Bicol Region
Bicol Region
Bicol Region
LANGUAGE / DIALECT
BICOL IS GENERALLY SPOKEN IN LEGAZPI. THE PEOPLE
SPEAK TAGALOG FLUENTLY AND CAN COMMUNICATE IN
ENGLISH WITH EASE.
Tourist attraction
in
Albay
CAGSAWA
RUINS
A ground and lavish
church during the
Spanish era that was
buried during the
worst Mayon
eruption on February
1, 1814. Today, only
the belfry remains as
a mute testimony of
Mayon’s
unpredictable fury
and devastating
strength and
the Cagsawa Ruins P
JAPANESE TUNNEL
40 METERS LONG (L-SHAPED) AND 7 FEET
DEEP. THIS TUNNEL WAS USED BY THE
JAPANESE FORCES AS ARSENAL DURING
WWII
OUR LADY
OF
THIS CHURCH WAS BUILT IN 1773 THE GATE
ON TOP OF A HILL BY
FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES IN
CHURCH
THE GROWING TOWN
OF DARAGA, NAMED AFTER THE
“YOUNG MAIDENS” WHO HELPED
IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
CHURCH. THIS IS A PRICELESS
RELIC FOR ART ENTHUSIASTS
BECAUSE OF ITS RICH BAROQUE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
CAREFULLY CARVED ON
VOLCANIC ROCKS
KNOWN AS “HEAVEN
ON EARTH” BECAUSE
OF THE HANGING
CLOUDS, AND THE
PLEASANT CLIMATE,
AMUSINGLY COOL AND
ROMANTICALLY
INVIGORATING. FROM
THIS HEIGHT, VISITORS
ENJOY A PANORAMIC
VIEW OF THE PACIFIC
OCEAN AND THE
DEFERENT TOWNS,
LAKES, VILLAGE,
FIELDS, SPRAWLING
HILLS, AND
MOUNTAINS.
CALABIDONGAN CAVES
THE NAME REALLY MEANS “CAVES OF THE BATS.”
THERE IS A GROTTO-LIKE FORMATION INSIDE
WHICH ASTOUNDS VISITORS. IT IS FOUND IN
CAMALIG. IT TAKES AROUND 30 MINUTES’ TREK
INSIDE HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVE.
BARANGAY IN
THE ISLAND OF C
AGRARAY, IT IS
NOTED FOR ITS
ALMOST FINE
WHITE SANDS,
WITH AN
IRREGULAR
COASTLINE
STRETCHING
ALMOST THREE
KM. FACING
THE PACIFIC
OCEAN.
HIGHEST
WATERFALLS IN
THE COUNTRY
BECAUSE OF
ITS SEVEN-
TIERED
CASCADING
WHITE FOAM.
IT IS
ESTIMATED TO
HAVE A VITAL
HEIGHT OF 800
FEET FROM THE
TOP. IT IS
ACCESSIBLE ONLY
BY FOOT TRAIL.
SOGOD BEACH
IN BACACAY, IT IS THE MOST POPULAR BEACH WHICH IS
WELL-KNOWN FOR ITS ENCLAVES OF BLACK SANDY
BEACHES WITH TOWERING COCONUT PALMS AND LUSH
VEGETATION PROVIDING COOL SHADES. THESE BEACHES
ARE CLOSELY ADJACENT TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAYS.
ALMOST UNSPOILED, IT IS AN EXCELLENT PLACE FOR
BATHING AND FISHING.
(May 1-31)
IT RELIEVES THE
ORIGIN OF MAYON
VOLCANO. THE
FOCUS OF THE
MONTH-LONG
EVENT IS THE
STAGE
REENACTMENT OF
THE TRAGIC LOVE
STORY OF THE
LEGEND OF
DARAGANG
MAGAYON AND
PANGANORON
WHOSE FATAL
DEATHS GAVE BIRTH
TO THE VOLCANO.
Ibalong
(SECOND WEEK
OF OCTOBER;
Festival
LEGAZPI)
A WEEK-LONG
FESTIVITY
RECOUNTING
THE BRAVE
EXPLOITS OF THE
HEROES OF
IBALONG OR
PREHISTORIC
BICOL.
