festivals/events - Department of Tourism

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Pinyasan Festival (Daet)

June 15-24

A colorful festival showcasing the province’ primary agri-product, the sweetest “queen” pineapple called “Formosa”. Featured are float exhibition, street dancing presentation, agro-industrial fair and talent/skills beauty competition.

Senakulo (Paracale) Good Friday

A Lenten presentation reenacting the Passion of Christ. Lenten observance include Visita

Iglesias or altar visitations and processions.

Pabirik Festival (Paracale) Fbruary 1-2

A week long celebration provide the people, guests and devotees to glimpse the past culture, customs, traditions and history of the gold town of Paracale. The festival also showcases the rich mining industry and gold products available in the municipality.

"Pabirik" suggests the pan and procedure Paracale folk use in gold panning.

Huli White January 6

A New Year’s celebration in honor of the three kings: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. The festivity is an extravagant celebration associated with different activities. The affair is highlighted by the coronation of the next three kings selected during the evening celebration

Feast of the Black Nazarene (Capalonga)

May 13

The Capalonga fiesta in honor of the Black Nazarene draws devotees from all over the country. The image is said to be miraculous and its feast is particularly celebrated by

Chinese businessmen from all over the Philippines, who pay annual homage and ask for long life and good fortune.

Palong Festival (Capalonga)

May10-13

This festival is highlighted by street dancing and agro-industrial fair in Capalonga which expresses the local folk’s gratitude for their town’s name etymology derived from the abundance of an ornamental plant called “rooster combs" or “palong manok” in the locality or “Capalongan” shorten to Capalonga.

Busig-on Festival (Labo)

September 7-8

A festival based on the epic of Busig-On of Labo town which exemplifies heroism and

Bicolano values. The festival features the town’s distinct historical values and sentiments through talent and skills competition featuring the town’s places of interest.

Vinzons Day Celebration September 28

This celebration commemorates the birth anniversary of the hero, Wenceslao Q. Vinzons,

Sr., a native of Vinzons (former Indan).

Buyuboy Festival November 4-8

A week long celebration consisting of various activities promoting the abundantly growing "Queen Formosa" pineapple in the municipality.

Bantayog Festival May 15

As the term suggests, Bantayog festival features the storied First Rizal Monument or

“Unang Bantayog ni Dr. Jose Rizal” which is the centerpiece of the celebration. It is held in the conjunction with the province foundation anniversary.

Mercedes Kadagatan Festival (Mercedes)

August 1-8

It is a fishermen’s celebration of thanksgiving for the blessings and bounty during the seafaring, fishing expedition and fish farming endeavors. This fishtival is also a moment of retrospect and recognition of Mother Nature for having endowed Mercedes with a gift of vast fishery resources, magnificent shorelines and other aquatic potentials and the wise utilization and preservation of ecological balance for the attainment of environmental dignity and beauty.

ACCREDITED AND NON-ACCREDITED ACCOMODATION FACILITIES

Accredited Hotels

Name of Establishment/

Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Location/Telephone Number/

Fax Number/E-Mail Address

Classification

Wiltan Hotel

Mr. William Tan

29 Vinzons Avenue, Daet,

Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 721-22525

Fax No. (054) 571-2907

Economy

Non-Accredited Hotels


Contact Person

Hotel Dolor

Mr. Arnold Dolor

Hotel Mega Star

Mr. Manuel Tanzo

CM Hotel

Royal Orchid Mansion

Ms. Mitxie Ong

Number of

Rooms

33

59

21

10



Vinzons Avenue, Daet,

Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 721-2167

Fax No. (054) 440-7070

National Diversion Road

Talisay, Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 721-1600

571-220

San Antonio Street, Poblacion

Norte,

Paracale, Camarines Norte

National Diversion Road,

Itomang,

Talisay, Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 605-0066

Non-Accredited Inns


Contact Person

Sampaguita Tourist Inn

Mr. Jose Dacudao, Sr.



Tin-Tin Apartelle

Mr. Rafael Moraleda/

Ms. Mergie Moraleda

Number of

Rooms

23

40

14

Hillside Family Inn

Ms. Asuncsion de Jesus

5



Vinzons Avenue, Daet,

Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 511-2221

J Pimentel Street, Daet,

Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 571-2646

Brgy. 11 Vicencio Street

Daet, Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 721-4998

Kalamading, Labo, Camarines

Norte

Tel. No. (054) 605-0066

Non-Accredited Pension Houses


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Classification

Economy

Economy

Economy

Economy

Classification

Tourist Inn

Tourist Inn

Tourist Inn

Inn

Classification

Canimog Hotel

Ms. Elenite Acuna

Hotel Mikael

Ms. Elenita Acuna

Karilagan Hotel

Mr. Luis Abano/

Ms. Betty Evasco

Regine Joy Apartelle

Mr. Ricardo Rada

8

12

10

24

San Vicente, Lag-on,


Tel. No. (054) 721-1306/571-

2621

Fax No. (054) 721-5318



Tel. No. (054) 721-1624

Moreno Street, Brgy. 6,


Tel. No. (054) 721-2236



Tel. No. (054) 721-2903/721-

5250

721-5706

Pension House

Pension House

Pension House

Pension House

Non-Accredited Lodging Houses


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Mines Hotel

Mr. Baltazar Torres

45

Nautiloux Lodge

Mr. Alex Pejarillo

Skytraxx Hotel

Mr. Alex Pejarillo

Daet Hotel

Mr. Angel de Mesa

6

41

27



Classification

Vinzons Avenue,


Tel. No. (054) 721-1403

Lodging House

Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte

Tel. No. (054) 440-0360

Lodging House

Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte Lodging House

Travellers Hotel

Mr. Thomas Ong

Daet Apartelle

Mr. Angel de Mesa

Samante’s Resthouse

Queen’s Lodging House

Ms. Asuncion de Jesus

32

18

11

10

F. Pimentel Avenue,


Tel. No. (054) 571-2512

Brgy. Marqiez, Daet, Camarines

Norte

Dasmarinas Street,


Vicente Basit Street,


Tel. No. (054) 721-2062

Jose Panganiban, Camarines

Norte

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Diamond Motor Lodge

Mr. Nonong Dingle

21



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Pinoy Hotel

Mr. Edmund Pajares

Nathaniel Apartelle

Ms. Hazel Parong

Daet Travellers

Daet Hotel

Mr. Angel de Mesa

12

8

14

27

Gov. Panotes Avenue,


Lodging House



Purok 6, Lag-on


Tel. No. (054) 440-0410

Classification

Lodging House

San Gregorio Village


Lodging House

Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte Lodging House

F. Pimentel Avenue,


Tel. No. (054) 571-2512

Lodging House

Non-Accredited Resorts


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Bel-Air Resort and

Restaurant

Mr. Samson Kho/

Mr. Loreto Landicho

9



Bel-Air Subdivision, Lag-on


Tel. No. (054) 721-5319

Classification

Resort

Villa Mila Garden

Resort and Conference

Center

Mr. Baltazar Torrres

19 Vinzons Ave., Daet, Camarines

Norte

Tel. No. (054) 721-1403/440-

1641

Fax No. (054) 721-1208

Dormitories/Boarding Houses/Homestays


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Ma. Christina Casilihan 3 Alawihao, Daet, Camarines

Norte

Mr. Raul Santelices 1

Resort

Classification

Homestay

Purok 1, San Roque, Mercedes, Homestay

Mr. Ediberto Gabua

Mr. Serafin Gorrea

Mr. Socrates

Fuentebella

1

Mr. Bonifacio Pimentel 1

1

2

Mr. Rogelio Farillas, Jr. 2

Camarines Norte

Purok 1, Matnog, Basud,

Camarines Norte

Purok 1, Barangay Dogatan,


Pinagwarasan, Basud

Camarines Norte

Phase 2, Dacungbolo,

San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines

Norte

Briola Street, Mercedes,

Camarines Norte

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Ms. Lourdes Taburo 2


Brgy. 3, Happy Homes,

Mercedes,

Camarines Norte


Contact Person

Mr. Lloyd Samonte

Number of

Rooms

2



Brgy. Cayucyucan, Mercedes

Camarines Norte

Mr. Antonio Ahmad

Ms. Shirley Pajarillo

2

3

86 Zone, Brgy. 7, Mercedes

Camarines Norte

Phase 3, Calsgasan,


Homestay

Classification

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Mr. Joseph Michael

Timoner

TOUR OPERATORS

Accredited

Name of Operators

1 Daet, Camarines Norte Homestay

Address

Dependable Access Travel and Tours

2/F Hotel Dolor

Bldg., Vinzons Ave.,

Daet

HISTORY

Contact Number Contact Person

(054) 440-3440

CP# 0917-898-

1772

Ms. Lourdes I.

Dolor

Known centuries ago as the Tierra de Camarines, the province is distinctly Spanishfounded settlement. Its name having been derived from "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

LOCATION

Located in the central part of the Bicol peninsula, which forms the southeastern part of the island of Luzon; Bounded on the north by the Provinces of Camarines Norte and

Quezon, San Miguel Bay and the Pacific Ocean; on the south by the Province of Albay; on the east by Lagonoy Gulf; and on the west by Ragay Gulf.

The largest among the six provinces in Bicol, its total land area is 5,266.82 sq. kms, which is about 30% of the entire region and about 2% of the national land area.

Thirty-five municipalities and two cities classified into four districts compose the province of Camarines Sur. The first district (Railroad Town) consists of eleven municipalities; second district (Central Bay) has eight municipalities and one chartered city; third district (Partido Area) has ten municipalities and the fourth district (Rinconda

Area) comprises of six municipalities and one component city.

It is traversed by the long wide and meandering Bicol River and other streams that descend from the southwestern side of Pasacao-San Fernando-Libmanan mountain ranges and northeastern side of Mt. Isarog

Except for some highlands found in some inland towns such as Ocampo, Baao and Iriga, the rest are mountain ranges which bordered the rugged coastlines. They surround the vast fertile plains and arable lowlands except those found in Nato, Sangay, Sabang and

San Jose beaches.

Camarines Sur boasts of three beautiful lakes namely: Baao, Bato and Buhi and four mountains sucha as: Isarog, Iriga, Buhi and Tangcong Vaca.

Camarines Sur is in the middle of the Bicol Peninsula jutting out southeasterly from the main island of Luzon. The province is 450 kilometers from Manila at the north and approximately the same diistance from Cebu in the Visayan Islands at the South.

CLIMATE

The western and southern part of the province belong to the fourth type which is characterized by no dry season and no very pronounced maximum rain period. A definite absence of a dry season with a very pronounced maximum period from November to

January predominates over the eastern and northern area. Caramoan Peninsula and the regions east of Mt. Isarog and Iriga fall under this climate.

DIALECT

As a province which belongs to the Bicol region, Standard Bicol is the primary dialect being used. There are, however, other speech varieties which are adapted by some people in other areas of the province. These dialectal differences are believed to be derivatives of the standard Bicol dialect. It is always an advantage having to listen to a Bicolano speaking his own dialect as it is claimed to be one which is endowed with beauty and

artistic merit. In the premiere province of Camarines Sur, not to be treated with exemptions are two distinct dialects which are the Buhi-non and Partido dialects. Buhinon has the reputation of being the most unique albeit the most difficult of all the varieties of Bikol. The Partido dialect, on the other hand, is one which is widely used in the towns of Ocampo, Goa, Tigaon and Lagonoy.

POPULATION

The population of the province as of May 2000 census was 1,551,549 accounting for almost 33 percent of the regional population. The province's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.72 percent between 1995 and 2000. Its population density is

283.0 persons per square kilometer of land area.

Major IndustrY

Agriculture is the leading industry with rice and coconut as the leading agricultural crops in the province. Abaca and banana are next because of the kind of soil prevalent in the province.

Camarines Sur is a province endowed with a variety of natural resources: from verdant forests which provide a wide range of flora and fauna species; hidden deposits of rare and precious minerals to the vast water world which offers a whole lot of water resources.

Moreover, the province's abundant natural resources make it an ideal base for broad range of resource-based industries. Its arable land is suited to the growing and production of a wide variety of food and commercial crops

Mining is a growing industry, too. Aside from this, it is also sufficient in fish due to its virtually untapped, rich fishing grounds

MODE OF TRANSPORTATION

Air Transport

The province can be reached by plane within a flying time of 45 minutes. There is the service of the Philippine Airlines at the upgraded Pili Airport. Shown below are the flight schedules going to and from the province.

Philippine Airlines

2/F G7 Holdings Building

Dinaga Street, Naga City

Flight Schedule:

Manila-Naga: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun

Departure- 7:00 am; Arrival- 7:50 am

Naga-Manila: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Departure- 8:30 am; Arrival- 9:15 am

Rail Transport

Camarines Sur is served by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) which operates rail service from Manila, passing through woodlands of the Southern Luzon, to its destination in Tabuco, Naga City, in a ten-hour trip.

Philippine National Railways

Tabuco, Naga City

Tel. Nos. 73-96-15; 811-15-53

Naga to Metro Manila - Daily:

4:30 P.M. - Bicol Express

7:30 P.M. - Peñafrancia Express

Naga to Ragay Daily:

6:05 A.M.; 9:25 A.M. and 2:00 P.M.

Naga to Libmanan - Daily: 11:30 A.M.

Sea Transport

Boats sail offshore to islands and coastal communities. Cargo ships from Cebu sail directly to Pasacao Port and Nato Port in Sagñay Town.

Land Transport

Aircon and non-aircon buses ply daily through the Quirino Highway from Manila and vice-versa in an 8-hour trip. The Central Business District (CBD) Terminal located at

Naga City houses a line of buses and their booking offices.

A TOURS & TRAVEL

Central Bus Terminal, Naga City

Naga to Metro Manila: 7:30 P.M. Daily

AMDG/RTN


Naga to Daet:Every hour from 5:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.

Naga to Legazpi:Every 30 minutes from 5:00 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.

AMA TRANS


Naga to Metro Manila: 7:30 to 8:30 P.M. Daily

BLTB


Naga to Metro Manila - Daily:6:45, 9:30 and 10:30 A.M.

Continuous trips from: 1:00 to 10:00 P.M.

CUL TRANSIT


GOLDLINE


Naga to Metro Manila: 7:30 P.M. Daily

ISAROG LINE EXPRESS TRANSPORT


Naga to Metro Manila: 7:30 and 8:00 P.M. Daily

PEÑAFRANCIA TOURS


Naga to Metro Manila: 7:00; 7:30 and 8:00 P.M. Daily

PHILTRANCO

Diversion Rd., Naga City

Naga to Metro Manila - Daily

Every 30 minutes from 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

TRAVEL TIPS

Planning your visit to Camarines Sur would necessarily entail essential information on the province such as how to get here, when to go here, accommodations, transportation, weather and similar other details that would assist you in making your stay in this premiere province of Bicolandia as pleasurable and hassle-free as possible.

To every potential visitor, you can call the Provincial Tourism Office, Promotions and

Marketing Section at telephone number 4773172 to inquire on the offered tour packages which you might want to avail of.

Telephones

Telephone Payphones are available everywhere: at drugstores, convenience stores, malls, department stores, gasoline stations, bus terminals. There are also some small grocery store owners who avail of the opportunity in making use of their personal phones for the public charging them P5.00/per minute of call.

