Bicol Region

Geographically, Bicol Region is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon, which lies at 123 to 126 degrees
longitude and 12 to 14 degrees latitude or generally at the mid-section of the country. It has a total land area of
17,362 square kilometers representing 5.67% share of the Philippines in terms of land area. The region is the
gateway of Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao and is within the international seas, hence, the gateway to the
Pacific. Located in the heart of the industrialized countries, the place would serve as a jumping board for market
and business in the Pacific Rim, Europe, and the United States. Bicol is accessible by land from Manila and the rest
of Luzon thru the Maharlika and Quirino Highways. From the Visayas and Mindanao islands, it can be reached via
the Matnog ferry terminal. Manila is about 10 hours away from Legaspi City. It is serviced by major bus lines
traversing the Manila-Bicol route.

Bicol Region is composed of four contiguous provinces: Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and
Sorsogon; two island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate; and seven cities namely, Legazpi, Naga, Iriga,
Tabaco, Ligao, Sorsogon, and Masbate.

Reference: https://www.dti.gov.ph/regions/region-5/profile/

Physical Geography of Bicol Region: Popular Landforms and Bodies of Water

Mayon Volcano

- Mayon, located in the Philippines, is a highly active

stratovolcano with recorded historical eruptions dating back to
1616.

Albay Gulf

- Albay Gulf is a large gulf in the southern part of Luzon Island,

Philippines. The place has been one of the tourist spots in the
province because of the frequent sightings of Butandings
(whale shark) in the coastal areas.

Lagonoy Gulf
 - Lagonoy Gulf is a large gulf in the Bicol Peninsula of Luzon island in the Philippines. It is separated from
the Philippine Sea by the Caramoan Peninsula in the north; and is separated from Albay Gulf in the south
by a chain of islands including Batan Island and Rapu-rapu Island.

Mt. Bulusan

- Bulusan, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, is

Luzon's southernmost volcano.

Mt. Marasaga

- Mount Masaraga is an extinct stratovolcano located in Ligao City

in the province of Albay, in the Bicol region, on Luzon Island, in
the Philippines.

Lake Buhi

- Lake Buhi is a lake found in Buhi, Camarines Sur in the

Philippines. It has an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 square
miles) and has an average depth of 8 metres (26 ft). The lake lies
in the valley formed by two ancient volcanoes, Mount Iriga (also
known as Mount Asog) and Mount Malinao.

Top 10 tourist attraction in Bicol Region.

1. Peñafrancia Basilica Minore

 - The original home of the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia was made of local materials in 1710 after Fr.
Miguel Robles de Covarrubias brought the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia to Bicol. The construction
of the present structure was completed in 1750. Its bell, donated by a wealthy Chinese trader Don Simon
Tuangqui during its reconstruction in 1864, still tolls on its belfry today.

Reference: https://www.pilgrim-info.com/lady-penafrancia-basilica/

2. Mount Isarog
- Mt. Isarog, an inactive volcano, rises in the heart of the province of Camarines Sur, the central part of the
Bicol Peninsula about 450 kilometers south of Manila. Itis the highest forested peak in Southern Luzon.The
Park, 10,112 hectares wide, has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is home to at least 143 kinds of birds,
15 of which are endemic to Luzon including a sub-species of the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch which is found
only in Mt. Isarog.

Reference: http://www.iapad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/profile_mt_isarog.pdf

3. Hayop-hayopan Cave
- Located in the town of Camalig about 30 minutes’ drive away from the city of Legazpi, Hoyop-hoyopan
Cave is a famous tourist destination for locals as well as tourists. The caves are mostly made up of natural
limestone and because of its natural ventilation, the Hoyop-hoyopan Cave is an ideal summer spot for
adventure lovers and tourists coming to this part of Bicolandia. In the local dialect hoyop-hoyopan means
blow-blow. The name is descriptive to the sound of the wind whistling through the cave entrance. The
Hoyop-Hoyopan cave is located 15 km from Legazpi, in the town of Camalig. Franciscan priests had
excavated archeological artifacts dating from 50 BC from this cave. Some of the artifacts can be viewed at
the nearby Camalig Church while some are located at the National Museum in Manila.

Reference: https://outoftownblog.com/visiting-hoyop-hoyopan-cave-in-camalig-albay/

4. Japanese Garden
- Japanese Garden is a hectare size at the center of Tiwi town proper, developed by Japanese Peace Corps
Volunteers and expert landscape technicians. Unique and extraordinary because of the Japanese style of
landscaping and blended with local materials and native flora. Japanese Garden is a hectare size at the
center of Tiwi town proper, developed by Japanese Peace Corps Volunteers and expert landscape
technicians. Unique and extraordinary because of the Japanese style of landscaping and blended with local
materials and native flora.