LITERALLY MEANS
LOOKING BACK. A
SalingoyCENTURY OF
Festival
DEVOTION (1901-
2001) TO ONE OF
BACACAY’S PATRON
SAINTS, SALINGOY
LOOKS BACK WITH
HUMILITY BY
REMINISCING INTO
THE RICHNESS OF
FIDELITY TO OUR
LADY (HOLY
MOTHER MARY)
AND TO RELIVE
BACACAY’S
HISTORICAL, SOCIO-
CULTURAL, AND
RELIGIOUS
HERITAGE.
Tinagbuan Festival
(Ligao City;
Dec.25)
This festivity is in
honor of the city’s
patron saint, St.
Stephen
Protomartyr.
Tinagbuan, from the
term tagbuan, which
means converging
point, is exactly the
essence of this
festival as it enables
Ligaoeños to come
back to Ligao for a
Pilgrimage
to Joroan
(Tiwi ; 3rd
Saturday of
August)
This yearly
pilgrimage to
Nuestra Señora de
Salvacion, the
patroness of Albay,
is highlighted by a
maritime
procession and a
concelebrated
Mass on the shores
of Sogod Beach.
Sinarapan
Pinangat Albay Ice Cream
of Polangui of Camalig Collection of Daraga
GUINOBATAN
Accomodation
ALICIA
HOTEL
ARIMBAY SHELL
INN
HOTEL
CASABLANCA
Municipalities
*Basud *Paracale
*Capalonga *San Lorenzo
*Daet Ruiz
*Jose Panganiban *San Vicente
*Labo *Sta. Elena
*Mercedes *Talisay
*Vinzons
INTRODUCTION
- Plural form of the Spanish word camarín, the
term used by the Spaniards to refer to the
storage sheds (kamalig) that were abundant
in the fertile and densely populated Bicol
River plain in what is now Naga City and
central Camarines
- Camarines Norte isSur.
composed of twelve
municipalities, & has a total of 282 barangays.
Labo has the biggest land area and the most
number of barangays; Talisay is the smallest
town; and San Vicente has the least number of
barangays.
LANGUAGE/ DIALECT
-Coastal Bikol (Central BikoL variant) is the
main dialect spoken in the province. Tagalog
and English are also widely understood and
are used in businesses and education.
THE FIRST
PHILIPPINE
FIRST RIZAL
MONUMENT TO
MONUMENT
THE NATIONAL
HERO, DR. JOSE P.
RIZAL, CAN BE
FOUND IN DAET.
THIS HISTORICAL
LANDMARK
STANDS ON THE
CORNER OF
MAGALLANES
AND JUSTO
LUKBAN
STREETS, FACING
THE DAET
MUNICIPAL HALL
VINZONS
CATHOLIC
CHURCH
One of the
oldest churches
in
the Philippines;
located at
Vinzons town
proper, which
celebrated its
400th year
anniversary in
1981.
The islands can be reached in an about 30 to 45
minute motorboat ride from Mercedes town
proper. The major attractions in these islands are
its clean white beaches, corrals, underwater
sceneries, rock formations, and fish sanctuary.
IMEE-IRENE
TWIN FALLS
Located in Sta.
Elena, it is still
virtually
unexplored
because of its
great distance
from Daet.
CANTON CAVE
It can be reached in 45 minutes by
motorboat from Mercedes town; inviting to
the adventurous; exploring it is timed with
the tide’s ebb and flow.
FESTIVAL
APPLE
FESTIVALS
(June 15-22)
It showcases the
famous and
sweetest queen
pineapple of the
“Formosa” variety
abundantly
growing in the
different
municipalities of
PABIRIK FESTIVAL
(JAN. 26 – FEB. 2)
A FESTIVAL
SHOWCASING THE
RICH MINING
INDUSTRY IN THE
TOWN OF PARACALE.
THE FESTIVAL IS A
PRESENTATION OF
ITS DISTINCT
CULTURE AND
PEOPLE’S WAY OF
LIFE
PALONG FESTIVAL
(May 10-13)
Highlighted by
streetdancing and
agro-industrial fair
which expresses the
local folks’ gratitude
for their town’s
name’s etymology,
and signifies the
abundant presence of
roosters available in
the locality. Held also
in celebration of the
Black Nazarene’s
Feast Day on May 13
SEA FOODS FESTIVAL
(October 24)
A celebration
featuring the
distinct variety of
fish available in the
town of Basud. The
presentation
includes food fair,
exhibits, and sea-
related
competitions such
as bancathon and
fishing.