In making a long distance call or overseas call, one has to purchase a payphone prepaid card to be able to make such call. The cards are available anywhere. The area code for the entire Camarines Sur is 54.

Banks

Commercial banks are open from Monday to Friday. Banking hours are from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. There are however a number which starts banking transactions as early as 8:30 and ends at 5:30 in the afternoon.

Automated Teller Machines or ATMS serve as the easy way to withdraw money from one's account. Every bank has its own ATM located within the bank's premises or inside the bank itself.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Mt. Isarog

Towering 1,976 meters above sea level and covering 10,112 hectares, it is the haven of indigenous flora and fauna. Most of the rare and exotic orchids, medicinal and flowering plants, wild boars, deer, squirrels, monkeys and untamed rodents are found on the base of the slopes of the mountain. It is now the last Rainforest Mountain in Southern Luzon.

Hundreds of waterfalls both known and unknown, are an unforgettable sight to behold.

The Protected Area Management Board has identified Malabay Falls (Naga City), Curry

(Pili) Consocep (Tigaon), and Hiwacloy (Goat) as tourism areas within the mountain.

Pinaglukaban Island Brgy. Denrica, Garchitorena

The island offers superb sites for scuba diving. It has white sand and a lagoon.

Tayak Lagoon (Malarad Island, Caramoan)

The lagoon is accessible by swimming underneath the rocks on the beach side. Coral gardens are vast and colorful.

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.

Isla de Monteverde (Denrica, Garchitorena)

The island is covered with virgin forest, inhabited by birds, bats and iguanas. It is bordered by white beaches with clean and clear sea water.

Umang Cave

Caramoan

Like a deformed cathedral the cave interior is illuminated by natural windows millions of bats flying in circles and petrified hill of guano.

Animasola Island (Balatan)

Exotic rock formations and crystal clear water welcome visitors traveling off the coast of Balatan.

La Roca Encantada Buhi

An enchanting island within the scenic lake of Buhi.

Culapnitan Cave Libmanan

It contains innumerable stalactites and pillars ranging from massive to extremely delicate

Sabang Beach

San Jose

This resort has sandy white beach and shallow clear placid bathing water which is strongly fitted to the climate in the area.

Lake Bato Bato

An inland lake where wild ducks habituate, a choice site for bird watching.

Adiangao Cave Presentacion

Located in Presentacion, the entrance to this cave is on the side of a small hill overlooking the sea.

Rose Islet Presentacion

The small islet near the town of Presentacion, it has a white sandy beach good for swimming and snorkeling.

Atulayan Island Caramoan

A cinema-like paradise of an island, you can easily pull your heart down and complete your collection of rare shells and stones. This island is the site of the French-Italian movie "Mutiny in the South Seas". Its ivory-colored beaches provide the best setting for the movie.

Nato Beach

Its beach is long with clear and gradual sea-depthness

Pasacao Beach Pasacao

A very popular beach to the landlocked residents of Naga City located in the town of

Pasacao

Caramoan Beach (Caramoan)

The beach that could match the Miami Beach in Florida.

Aguiringan Island (Caramoan)

This small, 1.5-hectare white sand beach made out of powdered corals is a favorite

Camarines Sur excursion site.

Bayagin Falls

Located near the Barit River where the movie "OG" was entirely filmed for its natural location.

Lake Buhi

Where the smallest commercial fish (tabios) in the world is found.

Waterfalls

Nalalata Falls (Bula)

An impressive gush of water provides a cool mist and spray in the area.

Bolanogan Falls (Barangay Agosais, Lagonoy)

An impressive natural phenomenon in the town of Lagonoy, the Bolanogan falls is nature's treat to anyone who would like to experience a cool water spraying on their cheeks

Magragobdob Falls (Mt. Isarog, Goa)

The cool surroundings also offers an encounter with Mt. Isarog’s hidden riches such as the mysteries of its woodlands and the shrill cries of various unknown bird species.

Itbog Twin Falls (South Eastern Side of Lake Buhi)

One of the major attractions of Buhi town, the sixty foot Itbog Twin Falls is an awesome spectacle of gushing white waters from somewhere on top of Mt. Isarog.

Resorts

Pasacao Chain of Resorts

Camarines Sur's very own version of the Copacabana Beach in Brazil, Pasacao has about 12-kilometers of beaches filled with people on weekends, either to unwind after a busy week of work or to spend pleasure and fun with the whole family. Just a 45-minute ride by car from Naga City, excursionists can choose from isolating themselves to the nearby Daruanak Island, to enjoying the ambience of a floating cottage to basking under the sun while on a leisure cruise on a motorboat.

Gota Beach Resort (Caramoan)

A five-hour trip either by bus from Naga City to Sabang, San Jose and by boat to

Caramoan or directly by land through the Caramoan Peninsula Road, one will be amply rewarded with beautiful beaches with fine white sand beside majestic limestone and marble mountains as well as a taste of adventure in its exotic islets with coves nearby.

Consocep Resthouse (Brgy. Consocep, Tigaon)

Constructed by the DPWH during the 70s, the place offers a panoramic view of the

Pacific Ocean, Partido area and Mt. Iriga.

Parks and Farms

Bicol National Park (Sipocot)

One of the three national parks and home of old trees in the province.

Bamboo Farm (Hanawan, Ocampo)

Being developed by the Provincial Government as one of its eco-tourism destination in

Camarines Sur, the farm showcases different varieties of bamboo in the country.

Caramoan National Park (Caramoan)

Proudly dubbed as “The Last Frontier in the Luzon Peninsula” .

Tan-awan Park (Bagoladio, Bula)

A pilgrim tourist spot, a 35-foot statue of the Queen of the Family. The park gives visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay.

Bamboo and anahaw cottages are built around the shrine, well-maintained landscape for accommodation. The site is essential for religious, tourism and economic concerns.

Deer Farm (Sta. Cruz, Ocampo)

Situated about 4 kilometers up in Mt. Isarog, this 5-hectare farm is considered as the Deer

Farm of the Philippines. Owned by the Camarines Sur government, it was started late in

1996 with only 60 heads of five species from Australia. Today, the number had increased to over 300 heads. Its goal is to make the province a supplier of deer meat (venison) which is a delicacy to class restaurants while the hides can be used as materials for bags, belts, and other goods while the antlers can be extracted for medicinal value.

Eco-Village

Bird's Aviary (Provincial Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili)

A dome-shaped steel structure for exotic birds.

Chicken Farm (Provincial Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili)

A sanctuary of chicken species from all over the world.

Gazebo (Provincial Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili)

Climbing tendrils lined the wooden porch of this Gazebo which is located within the Eco-

Village. The path leading to this place is dotted with miniature and colorful flowers which one would definitely find as visually intoxicating. The gazebo is also surrounded with ponds filled with varying species of freshwater fishes and shrimps.

Land Marks

Nahulugan Kampana (Brgy. Sta. Maria, Lagonoy)

The belfry of the first stone church which serves as the living memory of the past became an added tourist attraction of the municipality. It is approximately 300 meters from the

Lagonoy Poblacion and can be reached thru walking or riding motor vehicles or padyaks.

Presently the area is categorized as open and grassland area, but half portion is utilized for agricultural purposes. It has an area of more or less one (1) hectare and privately owned by Ontengco’s family.

PNR Markers Park (Del Gallego)

The site where the late Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon had driven a golden nail during the inauguration of the North and South Railroad tracks which connected Manila and

Legazpi.

Tigaon Museum (Poblacion, Tigaon)

The Tigaon Museum houses old important documents, achievements, artifacts, and antiques that had captured Tigaon's Hispanic evolution - from a thriving human settlement toward its historic evolvement into a society of democratic ideology running through the Commonwealth, the war years, and present structure of governance. It

showcases achievements of Tigaon sons and daughters - in Bicol politics, rural economics, industry, philosophy and the arts.

Churches

Quipayo Church (Calabanga)

Another ancient Church founded by the Franciscan missionaries who came to Camarines

Sur in 1578.Originally, the present parishes of Libmanan, Calabanga, Bombon and

Siruma were under its jurisdiction. The patroness of Quipayo is Our Lady of the

Immaculate Concepcion.

Nabua Ladrillo Church (Nabua)

The existence of Nabua as a municipality dates back to as early as 1571 when Fray

Alonzo Jimenez, an Augustinian missionary, started his first Church mission in the settlement known before as Lupa. The historical marker found in the Church of Nabua indicates, however, that the town was founded seven years later from the date it was founded by Fr. Jimenez, which means that it was founded also in the year 1578.

St. Joseph (The Worker) Parish Church (Milaor)

The Church which stands today was once a big convent and monastery built by Frays

Juan Del Sacramento and Jose de la Virgin in 1585. Both edifices were destroyed by fire and again were reconstructed by Fr. Francisco Delos Santos in the year 1740, the same year when it was also burned. This Church was dedicated to St. Joseph and its annual celebration of fiesta is observed every 19th day of May.

Bombon Parish and Leaning Bell Tower (Bombon)

This old Church was constructed by Fray dela Torre and its completion was done by another missionary in the person of Rev. Fr. Jose Ribaya. Noted along with this Church is its leaning bell tower which is said to be likened with the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy .

According to one legend, this leaning structure of the belfry made the townspeople want to destroy it. However, the parish priest insisted his parishioners to leave the tower as it is and continued working on it until it was finished

EVENTS/FESTIVALS

Kaogma Festival (Camarines Sur)

May 21-27

The festival features a parade, street dance, Miss Kaogma Beauty Pageant, photo exhibit, basketball games, boxing sa plaza and other games such as sangkayaw, kite-flying, bike race, volleyball, baseball, palo sebo, carabao race and ati-atihan. Likewise a “PINAKA”

CONTEST which features the selection of the best and biggest agricultural products is conducted to give incentives to outstanding farmers and fishermen.

Baybayon Festival (Sagñay)

A summer festival held at the beach-side in Sagñay town in the Partido district in

Camarines Sur.

Boa-Boahan Festival (Nabua)

May 1

The festival is based on the legend that tells of how the early town folks survived the big floods before the coming of the Spaniards. In Thanksgiving, they held a big celebration with festivities recounting the event as the Nabua Chieftain prays continuously to their gods of how, without food and water, they survived by feeding on young coconuts. The coconuts, especially its embryos, made the town folks fertile so the legend goes. Boaboahan relives the legend.

Bamboo Festival (Bula)

Celebrated on the first day of December annually.

Lagaylay Festival (Canaman)

May 3

A May celebration in Canaman, Camarines Sur to honor the Sta. Cruz tradition. Women dance on the streets while chanting prayers to find the real cross.

Bikol Pastores Festival (Calabanga)

December 20-24

This festival paves the ground for an array of cultural and sports highlights.

Tumatarok Festival (Minalabac)

Celebrated May 1 annually

Considered as one of the most colorful and interesting fiestas in the Bikol region which takes place at the old, sleepy town of Minalabac. The Tumatarok Festival is celebrated every 11th of May which is done in honor of their two patron saints, Sts. Philip and

James. Main highlights of the festive occasion include the evening tide fluvial procession where colorful floating pagodas crowd along the banks of the Bikol River; the religious dancing of little boys who are called here as the “Tumatarok ni San Felipe-San Tiago” or the Rice Planters of Sts. Philip and James. These little boys, ages 8 to 11, sing the traditional Bikol hymn to the two saints.

Santacruzan Festival

Noted for its resplendent procession which is usually observed during nighttime.

Beautiful and young Reynas in their glittered gowns parade around the town reminding the locals of the travails encountered by St. Elena in her search for the Holy Cross thousands of centuries ago.

May Ilaoud Festival (Milaor)

May 1

A summer festival to commemorate the Foundation Anniversary and Feast Day of St.

Joseph the Worker. Various colorful activities are features to boost local tourism.

Lagonoy Kadahoman Festival (Lagonoy)

April 25-30

A week-long festivity showcasing the beauty and rich historical/cultural heritage of the town. Features are cultural presentation, native foods galore, songwriting and logo making contest, nature trekking and many more.

Cimarrones Festival (Pili)

October 16-26

A festival highlighted by grand street presentation depicting the local culture and history of Cimarrones believed to be the early inhabitants of Pili. Other activities include: beauty pageant, Kawat Suanoy, Cultural Nights, Fiesta celebration, etc.

Harana Festival (San Jose)

February 11-15

The festival feature local talents and young artists in efforts to promote cultural awareness, tourism development and youth empowerment in the District of Partido.

Highlighted by the Bicol Love Song Cultural Competition. Other activities are lined up to drumbeat the affair.

Karanowan Festival (Bato)

February 15

This fish-tival was derived from a local dialect “Ranaw” meaning lake, spawned of giving significance to the beautiful Lake Bato, which is teemed with the numerous species of fishes such as the well known “tabios” , tilapia nilotica, carp, eel and many others. It focuses on the promotions of what the lake has to offer and preservation of the important fish habitats. It is highlighted by a street parade where participants are clad in fish-like costumes as they depict the lives of the fishes.

Regatta Festival (Gainza)

August 7

A week-long festivity aimed to preserve its culture and tradition and to promote the area as a tourist destination. Highlight is the boat race.

HISTORY

In 1573, on his second expedition to Bicol, the great conquistador, Juan de Salcedo, discovered a flourishing Bicol village called Naga, because it is said, of an abundance of narra (naga in Bicol) trees growing in the place.

In 1575, Captain Pedro de Chavez, the commander of the garrison left behind by Salcedo, founded on the site of the present business center (across the river from the original

Naga) a Spanish city which he named Ciudad de Caceres, in honor of Francisco de

Sande, the governor general who was a native of the city of Caceres in Spain. It was still by this name that it was identified in the papal bull of August 14, 1595 that erected the

See of Caceres (together with those of Cebu and Nueva Segovia) and made it the seat of the new bishopric.

In time, the Spanish city and native village merged into one community and became popularly known as Nueva Caceres, obviously to distinguish it from the namesake in

Spain.

With the advent of the American rule, it was reduced to a municipality. In 1919, it lost its

Spanish name, when, by law, it became officially known as Naga. It acquired its present city charter in 1948, and its city government was inaugurated on December 15 of the same year.

Location

Situated at the center of the Bicol peninsula and surrounded on all sides by rich agricultural, forest and fishing areas. Naga is also the convergence of the Naga and Bicol rivers. Situated 377 kilometers south of Manila and 100 km. North of Legazpi. Located at the intersection of Maharlika Highway (Manila South Road) and the Philippine National

Railway.

Between 13 to 14 degrees North Latitude and between 123 to 124 degrees East

Longitude, Naga City is bounded on the North by Canaman and Magarao, on the East by

Mt. Isarog and Pili, on the South by Milaor, and on the West by Camaligan.

Topography

Land Use : Agricultural

Total land Area : 8, 448 hectares

GENERAL CLIMATE AND RAINFALL

Climatic Type : Type IV

Characteristic : tropical climate with relatively abundant rainfall and sunny day

Average Annual Rainfall (1977-2002) : 2,214.3 mm.

Average Temperature : 27.1°C

3 Seasons : Dry if rainfall is less than 100; wet if rainfall is over 100

June to October : Wet and rainy season

November to February Cool and start of dry season

March to June: Hot, dry season

POPULATION (As of May 1, 2000)

Number of Persons– 137,810

Population Density– 16

Growth Rate (%)- 1.65

Number of Households– 25,317

TELECOMMUNICATION AND COURIER SERVICE

Telecommunication services are provided by Bayantel, Digitel, Smart, Globe, PT&T, and

PLDT. Direct dial telephone, facsimile, and e-mail services are available.

