DID YOU KNOW THAT? ✯✯✯

Learning new things is fun especially if these are the facts about a certain topic that are not well-known. Here are the quick facts about Northern Bicol that you will wanted to know:

ALAM NIYO BA that the name Naga was derived from narra trees?

Narra tree
Source: www.mdnps.blogspot.com

ALAM NIYO BA that Camarines Sur has two active volcanoes namelt Mt. Isarog and Mt. Asog?

Mt. Isarog
Source: www.manonglakwatsero.wordpress.com

Mt. Asog also know as Mt. Irag
Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com

ALAM NIYO BA that Camarines Sur is the home of Sinarapan, the world's smallest fish?

Sinarapan is can be found in the Lake of Buhi, Camarines Sur
Source: www.impactsocialmedia.net

ALAM NIYO BA that Caramoan has been a shooting location for US-based reality TV show “Survivor”? 

Survivor: Caramoan
Source: www.wikipedia.com

ALAM NIYO BA that Catanduanes, a kidney-shaped island, is the 12^th largest island in the Philippines?

Virac, Camarines Sur
Source: www.wikipedia.com

ALAM NIYO BA that Catanduanes derived its name from "tandu", a native beetle, and "samdong", a native tree? 

Samdong tree
Source: www.thewanderingjuan.net

ALAM NIYO BA that the capital of Catanduanes which is Virac was derived for the word “burac” means flower?

Burac Festival
Source: www.virac.catanduanes.gov.ph

ALAM NIYO BA that Catanduanes has been nicknamed "the land of the howling winds"? It is because it faces the Pacific Ocean and located in the path of many storms during the rainy season. 

Source: www.gmanetwork.com

ALAM NIYO BA that the first home of Dr. Jose Rizal’s monument was in Camarines Norte?

Dr. Jose Rizal's first monument
Source: www.biyaherongbarat.com

ALAM NIYO BA that Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte, was derived from the word “dai-daitan” which means “dikit-dikit” that implies to make a friend?

Daet, Camarines Norte
Source: www.wikipedia.com

Sources: 

http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Islands-of-the-Philippines-241530.html

http://3ikolandia.blogspot.com/2010/06/history-104-catanduanes.html

https://twitter.com/kuyakim_atienza/status/436404809717936128

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/353779/newstv/biyahenidrew/summertime-in-virac-catanduanes-a-biyahe-ni-drew-itinerary

http://biyaherongbarat.com/2013/03/08/camarines-norte-destination-daet/

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/InteractiveSitesPage.aspx?siteID=28

http://naga.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/CDP-2011-20-Final-Chapter-1-Quick-Facts-About-Naga-City.pdf

MOST SCENIC VIEWS IN NORTHERN BICOL ✌

Let us take some beautiful scenic views in Northern Bicol. This region is rich with natural attractions, cultural and heritage vestiges. Visiting this region will not be completed without seeing these sceneries: 

MT. ISAROG IN CAMARINES SUR

Mt. Isarog
Source: www.manonglakwatsero.wordpress.com

Mt. Isarog is one of the highest forested peaks and the last rainforest mountain in Southern Luzon. It is located at the heart of Camarines Sur. It is the harbor of indigenous flora and fauna towering 1,976 meters above sea level on and covering 10,112 hectares. 

SABANG BEACH IN CAMARINES SUR

Sabang Beach
Source: www.flickr.com

It is located in the coastal barangay of San Jose. It is being developed as a major tourist destination in Camarines Sur because it possesses a wonderful shoreline. Also, it is the main stopover for travelers going to Caramoan.

ITBOG TWIN FALLS IN CAMARINES SUR

Itbog Twin Falls
Source: www.goodgabriel29.blogspot.com

It is located in the town of Buhi, the 60-ft twin waterfalls offer visitors a splendid view of white waters gushing from the top of Mt. Isarog and cascading amid verdant foliage.

