The home of the perfect

cone Mayon Volcano

Presented by:
Group 1
Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the
Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and
the province borders the Camarines Sur to the north
and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is
Lagonoy Gulf leading to the Philippine Sea, and to
the southwest is Burias Pass. Mayon Volcano is the
symbol most associated with the province. This
nearly perfectly-shaped active volcano forms a
scenic backdrop to the capital city of Legazpi 15
kilometers to the south.
2
Legazpi started as a barangay called Sawangan (the present location of
Legazpi Port). Its inhabitants were mostly fishermen and farmers. In 1587,
Franciscan friars of the Doctrina of Cagsawa began to convert the
settlement to Christianity; in 1616, they transformed it into a separate
town and parish called “Albay.” Its first parish priest built a small chapel
and established the “Mission de San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan.”

3
The eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814 left a wide
swath of destruction on two centuries of progress. It also forced
inhabitants of the town to evacuate to Taysan (then known as
Makalaya). They finally settled in Taytay (now Bagumbayan) as a
result of the decree of the Gobierno Superior issued on October
1, 1829 prohibiting the founding of another town. In 1818,
Sawangan, then already known as the town of Albay was
separated from Cagsawa and was made the capital of the
Partido de Ibalon (the old name of Albay Province).

4
Some of the people, however, remained in the old town and began
anew as a barrio. In lieu of their former patron saint, St. Gregory the
Great, which had also been transferred to Albay, they adopted St.
Raphael the Archangel and transformed the ermita into a church.
They finally regained their old status but never changed the name of
the place as Albay Viejo or Banwang Daan. Even after their autonomy
in 1856, they called it “Binanwahan” meaning the former site of a
town. In their fight for autonomy which took 21 years, they sought the
support of the Spaniards living in the town and as a sign of gratitude
for their help; they readily accepted the name Legazpi for the town
proposed by the Spaniards upon the fulfillment of their efforts to
perpetuate the memory of the Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi. A royal decree dated September 22, 1856 officially gave the
name of Legazpi to Old Albay, and with the visitas of Lamba, Rawis
and Bigaa made it into an independent town. It was inaugurated on
October 23, 1856 with Lorenzo Hac as the first elective 5

gobernadorcillo and the Rev. Camilo Abainza as acting parish priest.

Legazpi first became a city under the Bercerra Law of 1892. It constituted
the municipalities of Legazpi, Albay Nuevo and Daraga into the
Ayuntamiento de Albay. The first set of officials – Alcalde, Teniente de
Alcalde, Sindico, Secretario, and Regidores (councilor) – took office in
1898. With the American occupation in 1940, the city was dissolved. Upon
restoration of peace, the three towns were re-established and in 1908
became the municipality of Albay, the provincial capital of Albay. In 1922,
the town of Daraga was separated from the capital. Legazpi became a city
for the second time on July 18, 1948 when Daraga and Legazpi were
combined to constitute its territory under Republic Act No. 306. With the re-
creation of the two municipalities, the city was dissolved on June 8, 1954.

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 MAYON VOLCANO
• Mt. Mayon is situated in the Bicol Region,
particulary in Legazpi, Albay. The volcano is
referred to in those parts as “Bulkang
Magayon” which literally translates to
“beautiful volcano”. They say that the name of
Mayon comes from an ancient regional
folktale about a princess named Daragang
Magayon.

• It is believed that the spirit of the princess

rests within the volcano, while the clouds that
engulf it belong to her beloved. In
remembrance of this tale, the region of Albay
celebrates the Daragang Magayon Festival
every year.
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 QUITINDAY GREEN HILLS FORMATION
RESERVE
• Quitinday Green Hills is a magnificent
geological formation of mini-peaks
located in Barangay Quitinday, Camalig,
Albay, Philippines. This set of rolling hills
is considered as one of the hidden
natural wonder of Albay. The undulating
terrain of Quitinday bear a resemblance
to the famous Chocolate Hills attraction
of Bohol but, in contrast, appears as
verdant green hills because of lush
vegetation. From the breezy hilltops one
can vividly see the silhouette of majestic
Mayon Volcano.
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SUMLANG LAKE