SINANTOL BICOL EXPRESS
e l
H ot
ti n um
Pla
One
Sleepadz – Capsule
Villa Caceres Beds Dormitel
Hotel
Camarines Sur
World's Smallest Fish & Higher Climbs
Municipalitie Ocampo
Calabanga Lagonoy
s Camaligan Libmanan
Pamplona
Baao Pasacao
Canaman Lupi
Balatan Pili
Caramoan Magarao
Bato Presentacion
Del Gallego Milaor
Bombon Ragay
Gainza Minalabac
Buhi Sagñay
Garchitorena Nabua
Bula San
Goa
Cabusao Fernando
San Jose
Cities Sipocot
Naga City Siruma
Iriga City Tigaon
Tinambac
HISTORY
Known centuries ago as the Tierra de Camarines, the
province is distinctly Spanish-founded settlement. Its name
having been derived from "camaronchones" or "camarines", a
Spanish word for "kamalig" referring to small nipa or
bamboo-made huts by the natives.
Naga City, the former capital of Camarines Sur, was founded
in 1573 as “Nueva Caceres” – namesake of the Province in
Spain and among the original five royal cities of the colony.
It was designated as the Province’s Capital by virtue of
Philippine Legislative Act No. 2711 approved on March 10,
1917 until June 6, 1955, when Pili, the adjoining town was
declared the Provincial Capital by virtue of Republic Act
1336 up to the present time.
Language/Dialect
Bikol is the local and most common dialect, with Naga
Bikol as the standard version. English and Tagalog are
likewise used. A growing number of Chinese and Muslim
communities speak their own languages.
TOURIST
ATTRACTION IN
CAMARINES SUR
LEANING TOWER
OF BOMBON
It is Camarines
Sur’s
counterpart, or
perhaps an exact
replica, of the
very famous
Leaning Tower of
Pisa in Rome. A
15 minute drive
from the City
LADRILLO CHURCH OF QUIPAYO
Constructed in1616, this unique brick-made
church is located in Calabanga. Rare artifacts
were excavated in this church and they are now
well-displayed in a museum behind the church
Composed of two caves
called Little Gota and Big
Gota, which are the main
attractions of
the Caramoan National Park.
Located in Barangay Paniman
about five kilometers from
the town proper, a group of
limestone islets known as the
Malarad Island Group can be
found. One can enjoy a
stretch of sugary fine white
beach comparable to that of
Boracay, a salt water lake,
and wildlife.
GOTA BEACH
(CARAMOAN)
ITBOG TWIN FALLS
Located in Sta. Cruz Buhi, Camarines Sur. It has a twin
waterfalls cascading amidst verdant vegetation. It could
be reached by means of a banca from the town proper of
OMANG CAVE
Situated in Barrio
Paniman, Caramoan,
its entrance is about
30 feet above sea
level and the
interior is
architecturally
designed. The air is
very cool inside. It is
dark and, if lighted,
shows grandiose
beauty.
CARAMOAN BEACH
The one beach in the country that can
match Miami Beach in Florida.
FESTIVALS
IN
CAMARINES SUR
TINAGBA FESTIVAL
(February 11)
Annual celebration
in Iriga City that
coincides with the
feast of Our Lady
of Lourdes.
Featuring the
parade of bull-carts
fully laden with
harvested crops,
which wind up the
grotto of Our Lady
of Lourdes where
an offering of these
crops is made as a
token of thanks for
BOA- BOAHAN
FESTIVAL
(May 1-2)
A colorful
cultural
festival of
pagan origin
showcasing
indigenous
fertility and
thanksgiving
rites.
KAOGMA FESTIVAL
(May 21- 27)
A revival of the
festival started on
May 1989 to pay
homage to the
province’s farmers
and fisherfolk.
Features a parade,
street dancing, a
beauty pageant.
The province’s
Foundation Day
falls on the last
PEÑAFRANCIA FIEST
(3rd Week of
September)
Renowned
celebration of the
feast of Our Lady
of Peñafrancia,
patroness of the
Bicol
regionHighlights
are the
“translacion” and
fluvial procession
of the image of
Our Lady of
Peñafrancia along
the Bicol river on
SUMAN SA IBOS Crispy Pata
CAMSUR DISHES
Laing Cordon Blue Crispy Pinagat
Villaluz Residence Naga Pilgrims Hotel
ACCOMMODATION
Lendes Tourst Inn Elizabeth Hotel
CATANDUANES
An Eco-Adventure Paradise
11 Municipalities
*Virac *Baras
*San Andres *Panganiban
*Caramoran *Bagamanoc
*Pandan *Viga
*Bato *San Miguel.