There are four (4) cable TV operators and a number of internet service providers (ISPs), two local TV stations, and nineteen (19) AM and FM radio stations.

All national and regional newspapers in English, Filipino or Bikol language are circulated within the city.

Trade and commerce

Around 85% to 90% of the city’s income is derived from business activity in Trade and

Commerce.

TraNSPORTATION

The Manila-Naga route is served by the Philippine Airlines (PAL’s 141-seater Boeing

737) flies daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Estimated travel time (ETT) is one (1) hour.

Manila to Naga buses have terminals and booking offices at the Araneta Center in Cubao,

Quezon City and EDSA Bus Terminals in Pasay City. Estimated travel time is seven to eight hours.

The Philippine National Railways leaves the Naga station for Manila at 5 p.m. daily.

Naga-bound train service leaves the Tutuban Station in Manila at 5 p.m. daily. Estimated time travel is eight to nine hours.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Malabsay Falls

This 40 foot high wonder is located on the slope of Mt. Isarog in Panicuason. The

Malabsay Falls Ecology Park features swimming areas beneath the waterfalls, concrete winding stairs, foot bridges and pathways, cottages, and a plant nursery and camping ground

Landmarks

Plaza Quince Martires

A place constructed at the heart of the city, built in honor of the 15 Bicol martyrs.

Ateneo de Naga University

The only Jesuit school in the region founded in 1940 earned the moniker Fort Santiago of Bicol during World War II. The Japanese used its building as a concentration camp. A newly build chapel stands near the gate entrance using only Bicol Artist s and construction materials with our Lord Jesus Christ depicted as a brown Malay not the usual Caucasian feature.

Man-Made

Universidad de Santa Isabel

Founded in 1868, this is the normal school for women in the Far East. It is also the seat of the first Bicolano government after the Spanish War. Before it was conferred a university status, its name was then known as the Colegio de Sta. Isabel.

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary

Situated beside the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral was founded in 1793 becoming the second school in the Philippines. This is the seminary where Bicolano hero Jose Maria

Panganiban and Bishop Jorge Barlin studied. A museum is located inside the seminary, is the Concillar de Museo de Seminario.

Museums

University of Nueva Caceres Museum

Located inside the University of Nueva Caceres campus, the UNC museum is one of the oldest museum outside Manila and recognized by the International Association of

Museum. It houses historical articrafts of the ancient Bicol, its people and its culture.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Museum

Located at Peñafrancia Avenue near the banks of Naga River a few steps away from the

Peñafrancia Shrine, this museum is a fond tribute to the Miraculous Lady. It is a place to get in touch with Bicol’s historico-religious tradition. Its centerpiece is the Diorama, a tridimensional presentation of faith and devotion from its roots in San Martin del Castañar,

Spain.

The museum was declared a national historical landmark on September 9, 1988. From a humble vocation house of the 18th century, it has emerged as a center and well-spring of ecclesiastical education in the Bicol Region.

Museo del Seminario Concillar de Nueva Caceres

Located in the central pavilion of the age-old Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. On display are materials in four exhibit areas.

Gallery of Bikolano Ecclesiastics is a showcase of the memorablia of prominent Bicolano bishops, old scholastic records, a directory of the Bikol clergy, books owned by Bishop

Jorge Barlin and archival materials, which all give evidence of the ecclesiastical education of the Bikolanos..

The Ecclesiastical Vessel and Articrafts room is a mixed collection of liturgical materials, monstrance, chalicecs, candelabras, and candelaros, retablos and other pieces-all reminders of the devotions of the past, the Christian heritage of the Filipinos.

The Marian Room is a collection of pictures of the canonical coronation in 1924 of the

Virgin of Peñafrancia. There are water color paintings of the different Marian images venerated in the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres.

Archeological Room with its collection of pre-Christian articrafts which consist of

Neolithic stone technology unearthed mostly in the Bicol Region.

The museum was declared a national historical landmark on September 9, 1988. From a humble vocation house of the 18th century, it has emerged as a center and well-spring of ecclesiastical education in the Bicol Region.

Religious

Basilica Minore

Thousands of pilgrims flock to this site, home to the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia during the September celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta just to visit and venerate the Virgin

Naga Metropolitan Cathedral

Constructed in 1816 to 1831, the Cathedral was the seat of the Archiodecese of Caceres which encompassed the six Bicol provinces, it is the biggest church in the Region.

Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church

The church’s hand painted ceilings and fine architecture has been preserved for the appreciation of the devotees and visitors. It is the original home of Nuestra Señora de

Peñafrancia.

San Francisco Church

The first church constructed by Franciscan friars.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Peñafrancia Festival (Naga City)

3rd Saturday of September

Every year on the third week of September, the most awaited celebration of Bicol is being held in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Her centuries-old image becomes an object of a strings of religious event which culminates the ceremonial fluvial procession.

Voyadores Festival (Naga City)

2nd week of September

The festival which started in 1995 has for its participants the male devotees of Virgin de

Peñafrancia. The festival is comparable to that of the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and the

Sinulog Festival of Cebu.

Kamundagan Festival (Naga City)

December 1-31

A month-long activity during the month of December in celebration of the Advent season. Belen contests, trade fairs, regatta, carabao race and tricycle race are some of the activities during the festival

HISTORY

Iriga City was once an inconspicuous settlement where it used to be a mere barrio of

Nabua town in the early 1570's. The establishment of Y-ragga as a barrio happened upon the recommendation of Padre Felix Huertas, the curate of Nabua, who encouraged the people to migrate to a place where there was a better land to cultivate.

Some parishioners took the advise of Fr. Huertas and soon they stumbled upon a place which best fit the description, a stretch of mountain range that include two prominent landmarks in the Bicol region, that of Mt. Asog(now Mt. Iriga) and Mt. Isarog. With this startling discovery, the people went back to their old community and announced to the

people “I Raga sa Sumagang”, spoken in local vernacular which means “There is land or higher land in Sumagang”. They then returned back home and announced to their fellow that they found a place which has a fertile land. Thus, the creation of a place known as Yragga.

It was more than a hundred years later, in 1683, when Y-ragga became a town and likewise installing St. Anthony of Padua as their patron saint.

Four barangays were established in the year 1710 which include: San Nicolas, San Isidro

, San Agustin and San Antnio de Abad. Republic Act 5261 which was promulgated on

June 15, 1968 made the way for the conversion of the Municipality of Iriga into a chartered city, making it as the third city in the Bicol region.

Iriga City was inaugurated as the youngest city in the Bicol region on September 3, 1968 by the then President Ferdinand Marcos.

Location

Four hundred seventy-eight (478) kilometers south of Manila, Iriga is strategically located in the Bicol region, situated as it is between Naga in the North and Legazpi in the south.

Topography

Iriga's topography varies from flat to rolling terrain with elevation ranging from 10 to 60 meters with Mt. Iriga reaching 1,149 meters above sea level.

Climate

The city's climate is tropical, with two pronounced seasons: wet, from June to December; and dry, from January to May.

Land Area: 17,400 hectares (78% is agricultural, 16% built-up and 6% forest area

Dialect: Miraya Type, Rinconada

Natural Resources

Iriga is called the City of Springs, with more than thirty natural springs providing a rich source of drinking and irrigation waters. Its most prominent natural landmark, Mt. Iriga, is a favorite mountain climbing destination of local moutaineers and hikers.

Major Source of Income

Farming, livestock raising and woodcraft

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air:

From Manila to the Pili Airport is a 55 minute travel. Iriga can be reached within 30 minute by jeep or by bus. From Legazpi Airport, which is an hour’s flight from Manila,

Iriga is 50 minutes by car.

By Land:

Major aircon bus companies ply the Manila-Bicol route via the Maharlika Highway.

Terminals are located at the Ali Mall, Cubao, EDSA, Pasay City, and Pedro Gil Street,

Manila.

The Philippine National Railway also ply the Manila-Bicol route and vice versa daily.

Getting Around:

Buses and jeepneys are the main mode of transportation. There are also available Rent-A-

Car services. Trimobiles and pedicabs are also available for short distances.

COMMUNICATIONS

Providing modern communication facilities in Iriga City are: Iriga Telephone Company,

ICC-BayanTel, Digitel, Smart, Mobiline, PT&T and RCPI. They extend state of the art communication technology to local and international clients. To link up with the

Information Highway, internet providers and local internet cafes are available in the city proper.

Telephone companies: 4

Telegraph services: 3

Radio stations: 3

Relay TV stations: 2

Cable TV stations: 3

Postal and messenger services: 4

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Mt. Iriga

Rising some 4,823 feet above the sea level, Mt. Iriga is a challenging climb and offers a panoramic view of the entire Bicol River basin area. A crater and gully was formed during the mountain's last recorded eruption on January 4, 1614. The crater drops to some

500 feet deep from the summit. It's cold surrounding makes it a fitting habitat for wild berries and a local species of pine called agoho, which abundantly grows in the area.

Ilian Hill

A prominent promontory located at Barangay San Nicolas right at the foot of Mt. Iriga, the hill provides a clear bird’s eye view of the city and a panoramic vista of lakes Baao

Waterfalls

Sabang and Tubigan Falls

Found in Waras River, Tubigan Falls cascading 15 feet in height while Sabang Falls, a tiered waterfalls surging at 24 feet in height.

Man Made

Aeta (Agta) Tribal Settlement

Located on the eastern slope of Mt. Iriga, Ilian Hill settlement provides a glimpse of some aspects of the acculturized life of the Aetas. Many tourist come to visit and mingle with the descendants of the ancient Filipinos. The “rinampo”, a war dance imitating wild roosters in combat, can be seen performed by the natives. These cultural communities are cared for by the government.

Landmarks

Calvario Hill

In ancient times, this place was the lair of the most feared ”aswang” . When the Spanish conquerors came, they built a building where Spanish officials met in this place was called “Casino Espanol”. During World War II the Japanes built here the watchtower to spot the guerillas. Many Filipinos martyrs were tortured which makes this place doubly significant.

Philtranco Transport Heritage Museum

This museum is the first and only one of its kind in the Philippines. It is located at the

Philtranco terminal, the old ALATCO (Albert Louis Ammen Transportation Company) compound in the city. Frequented by students, researchers and tourists from all over the country and some parts of th world, the museum offers a historical review of the first and oldest bus company in the Philippines - in pictures and memorabilia

Kinuwartelan

Located 7 kilometers away from the city, the Spanish authorities used this as their garison and at the same time prison for “insurectos”. The ruins of the building still remain.

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Marker

Located at the northeastern corner of Rizal Park, constructed and inaugurated last March

3, 1985 to give honor to Filipinos particularly Bicolanos both living and deceased who fought the Japanese Imperialist Army during World War II unpaid Guerilla Remnants,

6th Army USAFFE and PHILCOM Bicol Area.

Religious

Emerald Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

This grotto is built on top of Calvario Hill at the Ibalon Hotel compound. The grotto faces

Mt. Iriga and offers a bird's eye view of the city's central business district. this is where the Tinagba Festival culminates with the offering of the first and freshest harvest. During

Lent, the grotto is also the set for the Crusifixion scene of the street play on the Passion and Death of Christ.

St. Anthony de Padua Parish

The center of Irigueños faith. Folks from all walks of life gather here to give homage to the Almighty for the blessings they receive each day. Major religious ceremonies are held here and this makes the parish popular to the neighboring municipalities. This 18th century old church has a great history to its name.

Inorogan Chapel

Erected at the top of a hill at Barangay Sto. Domingo, the chapel was built by a local philanthropist to commemorate the miraculous escape from death and destruction of the inhabitants residing at the foot of Mt. Sumagang during its 1614 eruption. The miracle was attributed to the intercesion of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose image is popularly known as OUR LADY OF ANGUSTIA, said to have been found by three Agta hunters at the present site of the chapel.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

TIinagba Festival February 11

An ancient Bicolano first-harvest offering, Tinagba Festival is a reenactment held every

February 11 coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The festival features a caravan of bull carts decorated gaily and fully laden with fresh farm products. It also features revelers in mardi gras and native costumes dancing and parading around the city streets ending at the Grotto for the offering.

Inorogan Fiesta January 4

Commemorates the miraculous escape of the early inhabitants of Iriga from the eruption of Mt. Sumagang in 1614.

City Pintakasi June 11

The annual fiesta is celebrated in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, whom fellow

Francciscan Fray Bartolome Ruiz and Pablo de Jesus, installed as Iriga’s Patron Saint in

1683 when Iriga became a municipality

Street Passion Play

Good Friday

Pag-Tangal. This is the re-enactment of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is celebrated at the Calvario Hill.

Started in 1979, the play staged by local youth performers, recreates the passion of Jesus

Christ along the city’s main streets and ends with the crucifixion scene at the Our Lady of

Lourdes Grotto.

Foundation Anniversary and Recognition Day (September 3)

Observed with the awarding of the annual Sumagang Awards, the highest civilian award the city bestows on its outstanding citizens, and a traditional military; majorette, drum and bugle corps competition.


Accredited Hotels


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Classification

New Crown Hotel

Mr. Richard Dy

39 Cor. E. Angeles St., and P

Burgos St., Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-9730/473-

8305

Standard

Fax No. (054) 811-2241

Hotel Mirabella I

Mr. Jovy A. Ferro

Hotel Mirabella II

Mr. Jovy A. Ferro

Moravillle Hotel and

Restaurant

Mr. Andrew Morano/

Ms. Josephine Bornilla

Villa Caceres Hotel and

Restaurant

Mr. Robert Obledo

Naga Regent Hotel

Mr. Romeo C. Tan, Jr.

