Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
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agriculture is the largest component of the provincial economy.
Coconuts, rice, abaca, and maize are the chief crops. Handicrafts
bolster rural incomes. Commercial fishing is also important, and the
province has several thousand manufacturing enterprises. There are
plenty of places to visit, offering opportunities to swim at beautiful
beaches, scuba-dive to wrecked galleons, explore caves, climb
volcanoes, admire waterfalls, lush vegetation, Baroque architecture,
etc. Gold-mining and jewelry manufacture continue to distinguish
the province. Agriculture and fishing are major factors in the
province's economy, and several handicrafts and small-scale
industries are widely practiced. Tourism is insignificant, though Daet
has become a destination for surfers.
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Pop.
Population Area density
Province Capital
(2000) (km²) (per
km²)
Legazpi
Albay 1,090,907 2,552.6 427.4
City
Camarines
Daet 458,840 2,112.5 217.2
Norte
Masbate
Masbate 707,668 4,047.7 174.8
City
Sorsogon
Sorsogon 650,535 2,141.4 303.8
City
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History
Pre-Spanish Colonialization
The original Bicolanos were the indigenous people e.g. the
Agta that roam the peninsula. They can be found in the area of Mt.
Isarog and Mt. Iriga. They have their own culture and economy.
Before the foreign commercial influence, their cultural practices
were friendlier to the environment even if they practice the
traditional slash and burn agriculture.
One of the elements of their slash and burn practices is to leave the
land for a while for it to recover. They transfer to another
area.Pmcalara 12:45, 2 September 2007 (Taipei Standard Time)
Contrary to western Historians that Philippines was discovered
by the Spaniards, there were already Bicolanos in the region.
Artifacts from several museums in the region can attest to this.
Some of these artifacts were found in Ticao Island in Masbate. There
were artifacts the pre-date the arrival of the Spaniards by at least
500 years.
Spanish Colonialization
The seat of power was based in Nueva Caceres (now Naga
City).
There were revolts against the occupiers e.g. the Simeon Ola
revolt in Albay.
World War II
The Bicolanos were dragged in the fight of two imperialist
countries in the world--Japanese and the Americans. They were
fighting for world economic and political dominance particularly in
the Asia Pacific Area.
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without the Americans.Pmcalara 11:27, 2 September 2007 (Taipei
Standard Time)
Martial Law
Bicol bacame to be known as an opposition region perhaps
because of its anti US backed Marcos regime and its anti-people
Martial Law. Many anti-fascists and anti-imperialist organization
emerged in the region during this dark era in the region.
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instances that some Marcos cronies also took local powers after
winning in the elections.
From February 14, 2001 until December 15, 2006 about 127
Bicolano activists from progressive organizations and partly list were
extrajudicially killed under the Macapagal-Arroyo regime.
Local elites continue to dominate the political arena after the 2007
elections.
Component Cities
1. Legazpi City, Albay
2. Ligao City, Albay
3. Tabaco City, Albay
4. Iriga City, Camarines Sur
5. Naga City¹, Camarines Sur
6. Masbate City, Masbate
7. Sorsogon City, Sorsogon
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¹ Naga City is an independent chartered city.
Languages
Bicol History
Bicol Region has had various names since the time of Spanish who
called its northern part Tierra de Camarines and its southern part Tierra de
Ibalon. Some historians claim that it was originally referred to Ibalon but
the Spaniards later divided it into Partido de Ibalon and Partido de
Camarines.
Though described by the Spanish missionaries as the friendliest race in the
Philippines, gentle, temperate and religious, the Bicolanos fiercely resisted
the first attempts to subdue them in 1573. Fr. Martin de Rada reported
how they refused to surrender unless forced into it by superior arms. Their
chiefs bravely opposed the Spanish forces led by Salcedo’s officer, Captain
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Pedro Chavez, who established the Spanish city of Caceres next to the
indigenous village of Naga.