BAGASBAS BEACH IN CAMARINES NORTE

Bagasbas Beach
Source: www.colladomelaniereyes.blogspot.com

Bagasbas beach has a long and wide expanse of fine gray sand. It is the most popular beach resort in the province is in Brgy Bagasbas. 

MANGCAMAGONG BEACH IN CAMARINES NORTE

Mangcamagong Beach
Source: www.life.paperblog.com

It is a clean gray beach facing San Miguel Bay with clear water suitable that provides scenic and peaceful ambience for relaxation. 

MAMPUROG RIVER

Mampurog River
Source: www.philstar.com

It is the most popular river resort in Camarines Norte. It has a crystal-clear water, long-span hanging bridge and with lush foliage inherent in the place.

PURARAN BEACH IN CATANDUANES

Puraran Beach
Source: www.pinoyadventurista.com

It is one of the top surfing destinations situated in Baras, Catanduanes. It doesn't only caters top surfers but also non-surfers. It gives a scenic view of mountains and coves.The beach is wide and not crowded. Also, it is an area where photo enthusiasts could get a perfect view of the sunrise. 

BATO CHURCH IN CATANDUANES

Bato Church
Source: www.akrosdayunibers.com

Bato Church, also known as St. John the Baptist Parish, to 53 years to be built. It is said to be one of the oldest churches in Catanduanes. 

TWIN ROCKS IN CATANDUANES

Twin Rocks
Source: www.twinrock.com.ph

Witness the beauty of sanctuaries which have colorful and rich marine life. The underwater coral formulations offer a lot of adventures for projectile fishing and snorkeling. The very promising activity in this resort is either aa fun-filled introduction or a recreational dive.

Sources:

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Province_of_Camarines_Sur/Pili-1386318/Things_To_Do-Pili-TG-C-1.html

http://triptheislands.com/travel-tips/10-must-see-places-in-camarines-sur-for-a-unique-vacation-experience/

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=CamarinesNorte&func=all&pid=1693

http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2013/01/catanduanes-exploring-the-catanduanes-isles-in-bicol.html

http://www.backpackingpilipinas.com/2011/06/philippine-churches-bato-church.html

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Catanduanes&func=all&pid=1701&tbl=0

A TASTE OF NORTHERN BICOL ㋡

Trying out different cuisines of different destinations is one of the best experiences of travelling. Longing to taste Northern Bicol’s delicious delicacies but you don’t know their specialties, don’t worry because this blog will help you to know them. The cuisine of Bicol is known for its substantial usage of gata (coconut milk) and spicy ingredients. These two will be mixed with their natural abundance of seafood, and then will produce a perfect match. Unlike in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, the delicacies in Catanduanes are not that spicy.  Your trip in the provinces of Northern Bicol will not be complete without trying the following food:

1. BICOL EXPRESS

Bicol Express
Source: www.taraletscook.blogspot.com

It is the region specialty which named after the Philippine National Railway or PNR passed through the region. It is madeof small shrimps, minced pork and a copious amount of siling labuyo simmered in thick coconut milk.

2. KINUNOT in CAMARINES SUR

Kinunot na Pagi
Source: www.bicolana-express.blogspot.com

It is an extraordinary dish made of pagi (stingray meat) and malunggay, an edible tree leaf which is commonly used in many local dishes. The two main ingredients, pagi and malunggay, are simmered in coconut cream and green chilies along with some slices of onion and garlic.

3. INON-ON in CAMARINES SUR

Inon-on
Source: www.goturismoateneo.blogspot.com

It is made of saltwater fish cooked in vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, onions and oil.

4. LAING in CAMARINES NORTE

Laing
Source: www.luckymom2009.wordpress.com

It is made of coconut milk, bits of minced meat, daing, tinapa, shrimps, anchovy paste or bagoong na isda, taro leaves and a lot of chilies.

5. PINANGAT in CAMARINES NORTE

Pinangat or Tinuktok
Source: www.choosephilippines.com

It is made of diced lobster meat mixed with young coconut meat, taro leaves, lemongrass, ground garlic and diced onions in coconut milk.