Aristocrat Hotel

Mr. Pedro Lee

23

54

43

65

12

60

#48 Magsaysay Avenue

Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-9539/483-

9537

Fax No. (054) 811-1379

Panganiban Drive, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 811-5656/472-

8132

Dinaga Street, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-1411/473-

1247

473-1248/473-

2270

Fax No. (054) 811-1685

Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-6530 to 33

473-3786 to 87

Fax No. (054) 473-9327

Standard

Economy

Standard

Standard

4th Flr., Romar Bldg., E. Angeles

St.,

Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 472-2626

Fax No (054) 811-1748

Standard

E. Angeles Street, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-8835 to 36

Fax No (054) 811-6605

Economy



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Lucky Fortune Hotel and Restaurant

Ms. Thelma Saniel

36

Grand Imperial Plaza

Mr. Conrado de Guzman

25



Abella Street, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 811-3594/811-

3574

Fax No. (054) 472-0324

Cor. P. Burgos St., & J

Hernandez St., Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-9003/473-

6534 to 37

Fax No (054) 811-7700

Classification

Standard

Economy

Rodson Regency Inn

Hotel

Ms. Francia Arroyo


56


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Lagonoy Hotel

Mr. Ernesto Torres

8

Celmar Hotel

Ms. Cecil Martines

Clave/

Ms. Muriel Rosales

Aguirigann View Hotel

Mr. Ernesto Torres

King Karlo Hotel

Mr. Alex Roxas

Guinhawa

Bayanihan Hotel

20

17

20

Cor. P. Burgos St., & J

Hernandez St., Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-9827

Economy



Classification

JP Rizal Street, Brgy San Isidro,

Lagonoy, Camarines Sur

Economy

Tel. No. (054) 453-7326

Brgy. Impig, Sipocot, Camarines

Sur

Tel. No. (054) 6060

Presentacion, Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 453-7326

San Juan, Palestina, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 475-5001 tp 03

Lemar’s Hotel

Accredited Inns


Contact Person

Matt’s Tourist Inn

Mr. Matias Velasco

Number of

Rooms

30

San Roque, Iriga City

Tel. No. 299-2556




Pangaiban Drive, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 811-1654/473-

1889

811-3772/811-

5193

Del Rosario, Baao, Camarines

Sur

Hotel Emelie

Ms. Janilette B. Fajardo

18

Non-Accredited Inns


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Economy

Economy

Economy

Economy

Economy

Classification

Tourist Inn

Inn

Classification

Moraville Motorlodge

Mr. Andrew Morano/


Moraville Drive Inn

Mr. Andrew Morano/




16

17

103

Mabolo Drive, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-8564/811-

1093

Anayan, Pili, Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 477-3947/361-

2490

Panganiban Drive, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-8893/473-

8896


Tel. No. (054) 299-2405

Tourist Inn

Tourist Inn

Tourist Inn

Park View Hotel

Mr. Larry P. Contreras

Non-Accredited Inns

14


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Travellers Inn

Ms. Amparo Contreras

Flamingo Hotel

Mr. Anton Prieto/

Ms. Cecil Fabreag

10

12

Pongol Village Inn

Mr. & Ms. Michael and

10

Fe Smith

Kiko’s Traveler Inn

Ms. Ma. Christina Olano

5

Traveller’s Inn

Mr. Tomas Ong

6

Tourist Inn



San Miguel, Iriga City

Tel. No. (054) 299-4586

Classification

Tourist Inn

Maharlika Highway, Concepcion, Tourist Inn

Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 475-3290 to 91

Tourist Inn Brgy. Balogo, Pasacao,

Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 472-1737

Quirino Highway, Brgy. Lower Tourist Inn

Sta. Cruz, Ragay, Camarines Sur

Tourist Inn Quirino Highway, Brgy.

Gaongan, Sipocot, Camarines

Sur

Tel. No. (054) 6611

Sagnay, Camarines Sur

Nabua, Camarines Sur

Tourist Inn

Tourist Inn

Sagnay Tourist Inn

Fiesta Hotel

Mr. Antonio

2

Hotel Moraville

Mr. Andrew Morano

14



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

61



Caceres Street, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-8343

Classification

Lodging House

Concepcion

Motorist Lodge

Mr. Mark Dennison

Enrile

Hi-way Lodge

Princess Dina Lodge

Ms. Dina garcia

Pongol Village Inn

Ms. Fe Smith

15

4

4

5

Quibirac Drive, Zone 5, Brgy.

Marupit, Camaligan, Camarines

Sur

Tel. No. (054) 474-5465

JP Rizal Street, Brgy. San

Miguel,

Iriga City

Tel. No. (054) 456-1230

JP Rizal Street, Brgy. San

Miguel,

Iriga City

Pongol, Balogo, Pasacao,

Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 472-737

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House



Contact Person

Traveller’s Villa

Mr. Allan Milante

Number of

Rooms

6

Parafina Pension House 7

Villa Ursua

Mr. Vicente Urana

8

Elegant Park Pension

House

Mr. Alberto Chan


20


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Peñafrancia Resort

Mr. Constantino Pasia/

Ms. Leonisa Amata

20



San Benito street, Brgy. San

Benito,

Goa, Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 453-1321

Classification

Pension House

Poblacion, Libmanan, Camarines

Sur

Pension House

Brgy. San Juan, Libmanan,

Camarines Sur

Biak-na-Bato Street, Brgy.

Tabuco, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-9222

Pension House



Carolina, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-0380

Cell Phone No. 09189112340

Pension House

Classification

Resort “A”

Weiner’s Guesthouse

Pacific and Beach

Resort

Mr. Herbert Weiner

Golden Resthouse

Ms. Francia San

Buenaventura

Baao Recreational

Center

Arch. May Fajardo

4

15

15

Villa Marietta Hot

Spring Resort

Mr. Benjamin Britanico,

Jr.

8

Magic Splash Island

Mr. Daniel Manalang

13

Centenerra Resort

Mr. Carlos Centenerra

2

Isabelita Resort

Jimenez Resort



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Gil Bombase Spring

Resort

Mr. Gil Bombase

6

10 Kayumanggi Resort

Mr. William Enrile

Spring Valley Garden

Resort

Mr. Terry Ranon

Amy’s Hideaway

Ms. Amelia Federico

Asin Beach Resort

Mr. Vicente Trivino

15

15

22

Sto. Nino, Sangay, Camarines

Sur

Tel. No. (054) 454-7001

35 PNR Road, Tabico, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 473-4223

National Highway, Brgy. San

Andres, Baao, Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 266-3035

Highway, Brgy. Del Rosario,

Baao, Camarines Sur

Resort “A”

Resort

Resort

Resort

Brgy. Siembrre, Bombon,

Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 255-6960/811-

16541

473-1889

Fax No. (054) 811-5493

Resort

Brgy. Hiwacloy, Goa, Camarines

Sur

Resort

Pacol, Naga City

Carolina, Naga City



Brgy. Matacia, Goa, Camarines

Sur

Resort

Resort

Classification

Resort

Km. 7, Brgy. Pacol, Naga City Resort

Brgy. Del Rosario, Naga City

Tel. No. (054) 811-8512/811-

1020

Brgy. Caranan, Pasacao,

Camarines Sur

Brgy. Balogo, Pasacao,

Camarines Sur

Resort

Resort

Resort

Maria Maruja Hotel and

Beach Resort

Ms. Luisa Belbes

Garden Beach Resort

Mr. Dieter Schumemann

Playa del So

Mr. Eric Chentesl

Costa Peninsula

Mr. Zaldy Sierra

Lake Buhi Resort

Mr. Lamberto Alas

13

7

11

7

8

Pongol, Balogo, Pasacao,

Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 513-9511

Zone 1, Brgy. Balogo,

Pasacao, Camarines Sur

Website: http://2.com/gbr.htm

Resort

Resort

Brgy. Caranan, Pasacao,

Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 811-2122

Resort

Brgy. Nato, Sagnay, Camarines

Sur

Resort

Brgy. Cabatuan, Buhi, Camarines

Sur

Tel. No. (054) 621-1048

Resort “AA”

Sagnay, Camarines Sur Resort Manuel Cleofe Beach

Resort

Mr. Manuel Cleofe

Leelin Beach Resort

3

2

Nato Beach Resort

Mr. Augusto Manlastas

12

Meejen Beach Resort 2

Talisay Resort 2


Nato, Sagnay, Camarines Sur




Resort

Resort

Resort

Resort

Guysayco Beach Resort

Ms. Lilibeth Guysayco

Campos Resort

3

1

Atulayan Island, Sagnay,

Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 472-4741


Resort

Resort

Bellevue Resort

Ms. Lourdez Belleza

Magic Splash Island

5 San Jose, Camarines Sur Resort

Carolina, Naga City Resort

Monte Cielo de Naga Concepcion Grande, Naga City Resort

Dormitories/Boarding Houses/Homestays/Hostels

Classification Name of Establishment/

Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Nordia Hostel

Ms. Gloria Cea

23



Nordia Complex, Brgy. Baras,

Canaman, Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 811-1945

Hostel

BCAT Hostel

Dr. Maricia Obias

11

5

Mr. Romeo Ma

Ms. Clara Leelin-

Casario

3

2

Mr. Malbarosa 3

Mrs. Imelda Versoza 2

BCAT Compound, Penafrancia

Avenue, Naga City

San Jose, Camarines Sur


Hostel

Homestay

Sabang, San Jose, Camarines Sur Homestay


Mr. David Plopino

Mrs. Isabelita Zey San

Jose

3

5

Mr. Rodrigo Rodriguez 1


Centro, Caramoan, Camarines

Sur

Homestay

Homestay Centro, Caramoan, Camarines

Sur

Sitio Talisay, Dolo,

San Jose, Camarines Sur

Tel. No. (054) 655-2535

30 Del Rosario Street, Nato,


Homestay

Homestay

Mr. Romeo Balmaceda

Mr. Raul Narvaez

Mr. Homer Remoto

Ms. Marilyn Co

Fr. Oldarico Falcon 3

Betania Retreat House San Agustin, Iriga City

Tel. No. (054) 299-2941

COMMERCAIL,DOMESTIC AND INSTITUTIONAL BANKS

Name of Bank

Allied Banking Corporation

Retreat House

Location Telephone Number

Gen. Luna St. , Naga City 472-4019

Allied Bank Naga- Main 472-4801

Banco Filipino

2

3

2

5

Del Rosario Street, Nato



Tawog, Caramoan, Camarines

Sur

Homestay

Homestay

Paz Street, Tawog,

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Homestay

Brgy. Ela, Caramoan, Camarines

Sur

Homestay


Panganiban Drive, Naga

City

Elias Angeles St. , Naga

City

472-1717

Banco Legaspi

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Central Bank of the Philippines

Cor. Arana St. , Naga City 472-0943

Peñafrancia Ave. , Naga

City

473-1407

Caceres St. , Naga City

Elias Angeles St. , Naga

City

473-8461

473-9177

472-1358 China Banking Corporation Panganiban Drive , Naga

City

Cooperative Bank of Camarines Sur Zamora St. , Naga City

Development Bank of the

Philippines

Panganiban Drive , Naga

City

Equitable PCI Banking Corporation Caceres St. , Naga City

Golden 7 Bank Panganiban Drive, Naga

City

473-6378

473-8995

473-9016

473-7777

LBC Bank

Metropolitan Bank & Trust

Company

Metropolitan Bank & Trust

Company



472-7106

472-2896


City

473-2525

Gen. Luna Street, Naga City 473-9181 Metropolitan Bank & Trust

Company

Philippine Postal Savings Bank J. Miranda Avenue, Naga

City

Philippine Veterans Bank Elias Angeles St. , Naga

City

Prudential Bank & Trust Company Peñafrancia Ave. , Naga

City

473-2813

473-9303

473-9793

Queen Bank Bgy. Tabuco, Naga City 472-5838

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.


City

473-9114

Robinson's Savings Bank Bgy. Dinaga, Naga City 472-4555

Rural Bank of Bombon

Rural Bank of Nueva Caceres

Rural Bank of San Jose


City

473-9749

Barlin Street, Naga City 473-8301


City

472-3295

Security Bank & Trust Company J. Hernandez Ave., Naga

City

Teacher's Development Bank Elias Angeles St. , Naga

City

United Coconut Planters Bank

Union Bank

Philippine National Bank

Land bank of the Philippines

RESTAURANTS

Name of Establishment


City

473-7931

Caceres St. , Naga City 473-7884

Gen. Luna St. Naga City 473-9027

Gen. Luna St. Naga City 473-2047

Location

472-4210

473-9108

Telephone Number

Diversion Rd., Naga City 472-0764

Mayon Ave., Naga City 473-4757

Aljosh Cafe

Beergee’s Restaurant

Bigg’s

Café Candice

Café Federico

Champagne Garden

P Burgos St., Naga City

Gen Luna St., Naga City


Mayon Ave., Naga City

473-1111

473-8733

483-1845

472-5171

Chili Peppers Steakhouse

Chinoy’s Café and Restaurant

Chowking

Cindy’s

Cristy’s Kamayan

Dunkin Donuts

Magsaysay Ave., Naga City 473-6171

Caceres St., Naga City 472-3389

P Burgos St., Naga City 472-0555

Diversion Rd., Naga City 472-3431


Geewan

Graceland Bakers Plaza

Greenwhich




Peñafrancia Ave., Naga

City

473-9845

473-6281

Green Plaza

Jollibee

Kentucky Fried Chicken

E Angeles St., Naga City 473-8299



McDonald’s-Plaza

McDonald’s-Bichara

Naga Garden Restaurant

Naga Restaurant

New China Restaurant

Oyster Villa

Shakey’s

StarMark

E Angeles St., Naga City



E Angeles St., Naga City

473-3833

473-3831

Panganiban Drv., Naga City 811-8805

Gen Luna St., Naga City 473-8736

473-8203

473-1314


Penafrancia Ave., Naga

City

473-8003

Triboo Grill

The Park Restaurant



473-5937

473-1845

Wok Food Garden

BISTROS/CAFES/SPORTS BARS




Magsaysay Ave., Naga City 473-6530 Bistro Roberto

Café Federico

East and West Jazz Bar



473-1845

473-1845

La Taverna

Lolo’s Music and Resto Bar

Nine Mugs

Planet B Sports Bar and Cafe

Barlin St., Naga City


Dinaga St., Naga City 811-6548

Peñafrancia Ave., Naga City 473-4067

J Hernandez Ave., Naga City 473-6534 Red Hot Grill

San Diego Jazz Bar

Sandis Cafe

Centro Oasis

Bayanihan Restaurant



Barlin St., Naga City

Alfelor St, San Roque, Iriga

City

City Villa Restaurant Parkview Bldg, San Roque,

Iriga City

D' Nadal’s Bakery & Restaurant

J. P. Rizal St., San Roque,

Iriga City

473-9866

299-2556|

299-2405

299-2584

Ceguera Snack-In J. P. Rizal St., San Roque,

Iriga City

299-2495

LC Bakeshop & Restaurant

HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTERS


Superfit and Trim Center

J. P. Rizal St., San Roque,

Iriga City



He-man’s Fitness Gym E Angeles St., Naga City 473-6652

Health Power Fitness Gym

Naga City Tennis Club


Taal Ave., Naga City

811-3724

473-2075

HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS

Name of Hospitals/Medical Centers Location/Telephone No. Bed Capacity

Ago Foundation Hospital Concepcion Grande

Naga City

472-3506

811-1355

60

Bicol Medical Center Panganiban Ave., Naga City

472-5041

811-7801

673

20 Dr. Nilo Roa Mem. Fdn. Hospital Dimasalang St., Naga City

811-2878

811-5789

Mother Seton Hospital Diversion Rd., Naga City

811-8061

100

Naga City Hospital Panganiban Ave.,Naga City

811-3213

811-3168

22

St. John Hospital Panganiban Ave.,Naga City

811-1554

70

ACCOMODATIONS/FACILITIES-NAGA CITY

Souvenir Shops

Sare’s Pili Nuts Candy

Monico Bldg., Elias Angeles Street

Tel. No. (053) 473-1435

(Bags and Pili Nuts)

Giringgiting

Shop 1 Level 2 Galeria de San Francisco, Peñafrancia Avenue

Tel. No. (053) 473-4962

(T-Shirts and Fashion Accessories)

TOUR OPERATORS

Address Contact Number Name of Operator

Peñafrancia Travel and

Tours

G7 Hilding Bldg.,

Dinaga, Naga City

Tel. (054) 473-3388

Fax. (054) 811-1781

Contact Person

Mr. Fidel Cu

General Manager

Intours

Island Gems

Ateneo de Naga

University, Naga

City

Old GSIS Bldg.,

Barlin St., Naga

City

Tel. (054) 473-5751 Ms.Ma. Felda

Alarkon

Exec. Firector

Tel. (054) 811-8894

CP 0916-603-1591

Ms. Erlene Bonitas

Manager

Tierra de Ibalon Door 9, Central

Bus Terminal

CBD II, Naga City

Tel. (054) 811-2890

Fax. 473-7518

CP 0919-590-6909

Mr. Elmer G. Platon

Manager

HISTORY

The province, formerly known as "Catanduan," "Catandognan," and finally,

"Catanduanes," derived its name from the "tando" trees which then abound in the Island.

