REGION V

BICOL REGION

REPORTERAS:
LABAYO, DIANA BAUTISTA
PINEDA, ELEASHA KABILING
 MAPS

BICOL REGION
 was known as Ibalong, variously interpreted to derive form ibalio, "to bring to the other side";
ibalon, "people from the other side" or "people who are hospitable and give visitors gifts to bring
home"; or as a corruption of Gibal ong, a sitio of Magallanes Sorsogon where the Spaniards first
landed in 1567.

 It 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.

 It is highly volcanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known as the Bicol Volcanic
Arc or Chain, the volcanoes are the results of the Philippine Sea Plate subducting under
the Philippine Mobile Belt, along the Philippine Trench. 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.

 It has a large amount of rich flatland, 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. Commercial fishing is also important with
thirteen major fishing grounds supplying fish markets in places as far as Metro Manila.
 It 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. As of May 2010 there are 6 provinces, 7 cities (includes: 1
independent component, 6 component cities), 107 municipalities and 3,471 Barangays.

 It has a normal average year-round temperature of 27.4°C to 29.6°C. According to the Modified
Coronas Climate Classification, it has Types II, III and IV Climate.

PROVINCE AND CAPITAL

Province Capital

Albay Legazpi City

Camarines Norte Daet

Camarines Sur Pili

Catanduanes Virac
Masbate Masbate City
Sorsogon Sorsogon City

GEOGRAPHY

 The Bicol Region lies at 11o30’- 14o20’ N and 122o20’- 124o30’ E or generally at the midsection of
the country.

 The area is bounded on the north by Lamon Bay and Pacific Ocean on the East, the Sibuyan Sea
and Ragay Gulf on the west. It has land access to the rest of Luzon through its neighbour on the
north, Quezon Province.
 LAND AREA

CULTURE AND TRADITION

 Like their other neighboring regions, Bicolanas are also expected to lend a hand in household
work. They are even anticipated to offer assistance after being married. On the other hand,
Bicolano men are expected to assume the role of becoming the primary source of income and
financial support of his family.

 Close family ties and religiosity are important traits for survival in the typhoon-prone physical
environment. Some persisting traditional practices are the pamalay, pantomina and tigsikan.
Beliefs on God, the soul and life after death are strongly held by the people. Related to these,
there are annual rituals like the pabasa, tanggal, fiestas and Flores de Mayo. Side by side with
these are held beliefs on spiritual beings as the tawo sa lipod, dwende, onglo, tambaluslos, kalag,
katambay, aswang and mangkukulam.
HOW TO GET THERE?
ALBAY (LEGAZPI CITY)

Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in southeastern Luzon
Island. The name Bikol first came to be known as the name of the biggest and longest river in
the region. The river comes from the outflow of lakes and springs from the provinces of Albay,
Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte and form a large stream that exits in the San Miguel Bay,
off the shores of Camarines Sur. The people of the region are called Bikolanos and the language
is called Bikol.

The citizens of Albay are called Albayanos. Albay is a province composed of 15 towns and
3 cities. The capital of the province is Legazpi City. It was named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi,
the Spanish conquestador who came to the Philippines in 1565 and started the massive
colonization. The country became the colony of Spain for the next 300 years. As a result, the
Albayanos became devout Catholics.

The symbol most associated with Albay is Mayon Volcano, a near perfectly-shaped active
volcano, 2,462 metres (8,077 ft) high, which could be seen throughout its 13 towns and 3 cities
as well as in the surrounding provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes.

CAMARINES NORTE (DAET)

Camarines Norte is the northernmost Province in Bicol Region, It is the gateway to

Bicolandia. Home of the First Rizal Monument, century old churches, cascading waterfalls and
paradise like islands/beaches.

It is a crescent-shaped province that stretches northwest to the southeast. It faces Lamon

Bay and the Pacific Ocean on the northeast and is bounded on the south by Camarines Sur and
a portion of Quezon. Its terrain is characterized by rolling hills and mountains in the interior and
fertile plains and valleys along the coast. Its total land area is 211,249 hectares divided into 12
municipalities, 283 barangays and 1 congressional district. Daet serves as the capital. It is
classified as a 3rd class province.