Boundaries:
• Northwest-Quezon Province
• East-Pacific Ocean
• Southeast-Samar Sea
• Southwest-Sibuyan Sea
Total Land Area: 18,140.4 square kilometers
Political Subdivisions:
• No. of Province: 6
• No. of Cities: 7 (one chartered city: Naga and six component cities,
namely: Legazpi, Iriga, Tabaco, Ligao, Masbate and Sorsogon
• No. of Municipalities: 107
• No. of District: 14
• No. of Barangays: 3,471
Land Use Agricultural:
• 50.76%
• Forest: 13.56%
• Grasslands: 30.23%
• Miscellaneous: 2.42%
Topography: From Slightly Modulating to Rolling and from Hilly to
Mountainous
Highest Elevation: Mayon Volcano 2,462 meters above sea level
Coastal Waters: Ragay Gulf San Miguel Bay Lagonoy Gulf Albay Gulf
Sorsogon Bay Alinang Bay Nin Bay Asid Gulf
Population (as of 2000 National Census of Population) Bicol
Region: 4,674,855
• Albay: 1,090,907
• Camarines Norte: 458,840
• Camarines Sur: 1,548,846
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• Catanduanes: 215,356
• Masbate: 707,668
• Sorsogon: 650, 535
Culture
The Bicol region is often seen as the epicenter of the counterculture
and liberal politics in the Philippines because many of its inhabitants seem
to oppose many right-wing governments and ideology which they blame
for corruption. The region has a political reputation for always voting for
left-wing politicians. It is also widely seen as a stronghold for the National
Democratic Front.
Language/Dialect
Inhabitants, called Bicolanos, speak any one of the several varieties
of Bikol, an Austronesian language closely related to other Central
Philippine languages such as Cebuano and Tagalog. Bikol varieties include
Bikol Rinconada (Iriga-Buhi area), the western Albay dialects (Oas,
Daraga), Bikol Sorsogon (Sorsogon), Bikol Catanduanes and Bikol Partido
(municipalities surrounding Lagonoy Gulf). Standard Bikol is based on the
dialect of Naga City and is spoken in a wide area stretching from
Camarines Norte, most of Camarines Sur, the entire east coast of Albay
(including Legazpi and Tabaco) and northern Sorsogon. Standard Bikol is
generally understood by other Bikol speakers and is the regional lingua
franca.
The Bikol languages are the dominant languages of the region. The
Filipino language (Tagalog) is also spoken in northern parts of Camarines
Norte as well as in the municipality of Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. Two
Visayan languages, Sorsoganon and Masbateño, are spoken in Masbate
and Sorsogon; they are collectively referred to as Bisakol
Religion
Bicol is the one of the most secular out of the entire Philippines, as
only 55% of Bicol Region inhabitants attend church weekly, compared to
68% as the nation's whole.
History
Albay's archaeology shows concrete evidence of trade with China,
Malaya and Indonesia going back two thousand years. The first Spanish
contact was in 1565, when a treasure-galleon returning to Cebu from
Acapulco, Mexico, was swept off course and the captain recorded his awe
at the sight of Mt. Mayon erupting. Mount Mayon is the most prominent of
the several volcanoes in the province, and one of the most famous jewels
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of the Pacific Ring of Fire; its eruptions have repeatedly inflicted disaster
on the province, and enriched the survivors. When at peace, it is a
particularly beautiful mountain. Albay has a large amount of rich flat land,
and agriculture is the largest component of the provincial economy.
Coconuts, rice, abaca, and maize are the chief crops. Handicrafts bolster
rural incomes. Commercial fishing is also important, and the province has
several thousand manufacturing enterprises. There are plenty of places to
visit, offering opportunities to swim at beautiful beaches, scuba-dive to
wrecked galleons, explore caves, climb volcanoes, admire waterfalls, lush
vegetation, Baroque architecture, etc.
Gold-mining and jewelry manufacture continue to distinguish the
province. Agriculture and fishing are major factors in the province's
economy, and several handicrafts and small-scale industries are widely
practiced. The region has recently seen a revival in its tourism industry,
due mainly to the popularity of the new CamSur Water Sports Complex,
the Mayon Volcano and the whale shark spotting and an increase in the
number of upscale resorts in the region. Daet has long been a destination
for surfers. It is hoped that the planned Southern Luzon International
Airport will further boost tourism in the region.
In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces entered in Bicol.
