BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

REGION V – BICOL REGION

The Bicol Region is composed of six provinces:
Description: This province has 12
1. Camarines Norte municipalities and is surrounded by large bodies of
water. Camarines Norte’s business mostly focused on
agriculture and the aquatic life hence its popularity for
the sweetest pineapple in the Philippines, Formosa or
the Queen Pineapple. It is also the location where the
First Rizal Monument was built, where two sides of it
represents Jose Rizal’s infamous works, Noli Me
Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

C ULTURE
a.) F E S T I V A L S

 The Pineapple Festival (aka P

Pinyasan) is the most famous I
and colorful celebration in N
Camarines Norte, taking place Y
every year from June 15 to 24.
It commemorates the A
province's principal S
agricultural crop, the A
aforementioned Formosa N
Pineapple.

 The Pabirik Festival is also P

held on February 2nd in
Camarines Norte to highlight A
the province's wealthy mining B
economy, with various gold I
items on exhibit. The term
"Pabirik" alludes to a "pan," R
which is a tool used in I
extraction of gold. K
 The First Rizal Monument
becomes featured in an event B
that takes place on April 15-29
called the Bantayog Festival.
A
Along with it is a celebration N
for the foundation anniversary T
of the province.
A
1|Page
Y
O
G
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

b.) D E L I C A C I E S O R D I S H E S

PILITART PANDECILLOS KINAWKAW

ANGKO PINANGAT

c.) L A N G U A G E / S
 Coastal Bikol, Tagalog, & Manide

d.) C L O T H I N G

 Tapis (skirt) for ladies and bahag (breechcloth) for males are their traditional
garments. Breastfeeding mothers wear uban, a draped piece of cloth across their
shoulders.

2|Page
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

3|Page
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

TOURIST SPOTS

Mahabang Buhangin
Tinaga Island's most widely known beach
for campers and travelers is Mahabang
Buhangin Beach. The beach has powdery white
sands similar to those seen on Boracay Island.

Bagasbas Beach
Bagasbas Beach was one of the first
reported surfing locations in the Philippines,
and its powerful waves contribute to it being
an excellent surfing place for both novices
and experts.

Nacali Falls
Experiencing Nacali Falls at a height of
around 60 feet is surely thrilling because of the
magnificent perspective of the region while being
encircled by different plants and wildlife. Tourists,
both local and foreign, are often ready to take a
refreshing swim in the refreshing, crystalline spring
water from Nacali Falls. And after visiting, visitors
may relax beneath the numerous enormous maytrees in the area, or participate in activities like as
fishing, hiking, camping, with family and friends.

Cadig Cave
Cadig Cave is a must-see for people
interested in learning about spelunking. This cave,
which is made up of multiple gloomy chambers
covered with stalactites and stalagmites, provides
considerable difficulties in hiking and investigation.
4|Page
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

2. Camarines Sur Description: It is the largest among the six

provinces of the Bicol Region. Camarines Sur is well-
known for being the home of the world's tiniest fish, the
sinarapan. It is additionally recognized for its beaches,
magnificent sights, vibrant festivals, historic churches,
and, Mt. Isarog.

Map of Camarines Sur Mt. Isarog (an inactive volcano)

CULTURE
a.) F E S T I V A L S

Tinagba Festival Karanowan Festival Boa-Boahan Festival

- It is celebrated every - Karanowan is - This event's feature

February 11, it is a derived from the is a re-enactment
root word of 13th century
recreation of an old
pagan ceremonies,
pagan ceremony in "ranow," a lake- which is enhanced
which the best related local by vivid clothing.
product of the field is dialect. The event The event is a
offered. A procession honors Lake theatrical
Bato’s aquatic resurrection of the
of colorfully painted
historical boa feast
bullcarts and resources. from the pre-
similarly colorfully Spanish era, when
dressed men and pagans thought that
women from all strings of coconut
levels of society adds embryos known as
"Boa" were
to the celebratory sacrificed to their
atmosphere. ancient deities.
5|Page
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

b.) D E L I C A C I E S O R D I S H E S
KINALA

SINARAPA

SILI ICE

PILI NUTS LAING PIZZA

c.) L A N G U A G E / S

 Rinconada Bicol

d.) C L O T H I N G
 Same as Camarines Norte. Tapis (skirt) for ladies and bahag (breechcloth) for males
are their traditional garments. Breastfeeding mothers wear uban, a draped piece of
cloth across their shoulders.

6|Page
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

TOURIST SPOTS
CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX
- It is a watersports park designed for
wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing.
Considered as one of the top wakeparks in the
world

CARAMOAN ISLANDS
- Known as the Emerging Paradise of the Pacific.
These are the main destinations for island hopping
activities in Camarines Sur. These lies on the lower
eastern part of province gained its reputation of
having the best secluded white sand beaches and
coves.