CAMARINES SUR (PILI)

Camarines Sur is a province located in the Bicol Region in Luzon of the Philippines. Its
capital is Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the northwest, and Albay
to the south. To the east lies the island province of Catanduanes across the Maqueda Channel.

Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both by population
and land area. Its territory includes two cities: Naga, the lone chartered city, as the province's
and the region's religious, cultural, financial, commercial, industrial and business center; and
Iriga, a component city, as the center of the Rinconada area and Ri?kon?da Language. Within
the province lies Lake Buhi, where the smallest commercially harvested fish, the Sinarapan
(Mistichthys luzonensis), can be found.

CATANDUANES (VIRAC)

Catanduanes is an island province located in the Bicol Region of Luzon in the Philippines.
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. It had a population of 260,964 people as registered
in the 2015 census.
 The province comprises Catanduanes Island (also called Virac Island), the Panay,
Palumbanes group of islands (Porongpong, Tignob and Calabagio) and a few other minor
surrounding islets and rocks.

Catanduanes was a former sub-province of Ambos Camarines in the early 1900s and later
of Albay. It gained provincial autonomy when Congressman Francisco Perfecto filled House Bill
No. 301 which separated the province from Albay. It was approved on September 26, 1945 and
subsequently signed into law by President Sergio Osmeña on October 24, 1945. Remigio Socito,
the last Lieutenant Governor, was appointed as the first Provincial Governor. When elections were
held in 1947, Alfonso V. Usero became the first elected Governor.

MASBATE (MASBATE CITY)

The City of Masbate (Bikol: Syudad nin Masbate; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Masbate;
Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa sang Masbate; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Masbate) is a third class city in the
province of Masbate, Philippines. It is the only city in the province that serve as its City Provincial
Capital. It also serves as the main commercial center and the chief seaport of the Province of
Masbate. It is noted for its well-protected port with Ticao Island acting as barrier against the
effect of inclement weather from the northeast. Being located at the central part of the Philippine
archipelago, the city serves as Bicol Region’s gateway to Visayas and Mindanao provinces. It is
accessible through sea and air transportation. The City of Masbate is one of the major cities in
the Bicol Region.The city domain is bounded on the northeast by Masbate Pass; on the southwest
by the municipality of Milagros and on the northwest by a portion of Asid River and the
municipalities of Milagros and Baleno.

SORSOGON CITY (SORSOGON CITY)

 It serves a trans-shipment point from the Visayas and Mindanao provinces. the city are
dubbed by any names such as the "Gateway to Southern Philippines","Bicol's Largest City", "Gem
City of the South", "Pro-life City", "City of Fun that Never Stops" and "Character City of Bicolandia".
Sorsogon City is one of the region's leading cities in urbanization and the most promising city in
terms of development.

Sorsogon City covers a land area of 31,292 hectares (120.82 sq mi). It is at the
southernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula and of Luzon Island. The city is bounded by the
municipality of Castilla in the West, the municipality of Manito in the Northwest, Albay Gulf in the
North, the municipality of Prieto Diaz in the East, the municipality of Gubat in the Southeast, the
municipality of Casiguran in the Southwest and by Sorsogon Bay in the South. Sorsogon is
characterized by an irregular topography; mountain ranges on the north-west, sloping uplands
on the central part of the city, plain areas south western and central north and southeast portion,
and marshlands on the southeast deltas. It is also surrounded by water, with Sorsogon Bay to
the west Albay Gulf to the north east, and Pacific Ocean in the east.

FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS IN BICOL REGION

MAYON VOLCANO

This active stratovolcano is part of a

national park & has erupted numerous
times since 2000.

CAGSAWA RUINS

It was originally built in the town of

Cagsawa in 1587 but was burned down and
destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636. It was
rebuilt in 1724 by Fr. Francisco Blanco.

CALAGUAS

Dubbed by Isla Lipana as the "concealed

white beach of Bicol," Calaguas in Vinzons
town is 45 nautical miles away from
Paracale, also in Camarines Norte
 MATUKAD

One of the smaller islands off the coast of

the Caramoan peninsula. Like many
islands in the area, its beaches and
surrounding waters are freckled with
towering limestone cliffs.

MOUNT ISAROG

Potentially active stratovolcano located in

the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines,
on the island of Luzon. It has an elevation
of 2,000 metres above mean sea level.

