A Mother’s Stuff

Catanduanes Festivals

Kagharong

This is a folk-religious related activity depicting a Christmas tradition. The activity centers on the re-enactment of the plight of St. Joseph and Virgin Mary in their search for a place to stay overnight in the town of Bethlehem. They reenact through singing. It is held from December 16 to December 25

Catandungan Festival

A celebration of the province’s anniversary and a tribute to its founders, 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, Guided Tours, Photo Exhibits, etc. This festival is held every 24th of October in Virac, Catanduanes

Dinahit Festival

A celebration commemorating the first migrant to the island province of Catanduanes using the “dinahit” sea craft. The celebration is being done thru dinahit racing (Layag) with different racing categories and style. It is usually being participated by fishermen from the town of Pandan or from the entire municipality of the province. Held every July 30-31 at Pandan, Catanduanes and October 24-25 in Virac, Catanduanes

Kalbaryo or Calvary

It is commonly staged during the Holy Week is a reenactment of the passion of Christ’s way of the cross.

Pantomina

It is purely a native dance, popular on occasions of importance. It is a dance interpretation (pantomine) of a rooster courting a hen. Pantomina dance is mostly practice in rural areas.

Padadyao sa Tinampo

Purely a native cultural presentation of street dancing held every 24th of October to commemorate the province‘s founding anniversary.

Sugbo Festival

It is of the seven (7) sugbo or tiger grass producing barangays of Hitoma area in the municipality of Caramoran is a notable contemporary event which is an addition to these traditional festivals. Its celebration every month of May coinciding with the celebration of Hitoma barangay fiesta is being institutionalized with the support of the provincial government, LGU of Caramoran and national line agencies to promote the commercial development of the local lasa or tiger grass industry and to create a signature product from tiger grass.

Catanduanes Tourist Attractions Set 4

BATO CATHOLIC CHURCH

Constructed in 1830, this massive structure of mortar and coral stones, has withstood the test of time, wars and ravages of natural calamities. The historical and magnificently situated edifice is the only remaining complete structure of its genre in the entire island. Location: Bato

BATALAY SHRINE

Site of the first cross in Catanduanes, over the grave of ship-wrecked Fr. Diego De Herrera of the Augustinian order who died in 1576. Location: Batalay, Bato

LUYANG CAVE

A mute witness and tomb of the massacred natives fleeing from pirates during the 17^th century. To appease their troubled souls, a mini grotto and altar was built inside. Visitors can feel the cool damp air inside and wonder what’s in the other chambers that the locals fear. Location: San Andres

VIRAC CATHEDRAL

Marvel at the stained glass windows of the Churh of The Immaculate Concepcion at the heart of the town. Location: Downtown, Virac

BATONG PALUAY

The face of Our Lady of Sorrows colorfully imprinted in a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size. The replica is enshrined in a chapel at the barangay Batong Paluay, San Andres

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH

It is the oldest religious structure located in Caramoran, Catanduanes.

Catanduanes Tourist Attractions Set 3

CATANDUANES ISLAND RESORT

Developed by a Japanese group, it is located in Panay, Panganiban. The beaches are all white and brilliantly clean. There are available dining pavilion and duplex cottages for long-staying tourists. Other facilities are: 18-hole golf course and sufficient power supply. It is very ideal for surfing, skin-diving and sports fishing.

BALONGBONG MINIHYDRO DAMSITE AND FOREBAY

Developed by First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO), together with National Electrification Authority (NEA) which owned the power turbines being powered by a large waterfalls on the area under the Bureau of Forest Development (BFD). It is located at Guinobatan, Sipi Sibacungan, Bato. The source of power goes into three large turbines which provide the electric power over the whole island province.

Around the site, hiking, camping and botanical field trips are advisable. The forest and lush wildlife are suitable for these activities. Mountain climbing may combined to lure interesting experience.

BATO CHURCH

One of the earliest church built by the Spaniards at the mouth of a wide river. Seen from the other side of the river the old church look majestic and imposing.

RADAR STATION

Located in 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. Nearby is a Japanese tunnel, for this was former radar site of the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.

BALONGBONG FALLS

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

Catanduanes Tourist Attractions Set 2

MARIBINA WATERFALLS

There are ideal picnic grounds near the waterfalls. Good for swimming, diving and hiking. Sheds are available for picnickers who would want to stay overnight. It is located at Marinawa.

BONOT RESORT

It is very ideal site for swimming and picnic. There are available sheds for accommodation. Located at Bonot, San Andres.

DORORIAN RESORT

Located in Gigmoto, it was partially developed by the local government of Gigmoto. It has natural cascading water and unspoiled wildlife and forest. There are picnic areas and sheds for swimmers and visitors.

SUBOC BEACH

Located in Viga on the north eastern portion of the province. The beach is white and seen from afar the panoramic view is simply superb.

BUYO CAVE

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

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.

Catanduanes Tourist Attractions Set 1

PURARAN BEACH

This is the site surfboard surfing, internationally known as “Majestic”. October to January is the surfing season and the surf is fast and right handed. The white and clean beach makes it very inviting. A Japanese group had invested in improving the site. They built cottages of single occupancy, a dining hall and a surfing area for sports enthusiasts.

MAMANGAL BEACH

Like Puraran, the sands are also white. Developed by the local government, the beaches are now freshly lined with cool and sandy trees. Pavilions and sheds are also constructed to accommodate swimmers. The beach is very ideal for weekend picnics and scuba diving. Crystalline waters abound with natural and colorful reefs where a big number of species swarm in multi-colored panorama.

TOYTOY BEACH

Another white and clean beach. It is located in Toytoy, Caramaon. Ideal for picnics. The well-developed coral formations underwater makes it very suitable for snorkeling and spear fishing.

IGANG BEACH

Also of white sand is haven for surfboard surfing & wind surfing. There are caves nearby and the coral formations are ideal for spear fishing. In some parts of the beaches, swimming is safe and recommended. It is located in Igang, Virac.

MARILIMA BEACH

The unspoiled beach has gleaning white sands. Its clean and natural luster is recommended for picnickers and swimmers or even for spear fishing.

NAHULUGAN FALLS

The cascading waterfalls is surrounded by a lush of vegetation and forest. Unspoiled wildlife brims around the site. An ideal place for picnic activities, hiking and mountain climbing. It is found in San Pedro, Gigmoto.