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.

Location

Catanduanes is a kidney-shaped island at the easternmost seaboard of the Philippines. It is the first landmass of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean at 13.5o to

14o north latitude and 124o to 125.5o east longitude. A part of the Bicol Region,

Catanduanes is the 12th largest island of the Philippines and is separated from the Bicol

Peninsula by the Maqueda Bay and Lagonoy Gulf.

Topography

Catanduanes is a lush island of mountains and water. Forest cover about 46 percent of the total land area. Surfacing from the mountains are numerous springs, waterfalls and rivers trailing out into the ocean. The island is lined with more than 20 islets and rocks that give it an interesting shoreline. It also provides the choice of deep swells and surfs of the

Pacific Ocean in the northeastern tip. On the southern tip, one can view the gentle lolling of the ebb and flow of the waters of Maqueda Channel over cream sand beaches.

Political Subdivisions

Composed of 11 municipalities, namely: Virac, San Andres, Caramoran, Pandan, Bato,

Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Viga, and San Miguel, the province has 315 barangays and one Congressional district.

POPULATION

The population of the province as of May 1, 2000 was 215,356 reflecting a population density of 144.3 persons per square kilometer. The province has an average annual growth rate of 1.33 percent from 1995 to 2000.

Climate

Indistinct dry season. Precipitation is distributed throughout the year although monsoon weather brings in heavy rains from November to January. December to February are coldest months. The best time of the year to visit Catanduanes is from the months of

March to August when the weather turns dry.

Language/Dialect

Bicol is the native tongue but with different nuances and variations, especially when one goes up to the northern towns like Pandan, Caramoran, and Panganiban. English and

Tagalog are commonly spoken and understood.

MAJOR INDUSTRY

Abaca and lasa abound in the whole province. Native products made of abaca fiber like bags, lamps, utility boxes, handmade paper, among others, adorn the local souvenir shops and serve as local “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Lately, the indigenous abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,” produced and woven by the locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now found its niche in the local and international fashion industry. This indigenous fabric has shown its versatility in the globally appealing designs and creations of famous fashion designer Dita Sandico-Ong.

TRANSPORTATION

Air Transport

Catanduanes is served by Asian Spirit. This airline flies direct from Manila to and from

Virac daily.

Land Transport

Air conditioned buses (Philtranco, ESL and Tawtrasco) travel direct from Manila to

Virac daily. Other air-conditioned buses can take you from Manila to the Port of Tabaco where a ferry boat can take you across to Virac, Catanduanes.

Sea Transport

For the more adventurous tourist and sightseeing travelers, Virac is best reached through the sea.

Two shipping lines - San Pablo Shipping Lines and Star Ferry - set sail from the Port of

Tabaco to Virac/San Andres daily.

COMMUNICATION

The island’s network consists of wired and wireless communication, courier and postal services. All major cellular companies in the country service parts of the province. There is one Internet Service Provider as well as one landline phone company in operation.

Several calling stations are in business.

Local cable networking is available and TV repeaters allow access to Manila broadcast stations.

A state-of-the-art fiber optics cable network is already in place that could serve as a

“backbone” structure for dial-up networking and internet connection.

POWER SUPPLY

Electricity is served on 24-hour basis to all the eleven (11) municipalities. Installed capacity of its power plants - a mix of diesel powered generators and hydroelectric turbines- is 10.786 MW.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Puraran Beach (Baras)

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.

Twin Rocks

Splash in waters of incredible clarity beneath which lie sanctuaries of rich and colorful marine life. Its underwater coral formations offer an added adventure for spear fishing and snorkeling. Scuba diving, either as a fun-filled introduction or a recreational dive, is a very promising activity in this resort.

Kosta Alcantara

Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand and its pristine azure waters never fail to lure visitors to take a dip. It faces the mainland Bicol where one could take a full view of the breath-taking Mayon Volcano. Accommodations are truly classy and elegant.

Amenia Beach Resort

Easily accessible and reasonably priced accommodations make the pristine waters and creamy waved-combed sands of this vacation spot more appealing to the beach-goers. Its clear ambiance is relaxing experience.

Balete Beach

The whole stretch of Balite and Mamangal continues to beguile visitors with its unspoiled beauty – an asset which the locals within the area are guarding zealously. The sprawling beach is covered with cool and shady trees and blessed with fine white sands, both in the shorelines and in the swimming area. Provides an alternative area for recreation, fun, relaxation, and picnics

Emmalyn Paradise Resort

It boasts of luxurious and world-class air-condition cottages, an orchidarium, and a spring-fed swimming pool. Its complete line of scuba diving equipment makes it stand out from the rest of the resorts. Luxuriate in the comforts of truly high-end accommodation facilities.

Bosdak Beach Resort

Bask in the glow of deep blue waters stretching like an expanse of warm silk that kisses the velvety sky. Complete with amenities like a swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and hostel accommodations.

Solong Falls

Secluded and relatively unexplored, the waterfalls beckon trekkers for a refreshing dip.

Located along lush vegetation that grow under the damp mist of the clouds, creating forests with peaceful and ethereal beauty. It has several cascading waters flowing into natural pools. Cottages are available for picnic goers and adventurers at a minimal entrance fee.

Maribina Falls

Gushing with breath-taking rapids of crystal-clear waters, the cascading falls are located amid rustic surroundings and lush-green vegetation.

Mamangal Beach

Crystalline waters abound with natural and colorful reefs where a big number of species swarm in multi-colored panorama.

Toytoy Beach

Located in Caramoran, the well-developed coral formations underwater makes it ideal for snorkeling and spear fishing.

Nahulugan Falls

The cascading waterfalls is surrounded by a lush of vegetation and forest, unspoiled brims around the site, an ideal place for picnic activities, hiking and mountain climbing.

Located in San Pedro, Gigmoto

Subuc Beach

A white beach located in Viga..

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.

Vargas Cave

Located in Balite, Virac, it has a narrow opening that provides a challenging point of entry and is hidden in the midst of thickets.

Buyo Cave

Located in Buyo, Virac, the cave has beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and is surrounded by small rolling hills.

Balongbong Falls

Located in Bato along the national highway. At the basin is a man-made swimming pool and a pavilion for excursionists.

Man Made

Catanduanes Island Resort

Developed by a Japanese group, located in Panay, Panganiban. The beaches are all white and brilliantly clean. Ideal for surfing, skin-diving and sports fishing

Balongbong Mini-Hydro Damsite and Forebay

Developed by First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO), together with

National Electrification Administration (NEA) which owned the power turbines being powered by a large waterfalls. Located at Guinobatan, Sipi Sibacungan, Bato, ideal for hiking, camping and botanical field trips.

Radar Station

Located at Buenavista, Bato, this weather radar station has state of the art equipment.

From the roof deck, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is simply breathtaking.

Historical

Japanese Tunnel

This is the former radar site of the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.

Religious

Bato Church

This magnificently situated edifice greets everyone upon entrance to the town of Bato. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire island. Despite the tests of time, wars, and ravages of natural calamities, it was able to retain its old glory of massive structure of mortar and coral stones. It took 53 years, from 1830 to 1883, to build this

Church under six different parish administrators

Batalay Shrine

The site of the first cross in Catanduanes, believed to have been constructed over the grave of the shipwrecked Fr. Diego de Herrera of the Augustinian order in 1576, who died in the barangay of Batalay. A well believed to have water with healing powers can be found in this shrine. From the town proper of Bato, it would take only 15 minutes to reach this place

Batong Paluay

The locals relate that the image of the mystical face of Our Lady of Sorrows has been found in a flooded stream near the barangay of Batong Paluay. The image was etched on a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size. At present, one can view the image with bare eyes, unlike before, when one has to use a magnifying lens. Its repository has already been replaced three times to accommodate the increasing size of the miraculous Mother Mary.

Virac Cathedral

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is situated at the heart of the capital town of

Virac where one can marvel at the stained glass windows.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Catandungan Festival (Virac)

October 22-24

Celebration of the province’s founding anniversary, and a tribute to its founder, to continuously remind the people of Catanduanes of the province’s independence from the province of Albay. Main features: street dance – Pantomina, beauty pageant, agro-trade fair, sports events, guided tours, photo exhibits, and more. Held every 24th of October in

Virac, Catanduanes.

Kalbaryo

A re-enactment of the Passion of Christ, staged in all parishes during season of Lent or the Holy Week.

Kagharong

A depiction of the rejection by the Jews of Joseph and Mary in their search for a place to stay in anticipation of the delivery of Jesus on the eve of the Nativity. It is held every year during the Yuletide Season.

Dinahit Festival

Celebration commemorating the first migrants to the island province of Catanduanes using the “dinahit “ sea craft. The celebration is being done through dinahit racing

(Layag) with different racing categories and styles. It is usually participated in by fishermen from the town of Pandan or from the other municipalities of the province. Held every July 30- 31 at Pandan, Catanduanes .

Padadyaw sa Tinampo

A people’s celebration through street dancing and merriment to the beat of music on major streets, highlighted by choreographed theatrics. Held every 24th of October to coincide with the province’s foundation anniversary celebration

Surfing Competition

A week-long invitational surfing competition featuring local and foreign surfing enthusiasts is part of an amateur surfing circuit held every October at Puraran, a promising surfing spot in the town of Baras.


Accredited Inns


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Classification

Catanduanes Midtown

Hotel

Ms. Liliy S. Co

25 San Jose Street, Virac,

Catanduanes

Tel. No. (052) 811-0527/811-

Tourist Inn

1526

Non-Accredited Inns


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Rakdel Inn 40

Accredited Pension Houses


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Mareem’s Pension

House

Mr. Sixto Landig

32



136 Rizal Ave., cor. Rafael

Street,

Sta. Cruz, Virac, Catanduanes

Tel. No. (052) 811-1821/811-

1104


09179429135

Non-Accredited Lodging Houses/Apartelles


Contact Person

Solybel’s Travel Lodge

Mr. Rommel Guerrero

Number of

Rooms

10



San Pedro Street, Virac,

Catanduanes

TeleFax No. (052) 811-1194

Nito Lodge 9



Virac Latri Lodge and

Restaurant

Ms. Maria Lyanes

Jojo Lodge

Mr. Jose G. Malinana

12

9

Eastern Cavinitan, Virac,

Catanduanes

Tel. No. (052) 811-1056/811-

1276

Sta. Cruz, Virac, Catanduanes

Tel. No. (052) 811-1499

Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes

Quencimil Apartelle


6

Classification

Tourist Inn

Classification

Pension House

Classification

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Sta. Elena, Virac, Catanduanes Apartele


Contact Person

Dolly’s Beach Resort

Ms. Maricris Lim

Number of

Rooms

12



San Andres, Virac, Catanduanes

Tel. No. (052) 811-1290

Twin Rock Resort and

Hotel

Mr. Dante Camacho/

Ms. Arlene Edames

Kosta Alcantara Beach

Resort

Mr. Severino Alcantara and Mrs. Ester

Alacantara

36

6

Igang, Virac, Catanduanes


Marilima, Virac, Catanduanes

Tel. No. (052) 811-1450/811-

1356

Fax No. (052) 811-1603

Manila Office: (02) 801-

0445/521-1631

Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes Putting Baybay Beach

Resort

Mr. Rudy Soria

16

Monte Cielo Mar Beach

Resort

Ms. Cielo Aguilar/

Ms. Marlene Tabuzo

40

Bosdak Beach Resort

Ms. Rose Panganiban

17

Palawig, San Andres,

Catanduanes

Tele Fax No. (052) 212-2318

Magnesia del Sur, Virac,

Catanduanes

Tele Fax No. (052) 633-

1703/631-1039

Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes Majestic Beach Resort

Ms. Elena Tanael

5

Amenia Beach Resort

Ms. Amenia Panti

33

BANKS/FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Name of Banks/Financial Institutions

Palawig, San Andres,

Catanduanes

Land Bank of the Philippines


Equitable-PCI Bank

Legazpi Savings Bank

Classification

Resort

Resort

Resort

Resort

Resort

Resort

Resort

Resort

Rural Bank of Camalig

Vision Bank

HISTORY

When Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman anchored on the shores of Masbate in 1569, he found tiny settlements spread along the coasts engaged in flourishing trade with China.

Chinese traders visited Masbate and founded small settlements during the Shri-Vijayan and Madjapahit periods. Ruins of cave-like dwellings resembling "kiva" (possibly built by Indians who accompanied the Chinese traders), were found along the coasts of

Aroroy, Palanas, and Masbate. Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century were excavated at Kalanay (Aroroy) in the 1930s.

Historical accounts show that the Christianization of the Bicol Region actually began in

Masbate in 1569:

Father Alonso Jimenez was the first missionary to the islands of Masbate, Burias, Leyte and Samar. Then he went to Ibalon (Bicol) in the province of Camarines, where he resided many years, and made many religious incursions into Albay and Sorsogon. Fray

Jimenez is considered the apostle of the island of Masbate

In December 1600 Dutch Commander Admiral Oliver van Noorth, sought refuge at San

Jacinto Harbor after his fleet lost to the Spanish Armada in Manila. He was later engaged in a fierce clash with Limahong's fleet at Canlibas-Matabao passage.

At the hieght of the Galleon Trade, Mobo contributed first class lumber for the construction of galleons, making it the center of trade in 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 declarateion 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 theprovince 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.

In 1944, Provincial Board Member Atty. Jose L. Almario was conscripted by the

Japanese to govern the province. During the Liberation, he was arrested by the guerrillias and charged with collaboration. He was exonerated and saved from set execution by a letter from General MacArthur.

Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, the lone house representative of Masbate, fought against a congressional bill authorizing the conscription of Filipinos into the service of Imperial

Japan and for this he was detained in Fort Santiago.

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.

LOCATION

The island of Masbate lies exactly at the center of the Philippine archipelago between latitudes 11o43’ north and 123o09’ east and 124o5’ east. It is bounded on the north by

Burias and Ticao Pass, east by San Bernardino Strait, south by the Visayan Sea, and west by the Sibuyan Sea. Relative to mainland Bicol, the province faces the southwestern coasts of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon.

The general surface configuration of the province ranges from slightly undulating to rolling and from hilly to mountainous. In each island, the rugged topography is concentrated in the northeastern portion and gradually recedes to blunt hills and rolling areas in the south, southeast, and southwest.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Masbate City is the capital town. The province is composed of 21 municipalities which are politically subdivided into three districts: First District – San Pascual, Claveria,

Montreal, San Jacnto, San Fernando, and Batua; Second District – Masbate, Mobo,

Milagros, Aroroy, Baleno, Balud, and Mandaon; Third District – Uson, Dimasalang,

Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz, Esperanza, Placer, and Cawayan.

CLIMATE

Burias and Ticao Island and the western and central parts of mainland Masbate are covered by a climate characterized by no very pronounced maximum rain period, with a short dry season. The southeastern parts have rainfall more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. Masbate has the lowest average annual rainfall distribution in Bicol.