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 MAYON SKYLINE VIEW DECK
• Mayon Skyline View Deck also known as Mayon
Rest House. Formerly the bustling Mayon Skyline
Hotel, its business operations have been halted
due to the unpredictable outbursts of Mt. Mayon
in recent decades, but the place has been
preserved and converted into a lovely nature
park. It has a multi-purpose hall used for
receptions and parties and some recreational
facilities.
• The park is a favorite place for picnics and field
trips due to its cool temperature reminiscent of
Tagaytay’s People Sky Park, and its panoramic
views of the surrounding towns, ocean and
mountains. Adjacent to the park’s multi-purpose
hall is Mayon Planetarium and Science Park
where photo exhibits and documentaries about
volcanoes are shown. It has become one of the
10
top destinations in Albay and is the best place to
go to get up close and personal with the beautiful
Mayon Volcano.
 KAWA-KAWA HILL AND NATURAL
PARK
• t is called Kawa- kawa as its shape resembles
a cauldron (Kawa or Caldero in Bikol
anguage) . Because of this unique shape is of
the same reason why it is also called a hill
without a hilltop.
• The Hill has become a famous religious
destination especially during Holy week
because of the larger than life statues
depicting the Stations of the Cross.
• The Kawa-Kawa Hill is where the native folks
hold their penitence during holy week. They
have larger than life statues depicting the
Stations of the Cross. Going to each of the
stations under scorching heat is a sacrifice
already. But this is one-of-a-kind seeing life- 11
like figures.
 CAGSAWA RUINS PARK

• Cagsawa was derived from the word “Kag” which

means owner and “sawa” for python. It could also
mean too much or excesses. The Cagsawa church
was built after 1724 by the Franciscan friars and was
administered by Fray Francisco Blanco in the small
town of Cagsawa.
• It was originally built to replace a church that was
erected in 1636 that had been destroyed by Dutch
pirates.
• On February 1, 1814, the greatest tragedy happened
in Cagsawa and it was the eruption of Mayon
Volcano. The eruption buried the small town and
nearby areas killing an estimated of 1, 200 people
who took refuge in the stone church. It was the
strongest eruption recorded to date.

12
Even though of the tragic incident that surrounds the place,
Cagsawa Ruins stands as a historical landmark and it is one of the
famous tourist attractions in Albay that coincides with Mayon
Volcano. The ruin is the major highlight of Cagsawa Ruins Park
and it’s also the site of the Cagsawa Branch of the National
Museum of the Philippines which is also known as the Cagsawa
National museum.

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 LIGNON HILL

• Lignon Hill is known as the city’s

proctector. It lies in the middle of Mt
Mayon and the city where approximately
183,000 people reside. During the times
of the volcano’s eruption and heavy
rains, Lignon Hills has blocked the flow
of lava and lahar protecting the city from
unimaginable destruction.

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 QUITINDAY UNDERGROUND RIVER
• Quitinday Falls and Underground River is
kilometers away and located in different town
of Albay. Local’s say that it is their version of
Palawan Underground River and Cebu’s
Kawasan Falls rolled into one but I must say
that it is beautifully unique but equally magical
and thrilling.
• The cave is approximately 150 meters long
decorated with stalactites, stalagmites,
columns and various rock formations. It can
be navigated by riding a bamboo raft along
the underground river that ends on a two-tier
smaller cascades. Claustrophobics may take
the easy trail going to the cave’s end.

