A Mother’s Stuff

Albay Festivals Set 3

CORON FESTIVAL
Tiwi, Albay Every third week of August

Known not only because of the Geothermal Power, Tiwi is famous originally because of the “Coron” or pottery products that are shaped in different forms and sizes either in round or hexagonal shapes.

This traditional industry can be traced back in the early part of the seventeenth century when the sticky clay dug at the hilly place near the sea named bolo was discovered to have a useful way when the early settlers formed them in different shapes which they used for cooking, eating or drinking.

Not ceasing to this discovery, it soon became a big and productive livelihood for the people in the years to come, spreading them commercially to other towns and regions.

Capitalizing on these clay products from whence the town of Tiwi became know, the 1^st Coron Festival was born under the strong initiative of Mayor Patria Gutierrez and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

A showcase of events highlighted by a street presentation participated in by the town’s different public and private schools and sectors gives a week-long of fun and merriment to visitors and local people.

The religious package of devotion and prayer in honor of Albay’s patroness, Nuestra Señora de Salvacion (Our Lady of Salvation) is the peak event of the festival, colorfully drawing thousands of devotees and religious groups through a long maritime procession of different local sea vessels on the sea spray of the serene pacific ocean going to the quiet barangay of Joroan, the home of the miraculous image.

KATALINGKASAN: LIBON PAROY FESTIVAL
Libon, Albay June 22-25

It all started in 1996, when Libongueños soul searched their identity - “Libongueño, Sisay Ka?”

Over the years, this Festival has been instrument in forging cooperation and collaboration among the barangays. By getting them involved in activities, not only instilled in them the appreciation of their customs, traditions, arts, music which they rediscover from within the barangays; but also buoyed their confidence in their own abilities as they harness their talents. By showing their best, they each give face to their own barangays which in totality account for the image of the Libongueño - God fearing, industrious, artistic, lover of life.

PAROY FESTIVAL has come of age, 35% of our land area is devoted to palay production. It is the biggest in the Province of Albay. “PARA OMA MAN SANA…”, the usual way our farmers regard themselves, should be corrected. The FARMER makes possible the rice on our table. He is worth our RESPECT. PAROY FESTIVAL is also a call for attention, from out national government’s agencies, from our province, to assist us through programs to rehab and improve our infrastructure for palay production.

THE PINANGAT FESTIVAL
Camalig, Albay May 1-31

PINANGAT FESTIVAL features the culture and arts of the Camaligueños, the natural and man-made attractions of the municipality and the people’s warmth and hospitality. The name was adopted as an attention-getting feature of the celebration to attract more visitors and promote the product as a food delicacy.
The month long festivities is a colorful potpourri of memorable and thrilling activities for everyone especially to Camaligueños. This consists of sporting events for the youth and elderly, competition and exhibition in arnis and other forms of martial arts, cultural presentation of creative songs and dances, a folk concert and lives bands, a dance contest among secondary and tertiary students dubbed as “hataw sayaw laban sa droga,”, song writing contest, amateur singing contest, disco in the park, batang pinoy games (Laro ng Lahi), street presentation, drum and lyre corps competition, mass demonstration, civic and military parade, fireworks display and many more. Part of the culminating activities will be the agri fair wherein pinangat cooking contest among local residents engaged in this home industry. Read more

Albay Festivals Set 2

SARUNG BANGGI FESTIVAL
Sto. Domingo, Albay Month of May

The Sarung Banggi festival marks the commemoration of an ingenuous Bicol heritage as Sto. Domingo, Albay celebrates its Maiden year last May 2002. This Cultural Festivity is in recognition of the invaluable contribution of the late Potenciano Valladolid Gregorio, a native of this town, to this municipality, the Bicol Region and the whole country for his music and compositions particularly the immortal love song Sarung Banggi that paved the way for and introduced the Philippines to the landmark of musical world.The uniqueness of Sarung Banggi is its bicolness, a festival that is genuinely Bicol. Sarung Banggi song identifies us as Bicolanos just as the Lupang Hinirang is for the Filipinos. Coinciding with the birth of the late composer, this Bicol Festival, calendared on the month of May and every year thereafter, is a weeklong non-stop celebration that aims to display the rich cultural legacy and exceptional character of the Domingueños being lovers of arts and music. The main attraction of this Festival is a one of a kind street presentation, as it is held in the evening that best depicted the theme of the song Sarung Banggi. Exciting choreographies and impressive costume designs were seen with matchless intense lighting from indigenous materials.In May 19 of 1880, Potenciano V. Gregorio was born in a modest little town of Libog now Sto. Domingo. Not knowing that someday he would be instrumental in bringing honor, prestige and making his hometown more popular thru his composition, the most famous love song “Sarung Banggi”.