MT. ISAROG
- It is one of the renowned tourist spots in Camarines
Sur, a potentially active volcano standing 1,976
meters above sea level. The summit of the mountain
offers a “sea of clouds” in the early morning, a
panoramic view of Bicol Peninsula and Mount
Mayon.

LAKE BUHI
- Lake Buhi is a freshwater lake located in the
province between Mount Asog and Mount Malinao.
It is regarded as a breeding site for sinarapan.
Boating is the most popular activity on the lake, but
tourists may also walk about and be enchanted by
the beauty of the lake, forestland, and towering
mountains.

PEÑAFRANCIA BASILICA MINORE

- Also known as Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church. It
is a Roman Catholic church built in the 18th century.
It was erected around 1750 in the Baroque style. The
7|Page
church's structure is constructed of beautiful
architectural designs that are enhanced with stained-
glass pictures and paintings. The church features an
icon of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga's patroness.
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

3. Catanduanes Description: Catanduanes is known for its

waves, but it also features lovely beaches with cream-
colored sand and glass-like seas for swimming and
beachcombing. Also called “The Happy Island” and its
national dance is Pantomina. It is also the first landmass
of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean,
making it open to the path of tropical cyclones.

CULTURE
a.) F E S T I V A L S

Catandungan Festival
 Catandungan Festival is a yearly festival of the
island province that takes place every October 24-
26. It is a commemoration of the provinces' freedom
from Albay, as well as an honor to its founders.

Abaca Festival
 The Abaca Festival is an annual cultural event held
in the province during the fourth week of May to
honor the role of abaca in the local economy and to
demonstrate its adaptability as a major source of
income.

Sugbo Festival
 The 7 barangays of Hitoma in Caramoran that
produce sugbo or tiger grass, a bamboo-like
perennial grass used to create brooms, celebrate the
8|Page Sugbo Festival. It is being established with the
cooperation of the province government, the LGU of
Caramoran, and national line organizations every
month of May to encourage the economic growth of
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

b.) D E L I C A C I E S O R D I S H E S

LATIK STEAMED MUD

ENSALADANG PAKO
CRABS

c.) L A N G U A G E / S
 Pandan Bikol or Northern Catanduanes Bikol and Southern Catanduanes Bikol

TOURIST SPOTS
Maribina Falls - Maribina Falls is the most renowned
and easily accessed waterfall from Virac. Its name is a
mixture of the names of the two barangays where the
waterfall is sited: Marinawa and Binanwahan. The falls
are located 10 kilometers from Virac. The water from
the waterfall rushes down the hillside into a succession
of crossable pools.

Binurong Point - Binurong Point in Baras town

provides similarly breathtaking views of the vast ocean
pounding against cliffs. It received its name from the
practice of food preservation by salting and immersing
in vinegar or "buro". Locals refer to it as such because
9|Page
they used to bring their catch here to conserve it.
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

Bato Church - St. John the Baptist Church, also

known as the Bato Church, has been since the 1800s
and is the island's oldest church. Because of its cultural
significance, it is one of the province's best-preserved
tourist destinations.

4. Albay Description: Albay is a charming province in the Bicol

Region, well known for being the residence of Mt. Mayon, a
perfect cone-shaped volcano. It is a relatively untouched
location in southern Luzon with several natural treasures
including as beaches, springs, caverns, and waterfalls. Albay
has nearly limitless discoveries, especially for nature lovers.

CULTURE
a.) F E S T I V A L S

The Alinao Festival is an annual

memorial to the vanished tree of
Alinao Alinao in the Malinao mountains.
It is also stated that the term
Festival "Alinao" originated from the
word "malinaw," which means
clear waters.

An annual celebration held every

June 10-24 to correspond with the
Pinangat municipal fiesta in honor of St.
John the Baptist, the patron saint
Festival of the town. The event gets its
name from the Pinangat.

10 | P a g e
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

The municipality's pottery

business is the festival's major
attraction, which is done with
Coron skills passed down from parents
Festival to children and developed over
many years of practice without
the assistance of written guides.

b.) D E L I C A C I E S O R D I S H E S

Bicol Express Inulukan Binamban

c.) L A N G U A G E / S
 Bicol/Bisakol

TOURIST SPOTS
The location is a tiny crater
lake surrounded by beautiful
flora, and its waters are home
to eels and freshwater fish
such as Mistichthys
luzonensis or sinarapan.
Danao Lake in Polangui, Albay

Trinity Islands, located in the

municipality of Oas, is
approximately 90 kilometers
11 | P a g e from Legazpi. From a distance,
three little peaks appear to be
pushed and mashed together as
they emerge from the ocean.
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

Trinity Islands in Cagmanaba Oas, Albay

The cave walls are made of

limestone and contain several
apertures that allow the air to
ventilate the caverns while
keeping the temperature cool
within. The name Hoyop-
Hoyopan means wind blowing.
Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig Albay

5. Sorsogon Description: Sorsogon is also regarded as the 'Land of

Kasanggayahan' or 'A Life of Prosperity'. It is situated on the
northeastern side of Sorsogon Bay, at the southern edge of the
Bicol Peninsula. The surrounding hinterland is made up of
volcanic cones mixed with large, flat farmlands where abaca,
coconuts, rice, and sweet potatoes are grown.