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 VERA FALLS

• Vera Falls is a stunning cascade nestled at

the foot of Mt Malinao in the province of Albay.
Its refreshing cold water flows down from the
verdant mountain and meanders into the
rivers and streams irrigating rice fields on the
plains near the idyllic pastoral town of
Malinao.
• Vera Falls is a stunning cascade nestled at
the foot of Mt Malinao in the province of Albay.
Its refreshing cold water flows down from the
verdant mountain and meanders into the
rivers and streams irrigating rice fields on the
plains near the idyllic pastoral town of
Malinao.
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SOLONG ECO PARK

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LAND USE AND FORESTRY

• The Bicol Region has a total land area of

1,763,250 hectares, of which 541,189
hectares are established as forestland and
1,238,091 hectares are alienable & disposable
lands. Per 2011 Philippine Forestry Statistics,
it has a total forest cover of 156,476 hectares.
• Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flat
land, 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. 18
• The Albay Biosphere Reserve is located at the
southern end of the Luzon Island of the
Philippines, and covers some 250,000
hectares. The terrestrial elevation of the site
culminates at 2,462 metres, while its marine
part reaches a depth of 223 below sea level.
The site’s high conservation value is
constituted, notably, by 182 terrestrial plant
species, 46 of which are endemic. Its marine
and coastal ecosystems comprise 12 species
of mangrove, 40 species of seaweed or
macro-algae, and 10 species of sea grass.
Five of the world’s seven species of marine
turtles are also found in Albay. Agriculture is
the main source of income in the area.

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ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
• The Albay Biosphere Reserve is located
in Southeastern Luzon in the Philippines.
Its inner lands are composed mainly of
open, grassland and forest ecosystems,
while its coastline consists of mangrove
forest, urban centres and agricultural
land. It is home to three mountains
including Mt Mayon, the Philippines’ most
active volcano, which reaches 2,462
metres above sea level at its highest
elevation.

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• In addition, Albay’s marine and coastal
ecosystems are home to 62 species of flora,
which represent 62.5% of all know species in
the Philippines, as well as five of the world’s
seven marine turtle species. The diversity of
seagrass, seaweed beds and mangrove
forests in the reserve is intrinsically linked with
the diversity of faunal species found across
the marine and coastal ecosystems,
particularly in the marshlands or mangroves.
The marine and coastal fauna encompass 272
species including 158 species of gastropod,
15 bivalve species, 12 crustacean species, 13
echinoderm species, 1 sea slug species, 26
coral species, 5 species of turtles and 42 fish
species. 21
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
• As of 2010, the reserve had 1,233,432
inhabitants distributed among 15
municipalities and three cities. The
Bicolano are the dominant ethnic group
and constitute the majority population.
The reserve has a rich cultural diversity
indicated by the use of four spoken
languages, as well as the presence of
three indigenous groups: the Agta
Cimarron, the Agta Tabangnon and the
Tabo.

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 • The Tabo were able to remain in the
reserve due to the development of a
local and sustainable economy. Today,
the tribe’s economy is based on fishing,
trading, gathering palm leaves to make
• Traditional agricultural practices such as
into shingles, and producing firewood
crop farming and wetland rice farming
and charcoal from mangroves. In
remain the reserve’s main economic
addition, the Tabo have been taught to
activities, while fishing, ecotourism on Mt
make woven bags from karagumoy, a
Mayon and crafts also represent
local plant with leaves similar to the
significant additional sources of revenue.
pineapple, which grows in the forested
Examples of the latter include pottery-
areas of Rapu-Rapu.
making in Tiwi, knife-making in Tabaco,
mat-weaving in Bacacay and abaca
handicrafts in Daraga.

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WILDLIFE
• The reserve contains 182 terrestrial plant
species of which 46 are endemic. It also hosts
four endemic mammal species, 12 endemic
species of birds including the famous Luzon
bleeding heart (Gallicolumba luzonica), 17
species of amphibians of which 13 are
endemic, and 30 species of reptiles of which
22 are endemic.

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BIG IMAGE

25
The home of the perfect
cone Mayon Volcano

Presented by:
Group 1
Mat-weavers, mostly women and girls, are hoping
that a fine weather would stay longer to let them
gather and dry wild palm leaves that they would
weave into mats.
Karagumoy, a palm grass resembling a pineapple
plant, abound in the hills, not far from Barangay
Cabasan. The supply of karagumoy comes from the
forest also in Cagraray Island and they have to
travel on foot to get their materials. Either they or
their espouses or grown-up children gather the
leaves, de-thorn and haul these home where they
would then dry it for a day before running a heavy
coconut trunk over it to soften it. Note the ingenuity
28
of that gadget trunk.
It could be very tedious for a new-comer trying her
hand at softening the dried karagumoy, pushing the
round coconut log through the strips of karagumoy
leaves some six to eight feet long. These would then
be dyed by boiling the rolled leaves in water mixed
with “Jobos,” a locally available coloring powder.
The dyed materials would then be left to dry some
more. After weaving, the mats would be spread out
on the hot road before they are packed for their final
destination: the Tabaco trading area near the port.