In 1945, beginning the liberation of Bicol on April 3 to April 4, 1945
we fought the battles by joint Filipino and American soldiers together with
the local Bicolano guerillas against the Japanese forces during the Bicol
campaign at the end in World War II.
Albay
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age between 200,000 to 300,000 years ago. During those times, Albay
was called Ibat ruled by Gat Ibal, a very old chief.
In July 1569, Luis Enriquez de Guzman, a member of the expedition
led by Maestro de Cam-po Mateo de Saz and Captain Martin de Goiti, led a
group who crossed from Burias and Ticao islands and landed on a coastal
settlement called Ibalon in what is presently the province of Sorsogon.
From this point another expedition was sent to explore the interior and
founded the town of Camalig.
In 1573, Juan de Salcedo penetrated the Bicol peninsula from the
north as far south as Libon and established the settlement of Santiago de
Libon. Jose Maria Peñaranda, a military engineer, was made “coregidor” of
the province on May 14, 1834. He constructed public buildings and built
roads and bridges.
The entire Bicol peninsula was organized as one province with two
divisions, Camarines in the northwest, and Ibalon in the southeast. In
1636, the two partidos were separated, and Ibalon became a separate
province with Sorsogon as capital. In the 17th century the Moro slave
raiders ravaged the coastal areas of the province of Albay on the
northeastern coast.
Mayon Volcano, in one of the most violent eruptions, destroyed five
towns surrounding its base in 1814. This eruption forced the town of
Cagsawa to relocate its present site to Legazpi.
A decree was issued by Governor and Captain General Narciso de
Claveria in 1846 separating Masbate, Ticao and Burias from Albay to form
the comandancia of Masbate. Albay was then divided into four districts:
Iraya, Cordillera or Tabaco, Sorsogon and Catanduanes.
Glicerio Delgado, a condemned “insurecto” started the revolutionary
activities in the province. With headquarters in the mountain of
Guinobatan, he joined the revolutionary government of Albay as lieutenant
of the infantry.
A unit of the Philippine Militia was then organized by the Spanish military
authorities. Mariano Riosa was appointed major of the Tabaco Zone which
comprised all the towns along the seacoast from Albay to Tiwi, while
Anacieto Solano was also appointed as major for the Iraya Zone which was
made up of the towns from Daraga to Libon. Each town was organized into
sections of fifty men under the command of a lieutenant.
On September 22, 1898, the provisional revolutionary government
of Albay was formed with Anacieto Solano as provisional president. Major
General Vito Belarmino, appointed military commander, reorganized the
Filipinos Army in the province.
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During the Filipno-American War, Brigadier General William Kobbe
headed the expedition that landed on the ports of Sorsogon, Bulan and
Donsol. From there, the American marched to Legazpi and captured the
place.
Although, a civil government was established in Albay on April 26,
1901, Colonel Harry H. Bandhortz, Commanding Officer of the
Constabulary in the Bicol Region, attested that Simeon Ola, with a
thousand of men, continued to defy American authority after the capture
of Belarmino in 1901. Ola was later captured with about six hundred men.
During the Second World War, the Kimura Detachment of the
Japanese Imeprial Forces occupied Legazpi on December 12, 1941. The
region was defended only by the Philippine Constabulary unit under Major
Francisco Sandico.
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ALBAY: HISTORY
In 1567, Master-de Camp Mateo del Saz and Captain Martin de Goiti
stayed in the islands of Masbad now called Masbate. In 1569, Luis Enrique
de Guzman explored the islands of Tiago (Ticao) and Burias and crossed
the tiny strip of water to the mainland and landed in the coastal barangay
called IBALON by the inhabitants. In 1570, Andres de Ibarra, a captain of
the fleet of Legazpi at that time anchored in Panay, commanded a small
flotilla that followed the route to his predecessor, Enrique de Guzman, and
had made the people of the islands of Masbad and Ticao settle down in
town then proceeded immediately to Ibalon where he erected a chapel of
bamboo and nipa, the first to be built on the island of Luzon.
In 1573, Juan de Salcedo sailed upward the Bicol river and founded
the village of Santiago over the vast sprawling valley by the riverside,
which the native called Biong, in the month of July of the same year.