Reference: http://www.localphilippines.com/attractions/japanese-garden

5. Budioa Ruins
 - Budiao Ruins is a ruined church in Barangay Budiao, Daraga, Albay. It was a parish church dedicated to the
Assumption of Our Lady, which indicates that Budiao had been a town in the past. In 18th century records,
Budiao began as a “visita” or part of the parish of St. James the Great of Cagsawa, which was then under
the Province of Camarines. In 1772, fearful of further damage to their town by the eruptions of Mt. Mayon,
the people of Cagsawa petitioned the Superior Government in Manila for transfer to the visita of Daraga.
Though the petition was immediately granted, the transfer did not materialize because it was disapproved
by the new Alcalde Mayor of Camarines Fermin Zaldivar, who cited topographical disadvantages of Daraga.

Reference: https://albay.gov.ph/%F0%9D%90%80%F0%9D%90%A5%F0%9D%90%9B%F0%9D%90%9A%F0%9D
%90%B2-%F0%9D%90%87%F0%9D%90%9E%F0%9D%90%AB%F0%9D%90%A2%F0%9D%90%AD%F0%9D
%90%9A%F0%9D%90%A0%F0%9D%90%9E-%F0%9D%90%8C%F0%9D%90%A8%F0%9D%90%A7-11/

6. Darahga Church
- The history of Daraga Church goes way back to the 1700s. This baroque-style church was built in 1773 by
Franciscan missionaries at the time when Daraga was a part of Cagsawa. This church did not just serve as a
place for worship but also a shelter for the victims of the Mayon Volcano eruption. When Mayon erupted
in 1814, one of the most tragic incidents in history, Cagsawa and four nearby towns were devastated,
killing around 2,000 people. The Cagsawa Ruins we see today is a testament of how catastrophic the
eruption was. From a church, what only remains is the belfry of Cagsawa Church. Because of the town’s
destruction brought by the eruption, survivors moved to Daraga. In 1815, Vernando Espiritu Salomon was
appointed the first captain of the newly-formed government of Daraga.

Reference: https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/daraga-church/

7. Caramoan Island
- Caramoan Island is located in the lower eastern part of Camarines Sur in the Bicol region of the Philippine
archipelago.It’s a first-class municipality, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda
Channel on the north and east and Lagonoy Gulf on the south. It has a 4,000- hectare limestone forest well
endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It boasts of having perfect white sand beaches, tranquil
lakes, deep caves, coves and rich marine life. Very little is known about Caramoan. Isolated from the rest of
Camarines Sur, it is no surprise why Philippine's Secret Paradise remains unexploited from commercial
tourism.Caramoan gives 'island hopping' a new meaning. Enjoy its beauty in many ways

Reference: http://caramoanislands.com/about.php

8. Tiwi Hot springs National Park

- Tiwi is a highly active thermal zone, with Tiwi Hot Springs in the Top 5 Tourist Spots in Bicol-Philippines. Its
hot waters are believed to have medicinal properties. Naglagbong Lake offers the hottest waters. The
Geothermal Electric Power Plant is also located in Tiwi. It uses steam from the natural hot springs to
generate electricity.

Reference: https://saminovic.wordpress.com/tag/tiwi-hot-springs/

9. Cagsawa Ruins
 - Mayon Volcano had its most violent eruption in recorded history, destroying the entire town of Cagsawa.
Over a thousand people were killed in the disaster, including hundreds who sought refuge in the stone
church during the eruption, but were tragically engulfed by the fast-flowing volcanic matter.The belfry and
parts of the facade are all that remained of the 16th-century Cagsawa church after the eruption, but the
facade collapsed over time, leaving only the old bell tower standing today. It is now joined by a wooden
cross that was placed where the church altar used to be. Today, the Cagsawa ruins are one of the most
popular tourist attractions in Albay province, as they are set against the magnificent backdrop of their very
maker, the Mayon Volcano. Equal parts historic and scenic, the site, now named Cagsawa Ruins Park, was
even declared a national cultural treasure.