Language / Dialect

The people speak predominantly Visayan with a unique mixture of Tagalog and some shades of Ilonggo. In Burias island, they speak Bicol similarly as the people of Camarines

Sur, due to the island’s close proximity to the Bicol mainland. The people generally speak fluent English and Pilipino.

Major IndustrY

Masbate is endowed with rich natural resources. In line with its agriculture are other industries such as large farming, livestock and poultry raising. Along its coastal areas, fishing industry predominates. Agricultural lands are planted with rice, corn, rootcrops and coconut.

In the livestock industry, Masbate ranks second to Bukidnon as a cattle supplier for the country. Aside from cattle raising, it also consists of carabao, horse, goats and swine.

The province is surrounded with rich fishing areas where all kinds of commercial species of fish teemed in great abundance.

Rich minerals are found in the province. Masbate is described by geologists as a province sitting on a "pot of gold". Other minerals found in the area are manganese, copper, silver, iron, chromite, limestone, guano, and carbon.

Cottage industry is likewise another source of livelihood. They are: furniture and cabinet making, ceramics, garments, handicrafts and metalcrafts.

TRANSPORTATION

Air Transport

Masbate can be reached by plane from Manila. Asian Spirit. flies to Masbate from Manila daily. Travel time is about an hour.

Land Transport

Masbate can be reached from Manila by land through South Road to the Port of Pilar,

Sorsogon. From there, fast craft can take you for two hours to the port of Masbate or motorized banca for a three-hour ride.

Sea Transport

Masbate can also be reached through the sea on board luxury shipping lines from Port of

Manila The 18-hour trip is best spent on the ship’s bar or in its all night disco. Other sea trips are via Dalahican, Lucena, Pilar and Bulan, Sorsogon.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Limestone Hills (Aroroy)

Believed to have been inhabited by the Kalanay people. These early inhabitants practiced jar burials. Excavations yielded human bones.

Kalanay Falls (Palanas)

A beautiful scenery, found in Brgy. Nabangig.

Sombrero Island (San Pascual)

Hat-shaped island with stretches of white sand beaches

Underwater Cave (Claveria)

This cave is located within the jurisdiction of Barangay Boca Engaño of the entrance of which is undersea. During high tide, it will take even an unskilled diver only a few seconds to enter the cave; it is neck-deep during low tide. Inside the cave are well-sealed human caskets carved out of solid wood believed to be 500 years old that still contain human remains.

Mataba-Tinigban to Napayuan Iisland

A five-kilometer stretch of glittering white sands. At Napayauan Island, the surrounding water is full of marine life. It is ideal for snorkel and scuba diving.

Bat-ongan Caves (Mandaon)

Found in this mole-like mountain, famous for its numerous chambers and beautiful rock formation towering at about 150 feet. The caves offer tourists a thrilling experience in steep rock-climbing up to the highest peak.

Batongan Underground River (Mandaon)

For daring and adventurous visitors. It is approximately 10 kilometers to Mandaon.

Cagpating Island (Monreal)

Cagpating Island, Monreal. It is noted for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful pebbles on one side and a deep rocky side that provides a panoramic view of Masbate Island.

Tinalisayan Island (Burias Island)

An enchanting place ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

Aroroy Beach (Aroroy)

A fast-becoming attraction among excursionists. Its unspoiled natural beauty is the dominant feature.

Colara Beach (Aroroy)

Neat and white sands ideal for weekend excursions and picnics.

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.

Ki-Albay River and Beach (Claveria)

This beach extends east-southeast from the town proper with an approximate length of one and a half kilometers of sandy and well-polished pebbles ending in Ki-albay River.

San Isidro Beach (Claveria)

This beach is located in barangay San Isidro extending south to east from the barangay proper with an approximate and aggregate length of four (4) kilometers. Its fine and silvery white sand can easily accommodate over a thousand people. The bottom of the sea is clear and sandy extending some one hundred meters from the shoreline with a gradual (depth of 5 to 7 feet) during high tide. Further from the shoreline are beautiful and colorful coral reefs which are inhabited by a wide variety of fishes. The beach is lined by coconut trees.

Catandayagan Falls (Ticao Island)

One of the most beautiful falls in the province. It cascades from 60 feet to its base where multi-colored fishes cavort. It is one hour by motorboat from the capital.

Talisay Beach (San Fernando)

Famous for the rocks which serve as natural diving board for swimmers. Smooth, shiny pebbles of various sizes abound.

Dacu Beach (Mobo)

A favorite site for picnics during weekends .

Ubo Falls (Mobo)

Locally known as "Little Pagsanjan Falls".

Tagoron Waterfalls (Monreal)

Located along the sea, found in the barrio of Tagoron. A good place for picnics and excursion. Cascading at the height of 60 feet. Different species of varied-colored fishes swim at or close to the base of waterfalls

Deagan Island (Palanas)

A scenic island off Palanas coast noted for its beautiful beaches and colorful fishes. It is a haven for yacht enthusiasts and skin divers.

Puting-Baybay (Claveria)

Famous for its wide beach and white sand. Ideal for board surfers because of the Sibuyan waters

Isla de Paraiso

A small islet covered with powder white sand and crystal water and a "breathtaking sunset". Mangroves covering the different sides of the islet.

Bit-un Beach Resort (Mobo)

Ideal for group picnic, conferences and party.

Man-Made

Bugui Point Lighthouse (Aroroy)

Located at barangay Gumahaang, constructed during the Spanish era.

Colorado Lighthouse (Aroroy)

Believed to have been built during the Spanish era but renovated during the American regime.

Jintotolo Lighthouse (Balud)

Picturesque in its 19th century architecture.

Historical

San Pascual Church (San Pascual)

Oldest existing church built by the Spaniards in the Bicol Region

Special Area of Interest

Tacdogan Reef (San Jacinto, Ticao Island)

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.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Rodeo Masbateño (Masbate)

March 28-31

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 Filipno games.

Himag-Ulaw Festival (Placer)

February 17

A celebration of praise and thanksgiving for the bountiful farming or good catch in fishing expressed through various forms of activities like street dancing, beauty competition, games and food fairs.

Wacky Rodeo (Aroroy)

May

An annual entertaining and amazing event during full moon of the month of May. The festival depicts the participants skills in handling the crustaceans in various events which include crab tying, crab races and relays, crab hunting, crab retrieving and tetracathlon.

Pagdayao Festival

"Pagdayao", in the Masbateño dialect, loosely means the act of praising, of honoring and thanksgiving. It manifests the Masbate religiosity as a people, a trait most Bicolanos are noted for. The festival is held on June 11-12, coincides with annual fiesta of Masbate in honor of St. Anthony de Padua.

Corn Festival

A harvest rite among moncadistas in San Ramon, Uson. Famous for people dancing barefoot on the glowing embers. The celebration is a ritual for thanksgiving after a plentiful corn harvest.

Candelaria

A unique tradition in the town of San Jacinto where 2 to 7 years old children are blessed by the parish priest with mounted angel wings at their back. The children offered bread and eggs as a sign of prosperity. This religious activity is to set free children from various illness and diseases.

HISTORY

The political history of the town dates back to the 1850s when the Spaniards established their government under a Spanish Gobernadorcillo. The Masbateños’ vassalage to Spain ended sometime in the early part of 1898 as an offshoot of the libertarian campaign waged by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Sometime after General Aguinaldo inaugurated the Philippine Independence at Kawit,

Cavite, he issued a military order to overthrow the Spanish Government in the Visayas and Masbate. General Justo Lucban and General Diego de Dios acted on this order with the help of Masbateño rebels under the legendary Pedro Kipte. The defeat of the Spanish

Crown in Masbate could be largely credited to Pedro Kipte. Immediately thereafter, the military government under the Republic of the Philippines was established. But when the

American forces reached the Municipality of Masbate in November 1900, it took over the government of Masbate without any resistance from the Masbateños.

After a devastating typhoon in 1908, an Executive Order was passed annexing the

Province of Masbate to the Province of Sorsogon. Masbate, by force of circumstance, became a sub-province of Sorsogon until 1922 when its provincial status was restored.

Shortly before the restoration of Philippine Independence in 1946, the town of Masbate was established as the provincial capital.

Masbate forms part of the second congressional district. In the mid-90s, the idea of converting the municipality into a city was pushed by 2nd District House Representative

Luz Cleta Reyes Bakunawa. Her successor, Congressman Emilio Espinosa, Jr., together with the Municipal Mayor Juan P. Sanchez, Sr. and some local officials and employees took over where she left off. On August 16, 2000, President Joseph E. Estrada signed RA

8807 converting the Municipality of Masbate into a component city. In a plebiscite held later that year, Masbateños voted 7,800-3,200 in favor of cityhood, and on September 30,

2000, the Commission on Elections Regional Office in Region 5 officially proclaimed

Masbate as a component city.

LOCATION

The City of Masbate lies on the shores of the province at 12.2 degrees north latitude and

123.3 degrees east longitude On the Northeast, it is bounded by Masbate Pass, the

Municipality of Mobo and Tugbo River on the Southeast, Municipality of Milagros on the Southwest and the Municipality of Baleno and portion of Milagros town on the

Northwest. The City of Masbate is well protected by Ticao Island against the hazard of typhoons from the northeast. It is 212.5 aerial miles or 362 nautical miles from Manila.

The city is composed of 30 barangays.

Masbate City has a total land areas of 18,789.2811 hectares and lies at the heart of

Masbate Province. Terrain is primarily rolling hills.

.

POLITICAL SUBDIVISION

Masbate City has 30 barangays.

CLIMATE

Dry from March to June and rainy from September to Februrary.

Language / Dialect

The dialect is a blend of Bicol, Hiligaynon, Tagalog, Cebuano and Waray.

MAJOR INDUSRTY:

Agriculture and Fishing

Principal Products

Copra

Fish

Rice

Livestock

Other Products

Corn

Vegetable

Fruits

HOW TO GET THERE:

By Air:

Asian Spirit flies from Manila to Masbate and vice versa daily

By Land:

Masbate can be reached from Manila by land through the Maharlika Highway to the port of Pilar, Sorsogon. From there, fast craft can take you for two hours to the port of

Masbate or motorized banca for a three-hour ride.

By Sea:

Masbate can be also be reached through the sea on board luxury shipping lines from the port of Manila for eighteen hours. Other sea trips are via Dalahican, Lucena, Pilar and

Bulan, Sorsogon.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES:

Telephone Lines

Cellular Phones

Internet Cafes

Postal Stations

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Bontod Beach

A coral island, noted for the immaculate white sand. Its beautiful surrounding water teems with exotic coral reefs. It is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Historical

Villa Bayot

This house was constructed in 1880. In its dining room, Spanish authorities enjoyed the best wines from Manila and Acapulco and the largest lobsters from Masbate Bay. During the Commonwealth period, President Manuel L. Quezon is said to have danced the tango in its halls and slept in its finest bedroom. The Japanese used it as their garrison. In 1944,

the American liberators shelled and bombed the capital but the big house was spared. It came under guerrilla siege to dislodge the Japanese, but it remained unscathed.

In 1946, President Roxas visited Masbate and stayed in this house briefly to dance the waltz. His hosts were Don Francisco Bayot and his granddaughter, 1937 Miss Philippines

Chita Zaldarriaga.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Lapay Bantigue Dance Festival

(Masbate City)

Last week of September

It is a local dance art festival that organized from the graceful movements of hovering birds knows as seagulls or the LAPAY, found abundant in Brgy. Bantigue. Flocks of seagulls created a marvelous scenery and inspired the old folks to come up with a local folk dance, that since then has exited and has become an important aspect of the local culture of the people of Brgy. Bantigue and the entire Masbate.




Contact Person

MG Hotel

Ms. Esperanza Cruz

Number of

Rooms

12



Punta Nursery, Masbate City

Tel. No. (056) 333-5614

Classification

Economy

Ranchers Hotel

Ms. Salvacion Castro-

Chua

25 Tara Street, Masbate City

Tel. No. (056) 333-2184

Economy

St. Anthony Hotel

Dr. Antonio Chang

27

Circle E Hotel and

Restaurant

Ms. Marvi Bravo

Non-Accredited Inns

20


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



42

Quezon Street, Masbate City

Tel. No. (056) 333-2180

Tugbo, Mobo, Masbate

Tel. No. (056) 333-3672




Tel. No. (056) 333-4729

Economy

Economy

Classification

Inn

Velasco Inn 18



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Rendezvous 10

8 Jade House

Mr. Philip Lim

Teachers Lodge

Mr. Orlando Almario

10




Tel. No. (056) 333-2293

Tara Street, Masbate City

Tel. No. (056) 333-3519

Inn

Classification

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Masbate Lodge

Mr. Francisco Nunez

6 Quezon Street, Masbate City

Tel. No. (056) 333-2185

Lodging House

38 Quezon Street, Masbate City Lodging House Village of Love Lodge and Snack House

Mr. Roberto Villamor


10

Name of

Establishment/

Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Bituon Beach Resort

Ms. Isabelita Nunez

20



Classification

Lalaguna, Mabo, Masbate

Tel. No. (056) 333-2197/333-2242

Fax No. (056) 333-4980

Resort “A”

Westwind Water

Resort

4 Resort

Ticao Island Resort 6


Name of Banks/Financial Institutions

Tacdogan, San Jacinto

Tel. No.: (052) 480-226

Cell Phone No: 0918-9102185

Web Site::

http:// www.

Resort “A” ticao_island_restart.com http://wwww.bicol_scuba_dive.com

Location

Legazpi Savings Bank Domingo St., Masbate City

Metrobank

Development Bank of the Philippines



Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation


CARD Bank

China Banking Corporation

Allied Bank

RESTAURANTS/CAFES


Ampere’z

Bulalohan Restaurant

CFT Restaurant

D’San Restaurant

Eden’s Cafe

Eden’s Plaza

Jonas Snack House

Lantau Restaurant

Masbate Snack House

Park ‘N Eat Fastfood

Pizza Italiano

Rendezvous Hotel

Snappy’s Snack House

Shimmery Land

Winvel’s Restaurant

St Anthony Restaurant

Xiamen Restaurant

Tita Baying’s Food Haus

BARS/DISCOS

Tara St., Masbate City

Quezon St., Masbate City






Zurbito St., Masbate City


Location

Ibingay St., Masbate City

Ibingay Blvd., Masbate City

Cagba, Tugbo, Masbate City

Quezon & Tara St., Masbate

City

Airport Rd., Masbate City

Rosero St., Masbate City



Domingo St., Masbate City


Ibañez St., Masbate City

Punta Nursery, Masbate City






Domingo St., Masbate City


Angeline’s Bar

Arma

Lantua Videoke Bar

Location

Rosero St.,Masbate City


Boulevard, Masbate City

Kinamaligan, Masbate City


Maui Bar

Morning Seven

Nichioh Laser Disc

Punong Bar and Grill

Rancher’s Bar and Grill

Rendezvous Bar





Roger Bistro Bar

Sakura

Nursery St., Masbate City


West Wind Waters Boulevard, Masbate City

HISTORY

When the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who was then based in Panay

Island in the Visayas, dispatched, sometime between 1565 to 1570, to this part of the islands an expeditionary force headed by Capitan Luis Enriquez de Guzman, together with their chaplain, the Augustinian friar, Fray Alonso Jimenez, primarily to gather provisions for the starving Spanish force in Panay, and at the same time, evangelize whatever native villages they might come upon in the course of their foray, the group stumbled upon a small fishing village at the mouth of the Ginning River, in what is now the Municipality of Magallanes.