*Gigmoto 315 barangays all over the province
and one Congressional district.
HISTORY
The province, formerly known as "Catanduan,"
"Catandognan," and finally, "Catanduanes," derived its name
from the "tando" trees which then abound in the Island.
Language/Dialect
Bicol is the native tongue but with different nuances and
variations, especially when one goes up to the northern
towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and
Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood.
Tourist Attractions
PURARAN
The surfing area
also boasts of a
magnificent view
of mountains and
coves. It is the
home of the world-
renowned
“Majestic” waves
with its
breathtaking long-
barrel-type surf.
Offshore waves are
in their greatest
shape during the
PINUKPOK
The indigenous abaca fiber, commonly called
“pinukpok,” produced and woven by locals of
Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its niche in the
local and international fashion industry.
The site of the first
cross in Catanduanes,
believed to have been
constructed over the
grave of the
shipwrecked Fr. Diego
de Herrera of the
Augustinian order in
1576, who died in the
barangay of Batalay. A
well believed to have
water with healing
powers can be found in
this shrine
BATALAY
TWIN ROCKS
Splash in waters of incredible clarity beneath which
lie sanctuaries of rich and colorful marine life. Its
underwater coral formations offer an added
adventure for spear fishing and snorkeling.
SOLONG FALLS
Secluded and relatively unexplored, the waterfalls beckon
trekkers for a refreshing dip. It has several cascading
waters flowing into natural pools. Cottages are available
for picnic goers and adventurers at a minimal entrance
MARIBINA
FALLS
Gushing with
breath-taking
rapids of crystal-
clear waters, the
cascading falls are
located amid
rustic
surroundings and
lush-green
vegetation.
IN
CATANDUAN
ES
Catandungan
Festival
24th of
October
Celebration of the
province’s
founding
anniversary, and a
tribute to its
founder, to
continuously
remind the people
of Catanduanes of
the province’s
independence
Dinahit
Festival
July 30- 31
Celebration
commemorating
the first migrants
to the
island province of
Catanduanes usin
g the “dinahit “
sea craft. The
celebration is
being done
through dinahit
Surfing
Competition
A week-long
invitational
surfing
competition
featuring local
and foreign
surfing
enthusiasts is
part of an
amateur surfing
circuit held every
CATANDUANES Food You Should
Not Miss to TRY :)
MUD CRABS &
BICOL KAKANIN
FRESH SEAFOOD
CATANDUANES CACAO
Kupapha and
Banagan )
Catanduanes Midtown Inn
Moonwalk Villa Resort
ACCOMMODATION
MUNICIPALITIES
*Milagros *San Pascual *Pio V. Corpuz
*Aroroy *Claveria *Esperanza
*Baleno *Montreal *Placer
*Balud *San Jacnto *Cawayan.
*Mandaon *San
*Uson Fernando
*Dimasalang *Batua
*Palanas *Masbate
*Cataingan *Mobo
HISTORY
Some early accounts record the name of the province's main
island as Masbat.This may be based on masibát, a native
word for "abundant with lances,"perhaps in reference to the
island's well-armed inhabitants; or on masabat, Bikol for "to
meet along the way,alluding to the strategic position of
the town (now city) that bears the name, as well as
the islandnamed after it, within old Philippine maritime trade
Language / Dialect
routes.
7-AR RESORT
ASBATE ACCOMMODATIO
TICAO ISLAND RESORT
BACH COTTAGES
Sorsogon
Bicol's Whaleshark
Paradise
14 MUNICIPALITIES & 1INDEPENDENT CIT
Bacon Irosin
Barcelona Juban
Bulan Magallanes
Bulusan Matnog
Casiguran Pilar
Castilla Prieto Diaz
Donsol Sorsogon
Gubat Sta.
HISTORY
As V
to how such name came to be, there were several versions
but the most plausible is the term “sosogon,” which means to
follow a trail, a river or a route continuously.
Timitim Binut-Ong
Misibis Bay Resort
Accommodation in
Sorsogon
Selvinas hotel and restuaran