region 5 - bicol region philippines

REGION 5 – BICOL

REGION

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).

INTRODUCTION

The region is composed of six provinces: Albay – Legazpi CityCamarines Norte - DaetCamarines Sur - NagaSorsogon – Sorsogon CityCatanduanes - ViracMasbate – Masbate CityCamarines 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.

ALBAY

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.

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.

TOURISTATTRACTIONS

Tourist Attractions

MAYON VOLCANONo other volcano in the world has a cone

as perfectly shaped as Mayon.

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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 eruptions1814 eruption

- The most destructive eruption of Mayon occurred on February 1, 1814.

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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.

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.

Tourist Attractions

Cagraray EcoPark

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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.

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.

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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.

PRODUCTS

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.

PRODUCTS

brittle pili nuts, caramelized pili nuts, yema, azucarada....

PRODUCTS

The major producer of abaca products even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines.

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: CARROTSYellow Noodles: SQUASH+

( shoots and flowers)

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

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.

CATANDUANES

INTRODUCTION

CAPITAL: ViracIt 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 nameOne 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.

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.

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.

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LORAN Ruins

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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.

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Maribina Falls

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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.

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.

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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.

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 limestone.

PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS

The detailing and craftsmanship of the hand-sewn bags, pouches, potholders and comforters are of the type that finds good market overseas.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

MASBATE

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.

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.

TOURISTATTRACTIONS

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.

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Sombreno Island (San Pascual)Hot-shaped island with stretches of white sand

beaches.

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Tinalisay Island

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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.

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San Isidro (Claveria, Masbate)

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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.

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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. 

PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS

BEEF DRIED TAPA

PRODUCTS

CARMELADO

PRODUCTS

DRIED FISH

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.

SORSOGON

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.

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.

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Barcelonathe 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.

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Bulanthe World War II Japanese Tunnels In the

fields of Brgy. Sta Remedios, there lies a hidden tunnel.

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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.

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Mt.Bulusan One of the most active volcanoes in the

Philippines is Bulusan Volcano.

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Matnog Island

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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.

PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS

The province of Sorsogon has an agricultural economy with coconut, rice, corn, abaca, and pili nuts as the major products of Sorsogon

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.

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.

CAMARINES NORTE

INTRODUCTION

“Bicolandia’s Goldmine”Capital:DaetIt’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.

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.

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.

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Bagasbas Beach

• One of the top surfing destinations in the Philippines.• In February 2009, Bagasbas hosted the First International Kiteboarding Competition in the region.

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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.

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Capalonga Shrine of the Black Nazarene

One of the famous tourist spots of the province.

Lead to every May 23rd

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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

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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

PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS

Mining (particularly gold and iron ore) jewelry craftPineapple/Pilipiña pieCoconut industry

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.

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.

CAMARINES SUR

INTRODUCTION

(World’s Smallest Fish and Higher Climbs)Capital: NagaCamarines 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.

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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 Watersports Complex

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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

PRODUCTS

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

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).

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.

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