During the early day of the Spanish conquest, there was no distinct
territorial division that clearly delimited the province of Albay. Catain
Diego de Artieda, in his report, cited: But, toward the north of Masbad,
was the island of Ibalon or Luzon which has many river, abounding in gold
mines.” Several years later, Ibalon was divided into two political divisions
called Camarines and Partido de Ibalon. The towns in the Eastern part of
the peninsula from Matnog to Caramoan belonged to Ibalon and those in
the Western part, belonged to Camarines.
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Patrocinio, San Jose, Lagonoy and Caramoan formerly under the
jurisdiction of Albay were ceded to Camarines, while the towns of Libong,
Polangui, Oas, Ligao, Guinobatan, Jovellar (Quipia) and DOnsol were also
acquired by Albay from Camarines. In the same dcree, it was also ordered
that islands of Masbate and the island of Catanduanes as another
independent military district.
Albay Adventure
Mayon Volcano
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A tiny islet formed by pulverized corals through thousands of years.
The swirling turns of waves and sea currents caused these crushed corals
to surface above the sea line, circling on and on until it evolved into an
island. The island is clearly apparent during low tide as one approaches
the town of Tiwi.
Nestling about 400 ft. above sea level, on a secluded nook of Mt.
Malinao, this natural paradise of forest and clear cascading water is
treasure to behold. A snake-like trail passing along rivers and tree-filled
hills awaits you, trekking with endless enthusiasm. At its base, cold water
fresh for drinking flow freely. Time seems to stop when one reaches this
pristine falls.
16
The name really means "Caves of the Bats"; a grotto-like formation
inside the cave astounds visitors.
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The cave exploration was a very educational
experience since the tour guide was very well informed.
He shared all his knowledge to us like he was teaching
kindergarten pupils making the tour very enjoyable. So,
please allow me to share some of our experiences inside
the cave through the photos below.
There are a lot of stalactite formations inside the
cave that’ll surely amaze you.
Ligñon Hill
One of a must visit place when you visit Legazpi City, the what I call
Legazpi City's mini "Paradise in the Sky". As of now it is stillunder
construction at the top of the hill, for it to be more attractive and to attract
more towns people and of course to attract more tourists. Getting there is
easy if you have a ride, motorcycle or a four wheel maybe, but it will take
you at least 5 minutes or so if you decided to trek atop of the hill walking.
Ligñon Hill is also known to be one of the best recreational spot for
people who likes to exercise such as jogging and other stuffs, because of
its stiff road, people find it much better to have their physical exercise just
only walking atop of the hill, which is of course, multiplying their usual
exercising habit.
Along the way to the top of Ligñon Hill you can see the beautiful city
of Legazpi and Daraga town. This is also an ideal place for nature lovers
because of its serene views especially when it is sunrise or sunset where
you can see the sun rising or setting.
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Small store are also located there just in case people gets hungry. It
is also a good and convenient place to have a family picnic, dates and
other stuffs, relaxing while viewing the landscpaes from above but be
aware on picking some flowers or destroying plants, it comes with a price
and be aware of other rules set by the local government.
Of course, when you are at the top of Ligñon Hill you can see the
wholeness and the boldness of the Majestic Icon of Albay, the Mt. Mayon
Volcano.
Municipalities
BACACAY
Total Area - 11,220 Has.
Major Industries - Cottage Industries
( mats, hats, baskets,
rope making, furniture &
piggery)
Major Crops - Rice, coconut and
rootcrops
Distance from Poblacion to Capital - 22.7 kms.
Barangays
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15. Gubat 35. Tambilagao
16. Hindi 36. Tambongon
17. Igang 37. Tanagan
18. Langaton 38. Uson
19. Manaet 39. Vinisitahan (Basud)
20. Mapulang-Daga 40. Vinisitahan (Napao)
Brief History:
CAMALIG
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Total Area - 13,088 Has.
Major Industries - Handicraft and Hollow-
Blocks making
Major Crops - Rice, Abaca, Fruits,
Citrus, Coconut &
Vegetable
Distance from the Poblacion to Capital - 11.8 kms.
Brief History:
The town now hums with activity – its men folk with
their muscles strained limestone mining and hollow blocks
making, while its womenfolk keep their hands busy making
abaca novelties, pilinut candies and the proverbial
pinangat.
