!

Maribina Falls in Bato, Catanduanes

Photo by Herald Presado

If you are planning for a Catanduanes trek, make sure to include Maribina Falls in your itinerary.
This five-meter high falls is very accessible, thus most frequented. Many trekkers are drawn to
its clean and cool water and the place is ideal for a short weekend getaway or group picnics.
Although it can get crowded, the place has been able to maintain its cleanliness.

Donsol, Sorsogon
The island’s main tourist attraction, the Butanding whaleshark, has been reeling in tourists from
all over the world especially that the island has been reported as the Whale Shark Capital of the
World. You can enjoy these gargantuan but graceful creatures from afar or together in an
unbelievable swimming experience. Make sure to heed proper protocol when appreciating the
whaleshark in your next trip.

Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon

Photo by Hannah Katrina Fulleros

One of the many reasons why you should visit Bicol or Sorsogon is this lake which embodies
that natural charm of magic and surrealism that most secluded lake getaways usually have.
Situated inside Bulusan Volcano National Park, its water is greenish and home to many kinds of
fresh fish species as well as birds and mammals that thrive around the lake.