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Tiwi, a municipality in Albay province, is known for their
handmade clay ceramics (coron in local language) for
over a millennium. Seventy-percent of Tiwi's folks earn
their keep by selling clay ceramics in the local market. A
seaside barangay in Putsan, Tiwi is in fact very famous
among tourists for their ornamental ceramics and souvenir
items.
Focusing on Tiwi's main livelihood source, young
Japanese designer Yukiko Takiguchi is assisting Tiwi's
local artisans in adopting new designs and in upgrading
local skills to make their ceramics products attractive to
the global market.

In Tiwi, where the old artisanal crafts embrace the

modern, craftsmen are getting ready more than ever to 30
bring their ceramics into the global spotlight.
Abaca is a fiber from a species of banana native to
the Philippines. In Daraga, Albay, you can find
Shelmed Cottage Treasures’ showroom where it
displays a variety of products that is proudly made in
Albay.
Abaca and rattan handicraft is a backyard industry in
Bicol. It was in 1995 when Felipe Napa Jr. started
his small craft business named as Napa’s Handicraft
using capital money by mortgaging his family’s
properties. His perseverance rose through the local
competition and eventually got his products to
international stores. In 2014, he received the
Outstanding Albayano Award for Decorative Arts.
ADD A FOOTER 31
Broomcom (Sorghum Vulgare) is a variety of upright
grass mostly found on the mountainous area of
Manito, Albay. One of the major livelihood of people
in this far flung area is making soft brooms and they
sell each broom from 20 pesos to 150 pesos.
Soft brooms made from broomcorn grasses are the
oldest form of cleaning and sweeping tool used
around the world.

ADD A FOOTER 32
Traditional Industries Agriculture is the main industry in Albay, which
produces such crops as coconut, rice, sugar,and abacá. Handicrafts is
the major source of rural income. It continuous to provide fairly large
share in the small-scale industries of the province. Forestry and
papermaking are another source of livelihood. The manufacture of
abacá products such as Manila hemp, hats, bags, mats,and slippers is
one of the main sources of income in the rural areas. Fishing is also
done along both shores of the province. Tourism, primarily because of
Mayon Volcano, also draws income for Albay.

ADD A FOOTER 33
Gary Valenciano, born in Camalig, Albay on August 6, 1964, known
in real life name as Gary Valenciano or Gary V., is a Filipino musician.
Also known as Mr. Pure Energy because of his unique dynamism and
style in dancing and length of show. He had produced 26 albums. He
became UNICEF Philippines first National Ambassador in 1998. Gary
won the Awit Awards for “Best Male Performer” eleven times. He
received the ASAP Elite Platinum Circle Award for 2008 for his
extraordinary contributions/achievements in the local music
industry. And so, for his remarkable contribution in the music industry
in 25 years, Gay was awarded ve Platinum Albums, four double
Platinum albums, three triple Platinum Albums, and two sextuple
Platinum Albums. 34
 Gary is presently one of the
ABS-CBN contract actors. His
popular compositions are
used as theme songs in some
opera soaps and lms of said
network. He is known also for
his charitable works and
special guesting performance
in the country. Truly, a
Bicolano oragon Filipino
ADD A FOOTER
musician and philanthropist. 35
Dr Eriberta Nepomoceno - a former
Undersecretary for Special Concerns
DOST, Philippines, 1999-2002 Regional
Director DOST Regional Office No. V in
Legaspi City and senior faculty member of
Bicol University. She was a class
Valedictorian of St. Michael Academy year
1970.
ADD A FOOTER 36
Mike Realba - Canadian Actor (Movies:
Gangster Exchange 2009, Saw V (2008)...
Detective Fisk... aka Décadence V
(Canada: French title: dubbed version), Mr.
Magorium's Wonder Emporium 2007, Saw
IV 2007, The Path to 9/11 2006, The House
2006, Mayday 2005, Descent 2005,
Soldier's Girl 2003). Mike went to high
school with actors, Edgar Governo and
Rachel Moody. He is the son of Pio Realba
of Calzada Oas, Albay.
ADD A FOOTER 37
Miriam Redito Quiambao - is a television
personality, TV/Film Actress and a former beauty
queen. She was the 1999 Miss Universe 1st Runner
up and Clairol Herbal Essences Award. She's was a
World Vision advocate, Advocate of various
charitable organizations, Various hosting stints for
corporate events, Various TV program appearances
on GMA 7 and QTV 11 shows, Olay Total Effects,
Mister Donut, Cream Silk, and Lactacyd TV
advertisements, The Singing Bee; celebrity player
12/24/08, Winner, Best Travel Show Hosts (w/ Paolo
Bediones) "Pinoy Meets World" - 21st PMPC Star
Awards for TV 2007, Most Outstanding Bicolana
Award, Ibalong 1999. The eldest daughter of 38