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neighboring islands in search of food supply badly needed
by Legaspi's soldiers stationed in Panay. From the shore of
Sorsogon, they ventured inland and went as far as
Camalig, Albay. They came upon a prosperous settlement
whose inhabitants kept their farm produce in little huts
with grass roofs and without walls called "kamalig" in the
local language.
It is to assume that Camalig got its name from these
huts used for storing harvest or crops. Its Hispanized form,
Camarin, and its plural form, Camarines was soon used to
caal the region we now know as Camarines' Sur and Norte.
Camalig was once a part of the big province of Camarines.
Eventually, when the Province of Albay (Ibalon) was
segregated, Camilig, together with other towns were
ceded to Albay.
Camalig was evangelized by the Augustinian friars
and later by the Franciscans who came to Bikol Region in
1578. Camalig became a town in 1579, founded by the
Franciscan missionaries Fr. Pablo de Jesus and Fr.
Bartolome Ruiz. A parish was established in 1605
dedicated to St. John the Baptist whose feast is celebrated
every 24th of June.
This town was not spared from the Moro depredations
from 1569 to 1818. The Moro continually burned,
destroyed properties and held captive its residents. Some
900 Maranao came to destroy this town, together with
other neighboring towns. The government seemed
hopeless in the defense from constant Moro incursions.
The eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814 destroyed and
buried the whole town of Camalig and the town of
Cagsawa, Budiao and part of Guinobatan and Albay.
For sometime the town proper was transferred to sitio
Tondo where it remained for a few years. Still feeling
unsafe from the menacing mudflow of Mayon Volcano, the
inhabitants were forced to move again to higher grounds.
For another 2 years, the town was situated in Quilaponto,
then for reason of convenience the town proper was
moved to the sitio Baligang where it remained until 1837.
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In the same year half of the town was razed to the ground
by a big fire. Drought followed. These drove the town to be
moved back to the former site where the town is now
located.
The church of Camalig was reconstructed by Fr. Miquel de
Barcela and it was blessed by the pastoral care of a saintly
Franciscan priest, the popular St. Peter Baptist. This friar
was martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. The sanctity and
holiness of the old friars can account for the dominance of
Catholicism in this town.
DARAGA
Brief History:
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Once a part of Legazpi City under Republic Act No.
306, its name was converted to Locsin by Republic Act No.
4994, passed on June 17, 1967. Despite the change,
however, the people continued to call their town Daraga.
Now, be it Locsin or Daraga, the town stands on its own
merits as a trade and commercial center with its busy
market place, copra dealers and abaca cottage industry.
GUINOBATAN
Brief History:
24
was there that the Provincial Government of Albay was
housed in 1899 during the revolution.
JOVELLAR
Brief History:
25
Camarines. In 1862, Quipia became known as Jovellar after
a Spanish Captain General (Joaquin de Jovellar y Soler).
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raids and typhoons and floods, many vital records were
destroyed and burned and reference cannot be availed of.
Its Patron Saint is St. John the Baptist and being celebrated
every 29th day of August.
LIBON
Brief History:
27
fellowmen, who by their industry breed progress for the
province.
LIGAO
Brief History:
28
Camarines Norte History
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Lukban as its first governor. At present it has twelve towns: Basud,
Capalonga, Daet, Jose Panganiban, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo
Ruiz, San Vicente, Santa Elena, Talisay and Vinzons. Daet remained as its
capital town.
Tourist Attractions
Mangcamagong Beach
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A clean gray beach facing San Miguel Bay with clear water suitable
for swimming and outings. Its scenic and peaceful ambience provides
excursionists and tourists a nice place for relaxation. Cottages, restrooms,
roadside eateries and sheds are available to tourists at reasonable prices.
31
The town of Daet holds the distinction of being the first town to
erect a monument in honor of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. This is the first monument
to be built throughout the Philippines. The effort was initiated by Lt. Col.
Antonio Saez of the Revolutionary Army. The unveiling was held on
December 30, 1898. This historical landmark stands on the corner of
Magallanes and J. Lucban Streets.
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"camaronchones" or "camarines", a Spanish word for "kamalig" referring
to small nipa or bamboo-made huts by the natives.
