Home to the majestic near perfect cone: Mt. Mayon, the Albay Province is one of the best places you can visit that is found in the Philippines. It is packed with all the natural wonders that you can imagine. Here in the Bicol region, we have everything! From sparkly water riches, like sunny beaches and resorts, falls, lakes, hot and cold springs, to mountainous terrains, caves and historical spots. Whatever you desire to reach, you’re sure to find satisfaction here. The must see Cagsawa Ruins, known as one of the major remembrance of the effects of a super Mayon Volcano eruption dated somewhere in the year 1814 continuously attracts visitors every where in the world. Other than that, hidden paradise such as the wondrous lakes, black and gold sandy beaches found in places like Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, even in Sorsogon and Camarines Norte which are frequently toured for both pleasure and sports' adventure seekers. Perfect for family get aways, vacations, and get togethers.
Bicol’s local cuisines are a tasty treat as well, and are most popular for its special ingredient, coconut milk, traditionally called "gata" with a spice of "siling labuyo" the hottest kind of small size pepper that grows wildly here in Albay. Some of the most commonly tasted and trademark foods are the bicol express, pinangat, and a variety of pili nut delicacies.“Pinangat”, is Camalig's pride of a veggie type food made from fish or shrimp with boiled chopped gabi or laing (yam) leaves and stalks, wrapped with a bigger taro leaf cooked in coconut milk, ginger, and a choice between spicy and not.
“Pili Nut”, one of the main products of Bicol are cooked as good enough take home gifts for family and friends. Available as sugar coated candies, topped on macaroons, pastry boats pili nut tarts, and the fruit can be boiled and deeped in soy sauce with lemon for a yummy appetizer.
“Bicol Express”, the most challenging food of all as it is rich with "siling labuyo" or tiny green peppers known to be really hot! It is mixed with shrimp paste and chopped pork. A perfect combination with rice and will surely enhance your appetite.
This is also the place where you’ll find both the biggest and the smallest fish in the world! The whale shark or “Butanding” found in Sorsogon, and just recently spotted in places like Rawis and Arimbay in the city of Legazpi itself. In the said places, you are free to hire and interact with the large animal and you'll really be amazed with its beauty. The smallest fish, the “Pandaka pygmaea”, is found in Lake Buhi, somewhere in Camarines Norte. These are a few on the things that you should really be in your list of things to do and visit.
Festivities here are a must see as well. Every Place here in Albay, from Legazpi down to Tabaco, and all over the Bicol Region, there are fiestas and festivals to enjoy the whole year through. “Ibalong”, a historical epic about the heroes and the origin of Legazpi is celebrated the whole month of October in Legazpi City. Parades filled with colorful attires made from Legazpi's products such as abaca and the like are used to create the dresses including the floats. Watch and share in with the excitement and fun during these festive month and you're for sure to make a memory to last. Products, arts exhibits, fairs, and a month long night outs are expected during the activity.
“Peñafrancia”, a nine day celebration of devotion for the Patron Saint, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia in Naga City happens every September. It showcases trade fairs and exhibits, civic parades, regatta, beauty pageants, and the highlight of it all would be the parade of the image of the patron saint where every person in the place would want to get their hands on believing that they will be blessed and cured when they've touched it.
Other festivals includes the Tabak Festival of Tabaco, Pineapple Festival of Camarines Norte, Pili Festival of Sorsogon, Cantandungan Festival of Catanduanes, and Lapay Bantigue Festival of Masbate all of which shows the traditional descend of the Bicolano's heritage.
There are so much more wonderful things to keep in this promised land and so many are left unsaid… Let’s help keep it alive. Coming from the people of Legazpi with love, this is what we have to say:
There are so much more wonderful things to keep in this promised land and so many are left unsaid… Let’s help keep it alive. Coming from the people of Legazpi with love, this is what we have to say:
“Dagos po kamo, sarabay kita mag-ogma!”