Reference : https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cagsawa-ruins

10. Mayon Volcano

- Mayon Volcano is both a stunner and a killer—renowned for its beauty as it is feared for its
destructiveness. Admired for its majestic beauty, Mayon Volcano Natural Park, a famous landmark in the
Philippines, never fails to attract travelers across the world. The country’s most active volcano is named
after a mythological fairy. Its symmetry and perfect cone shape draw attention across the world but what
lies beyond its beauty is its deadly nature: an enormous chamber, churning with molten rock and toxic gas
that could blow anytime. It has erupted over 51 times in the past four centuries, the most destructive of
which is in 1814. Nevertheless, it has developed a culture of resiliency among the inhabitants of its vicinity,
who always rebuilt their towns and cultivated their fields after each destructive eruption.

Reference: https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/mayon-volcano-natural-park/

Distinctive Culture of Bicol Region.

According to a folk epic entitled Ibalong, the people of the region were formerly called Ibalong or
Ibalnong, a name believed to have been derived from Gat Ibal who ruled Sawangan (now the city of Legazpi) in
ancient times. Ibalong used to mean the "people of Ibal"; eventually, this was shortened to Ibalon. The word Bikol,
which replaced Ibalon, was originally bikod (meaning "meandering"), a word which supposedly described the
principal river of that area. Archaeological diggings, dating back to as early as the Neolithic, and accidental
findings resulting from the mining industry, road-building and railway projects in the region, reveal that the Bicol
mainland is a rich storehouse of ceramic artifacts. Burial cave findings also point to the pre-Hispanic practice of
using burial jars. The Spanish influence in Bicol resulted mainly from the efforts of Augustinian and Franciscan
Spanish missionaries. Through the Franciscans, the annual feast of the Virgin of Peñafrancia, the Patroness for
Bicolandia, was started. Father Miguel Robles asked a local artist to carve a replica of the statue of the Virgin in
Salamanca; now, the statue is celebrated through an annual fluvial parade in Naga City. The flag of the members
of Katipunan in Bicol. Bicolanos actively participated in the national resistance to the Spanish, American, and
Japanese occupations through two well known leaders who rose up in arms: Simeón Ola and Governor Wenceslao
Q. Vinzons.[Historically, the Bicolano people have been among the most rebellious against foreign occupation, as
a result the region was very hard to control until the end of World War II.Bicolano People also believe that
whenever a super natural entity stalks your house, they will leave centavo coins as compensation. Some people
experience this phenomena up until this day.
Famous Foods in Bicol

1. Tiwi Halo Halo

- It's a traditional Filipino cold layered dessert consisting of shaved ice, sweet beans, coconut strips and fruits
drizzled with milk and topped with ice cream. Halo-Halo is a great summertime treat and it literally means
'mix-mix.

Reference: https://restaurantguru.com/halo-halo-Tiwi-m9396

2. Pili Rolls
- In Bicol, different variety of products and dishes were made out of this nut and one of this can be found in
Camarines Norte- Pili Roll. Pili Roll or Pili Cake is made of soft cake roll filled with sweet milk and chopped
pili. Pili Roll’s chiffon or soft cake is fluffy and melts in your mouth. The caramelized filling, on the other
hand, has the right sweetness that compliments the buttery flavor and texture of the chopped pili nuts.

Reference: https://traveleatpinas.com/2017/09/08/5-must-try-bicol-dishes-in-camarines-norte/#:~:text=Pili
%20Roll%20or%20Pili%20Cake,of%20the%20chopped%20pili%20nuts.

3. Pancit Bato
- Pancit Bato is a noodle dish that closely resembles pancit canton. This originated in the province of
Camarines Sur, Bicol region in a municipality known as Bato. I think that it is clear where this noodle dish
got its name.

Reference: https://panlasangpinoy.com/pancit-bato-guisado/

4. Sinapot
- The Sinapot are usually made from saba bananas. In the Bicol version, it does not “fan” the bananas.
Instead they are simply sliced lengthwise before frying in batter. In Metro Manila, they call this “Maruya”
but without sugar and some Bicolano’s even dip this sinapot in bagoong.

Reference: https://www.lutongbahayrecipe.com/snacks/sinapot/

5. Laing
- Laing made of dried taro leaves cooked with pork belly, coconut milk, and chili peppers is easy to make
and sure to deliver big flavors. This classic Bicolano dish is creamy, spicy and delicious with steamed rice!
Laing is a Filipino dish composed of dried taro leaves and coconut milk. It was first introduced in the
province of Bicol. This dish has been very famous — it is popular within the Philippines and also outside of
the country. Since the purpose of this blog is to raise awareness about Filipino Food and Recipes, I hope
that this awesome dish will soon get the international credit that it deserves.