In 1574, Governor General Guido de Lavezarez referred Camarines
Sur to the King of Spain as Los Camarines, after the abundance of
camarins-rice granaries - which were conspicuous features of the area.
Spanish colonizers later subjugated its people and denominated the area
into two distinct aggrupations. The southern portion comprising the area
south of the present town of Camalig (in Albay), Sorsogon, the islands of
Masbate and Catanduanes, and the area, which is now Partido in present
day, then called “Partido de Ibalon”. The northern, upper portion, which
included from the present day Camalig town in Albay, and all towns of
Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, was called “Partido de Camarines”.
Partido de Camarines was partitioned into Camarines Sur and
Camarines Norte in 1829, and thereafter underwent fusion, annexations
and re-partitions until March 19, 1919 when two provinces, jointly called
Ambos Camarines, were finally separated with their present boundaries by
decree of the First Philippine Legislature.
The Philippine Revolution started in Ambos Camarines when Elias
Angeles and Feliz Plazo, Filipino corporals in the Spanish Army, sided with
revolutionist and fought the local Spanish forces on September 17, 1898.
Governor Vicente Zaidin capitulated to the revolutionist on the following
day. With the arrival of General Vicente Lukban, the revolutionary
government in the Bicol Region was established.
The American forces occupied the Bicol Peninsula in January 1900.
In March of the same year. General John M. Bell was made the military
governor of the southeastern Luzon. Civil government was finally
established in Ambos Camarines in April 1901.
At the outbreak of World War II. Guerilla units were organized by
Wenceslao Q. Vinzons that waged underground operations against the
Japanese troops stationed in Camarines Sur. After the capture of Vinzons
on July 8, 1942, the guerilla movement was carried on by Lieutenant
Francisco Boayes. In April 1945, Camarines Sur was finally liberated from
the Japanese invaders.
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
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Tourist Attractions
Mt. Isarog
34
Lahuy Island (Caramoan)
The island has long stretches of uniquely white fine sand. Barangay
Gota has been known as a gold-mining community even before the war. At
present only small-scale operation is in existence. At sitio Nipa, a spring
300 meters from the shore provides fresh water source not available
elsewhere. A 40-hectare mangrove swamp near Barangay Oring offers a
habitat for a marine wildlife
Catanduanes History
35
In 1573, Juan de Saceldo explored Catanduanes. Later, on January
6, 1576, Fr. Diego de herrera with nine Augustinians sailed from Acapulco
to the Philippines aboard the galleon, "Espiritu Santo."
Although it was reported that the galleon was shipwrecked near the
coast of Catanduanes in April 1576, the others claimed that the disaster
was caused by bad weather and all the crewmembers perished. Some said
that the survivors were either killed by natives or made servants of a
certain "Datu" of the island
Catanduanes was once a part of Ibalon, now Albay. The
ecclesiastical mission in the province was controlled by Nueva Caceres.
However, in 1582, it was allotted to four "encomendoeros.
In 1663, Fr. Francisco Colin, SJ. described the inhabitants as noted
shipbuilders, without using nails or futtock timbers
In 1755, the Muslims overran the island, defeated the "alcalde
mayor," and pillaged and burned the towns including important
ecclesiastical and municipal records.
During the Philippine Revolution, the Spaniards left Catanduanes on
a motorboat named Josefa on September 18, 1898, before the arrival of
the first Philippine revolutionary troops under Major Estanislao Legazpi
When the Philippine-American war broke out, Brigadier General
William A. Kobbe occupied Virac on January 24, 1900.
The island was governed by Japanese Imperial Forces after they
occupied Legazpi in 1941. After the liberation of Bicol region in 1945,
including Catanduanes, the United States Armed Forces maintained a
military base in Panay Island.
On September 26, 1945, Commonwealth Act. No. 687, Catanduanes
(a subprovince of Albay) became a separate and independent province.
Under Republic Act No. 159, dated June 26, 1947, the former municipality
of Caramoan was recreated out of the Municipality of Pandan; under R.A.
No. 491, dated June 12, 1950, the Municipality of Bagamanoc was also
created.
In the town of Bato, Msgr. Teotimo Pacis, Bishop of Legazpi,
declared the Holy Cross of Batalay as a Diocesan Shrine on April 1, 1973.