Magdalena Redito of Iraya Sur Oas, Albay.

Hon. Noel Rosal - Current City Mayor of Legazpi City.

ADD A FOOTER 39
Abdon M. Balde, Jr. - He is a native of Busac, Oas,
Albay. National Book Awards, 2003, 2004 & 2005
Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel, 2004 Juan C.
Laya Prize for Best Book of Fiction, 2005 Gintong
Aklat Award, 2005 Palanca Memorial Award for
Literature, 2003 Rokyaw Ibalong Bikol Highest
Achievement Award in Literature, 2003 Lifetime
Achievement Award, Premio Arejola Foundation,
2007 Rector’s Recognition for Excellence,
Achievement, Commitment & Humanitarian Service
for Career Achievement, Aquinas University of
Legazpi, 2007 Omaw sa Oragon (Tribute for
Excellence), 2008.
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 Patrick Jolas Casimiro
Guerrero - A former
basketball varsity player of
Far Eartern University
(FEU Tamaraws) in Manila.
He is from Bagumbayan
Oas, Albay.

ADD A FOOTER 41
Al Francis C. Bichara is a Filipino
politician and current provincial
governor of Albay in Bicol Region of
the Philippines. He assumed in
office since June 2016. A civil
engineer by profession, Bichara's
political career began when he
served as mayor of Ligao City from
1986 to 1992.

ADD A FOOTER 42
José María Clemente "Joey"
Salceda is a Filipino politician
and the current Representative
of Albay's 2nd District in the
Philippine House of
Representatives. He previously
served as governor of Albay
province in the Philippines.

ADD A FOOTER 43
• Fr. Jessel Gonzales, SJ – Albay –
Composer, Musician, Catholic Priest
• Jonalyn Viray – Albay – Singer (La Diva)
• Jude Michael – Albay – Singer/Recording
Artist
• Stephanie Roco-Reese – Albay – Singer
• Potenciano Gregorio – Sto. Domingo,
Albay – the composer of Sarung Banggi
(One Evening), the most famous song in
the Bikol language.
ADD A FOOTER 44
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48
Vocalist Paulo Laguilles (Burf), bassist Julius Masbate (Yapak), and
drummer Mark Pineda (Pot) come from a common band, Negative 13th
X-Ray. While itself a considerable success with endless gigs in and out
of town, a cult following of their own, and original songs that have
become familiar with music scene supporters, Negative 13th X-Ray
had come to a halt in 2012 when school and work demands took their
toll on the members. But even as the band was beginning to slow
down, they were already eager for a new chapter. In fact, members of
the Negative 13th X-Ray had always challenged themselves, exploring
musical terrains that could match their zeal. After trying things out with
a few guitar players around town, Serafin Timog III (Serf) seemed like
the natural choice for a permanent guitarist. An old hand in the music
scene himself that needs a new challenge, Serf was more than
interested in the synergy that will become Prey. 49
Playing metal seemed a natural path for these four home-grown musicians. Burf, Yapak, and Pot
had started out playing punk music (Trigger Happy, Story So Far, Morons) in as early as 2004, but
over the years had also continually searched for something that was heavier and perhaps for them,
more musically challenging. With separate bands and as Negative 13th X-Ray, they had also played
metal music, but they had come to a point of simply wanting more to do with it. In fact, Yapak had
also started playing bass for other metal bands (Perdition, Jack in the Box, Dark Dungeon) around
the same time Prey got together. Similarly with Serf, it was never about swearing to any one genre,
his long line of music-making experiences running from involvements with blues to pop and acid
rock to metal (Voltes V, Volume, Next Level, Sperm, Angelic Rebellion, Pepsi Paloma Experiment)
since his high school days in 1998. And like his band mates in Prey, taking metal seriously was
simply due. Prey’s first gig was in October 2013. They have continued playing ever since, and one of
their songs is set to be part of Bicol X’s compilation album for release in mid-2015.