It is a very inspiring love story that was transformed into a beautiful song. It goes something like this…that one quiet dark night, the composer Potenciano V. Gregorio, solitary lying in his bed reminiscing how this young lady caught his mind and heart of whom he met that night. His longing for the young lovely lady remained until he fell asleep. Suddenly, he was awakened and heard the lonely chirping of a bird that sounds so sweet, inviting and enchanting tune to the ears of a person with a hear gilled with so much love. He was then encouraged to get up and looked outside the window. There in the dark, he saw clearly the charming face of the young lady. The loneliness, in his heart was changed to extreme peace, happiness and a deep knowledge of his love to the lady whom he adored greatly. That very night, Lolo Poten was motivated and inspired to write the lyrics of the song Sarung Banngi.

The song carries a meaningful message of love that touches the heart of so many people. It became the favorite of local serenaders and spread widely in the entire Bicol Region, then through out the Philippines and abroad. It gives an inspiration and pride in the heart of every Domingueños that the LGU brought the idea of honoring Potenciano V. Gregorio through Executive Proclamation No.1 s. 2002 signed by Honorable Mayor Herbie Aguas on the 8^th day of January 2002 at Sto. Domingo, albay, hence, the Sarung Banggi Festival was born.

KADAGATAN FESTIVAL
Bacacay, Albay Every Black Saturday

The civic-oriented heart of the officers and members of the Rotary Club of Mayon, Bacacay chapter has paved the way to the institutionalization of bancathon.Bancathon started through the successful collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club, the defunct Provincial Constabulary, Albay command under the initiative of Colonel Inigo Balardo (retired), Sergio P. Villar and Col. Banadera with the tireless support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region V.

The first Bancathon Race was held in 1982, coinciding with Black Saturday of the Holy Week, the traditional Catholic celebration of the passion of Jesus Christ at Roca Baluarte, one of the historical tourist sites in Bacacay of the Province of Albay.

On the 7^th annual Bancathon in 1989, again spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Mayon, the celebration was transferred to the local government unit of Bacacay, retaining the traditional cash prize awards and trophies.

Innovations in the competition were conceived to add more color and excitement to the race. Other sea crafts were included in that race such as balsa an casco.

The inclusion of other types of sea crafts had expanded the annual sea race with participants from other coastal areas in Albay and neighboring regions in the country. These various races had likewise invited more spectators to witness the grand race, prompting the local organizers to alter the name of Bancathon.

In the year 2000, the local government unit of Bacacay took note of the increasing interest in the yearly maritime spectable by passing a legislative act that officially changed it from Bancathon to Kadagatan Festival, holding it as usual every Black Saturday.

Albay Festivals Set 1

Magayon Festival
Month of May, Albay

It relives the origin of Mayon Volcano. The festival features sports and cultural events and trade fairs. The focus of the event is the stage reenactment of the tragic love story of the legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron whose fatal deaths gave birth to the volcano. Legend has it that Magayon’s grave became Mayon while the clouds kissing her is Panganoron.

Ibalong Festival
2^nd week of October, Legazpi City

A week-long festivity recounting the brave exploits of the heroes of Ibalong or prehistoric Bicol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade recreating the classic battles between heroes and beasts of Ibalong. Read more..

Tabak Festival
Last week of March, Tabaco City

A week-long activity held in time with the City’s Foundation Anniversary. Street presentation depicting the city’s legend, trade fairs of the growing cutlery industry, woodcraft and pili, colorful parades and the Mutya ng Tabak Search highlights the event.

Sarung Banggi Festival
May 18-25 Sto. Domingo

It is an annual fun-filled eight-day summer festivity immortalizing the timeless love song Sarung Banggi as a tribute to its composer, Potenciano V. Gregorio. The Sarung Banggi festival showcases a variety of cultural and religious activities. The entire colorful performance is shown at nighttime when the street parade routes are brightly lighted with large torches. The whole town becomes a true picture of rural life with the multitude of people occupying the streets to watch and join the nighttime merriment.