This was the village of Gibalong, the very first Christian settlement in the island of

Luzon. It was here where the first mass in Luzon was celebrated by the Augustinian friar,

Fray Alonso Jimenez.

Thus, the name Ibalong, to refer to the whole of Bikol Region, really came from this small fishing village, Gibalong, which is now a mere sitio of Barangay Siuton, in

Magallanes town, where the local parish constructed sometime in the 1970s a small wooden chapel and a concrete historical marker on the site. In some old Spanish maps, the Spanish cartographers even retained the original spelling by identifying, either the whole Bikol Region or parts of it – Tierra de Gibalong. In his book, From Ibalon to

Sorsogon: A Historical Survey of Sorsogon Province to 1905 (New Day Pub. QC,

Philippines, 1991), Dr. Luis C. Dery writes, “Historical records showed that the

Spaniards started using the name Ibalon as early as 1567 to refer variously to a pre-

Spanish native settlement in Sorsogon Gulf, to the entire Bicol Region, and sometimes to

the entire island of Luzon. The Spaniards’ indiscriminate use of this name was due to their inadequate knowledge of Bicol geography at the outset of their exploration and 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.

LOCATION

Sorsogon is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon, approximately 600 kilometers from

Manila and a total land area of 214,444 hectares or 2,141.44 square kilometers with a stretch of 336 kilometers coastline.

CLIMATE

The tropical climate of Sorsogon is largely influenced by two air-stream systems – the northeast monsoon, which prevails from October to May; and the southeast monsoon, which occurs from June to September.

There is no dry season as rains come throughout the year, but there is a pronounced high rainfall period from November to January. November is the wettest month, while April and May are the least rainy months. Considered the summer months are the months of

March, April and May

DIALECT

Bikol and Pilipino are widely used in Sorsogon and anywhere in the region, including

English, which is widely spoken and extensively used in business and government.

MAJOR INDUSTRY

The major crops are abaca, pili and coconut. The province boasts of producing the best hemp in the Bicol Region.

Fishing industry ranks next. Freshwater and offshore fishing resources are not yet fully developed.

These are plenty of raw materials for cottage industries. It has untouched deposits of sulfur, kaolin, limestone and coal.

TRANSPORTATION

Land Transport

The province is accessible from Manila and Visayas via the Pan Philippine Highway. Air conditioned buses plying the Manila to Samar and Leyte routes in the Visayas Island across the San Bernardino Strait from Allen/San Isidro to Matnog.

To get around within the province, taxicabs, for-hire cars, air-conditioned buses, jeepneys, and tricycles are readily available at all hours of the day. One can do an exotic city tour on the ubiquitous 2-passenger tricycles.

Air Transport

From Manila, one can take direct flights to Legazpi City in Albay province. Flying takes only about 50 minutes. From Legazpi, it is only a 45-minute pleasant drive overland to

Sorsogon City.

Sea Transport

Sorsogon is also accessible via the Manila-Cebu; Masbate-Pilar/Bulan route. Luxury ships from Manila to the Port of Cebu. From Cebu another ship can take you on a twelvehour trip to the Port of Cebu, Masbate and from Masbate, a fast craft can take you on another two-hour ride to the rustic town of Pilar. For-hire motorized bancas are also available.

TRAVEL TIME FROM MAJOR PHILIPPINE CITIES

By Air:

Manila-Legaspi - 45 minute

Manila-Sorsogon - 50min

Cebu-Legaspi - 60 minute

Tacloban-Cebu-Legaspi—1hr. 45min

Davao-Manila-Legaspi -1hr. 45min

By Land:

Manila-Legaspi - 11 hours

Manila-Sorsogon - 12 hours

Davao-Sorsogon - 21 hours

Naga-Sorsogon -3 hours

Legaspi-Sorsogon -45 minutes

By Sea:

Tacloban-Cebu-Legaspi-6 hours

Cebu-Samar-Sorsogon (Matnog) -16 hours

Samar-Sorsogon (Matnog) -2 hours

Cebu-Masbate-Sorsogon (Pilar) -14 hours

Masbate-Sorsogon (Pilar) -2 hours

COMMUNICATION

The province has modern and efficient communication facilities, including international direct dialing, telex, facsimile, and worldwide express delivery service.

Local Exchange Carriers

Cellular Mobile Phones (Globe & Smart)

Telegraph

TV Stations

Relay Cable TV

Internet Cafes

Internet Service Provider

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Bulusan Natural Park

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.

Rizal Beach Resort

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, offering air-conditioned rooms, including restaurants, function halls, beachside cottages, and souvenir shops.

Bulusan Mountain Lake Resort

The Bulusan Mountain Lake is a favorite of visitors who want to commune with nature, with a concrete pathway rimming the lake, affording the visitor a pleasant and serene, leisurely nature walk The Park complex is a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna. Eager mountaineers regularly scale the volcano up to its crater and marvel at the ancient, mosscovered trees, giant ferns and rare wild orchids that they see on their way to the peak of the volcano.

Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort

Located in Brgy. Monbon, Municipality of Irosin, the resort, which has dormitory-type accomodations, including poolside picnic cottages, shower and dressing rooms, features swimming pools with hot to tepid water, and cold spring water. Soaking in the hot water pool is soothing and relaxing, and is believed medicinal. The hot spring water flows from the Bulusan Volcano since the resort is located at its foot.

San Benon Spring

A newly developed resort, a place where you could find a mixture of sulfuric, steaming the original source of lukewarm and cool waters. Located at the foot of Mt. Bulusan.

Tolong Gapo Beach Resort

Tolong-Gapo is the vernacular for “three stones”. Legend has it that the three large stones

- actually rocks - that can be found just off the white sand beach here are that of a boy, a cat and a carabao who were turned into stones when they were struck by lightning. It is a local folk belief that you never play with a cat when there is a thunderstorm or risk being struck by lightning and be turned into stone. Lining the long stretch of the beach are cottages made of native materials for picnickers, operated by individual beach lot owners.

There are also eateries and stores in the place where one can buy food and drinks. The resort is located in the Bacon District of Sorsogon City, just a 15-minute ride away from the center of the City.

Masacrot Spring

Masacrot is Bikol for “tart”, which is the taste of the spring water that flows into a manmade earthen swimming pool. The spring water in the place is believed to be natural soda water flowing from nearby Bulusan Volcano. There are picnic cottages along the sides of the pool, including a store where picnickers can buy food and drinks. The water here is believed to be medicinal or curative.

Namuat Waterfalls

Located in Casiguran, it is surrounded by different flower plants. an inspiring view for visiting travelers.

Sabang Beach Resort

Operated by the municipal government, the Sabang Beach Resort is only a few steps away from the center of Bulan town. It offers individual cottages with rooms, including beachside picnic cottages, conference or seminar rooms, and a cafeteria. The wide beach is of fine white sand

Palogtok Falls

It is a pleasant, leisurely 20-minute walk through rolling hills carpeted with green grass, under a canopy of tall coconut trees, as one steps off the Bulusan road down to the place.

At the site, one finds a man-made earthen swimming pool where the gurgling water flows from just a few feet up the hillside. It is actually just a mini-falls, but the cool spring water is sweet, refreshing and bracing. Available alongside the pool are picnic cottages

Bulus Spring

Situated in Irosin, this spring comes out from obscure fissures on the surface of the earth.

Its coolest and clearest water on one side emits thin smoke.

Subic Beach

Located at Calintaan Island, Matnog, the beach boast of white sand surrounded by lush vegetation and with the sea providing unspoiled coral reef formations teeming with beautiful tropical fishes. In the nearby forest is unnamed cave with big migratory bats.

Mapaso Spring

Mapaso means “hot”. The spring water in the swimming pool here is a real hot bath. In fact, the pool can be seen to emit thin, whispy smoke. But a person can soak in the volcanic spring water for as long as he wants. The spring water is soothing and relaxing to the body. It is also believed to banish many types of skin problems. Available around the pool are picnic cottages. This hot spring is also in Irosin town.

Dancalan Beach Resort

Because of its shallow waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life, the place is ideal for snorkeling. On its beach front, the Philippine Tourism Authority built several concrete picnic cottages, including a store and canteen now ran by a local community-based cooperative. Across the road is a resort hotel offering air-conditioned rooms and a swimming pool. The resort is located just off the road as one enters the Bulusan poblacion from the town of Barcelona.

Bato Limestone Cave of Bacon

Privately-owned, about 100 m. away from the junction (a private trail) along the Sawang-

Bacon road. There are 3 caves, one is habitable while two are used as burial grounds.

Various ancient articrafts were unearthed by a group of archeological team in 1956. The articrafts contained human bines, beads, seashells and shell drinking cups. It was estimated 2,000 years old. It is in triangular position in the sea by the shores of Calicaran.

Nagsurok Cave and Other Legendary

Caves of Pto. Diaz

Nagsurok Cave is so named because one literally has to crawl, or “surok”, on all fours to get into the interior of the cave. The entrance into the cave allows only one person at a time, who must crawl in feet and butt first because the entrance slides down, ramp-like.

But it is cavernous inside, with an underground river that snakes through the whole long length of the cave.

There is another cave nearby, called “Pinanaan”, meaning shot with an arrow. It was here, according to legend, where the people cornered the fearsome giant bird and rained arrows upon him, resulting in his getting wounded, but the evil bird still managed to escape. The are other caves in the other adjacent towns, most of them somehow connected.with the legendary story of the fearsome giant Mampak. These caves are just waiting to be explored.

Bagatao Island

Bagatao is a fusion of two Bikol words – “bagang tawo” – or “looks like a man” because the island does indeed look like a man floating in the water. Bagatao Island is located just at the mouth of Sorsogon Bay in Magallanes. It is reputed to be the biggest Spanish shipyard in the whole Bicol Region where some of the biggest and most magnificent galleons were constructed. Unfortunately, for the past several years, cultural scavengers had been systematically stripping the island of its precious artifacts that there are no more traces of its glorious past as shipyard. The island is now merely a picnic island and a naval reservation with a lighthouse.

The Picturesque Island of Matnog

Island-hopping is a must-do when in Matnog because of its picture-pretty islands, such as

Tikling, Calintaan, Juag and Subic. All one has to do is hire a motorized banca, which are usually berthed at the Matnog Ferry Terminal, and off one goes merrily hopping from island to island. Tikling Island, which is the nearest, offers fine white sand all around where one can also beachcomb for rare shell finds. Calintaan Island, on the other hand, looks like the head of a giant barely bobbing above the water, featuring huge underwater caves populated by giant bats. Juag Island is good for swimming and sunbathing, while

Subic features a fine pink sand beach, which is why it is now called, “La Playa Rosa”.

These islands can also be jump-off base for SCUBA diving in the excellent dive sites surrounding the islands. It can also serve as base for deep-sea sport fishing.


Prieto Diaz Coastal Environment

Program Model Site

Prieto-Diaz was the recipient of the 1998 Best Community-Based Coastal Resources

Management Program Award given by the United States Agency for International Dev’t.

(USAID), thus making it the CEP Model Site, or the show window of activities under the

program. Covering 11 barangays, the Prieto-Diaz site, with jump-off base at the Sabang

Beach Resort, which also offers white sand beach and beachside picnic cottages, now showcases 112 hectares of natural mangrove forest, 267 has. mangrove plantation, the widest stretch of seagrass with 836 has. and tidal/mud flats of 1,200 has., 800 has. of protected coral reefs, and a marine sanctuary. The program also maintains a mangrove nursery. Just across Sabang Beach is the mangrove plantation featuring a wood and bamboo canopy walk. It is a haven for marine biologists, environmentalists, and people interested in coastal resource management and protection.

Ruins of Panlatuan

Panlatuan, in Pilar town, is another Spanish Astillero or shipyard, and presumably, another metalworks factory, similar to that of Dancalan in Donsol, although smaller in scale. At the site are the ruins of what looks like a fort – thick stone walls all around. In the middle of this surrounding walls is a domed stone structure that appears like a kiln that can fire either clay or stoneware, or metals. This kiln-like structure is still intact.

Documented historical accounts show that it was here where the revolt of the Sorsogon people against Spain started. It was sometime in August 1898 when the workers at the shipyard cried “Revolution!”, took up arms, and killed the shipyard’s Spanish administrator, together with his four assistants. From Panlatuan, revolutionary activities rapidly spread throughout the province.

Astillero of Donsol

Astillero is Spanish for ‘shipyard’. And the Astillero of Donsol, located in Barangay

Dancalan, just across the Donsol wharf, is believed to be one of the biggest shipyards in this part of the country during the time of the Spaniards. But what is even more interesting about this Dancalan Astillero is that it doubled as a metalworks site, which makes it the only one of its kind discovered so far in the country to this day. This, according to archeologists from the National Museum. The archeological excavation, which started December 1995, and the discovery of the shipyard and the metal factory on the site was made through the joint efforts of the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council, the Sorsogon Arts Council and the National Museum, with funding from the Department of Tourism. Uncovered on the site is a rectangular concrete structure, believed to be the remains of what was once the metalworks factory or smelting shop. Many artifacts and ecofacts were unearthed from the site by archeologists of the National Museum. This only proves the folk story that once upon a time in the past, Donsol was populated by expert metalworkers and smelters. The name Donsol itself is an old Bikol word for

“anvil”, the heavy metal block used by smithies to hammer and fashion iron sheets into nails, bolts, blades, spears, etc. Even the name of the barangay where the Astillero is located – Dancalan – refers to the Dancalan Tree, a hardwood tree preferred by shipbuilders for the construction of those magnificent Spanish galleons.

Donsol Whale Shark Interaction

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.

Century Old Barcelona Church Ruins

The old Barcelona Church, built in the 19th century by the Spanish colonizers, is perhaps the most well-preserved old church in the entire province, although there are already some alterations in its interior. The thick stone walls of the church, including its bell tower, are the original walls, still relatively intact and well-preserved. Fronting the church, facing the sea, are the ruins of a stone structure that was then known as the casa tribunal and baluarte, or fort, and a schoolhouse made entirely of stones. During the

Spanish period, it is believed that construction of stone structures used beaten egg whites mixed with tuba, the native coconut wine, and lime as binder. The huge slabs of stones were taken from the sea and arranged on top of each other to create a wall. Old folks also say that the place was called Barcelona by the homesick Spaniards because the place’s topography reminded them of Barcelona of Spain.

Firefly Watching

Fireflies can be seen along Donsol and Ogud River.

The Old House of Juban

Lining the highway, as one enters the town center of Juban, are several old houses, known as bahay na bato, still relatively well-preserved and intact although their ground floors have, long ago, been turned into commercial establishments, such as stores, barber shops and beauty salons, etc. These old houses still have their original tall, sliding windows made of capiz, including carved wooden balustrades just below the window sills. Inside, one can still find original, well-preserved antique furnitures, including other antiquities. Private historical or heritage collections can also be found inside these houses.