The cross was said to be the place by Geronimo Galves at the burial site of
Fr. Herrera in 1576.
Tourist Attractions
Puraran Beach (Baras)
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The surfing area boasts of a magnificent view of mountains and
coves. Photo enthusiasts could get a perfect view of the sunrise in this
area. For holiday seekers, this is a place for total relaxation, communing
with nature, and simply, rejuvenation and serenity.
Luyang Cave
Feel the cool, damp air as you go inside this mute witness and tomb
to the massacred natives who fled from the Moro pirates during the 17th
century.
37
Bato Church
Masbate History
38
the province and was the capital of the province in the early part of the
Spanish occupation
In 1864, Masbate was declared a separate province from Albay.
Guiom was made the capital while Ticao became a commandancia-
politicio-militar. Shortly before the declaration of Philippine independence
by President Emilio Aguinaldo, the town of Masbate was established as the
provincial capital.
The Americans came to Masbate in 1900 to extend their pacification
campaign. In December 1908, Masbate was annexed to the province of
Sorsogon. A bill declaring Masbate as independent province was approved
on February 1, 1922.
As early as 1906, the Masbate representative made the proposal to
the United States Congress to grant the Philippines her independence.
The first Japanese elements arrived in Masbate the dawn of January
7, 1942 from Legazpi. They landed in several places without facing
opposition- the province was too stunned to mount any resistance.
The Japanese occupation reduced Masbate to total economic
shambles. Economic activities were limited to fishing, buying/selling, or
stealing. Food production ground to a halt. Camote, pakol, banana
blossoms, pith, and even such obscure fruits like barobo were used as food
substitutes. Lakad-bulan served as cigarette, tea or coffee. Barter
transaction prevailed. For lack of nutrition and sanitation, many people
succumbed to beri-beri or malaria. Lice and ticks infestations spared only a
lucky few.
Dr. Mateo S. Pecson, who was governor of the province, having
refused to cooperate with the Japanese, evacuated the provincial
government to Guiom, a command post used by the guerrillas. Pecson was
eventually arrested by the Japanese and incarcerated in Cavite. He
managed to escape; he later joined the guerrilla movement in Central
Luzon.
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When Masbate was formally liberated on April 3, 1945, Pecson was
sent to Masbate by President Osmeña to organize the civil government;
Pecson took the reins of government on May 11, 1945.
Tourist Attractions
Limestone Hills (Aroroy)
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Matangtubig Spring (Monreal)
A unique spring with three sources. The spring comes out of a rock.
Trees and lush vegetation give shade in the area around the spring.
One of only two areas where Manta Rays abound, the giant mantas
come to the area to feed. The reef is a six hectare shoal of coral formation
60 feet below the surface. Proof positive of the thriving marine ecosystem
in the area.
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Cattle raising is a trademark of Masbate and a major source of
livelihood for the province. The rodeo will highlight the Masbate Livestock
Week. The festival held every November 26, 27, and 28 will feature a
grand Rodeo Parade, Agro-Livestock Fair and Individual Group
Competitions in Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Lassoing, Post Driving, Calf
Casting, Food Chopping, Carabao Race and other traditional Filipino
games.
Sorsogon History
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conquest of the region. Gradually, they were able to delimit Ibalon and the
rest of Kabikolan’s territory.”
Sorsogon became a province, separate from the Province of Albay to
which it was formerly attached, in 1894. This is the reason why, in 1994
the centennial foundation anniversary of the Province started to be
commemorated and celebrated with a festival – the Kasanggayahan
Festival – every October of each year.
Tourist Attractions
The Mt. Bulusan Natural Park, one of the parks in the country
declared by the national government as such in order to protect its
ecosystem and maintain its natural beauty, covers a complex of primary
and secondary forests, mystical lakes, rivers and natural springs, and the
still active Mt. Bulusan which has an elevation of 5,077 feet above sea
level. The lake itself, which has a circumference of 2,006 meters, has an
elevation of 2,084 feet upon the slopes of the volcano. There is a smaller
lake higher up the volcano called Lake Agingay. The tragic love story of
Bulusan and Agingay is an interesting local folk legend
This long, wide white sand beach is located in Gubat town, just 25
minutes ride by car from Sorsogon City. It is a favorite picnic destination
for locals and visitors. There are now two resort hotels along the beach,
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offering air-conditioned rooms, including restaurants, function halls,
beachside cottages, and souvenir shops.