PILGRIMAGE TO JOROAN
3rd Saturday of August, Tiwi

This yearly pilgrimage to Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the patroness of Albay, is highlighted by a maritime procession and a concelebrated Mass on the shores of Sogod Beach. Thousands of pilgrims from different places flock to pay homage to the Marian image

KATALINGKASAN FESTIVAL
2^nd week of July, Libon

The festivity retraces the valiant story of the virgins of the town who worked hard in making Libon as one of the earliest settlements in Albay. Featured activities are trade fairs, shows, and street dancing.

Albay’s Tourist Attractions Set 5

ILOLOGAN BEACH

Long stretch of coral sands. So white that it glistens when it is strike by the rays of the sun. A big potential for construction as a resort. It is excellent for bathing, skin-diving, and fishing.

ROCA BALUARTE

Today, this fort-like formation in Bacacay has been converted into a beach resort. The tower was used as a look-out for any invasion of Muslim pirate that disturb the natives time and again.

KIMANTONG SKY DRIVE

A long stretch of newly-built concrete road in Daraga Albay. It connects the Pan Philippine Highway going to Sorsogon and zigzags against a scenic mountainside. The Panoramic view of Daraga and Legazpi is spellbinding especially at night. It has become a favorite stopover and resting place for motorists who want to relax from a very tiring trip.

DARAGA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, that is , three years before the declaration of American Independence from the Spanish colonizers. Its highly prized by art enthusiast because of its rich baroque architecture. Its very huge structure is considered above standard.

CAMALIG CATHOLIC CHURCH

It is another missionary church built out of volcanic rocks. Today, relics from Hoyop-hoyopan caves are carefully stored and displayed for viewing. These relics excavated from the cave reflect historical origins. They manifest the early Malaysian influence through the burial jars excavated. Glazed ceramics reveal Chinese influx while the primitive potteries are derived from the flourishing Philippine culture 2, 000 years ago.

PILGRIMAGE TO JOROAN

Every 3^rd Saturday of August in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.This yearly pilgrimage to Our Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the Patroness of Albay. It’s highlighted by a maritime procession and a con-celebrated Mass on the shores of Sogod Beach. Thousands of pilgrims from different places flocked to pay homage to the Marian image.

Albay’s Tourist Attractions Set 4

MATAGINTING FALLS

It is a broad waterfalls cascading into a river accessible only by foot trail and located in Jovellar, Albay.

NAGLAUS UNDERGROUND RIVER

Another natural formation in Jovellar which is largely unexplored underground river. It is 300 meter long. A bamboo craft is used to negotiate the tunneled river. It looks very mysterious and weird bun an excellent place for a bewildering and strange experience. Accessible by foot trail.

DEL ROSARIO CAVES

Found in Jovellar, this grotto-like cavern is naturally formed on a hillside. It is largely undeveloped. To reach the place hiking is suggested.

MINAROSO CAVES

In Rapu-Rapu, this natural cavern is situated close to the sea. It is haven of seabirds and swallows. Still unexplored.

BALUBAGON BOILING CAVE

A geothermal-like formation. The steam pressure is described as stronger than Tiwi Geothermal. The lake has an outlet near the seashore, just a hundred meters away from where the steaming sands and coral like rocks emits the geysers in a fountain-like formation. The best time to see this natural wonder is on low tide. The steaming geyser shoots upward. It could be seen from miles. Accessible by any type of motor vehicle. Located in Manito, Albay.

Albay’s Tourist Attractions Set 3

BUSAY FALLS

Located in Malilipot, Albay considered as one of the highest waterfalls in the country because of its seven-tiered cascading white foam. It is estimated to have a vital height of 800 feet from the top. The first catch basin forms below where hundred of bathers could refresh from the scorching heat of summer. It is accessible only by foot trail.

KALAYUKAI BEACH RESORT

If one is familiar with the famous south Pacific Island, this Beach resort in Sto. Domingo, Albay is its duplicate. The sunrise is very beautiful to watch on this beach. Gazebo and bancas are available for hire for visitors who would like to see the clear blue water where eye-catching corals of varied forms could be viewed even without the use of water eye-glasses.

HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVE

It is a natural tunnel-like structure in Camalig, Albay. Legend says that this cave was the primitive habitat of the natives in the area. It is one of the most popular attractions in Albay. It could be reached by any type of motor vehicles.

PARIAN MAINIT SPRING

A popular swimming and picnic resort in Camalig, Albay. A thermal swimming pool and cottages are also available. Adjacent to the main highway.