Reference: https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/laing/
 6. Bicol Express
- The mild sweetness of coconut milk brings a sense of delight to the sharp notes of chili pepper and
bagoong in the classic Bicol Express recipe. This contrast has long created a spell-binding richness in taste
for the dish. And this has helped make it arguably one of the most popular Filipino dishes. And righteously
so, as it has all of the well-meaning components of classic savory Philippine cuisine. Not only does it
contain a generous amount of meat in some succulent, juicy pork belly, but it is also enriched by a local
favorite to season and bring some unique flavor to the dish– shrimp paste or bagoong.
Bicol Express, in all of its well-balanced spice and sweetness, also makes for an irresistible cold day meal.
With a creamy, delicious stew containing ginger, and a generous amount of essential seasonings in salt
and pepper, the flavors come together for the most comforting spoonful of meat and soup.

Reference: https://panlasangpinoy.com/bicol-express/

Most Popular Festivals In Bicol Region

1. Pinangat Festival
- An annual festival celebrated every month of June 10-24 to coincide with the town fiesta in honor of its
Patron Saint, St. John the Baptist. The festival’s name is acquired through the world famous native food
delicacy of the municipality which is the Pinangat.

Reference: https://albay.gov.ph/festivals_of_albay/pinangat-festival-camalig-albay/#:~:text=An%20annual
%20festival%20celebrated%20every,municipality%20which%20is%20the%20Pinangat.

2. Coron Festival
- Known not only because of the Geothermal Power, Tiwi is famous originally because of the "Coron" or
pottery products that are shaped in different forms and sizes either in round or hexagonal shapes. A
showcase of events highlighted by a street presentation participated in by the town's different public and
private schools ans sectors gives a week-long of fun and merriment to visitors and local people. Coron is a
Bicol dialect meaning clay-pot or potteries of which the town of Tiwi, Albay is popularly known for. The
festival's main feature is the municipality's pottery industry which is done with skills passed from parents to
children and perfected through long years of practice without the benefit of written manuals.

Reference: http://rsso05.psa.gov.ph/Albay-Tourism/Coron%20Festival/Coron%20Festival.html

3. Magayon Festival
- Magayon Festival is a month-long celebration happening every month of May in Albay Province. This
festival is meant to honor Mayon Volcano’s beauty, with Magayon meaning “always beautiful to look at.”
The streets of Albay come to life as various cultural events represent the different traditional life of
Albayanos. Aside from featuring Albay’s rich culture, the Magayon Festival is also a platform to showcase
the province’s culinary fare, native industries, and natural wonders. One of the highlights of this event is
the retelling of the popular legend of the Mayon Volcano called “Daragang Magayon” (Beautiful Maiden).
This much-awaited event also features sili-eating (chili pepper) contest at the Peñaranda Park in Old Albay
District where Bicolano’s fondness of food served with hot and spicy chili is challenged.

Reference: https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2018/04/25/magayon-festival-in-albay-bicol/
 4. Ibalong Festvial
- Unlike most festivals in the Philippines, Ibalong Festival is not a religious celebration or festivity about
harvests. It is a celebration in recognition of the socio-historic-cultural heritage of Bicolanos as based on
the Ibalong Epic showcasing the bravery and strength of three heroes—Baltog, Handyong and Bantong—
who got to battle against the elements, one-eyed monsters, giant flying sharks, crocodiles as big as boats,
and other such fearful creatures.

Reference: https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/post/ibalong-festival/

5. Sunflower Festival
- Sunflower Festival, held in conjunction with the anniversary of the cityhood of Ligao City, spotlights the
flamboyant flower that abounds in the area. This flower symbolizes their faith, resiliency, hope and love. A
celebration showcasing the artistry of Tabaquenos in producing their very own cutleries with hard labor. It
came from the word “tabak ko! tabak ko!” which means “my sword, my sword!”. Tabaco City is known for
having the “blacksmiths” in Barangay Cobo.

Reference: https://albay.gov.ph/festivals-of-albay/

6. Longganisa Festival
- The festival is held every August to coincide with the town fiesta as a form of thanksgiving for the bounties
from the land. Various activities are lined up to drumbeat the affair, the highlight of the festival is the
showcase of cuisines that features their main product, the Guinobatan Longganisa.