MOUNT BULUSAN

This 1,565m-tall active stratovolcano

features a series of craters & hot springs.

MAHABANG BUHANGIN
BEACH

Picturesque beach known for white sand

& turquoise water, with hills nearby for
panoramic views.
 CAGRARAY

Lush forests, picturesque sea views & an

eco-park are the highlights of this quaint
island

DARAGA CHURCH

Built in 1772, this Catholic church with a

relief-filled facade sits in front of the
Mayon Volcano.

HAYOP HAYOPAN CAVE

Windy ancient caves used as a WWII

refuge & typhoon shelter with bats,
stalactites & stalagmites.
ACCOMODATIONS IN BICOL REGION

The Avenue Plaza Hotel

#1 of 12 Hotels in Naga
Magsaysay Avenue | Brgy. Balatas, Naga, Luzon 4400, Philippines

Third & Sean's Place

#1 of 43 B&Bs / Inns in Legazpi
Emerald St. | Imperial Court Subdivision, Legazpi, Luzon 4500, Philippines

Tugawe Cove Resort

#1 of 2 Hotels in Caramoan
Bgy. Colongcogong, Caramoan, Luzon 4429, Philippines

Balay de la Rama
#2 of 43 B&Bs / Inns in Legazpi
1542 Banag , Daraga, Legazpi, Luzon 4501, Philippines

Misibis Bay Resort

#1 of 2 Hotels in Cagraray Island
Misibis Bay | Albay, Luzon 4509, Philippines

Casablanca Suites
#1 of 20 Hotels in Legazpi
Benny Imperial St | corner South Road I, Legazpi, Luzon 4500, Philippines

Hotel Venezia
#2 of 20 Hotels in Legazpi
Renaissance Gardens | Washington Drive, Legazpi, Luzon, Philippines

Villa Caceres Hotel

#3 of 12 Hotels in Naga
Magsaysay Avenue, Naga, Luzon 4400, Philippines

Hotel Fina
#1 of 4 Hotels in Tabaco City
AA Berces Street | Quinale, Tabaco City, Luzon, Philippines

West Peninsula Villas

#3 of 21 Specialty Lodging in Caramoan
San Andres, Solnopan, Caramoan, Luzon 4429, Philippines
FESTIVALS IN BICOL REGION

Pabirik Festival - February 1-2, Paracale, Camarines Norte

Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by Pabirik street dancing, depicting
the gold mining industry in the province.

Karanowan Fish-tival - February 15, Bato, Camarines Sur

A celebration promoting the rich aquatic resources of Lake Bato. Derived from local dialect
Ranow meaning lake, participants are clad in fish-like costumes depicting the different indigenous
fish of Bato Lake while gracefully dancing to creatively choreographed movements in their gaily
colored unique outfits fashioned from indigenous materials.

Himag-ulaw Festival - February 17, Placer, Masbate

A celebration of praise and thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest in farming or good catch
in fishing expressed through various forms of activities like street dancing, beauty competition,
games and contests, food fairs, among others.
Butanding Festival - April 28-30, Donsol, Sorsogon
A festival which ushers the Butanding (whaleshark season) and a thanksgiving for the
blessings that it give to the people of Donsol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade.

Magayon Festival - May 1-31, Albay

A festival in the merry month of May, showcasing Albay as it comes to age, its cultural
heritage, trade, travel and tourism beyond Majestic Mount Mayon. The festival includes various
activity such as beauty pageant, photo/art exhibit, street parade, trade fair, sports fest, guided
tours, etc.

Palong Festival - May 10-13, Capalonga, Camarines Norte

Highlighted by a street dancing and agro industrial fair which expresses local folks
gratitude for their town's name etymology and signifies the abundant presence of rooster
available in the locality. Held also in celebration of their Black Nazarene's Feast Day on May 13.

Coron Festival - August 15-17, Tiwi, Albay

Coron is a Bicol dialect meaning clay-pot or potteries of which the town of Tiwi is popularly
known for. Thus, the festival's main feature is the municipalities pottery industry which is done
with skills passed from parents to children and perfected through long years of practice without
the benefit of written manuals. Highlight of the festival is a Street Presentation.