50
As with any endeavor, plunging into the music scene invites supporters as well as haters.
This is true for Prey. While one easily feels the support the bands gets with how people
gather in a moshpit or simply bob their heads along as Prey takes over the stage, one
also senses some sort of resistance to their presence. In fact, Prey had been questioned
of their claim to being a metal band, which Burf explains is on account of how their
musical history, lifestyle, and attitudes are apparently “not metal enough.” Prey normally
laughs these issues off, but when pressed for comment, they reveal what they see as the
irony in such attack. Particularly for Serf, there are a couple of problems with genre
purists in the local scene: boxing music into categories in the first place, and self-
righteousness over a genre which is actually foreign and thus for which no Filipino will
ever be ‘pure’ enough.
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To date, Prey has written three songs, Bully, Underdog, and Vengeance, all of which
started with guitar riffs from Pot. They are also currently working on one song, The Enemy
Needs to Die. Lyrically, they derive inspiration from personal experiences and perspectives
on bullying. They acknowledge that bullying is commonly experienced among the youth,
and they too have accounts of having been bullied. Burf shares that his most challenging
experience was in high school, where it took him a whole school year before he could
stand up to a group of upperclassmen that ganged up on him. They stress however that
bullying takes place everywhere and happens to everyone. Serf cites bullying in the
corporate world in particular, where employees hardly get a say over their work
circumstances, being underpaid and overworked the cruel and simple reality for many.
Their sentiment on the matter is punctuated by the need of the bullied to stand up for
themselves. Musically, they are influenced by bands such as Pantera and groove metal
music in general. 52
For Prey, “passion for music” remains the catchphrase explaining their motivation
as a band. Serf elaborates that without music, life just seems incomplete. More than
just passion though, Prey has enough experience to teach them that the quality of
the music one makes matters equally. Musicians do not exist solely for themselves,
and the music they offer must be worth listening to. Reaching for another cliché that
happens to be true, Yapak adds three basic things any self-respecting band needs
to ensure, regardless of the genre they are associated with or that they identify for
themselves: “practice, explore, create.”

53
One of the bands to come out in recent years, four-piece metal
band Prey nevertheless presents more than newness to the music scene.
They have been part of separate bands playing within and outside Legazpi
City for ten years and more, and proof of the rich music-making experiences
behind them is hard to miss. For anyone that listens to their songs and
watches their performances, they promise only well thought-out pieces,
creditable performances, and unquestionable passion.