CULTURE

a.) F E S T I V A L S

 Kasanggayahan Festival – This festival showcases

the finest of Sorsogon, including its historical and
religious traditions, agriculture and economic activity,
local cuisines, and many other events. While the
festival is province-wide, each municipality showcases
its distinctiveness and enthusiasm for everyone of
Sorsogon to behold.

 Pili Festival - The Pili Festival also coincides with the

city's two patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul. The Pili
Festival, like every other festival in the country,
features a broad range of colors, noises, music, and
dances that draw both visitors and residents to the city
in the middle of the year.

12 | P a g e
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

 Butanding Festival - Donsol is renowned as the

Whale Shark Tourism Capital of the Philippines as a
result of this massive marine creature. The town holds
the annual Butanding Festival at the end of May, just
before the whale shark season closes, as appreciation
to the fish.
 Padaraw Festival - On May 30th, the Padaraw
Festival is held throughout the streets of Bulan,
Sorsogon, as a remembrance and appreciation of unity.
The festival's root name, "daraw," alludes to a sea
occurrence in which schools of fish congregate at a
single place, which fisherman use to make a large
catch.

b.) D E L I C A C I E S O R D I S H E S

TIMITIM

BALUKO KINAGAN
G
c.) L A N G U A G E / S
 Sorsoganon or Sorsogon Bikol

TOURIST SPOTS
World War II Japanese Tunnel - During WWII,
Japanese forces ordered Filipinos in Bulan, Sorsogon, to
construct tunnels and air-raid shelters. The Japanese
soldiers were allocated to these tunnels as safe havens
and weapons storage locations. These tunnels are still
functional and well-preserved today.

Museo Sorsogon - Museo Sorsogon was previously an

Old Provincial Prison, but it was rebuilt by the local
government
13 | P a g e to become a museum showcasing
Sorsogon's history and culture. The authorities who
manage this hopes to make it a popular tourist
destination in Sorsogon.
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

Dancalan Beach -
Dancalan Beach is located
on the Bulusan
Municipality's seafront.
This beach is tidy and
spacious, with gray/off- St. Joseph Parish - The St. Joseph
white sand and has a rustic Parish Church is located in the
appearance and feel about center of Barcelona's Sorsogon
it. neighborhood. It is the oldest
church in the Bicol area.

6. Masbate Description: Masbate possesses the Philippines' earliest

known civilizations, dating back to roughly 4000-3000 BC. In
1569, Spanish pursuing gold mines inhabited the island, and
Masbate (then also known as Masbat) functioned as a significant
waypoint for the famous Manila-Acapulco galleons.

C U LT U R E

a.) F E S T I V A L S

 Rodeo Masbateño - This is an exhibition that displays the

province's cattle and livestock industries. Masbate has
been designated as the Philippines' Rodeo Capital. The
Rodeo National Finals, in which both experienced and
novice rodeo clubs from throughout the country compete,
are the festival's centerpiece.

 Pagdulang Festival - "Pagdulang," which simply

translates "hand-to-hand" separation of gold nuggets from
dirt using a dulang (a cone-shaped circular pan made of
wood or metal sheet) on river banks. This is a type of
mining activity known as gold panning and gold scooping.
14 | P a g e
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

 Lapay Bantigue Festival - The Lapay Bantigue Dance

Festival is held yearly on September 30th as part of the
City Anniversary. This event celebrates the traditional folk
dance established many years ago by "Lola Felisa," who
copied the beautiful motion of the seagull (locally known
as Lapay).

 Corn Festival - At San Ramon, Uson, Moncadistas

celebrate a harvest festival. People are famous for dancing
atop blazing embers. The festival is a tradition of
appreciation following a bountiful corn harvest.

b.) D E L I C A C I E S O R D I S H E S

PINAKR KANDINGGA CARMELAD SINANGLAY

O O
c.) L A N G U A G E / S
 Masbateño

TOURIST SPOTS

15 | P a g e
 BSRT – 1 Living in the IT Era

Palani White Beach - It is the most well-known white beach in the province of Masbate. Its
progressively sloping coastline and calm waves allow visitors to descend down to a suitable
depth, making it ideal for swimming.

Animasola Island – It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Masbate, a lovely
island with spectacular rock formations. The island is mostly made up of intriguing layers of
sedimentary rocks that form parallel lines.

Catandayagan Falls – It is a spectacular

waterfall in Masbate, one of Ticao Island's
island hopping sites. The waterfall is located on
Tical Island's western side.

16 | P a g e