6. SINANTOL in CAMARINES NORTE

Sinantol
Source: www.thepeachkitchen.com

It is made of ground santol and gata (coconut milk).

7. MUD CRABS in CATANDUANES

Mud crab
Source: www.ourawesomeplanet.com

It is made of mud crab (An-It)  gata, pako, ginger, kuyog katas, kalamansi and salt.

8. PILI NUT in CATANDUANES

Pili nuts
Source: www.ourawesomeplanet.com

Pili, a unique nut in the Philippines, grows abundantly in Catanduanes. Pili nuts and Macadamia nuts in Hawaii are often compared.

9. GARYANG in CATANDUANES

Garyang
Source: www.ourawesomeplanet.com

It is made of a special kamoteng kahoy, best harvested after 15-20 years, cooked in gata.

Sources:

http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2013/01/catanduanes-food-you-should-not-miss-to-eat-.htmlhttp://www.choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/697/food-trip-catanduanes/http://tripadora.com/tag/food-in-camsur/http://www.choosephilippines.com/eat/local-flavors/1004/a-taste-of-camarines-sur/http://www.journeum.com/dst/Asia/Philippines/Luzon/Bicol/Camarines%20Sur/Eat/

TOP TEN NATURAL ATTRACTIONS IN NORTHERN BICOL

Philippines, as an archipelago, has 7,107 islands. In line with that, some of the famous attractions in the country are its beaches. The Bicol region has a lot of pure beaches and natural attractions to offer. Here are the top ten natural attractions in Northern Karnataka:

1. BAGASBAS BEACH (DAET)

Bagasabas Beach 
Source:  www.wheniescape.net

It is the most popular beach resort in Camarines Norte that is located in Brgy Bagasabas. It has a long and wide expanse of fine gray sand. The beach became a paradise for surfing beginners and devotees with its big waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean During clear but windy days. 

2. MANGCAMAGONG BEACH

Mangcamagong Beach
Source: life.paperblog.com

It is a clear gray beach that faces San Miguel Bay with clear water suitable for swimming and outings. It is a nice place for relaxation that provides a scenic and peaceful ambience to the excursionists and tourists. A lot of amenities like cottages, restrooms, roadside eateries and sheds are available at reasonable prices.

3. MAMPUROG RIVER

Mampurog River
Source: www.philstar.com

It is the most popular river resort in Camarines Norte. It has a crystal-clear water, long-span bridge and hanging with lush foliage inherent in the place.

4. BEAST FALLS 

Beast Falls
Source: www.kurumbot.com

It is roughly 18 kilometers west of Daet. To reach its scenic attractions, one has to hike a distance of 3 kilometers. This falls is also suitable for swimming because of its deep water cool.

5. MT. ISAROG

Mt. Isarog
Source: manonglakwatsero.wordpress.com

It is the harbor of indigenous flora and fauna towering 1,976 meters above sea level on and covering 10, 112 hectares. On the base of the slopes of the mountain, there are a lot of most rare and exotic orchids, medicinal and flowering plants, wild boars, deer, squirreld, monkeys and untamed rodents. Mt. Isarog is now the last Rainforest Mountain in Southern Luzon. The unforgettable sight to behold are the hundreds of waterfalls both known and unknown. "The Protected Area Management Board has identified Lush Falls (Naga City), Curry (Pili), Consocep (Tigaon), and conducted military operations (Goat) as tourism areas within the mountain."

6. CARAMOAN PENINSULA

Caramoan Peninsula
Source: www.wheniescape.net

It is composed of many beautiful islands. Caramoan Peninsula has a white-span of white sand and majestic water. Caramoan was chosen as a site in the reality show "Survivor". Through this exposure, which quickly became a popular site. 