Reference: https://albay.gov.ph/festivals_of_albay/longganisa-festival-guinobatan-albay/

Famous People from Bicol Region

1. Ely Buendia
- born in Naga City, Camarines Sur, on November 2, 1970, whose real name is Eleandre Basino Buendia, is a
Filipino musician, writer and director. He became very popular as songwriter, guitarist and lead vocalist of
the famous Pinoy rock band Eraserheads. After leaving this rock band, he invited his musician friends to
form a group called The Mogols, consisting of J. Astro, guitarist, (also known as Jerome Velasco)(of The
Teeth); Yan Yuzon Jugo, bassist, drummer bogs “Boga Man” (of the Indie pop band Daydream Cycle); and,
Buendia on guitars and vocals under the stage name Jesus “Dizzy”´Ventra. His group, The Mogols, toured
the country and the US too. Regarded as one of the most respected music icons of the Philippines, Ely
Buendia currently performs as guitarist and lead vocalist for Pupil. Sometimes, he appears in solo concert
and is being invited as guest performer in various musical shows in the country. Furthermore, his
compositions are considered classics and (he) continues to promote his stylistic Filipino rock music. Ely
buendia, a bicolano oragon musician.

2. Andrew E.
- born in Naga City, Camarines Sur, on July 30, 1957, in real life name is Andrew Espiritu. He is one of the
most popular Filipino rappers in the Philippines. Also a record producer and actor, he made his debut hit
single “Humanap ka ng Panget” (1990), a bestseller rapping throughout the country. In effect then, he
 received the award of the PMPC Star Awards for Music (2010) for his album Clubzilla, thus, winning for him
the “Rap Album of the Year.” Andrew E. entered the show business, appearing first in the TV show of
German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment of GMA-7 in the early of 1990’s. In 1995, Andrew E. founded the
Dungalo Wreckords to encourage new rap talents like the rap group, Salbakuta, whose single “S2upid Luv”
became a best-seller and was used in a film starred by Andrew E. himself. Andrew E., a bicolano oragon
Filipino rapper and actor.

3. 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 five
Platinum Albums, four double Platinum albums, three triple Platinum Albums, and two sextuple Platinum
Albums.
- Gary’s most notable songs are: “Di Bale Na lang’ (“never Mind’’), “Eto Na Naman’ (“Here We Go Again”),
“Sana Maulit Muli’ (I WishIt Could Happen Again”), “Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?”( Does God Sleep?”), “Gaya
ng dati” (“Just like Before”), “Pasko na Sinta Ko” (“It’s already Christmas My Love”), and “Narito N” (Here”).
- Gary is presently one of the ABS-CBN contract actors. His popular compositions are used as theme songs
in some opera soaps and films of said network. He is known also for his charitable works and special
guesting performance in the country. Truly, a Bicolano oragon Filipino musician and philanthropist.

4. Robin Padilla
- born in Daet, Camarines Norte on November 23, 1969, known in real life as Robinhood Ferdinand Carino
Padilla, is a Filipino actor, martial artist, film director, producer and screen writer. Robin is the son of the
LateCasimiro Padilla Sr, a film-director and vice-governor of Camarines Norte in 1970’s and Assemblyman
in 1980’s. His mother was an actress and (he) has three siblings, all became actors also, namely Rustom,
Rommel and Royette. He is the father of Ms. Kylie Padilla, one of the four main characters in GMA-7
television series, Encatadia, as Amihan.
- Robin is sometimes dubbed as the “bad Boy” of the modern Philippine cinema. He is both a matinee idol
and cultural icon. He has been engaged in Philippine cinema for more than two decades. Presently, he is
also active in television series programs of ABS-CBN and some commercial ads. Robin, a Bicolano oragon
Filipino actor and a philanthropist.

5. Eddie Garcia
- born in Sorsogon on May 2, 1929, known in real life as Eduardo Verchez Garcia, is a Filipino actor and film
director. As the most awarded nominated person in the long history of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts
and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, Eddie was awarded a total of 34 nominations (13 for Best Supporting
Actor, 10 for Best Actor and 11 for Best Director). Out of these, he got 6 Best Supporting Actor wins, 3 Hall
of Fame Awards, 1 Lifetime Achievement Award and the Fernando Poe Jr, Jr. Memorial Award. He received
his first FAMAS AWARD in 1957 and his last FAMAS, a Hall of Fame for Best Actor in 2003. Currently, he
appears as supporting actor sometimes in the television series of the two big televisions of the country.
- Eddie, popularly known as “Manoy” in Filipino moviedom and to his friends, was a war veteran who served
with the Philippine Scouts during the World War II. He was also assigned as a military policeman in
Okinawa, Japan before entering the Philippines movie business. Eddie, a Bicolano oragon Filipino actor
Reference: https://www.gogagah.com/celebrities-you-probably-didnt-know-who-are-from-bicol/