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Bicol composer Potenciano Gregorio who penned the famous Bicol love song, Sarung
Banggi turned 133 years old last May 18 with an Albay festival, carrying the name of his
composition.
But his famous love song has two birth dates: One placed at 1897 when Gregorio was just
17. But in a research made by Bicol historian, Dr. Merito Espinas, who conducted
interviews with descendants of the composer, it appeared that the piece was only
completed on May 10, 1910 which makes it only 103 years old.
The violin version of Sarung Banggi was performed in Virac, Catanduanes in 2000 by
prize-winning Romanian violinist Alexandru Tomescu with pianist Mary Anne Espina and by
NAMCYA winner violinist Christian Tan last March 16 with the same pianist. The two
landmark performances were greeted by deafening applause and a rousing standing
ovation.
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ADD A FOOTER 58
With 97 percent of Albay’s population predominantly
Catholic, Albay can also be considered as the heart
and cornerstone of Bicol festivals. Apart from the
majesty of Mt. Mayon, Albay is also home to Legazpi
City, the center of the Bicol region.
Planning a trip to Albay? Want to know the best dates
to visit? Get your pens and calendars and mark these
dates, for there is no better time to plunge into Albay
tourism than during the red-letter dates of the following
festivals:
59
 A month-long celebration, Magayon Festival is
observed in May and features the reenactment of
the romantic legend of Daragang Mayon and
Panganoron, whose deaths local folklore point to as
the origin of the Mayon Volcano. The tragic love
story states that the grave of Magayon (which in the
local language means “beautiful to look at”) became
Mayon, and the almost present circle of cloud that
seems to kiss the volcano is Panganoron.
Locals of Albay reenact this legend by staging
various cultural activities. One highlight of the
month-long celebration is the chili pepper-eating
contest which is usually held at the Peñaranda Park
in Old Albay District, a display of the Bicol region’s 60

renowned fondness for spicy food.

The highlight of the pilgrimage to Joroan, a place
located in the town of Tiwi, Albay, is the uvial
procession of the Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, or
“Our Lady of Salvation.” This is held on the shores
of Sogod Beach and attended by thousands of
devotees who would like to glimpse at the wooden
statue of the Virgin Mary, which is an embodiment of
the local story of several apparitions of the Blessed
Mother that saved Joroan from Moro raids back in
the day. Local tradition points how after praying to
the Our Lady of Salvation, the Moro raiders would
fail to pillage and burn the houses in Joroan.
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The Ibalong Festival depicts the pre-Hispanic
culture and tradition of Bicol. A week-long
celebration, the Ibalong Festival recounts the
exploits of the legendary heroes in the folk epic
Ibalong, which historians say is based on the
Hindu epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The
story revolves on the heroic deeds of three
warriors including “Baltog,” “Handyong,” and
“Bantong.”
The highlight of the festival is the annual street
parade where people wearing masks and
costumes reenact battles in the epic, a
celebration of Bicol’s pre-Hispanic history. 62
The Sarung Banggi Festival was instituted
in the town of Sto. Domingo, Albay in 2002
to immortalize the contributions of
composer Potenciano V. Gregorio,
especially his renowned song, Sarung
Banggi, which remains popular in the Bicol
region. The highlight of the celebration is
the annual “Parade of Dancing Lights,”
wherein each and every barangay of Sto.
Domingo showcases a contingent clad in
traditional outts and dancing their
interpretation of the famous folk song. 63
In the town of Bacacay, located in the
eastern slope of Mt. Mayon, the
Karagumoy Festival is celebrated every
August. Karagumoy is literally “pandan” in
the local language, the source of the main
woven products of this coastal town. The
festival is also in honor of their patron Sta.
Rosa de Lima.

64
Named after the local word “su’wak” which means to
blossom, the Pagsuwak Festival in the town of
Guinobatan coincides with the town esta and is meant to
celebrate a bountiful harvest. The highlight of the festival
is a grand street presentation, full of colors and outts that
pay tribute to Bicol culture.

65
This colorful festivity in Libon reenacts the
valiant efforts of the virgins of the town to
build it into one of the earliest settlements
in Albay. Highlights of the festival include
trade fairs and lively street dancing.

66
This festival is celebrated in the second week of August to
honor the town's patron saint, Our Lady of Assumption
where they held street dance presentations and different
activities that promotes the town's products, one of which is
the Longganisa promoted to be among the array of Bicol's
culinary delicacies in the local as well as the national market.

67
Tabak Festival initially started as a
celebration of Tabaco’s foundation
anniversary, which was granted in 2002.
Today, it celebrates everything Tabaknon.
The Tabak Festival happens every 3rd to
4th week of June.

68