CALABIDONGAN CAVES

The name really means “Caves of the Bats”. There is grotto-like formation inside which astounds visitors. It is found in Camalig. It takes around 30 minutes trek inside Hoyop-hoyopan cave.

Albay’s Tourist Attractions Set 2

CAGSAWA RUINS

Originally, the word was “Kagsawa”. It was derived from KAG meaning who does or owner and SAWA which means a python that suggested one who collects snakes or perhaps a snake charmer. On its worst, it signifies “excesses” from SAWA (pronounced in “maragsa” on the last syllable) meaning “too much”. Father Francisco Aragonesses, OFM, former curate of Kagsawa and Budyaw, seemed to confirm the notable overindulgence of the people during the time.

In 1814, Mt. Mayon, in the province of Albay, the Philippines, erupted and devastated the surrounding communities. This is what remained of the Cagsawa church, whose bellfry has remained standing as a mute testimony of the enormous disaster caused by flowing lava. Some 1,200 people sought sanctuary in the church, thinking that they would be saved from the fury of Mayon volcano. All of them died. One could imagine that, in their last moment, they struggled to climb to this bellfry as others below tried to pull them down. It must be a tragic, horrifying experience.

The photo on the left shows Cagsawa church before being buried by lava. It appears desolate and the thick vegetation around it suggests that it had been abandoned and not used for a long time. There is also some sign that the church had earlier been threatened by lava flows.

SOGOD BEACH

In Bacacay, it is the most popular beach. Well-known for its enclaves of black sandy beaches with towering coconut palms and lush vegetation providing cool shades. These beaches are closely adjacent to the national highways. Almost unspoiled, it is an excellent place for bathing and fishing. This is a convenient place to spend the summer.

BUGSUCAN FALLS

Another natural phenomena in Tiwi besides the road to Joroan is this tiered waterfalls set on a beauteous mountainside. Its cascading water blends perfectly with its natural springs. It is recommended site for bathing, picnics and photography.

PALALE FALLS

In Malinao, this falls have been branded as a source of disastrous floods. During good weather, its cascading water like the Bugsucan falls is a splendid site because of its lush surroundings. It is very accessible by foot trails.

SAN LORENZO BEACH

The clear and almost unspoiled beach have lured hundreds of tourists to this place in Tabaco. Its strategic location has commanded a breathtaking view of Tabaco Bay and the green soft-looking and quiet island of San Miguel.

Albay’s Tourist Attractions Set 1

SPANISH GALLEON WRECK SITE
This is a site which serves as a strong reminder of the rich Manila to Acapulco (Mexico) trade routes during the Spanish era. Found along the shores of Buhatan beach at Sto. Domingo, Albay, this galleon relic was wrought by a strong typhoon on its way to Acapulco and crushed on the reefs of Albay Gulf. This historical remains lie at five fathoms under the sea with green transparent water. It is an ideal place for scuba diving, fishing or boating.

GEOTHERMAL ELECTRIC POWER
An electric generation project with geothermal energy as source. It is designed to generate more than 227 megawatts, operated jointly by NPC/NEA and Union Oil (USA). It is located in Tiwi, mostly visited for its high educational values.

PUTSAN BEACHIt is the original source of ancient ceramics and potteries industry in Bicol Region until today. Sweeping in long graceful curve, the beautiful white surging surfs of the ocean form a sharp contrast with jet-black volcanic sands. Add to this natural wonder is the fishing venture of the villagers and the natural formations of the beach which invites photographers to display their skills. Located at Tiwi, it is very accessible by any type of motor vehicle.

MAYON SKYLINE
It nestles on the eastern slopes of Mt. Mayon at an altitude of 2,700 ft. It is an excellent summer resort with almost similar temperature with Baguio at 28 degrees Celsius. It is popularly known as “heaven on earth” because of the hanging clouds and the pleasant climate where cool and invigorating air could be experienced. From this height, visitors, see the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the different towns, lakes, villages, fields and other mountains. Accessible through Tabaco, motor vehicles of any type could be used to reach it. FIRST PHOTO: View of the park @ Mayon Skyline, SECOND PHOTO: Rosary Mountain @ Mayon Skyline & THIRD PHOTO: Grotto.

MAYON SKYLINE
The world‘s nearly perfect cone. It stands majestically at 7,946 ft. from the broad base about 10 km. in radius. The crater is 2,451 meters above sea level and with a diameter of .5 kilometer. It has a notched rim where a pool or building hot lava boils and rich coal deposits could be found.