Ibalong Festival - October, Legazpi City

A festival depicting Bicol's early beginning as portrayed by the characters in the epic
entitled IBALONG. The name was the early nomenclature of Bicol region. It showcases many
superheroes such as Handiong, Baltog and Bantong among others. The festival is highlighted by
a street presentation where masks of heroes and villains are paraded on main streets, combined
with song and dances.

Pastores Bicol - December 18, Legazpi City

An interpretative folk festival related to the celebration of Christmas tradition. It re-enacts
the rejoicing shepherds who sang the first Christmas Carol during the birth of Baby Jesus in
Bethlehem. Locally known as "pastores", here they are clad in colourful costumes with the
traditional arc and "musikeros" as they sing and dance to the tune of "Pastores a Belen."
FAMOUS FOODS IN BICOL REGION

1. Bicol express
The most popular Bicolano dish did not actually originate from Bicol. The rest of the Philippines thinks
of Bicol express as a coconut-rich stew made of chunks of pork, large pieces of chili, and shrimp
paste-a recipe based on the original Malate creation. Bicolanos, however, have come up with their
own version of their namesake dish: Instead of pork, the preferred star is balaw or sautéed shrimp.
The extra saltiness boosts the flavor and makes it perfect with rice.

2. Laing
Another Bicolano icon is laing or natong. While it may look like a humble vegetable dish, it's actually
tricky to make. When prepared incorrectly, the dried gabi leaves can scratch your tongue. But when
perfect, it's a satisfying medley of stewed greens, coconut milk, chilies, and, occasionally, fish, pork,
or chicken.

3. Kinunot
In this dish, the ever-present coconut milk teams up with malunggay leaves to dress chunks of
stingray or shark meat. The coconut helps break down the chewier protein, and the milder flavors of
this delicacy make it appealing even when served without steaming hot rice.
4. Puto bukayo (bocayo)
In Bicol, puto is made with bukayo. The soft and squishy rice cake is shaped into a ball and filled with
sweet and crunchy coconut that's been cooked in brown sugar.

5. Linubak
This creamy kakanin variety made with mashed kamoteng kahoy(cassava), bananas, or taro, and
sugar and milk (plus points if it's gata!) is a staple at any town meeting. Served with grated peanuts
and a swipe of margarine, linubak feels like a thicker, extra-chunky pudding. Because the base
ingredients have a unique flavor on their own, you don't need to embellish the dish with toasted
coconut-not that a sprinkling would hurt.

6. Kandingga
Not every Bicolano dish has to bathe in a pool of coconut milk. Kandingga, for example, wears that
characteristic heat without being drowned out by coconut flavor. The Bicolano's answer to bopis, the
tangy kandingga is a delicacy with Spanish roots, made with chopped pork lungs and heart (or other
types of offal), onions, garlic, vinegar, and peppers.
7. Tiwi Halo-halo
Ask anyone what their favorite Bicolano dish is and halo-halo is hardly top of mind. Still, it has to be
acknowledged that the little town of Tiwi is where cheese was first added to the long roster of
components. Though it looks just like every other version out there, you'll notice a much milkier flavor.
The secret? Coconut milk is used to cook the ingredients!

8. Toasted siopao
You can find crunchy siopao in Metro Manila, but nothing beats the ones from the motherland. The
extra step of toasting adds extra texture, and is well worth the effort. You might not want the regular
steamed version again.

9. Chakoy
If Bicolanos aren't too impressed by beignets, it's probably because they have their own version of
the fried, sugar-sprinkled treat. Similar to bicho-bicho and best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, this
delicious roll is fluffy, with a nice crisp exterior and a light sweetness from brown sugar. Some bakeries
even add a cheese filling!
 10. Pancit Bato
Unlike pancit Malabon and pancit Olongapo, pancit Bato doesn't represent a cooking style, but rather
the noodles themselves. Originating from the small town of Bato, these short, curly strings are more
al dente than usual and taste best prepared guisado or in sabaw. Sometimes, they're also topped
with dinuguan for an extra layer of flavor.

SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
 Has numerous and cultural attractions. Many roads and highways are in poor
 Camarines Sur has established itself a condition.
major destination sharks of Donsol.
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
 The Quirino Highway, which was built a The presence of a number of active
few years ago, has travel time from volcanoes.
Manila to Camarines Sur by almost two
hours.