Irosin’s Hilltop Church

Irosin’s old Catholic church sits atop a hill situated right in the center of town, affording churchgoers and visitors a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding countryside beyond, including the peak of Mt. Bulusan, which, at this vantage point, appear almost

near enough to grab. The church can be reached via a hundred-step concrete stairs going straight up the hill until one reaches the massive 2-door entrance into the interior of the old church at the top of the stairway.

Bulusan Eco-Trek

An amazing climbing and trekking activity on Sorsogon's famous volcano, with Bulusan

Lake, popularly known as "Switzerland of the Orient", as take-off point. The trek will traverse the almost unexplored and forested forest of Bulusan Volcano.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Kasanggayahan Festival (Sorsogon)

October 15-25

This is the premier festival of the province. Held every last two weeks of October each year, it commemorates the foundation of Sorsogon as a province of Bicol. It features the

Pantomina sa Tinampo (Dance of the Doves) in the streets of Sorsogon City.

Hin-ay Festival (Irosin)

A celebration in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, the town's patron saint. It features an agro-trade fair, food festival, beauty pageant and a Mardi Gras.

Butanding Festival (Donsol)

April 1-24

Celebrated at the onset of summer to welcome the return of the Butandings, which usually come in droves during this time of the year, and to officially signal the opening of another high adventure season of Butanding Interaction, the Butanding Arribada Festival is held every first week of March in Donsol town.

A long fluvial procession just at the mouth of the long and winding Donsol River where a large pod of Butandings usually converge highlights the Festival.

Padaraw Festival

Bulan

The Padaraw Festival of Bulan which is celebrated every Fiesta time (May 30th) expresses a community's gladness and thanksgiving for God's bounties and gifts, properly expressed in ethnic music and creative street dancing.

Ginubat Festival (Gubat)

June 11-12

A festival based on the roots of yhe town of which name was derived. It features the following activities: cultural street parade, exhibit, sail boat race, beauty pageant, fiesta celebration and the Balik Gubat which is the highlight of the festival.

Parau Festival (Pilar)

October 9

A festival showcasing the culture and heritage of Pilar. The patience, perseverance and ingenuity of Pilareno ancestors being shipbuilders is shown in its highlight presentationthe Parau Float Competition.

HISTORY

Sorsogon City was created by virtue of Republic Act 8806, which was signed into law on August 16, 2000 and ratified during a plebiscite on December 16, 2000. RA 8806, also known as the Cityhood Law, called for the merger of the municipalities of Sorsogon and

Bacon into a component city of the province of Sorsogon.

The merged municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon more or less shared the same establishment pattern with Bacon leading the way. The present-day settlements grew out of the Spanish missionary efforts in the 1600s. They both started as missions that were later made into parishes and eventually declared as civilian political units. Both places were already settled when the Spanish missionaries came in the 1600s. Pre-historic artifacts found pointing to human habitation ranged from the 3,000-year old remains in a cave in Bacon and ancient burial sites dug upstream of rivers in Sorsogon.

LOCATION

Sorsogon City lies from 123° 53’ to 124° 09’ east longitude and from 12° 55’ to 13° 08’ north latitude. It is 600 kilometers southeast of Manila and is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon. As part of the geographical chain linking Luzon to the rest of the

Philippines, it is a transshipment corridor and serves as the gateway to the Visayas and

Mindanao Islands. Its geographical location is such that it opens into both the Pacific

Ocean and the China Sea.

The city is bounded on the east by the municipalities of Pto. Diaz and Gubat, on the south by the municipality of Casiguran and Sorsogon Bay, on the west by the municipality of

Castilla, on the northeast by the municipality of Manito in Albay, and on the north by

Albay Gulf.

It covers 31,292 hectares and composed of 64 barangays

TOPOGRAPHY

Sorsogon may be divided into four physical areas—the northeastern range, the sloping uplands, the plain area, and marshlands.

The northeastern range is part of the Bacon-Castilla range, bordering Sorsogon's north and serves as its watershed covered mainly by secondary forest growth and thicket. It starts from 200 m above sea level to Mt. Rangas, the highest point at 1,000 meters. The

sloping uplands are the shoulders of the range and the series of hills in the southeast.

Coconut, abaca, and fruit trees cover this area. The plain is generally low and level.

Settlements and other built-up areas and ricefields occupy the plain area. Marshlands are the mouth of rivers vegetated mainly by nipa and are developed into fishponds

TRANSPORTATION

From Metro Manila, one can take a 50-minute direct flight to Legazpi City airport. From

Legazpi, it is only a 45 minute pleasant ride to Sorsogon City by land. Comfortable 12hour rides by tourist bus from Manila to Sorsogon City are also available.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Natural

Paguriran Island

Just off the excellent white beaches of Brgy. Buenavista in Bacon District, the little island can be reached by motorized banca, either from the Bacon District center which will take about 40 minutes ride, or from Buenavista itself, which will take just 20 minutes. The island itself is very picturesque, with a kind of lagoon at its center with the earth and craggy rock wall enclosing it, jutting upwards, much like a volcano crater. In the past, the lagoon used to be a sanctuary for giant sea turtles or pawikan. Residents say there are plans to restore the pawikan sanctuary. At present, the waters surrounding the island is

Bacon’s marine sanctuary.

Libanon Beach Resort

Located in Barangay San Juan, Bacon, the beach features black fine sand, with one part of the seaside hill studded with huge, craggy black rocks where the waves slam noisily.

The black rocks and sand are believed to have been spewed by Mayon Volcano whose peak can be viewed from the beach.

Pepita Park

A scenic rest area along Sorsogon Bay. Complete with resthouse, cemented walks, beaches, children's playground and lush greenery. Overlooking the bay is the Paroja Hill

Grotto.


PNOC-BACMAN Eco Park

Covering a total of 25,100 hectares forest reservation, it is the site of the Bacon-Manito

Geothermal Plant of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC). The eco-park itself offers a lot of eco-tour delights and adventurers including mountain falls, hotel and cold springs, boiling water lakes, and exotic flora and fauna.

Rompeolas/Sorsogon Pier

Rompeolas is Spanish for “where the waves cavort”, the old and still popular name up to this time for the old Sorsogon pier which juts into Sorsogon Bay. Indeed, the waves literally cavort around this arrow-like structure where small inter-island cargo vessels still dock every once in a while. It is a pleasant promenade, with fresh sea air, especially early in the morning. It affords one a magnificent panoramic view of Mt. Bulusan just across the Bay, and inland, a fairyland-like view of the Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral with its colorful pointed spires. It is also here where sunset watchers flock in the late afternoons as the reddish-orange sun slowly hides behind the Pinaculan Island.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS

Pili Festival (Sorsogon City)

June 20-29

Held every last week of June each year, the festival celebrates the Pili tree,( “Magic

Tree”) and its numerous products. The festival features a weeklong series of cultural activities, product exhibits, culminating with the Pili Street Dance.


Accredited Hotels


Contact Person

Fernando’s Hotel

Ms. Cecilia Duran

Number of

Rooms

16



N. Pareja Street, Bitan-o,

Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-1357

Fax No. (056) 211-1573

Classification

Economy



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Classification

One Concepcion Place

Mr. Errol de Castro

10 De Castro Street, Zone 4,

Bulan, Sorsogon

Economy

Ingko Hotel

Mr. Erwin C. Lasam

18 Macabog Diversion Rd.,

Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-5388 to 5389

Fax No. (056) 211-1218

Economy

Accredited Pension Houses


Contact Person

Villa Isabel

Ms. Josephine Ravanilla

Number of

Rooms

16



Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-4050/211-

5422

Classification

Pension House



Contact Person

Villa Kasanggayahan

Mr. Rico Estrellado

Number of

Rooms

10

Mayorga Pension

Ms. Nanette Yap

14

Sorsogon Pension House

Mr. Joseph Yap/Mrs.

21

Yap



Dalipay, Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-1275/211-

3868

Pangpang, Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-4608

Brgy. Road, Bibingcahan,

Sorsogon City

Classification

Pension House

Pension House

Pension House

Visitors Inn

Ms. Hilda Belmonte

4 Punta, Donsol, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 491-1109/421-

3180

Non-Accredited Lodging Inns/Apartelles


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Greenwood Apartelle

Mr. Larry Dagnalan

Andy’s Point apartelle

9

14

Bibingcahan, Sorsogon City

Rizal Street, Piot, Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-1678/421-

5387

Pension House

Classification

Apartelle

Tourist Inn



Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Grand Mansion

Ms. Monette Escultura

14



Matnog, Sorsogon

Classification

Lodging House

Dalisay Lodge 13 Peralta Street, Sorsogon City Lodging House

Ms. Fe Dino Tel. No. (056) 211-1330

Seaside Lodging House

Ms. Nilda Gogolin

13

Gotis Lodging House

Ms. Rochelle Gotis

15

Bulan, Sorsogon

Bulan, Sorsogon

Lodging House

Lodging House

Marie-els

Mr. Julius Gimena

Del-Mar Hotel

Ms. Rosario Salud

Sky View

Ms. Sonia Gulba

Leah’s Lodging House

Ms. Leny Guda

El Retiro

Ms. Michelle

4

10

9

4

Bulan, Sorsogon

Bulan, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 411-1463

Bulan, Sorsogon

Matnog, Sorsogon

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Mercedes Country

Lodge

Mr. Enrique Peralta

Family Tentyard

Mahogany Lodge

23

14

10

12

El Reiro, Cabid-an, Sorsogon

City

Tel. No. (056) 211-3279

Peralta Street, Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-3257

Tel. No. (056) 211-1370

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Lodging House

Magtangob Lodge

Accredited Resorts

8


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Pier, Bulan, Sorsogon Lodging House

Mateo Hot and Cold

Spring Resort

Mr. Vivencio Mateo

Rizal Beach Resort

Ms. Milagros Duana/

Ms. Nena Bio

25

47



San Benon, Monbon, Irosin,

Sorsogon

Rizal, Gubat, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 211-1056/211-

1270

Classification

Resort “A”

Resort “A”

Woodland Beach Resort

Dr. Placido Alcantara

14 Pangpang, Donsol, Sorsogon


Resort


Name of Establishment/ Number of Location/Telephone Number/ Classification

Contact Person Rooms Fax Number/E-Mail Address

Amor Farm Beach

Resort

Ms. Sylvia Reyes

Vera Maris Beach

Resort

Atty. Cathy de Vera

6

13

Dangcalan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 411-1109/211-

3180

421-3181

Rizal, Gubat, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 311-1824

Fax No. (056) 311-1825

New Port Beach Resort

Ms. Rodita Dobracke/

Ms. Evelyn Carilao

4 San Sebastian, Sta. Magdalena,

Matnog, Sorsogon




Contact Person

Number of

Rooms



Mrs. Iderlina Santiago 4

Mr. Andrew Hernandez 4

Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 421-3180/421-

3181

Resort

Resort

Resort

Classification

Homestay

Homestay

Balay ni Inday

Ms. Hilda Belmonte

Ms. Leticia Poque

2

Ms. Norma Gile

Espinosa

2

2

Ms. Abundia Gavanzo 1

Ms. Delfina Oro 2

Brgy. Boroan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 411-1109

Camachile, Matnog, Sorsogon

Tablac, Matnog, Sorsogon

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Ms. Eleanor Gata

Ms. Maricel Ariston

4

1

Ms. Mylinda Cayanes 2

Ms. Elizabeth Dulay

Ms. Leonor Racquel

Ms. Agnes Dulay

3

6

1

Camcaman, Matnog, Sorsogon Homestay


Caloocan, Matnog, Sorsogon

Purok 1, Camachiles, Matnog,

Sorsogon


Calintaan, Matnog, Sorsogon



Mr. Juanito Gamit 2 Gadgaron, Matnog, Sorsogon


Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay


Contact Person

Number of

Rooms

Ms. Chona Oro 1

Ms. Rosario Gavanzo 1



Classification


Gadgaron, Matnog, Sorsogon Homestay

Ms. Lilia Gayanes

Ms. Catherine Lao

Ms. Irma Givera

1

5

2


Camcaman, Matnog, Sorsogon

Camcaman, Matnog, Sorsogon

Homestay

Homestay

Homestay

Ms. Leticia Salud 2


Name of Bank/Financial Institution


Location

Development Bank of the Phils.




China Bank Corp.

Allied Bank

Metrobank

Equitable-PCI Bank

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City and Irosin

Sorsogon City and Bulan

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City



Sorsogon City

Far East Bank & Trust Co.

Banco Sorsogon

Legazpi Savings Bank

Gubat Rural Bank

Rural Bank of Irosin

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City, Bulan and Gubat

Sorsogon City

Gubat

Irosin

Rural Bank of Pilar Pilar

Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena Sta. Magdalena

RESTAURANTS/DINING FACILITIES/BARS/BISTROS AND CAFES

Name of Establishment Location/Telephone/Telefax No.

Acacia Grill

Casa Dominga

Peralta St., Sorsogon City

Tel.No. (056) 211-1486

Brgy. Balogo,Sorsogon City

Club 422 Jazz Bar

Jane’s Restaurant

Kalundan Seafood

Kambak-Kambak Seafood

Kim’s Food Palace

Bgy. Pangpang, Sorsogon City

Rizal St.,cor. De Vera St.,

Sorsogon City

Fernando Mall, Rizal St.,

Soraogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-1357

Brgy. Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-4014/421-5449

De Vera St., Sorsogon City

Tel. No. (056) 211-1492

Mike and Gerry

Ricardo’s

Vera Mars Resort

Villa Celeste Resort Hotel

Fisherman’s Hut

Rizal St., Sorsogon City

Brgy. Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

Rizal Beach,Rizal, Gubat, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 311-1824/211-2457

Fax No. (056) 311-1825

Dancalan Beach, Bulan, Sorsogon

Tel. No. (056) 311-1008

Caricaran, Bacon District, Sorsogon

City

Sorsogon City Jollibee

Graceland

Quick & Hearty

Kalundan Restaurant

Tajjie's Fastfood

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City

Jane's Fastfood

Casa Dominga

Dahon Saging Restaurant

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City

Sorsogon City

Manoy's Fastfood

GREAT BUYS

Pili Confections and Other Preparations


Tia Bering Pili Candies

Location

Sorsogon City

Rizal St., Sorsogon City

Telephone Number

(056) 211-1544

Leslie Pili Products Magsaysay St., Sorsogon (056) 211-1646

Pili Processors Association of

Sorsogon (PIPAS)

Abaca Crafts


FGM Merchandising

Emino’s Handicraft

Local Fibers and Root Handicrafts


ZT Galoso Handicrafts

City

Sorsogon City

Location

Cabiguan, Pilar, Sorsogon

Gubat, Sorsogon

(056) 211-1646

Telephone Number

(0920) 551-9525

(056) 311-1294

D’3rd Enterprises

Melinda’s Handicrafts

SOCIPECO


Seabreeze Homes, Cabid-an,

Sorsogon City

(056) 211-4215

OLV, Bibincahan, Sorsogon

City

(0920) 772-2416

Magsaysay St., Sorsogon

City

Capitol Compound,

Sorsogon City

(056) 211-3420

(056) 211-3420

158 Balogo, Sorsogon City (056) 421-5317 Crafts and Hobbies Enterprises

Dried Fish and Other Sea Products


Jabez Seafood Dealer

Seaplus Export Corporation


Cambulaga, Sorsogon City (056) 211-2493/3098

Mahingan, Sorsogon City (056) 211-1176

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