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Considered the biggest fish in the world, a large pod of Whale
Sharks (scientific name: Rhincodon typus), locally known as Butanding,
converge annually just at the mouth of the long and winding Donsol River
in the Municipality of Donsol. This phenomenon occurs starting October of
each year, and peaks during the months of February, March, April and
May. It is believed that these Whale Sharks, about 30 to 40 of them at any
one time, converge off the Donsol waters to feed on plankton, krill and
juvenile fish, which are the only food of these giant fishes. In spite of their
awesome size, the Whale Sharks are gentle and harmless and allow
humans to swim or interact with them. This phenomenon, found only in
the waters off Sorsogon, particularly Donsol, has attracted hundreds of
tourists around the world eager to interact with these gentle giants of the
sea.
1.Tecla San Andres Ziga - First woman bar topnotcher in the Philippine
History, a Philippine Senator (Albay)
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4.Raul S. Roco - was a Philippine Senator from Bombon, Camarines Sur,
former DepEd Secretary
5.Jorge Barlin - was the first Filipino bishop from Baao, Camarines Sur
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13.Ely Buendía - a Filipino music icon, songwriter and musician who
gained fame as the lead vocalist in the popular 1990’s Pinoy rock band,
The Eraserheads from Naga City
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Medical Center (1948) and several other hospitals across Canada and the
United States. He served as the President of the University of the
Philippines Manila Medical Alumni Association in 1966; and served as a
dermatologic surgery consultant at UP PGH’s Dermatology Section. In
addition to being affiliated with many associations and foundations, he was
a member of Makati Medical Center’s Founders Circle. He also served as
Chairman of the Department of Dermatology of MMC. He is the father of
Dr. Manuel Ocampo Fernandez (a pioneering cosmetic surgeon who first
brought liposuction to the Philippines), Maria Victoria “Vicki” Ocampo
Fernandez-Zubiri (the socialite-mother of Senator Juan Miguel “Migz”
Zubiri) and Malu Ocampo Fernandez (the infamous lifestyle writer who
enraged millions of OFWs with her 2007 People Asia travel article).
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writer who enraged millions of OFWs with her 2007 People Asia travel
article). She is the wife of Bukidnon Governor Joe Zubiri, with whom she
has 5 children (the third being Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri).
Tabak Festival which runs on the last week of March in Tabaco City,
Albay, is a week-long activity. It includes a street presentation filled with
colourful parades, and it usually coincides with the City’s Foundation
Anniversary.Sarung Banggi Festival is another annual May fiesta that
immortalizes a timeless love song, Sarung Banggi. It showcases colourful
performances of a variety of cultural and religious activities.Every 3rd
Saturday of August in Tiwi, the locals celebrate the Pilgrimage to Jordan,
which is for the Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the patroness of Albay. A
procession and mass is celebrated on the shores of Sogod Beach.
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The Katalingkasan Festival is held every 2nd week of July at Libon.
This festival features trade fairs, cultural shows and lots of street
dancing.Generally, Philippine festivals are commemorated to give praise to
their respective patron saints. Apart from the religious aspect of these
fiestas, the merriment almost always includes parades and street-dancing.
Join in the fun and mingle with the locals.
wedding invitations - simple, stylish, offbeat or original, we have a wide
selection of designs for quality wedding stationery and invitations.
wedding fireworks displays - celebrate the wedding of the year through a
live 40-50 piece symphonic wind band and spectacular fireworks.
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Local gourmets are easily agreed that none can
equal the quality of pinangat in Camalig. Whenever visitors
come to Bicol, the first thing they invariably look for is
their favorite pinangat from Camalig. Even balikbayans do
not fail to take home along with them to their host country
a box or two of frozen pinangat as pasalubong. That’s how
popular and special Camalig pinangat is as a food dish.
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the culminating activities will be the agri fair wherein
pinangat cooking contest among local residents engaged
in this home industry.
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