7. Atulayan Island

Atulayan Island
Source: www.philippinebeaches.org

It is a cinema-like paradise that is rich of rare shells and stones. This island was shown in the French-Italian movie entitled "Mutiny in the South Seas." The best setting of the movie is its ivory-colored beaches. 

8. PURARAN BEACH

Puraran Beach
Source:  boyetstour.blogspot.com

It is considered as a surfing area with magnificent views of mountains and coves. Puraran beach is also an area where photo enthusiasts could get a perfect view of the sunrise. It is not only a place for surfing but also for total relaxation, and simply empathizing with nature, rejuvenation and serenity.

9. TWIN ROCKS

Twin Rocks
Source:  www.twinrock.com.ph

Witness the beauty of sanctuaries which have colorful and rich marine life. The underwater coral formulations offer a lot of adventures for projectile fishing and snorkeling. The very promising activity in this resort is either aa fun-filled introduction or a recreational dive.

10. KOSTA ALCANTARA

Kosta Alcantara 
Source:  catanduanes.gov.ph

Its shoreline is enclosed with fine white sand. Also, its  pristine water attracts tourists to take a dip. From here, one could see the full view of the breath-taking because Mayos Volcano Costa Alcantara faces the mainland Bicol. 

Sources:

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=CamarinesNorte&func=all&pid=1693

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=CamarinesSur&func=all&pid=1695&tbl=0

http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Catanduanes&func=all&pid=1701&tbl=0

FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN BICOL ❤❤❤

There are a lot of things to do in Bicol, being the home of the popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Bicol is not only known for its natural resources but also to its culture. It offers many things like its natural attractions, cultural and historical heritage, fine dining, and delicious cuisine. Here are the five best things to do in Northern Karnataka:

1.        WAKEBOARD IN LEYTE

Camarines Sur Watersports Complex is the first world-class watersports complex in Asia. It offers the chance to learn wakeboarding, wake skate, water ski and knee board.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=580600&page=22

Many wake boarders and tourists all over the world visit Camarines Sur to experience a range of water sports they have never experienced before. 

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=580600&page=22

2.        LOCAL TASTE THE DELICIOUS TREATS
      Have a party in your mouth with their local treats like Bicol Express, pinangat and almond nut. Bicol Express is one of the Bicolano specialties which is mostly cooked using coconut milk or "gata", and "chili".

http://taraletscook.blogspot.com/2011/04/bicol-express.html

      Elite products can be purchased with a small amount of money. Your visit in Bicol could not be completed without buying Pili nuts as presents. 

http://junsphoto.wordpress.com/photo-gallery/philippines/bicol/

3.        SURF IN CATANDUANES

"Catanduanes province is located along the typhoon belt area, northeast of Legazpi City, bounded on the north and west by the Pacific Ocean". Its location explains how spectacular the magnificent waves and how to surf here. 

http://www.wearesolesisters.com/2012/11/the-heat-is-on-and-majestic-puraran_6.html

One of the popular sites in Catanduanes is Puraran beach. It is known as a popular surfing site and known in the international surfing circuit as "Majestic".

http://www.wearesolesisters.com/2012/11/the-heat-is-on-and-majestic-puraran_6.html

4.      DIGGING GOLDS IN CAMARINES NORTE

Paracale is known as the gold country of the province. It is rich of gold, iron, uranium, copper, zinc and lead. 

http://www.tektites.co.uk/paracalemines.html

Also, it is the center of the jewel-making industry. This a good place in purchasing fine gold jewelry.

5.        EXPLORE HISTORICAL HERITAGE

Historic shrines in Daet, Camarines Norte is the place where Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine's National Hero, the first monument was built in honor of him. 

http://www.s1expeditions.com/2014/06/156-first-rizal-monument-daet.html

On the 30 ^th of December 1898, the statue was unveiled. It was initiated by Lt. Col. Antonio Saez of the Revolutionary Army.

Sources:

http://www.philippinesboard.com/things-to-do-in-bicol.php

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/tourism_news/travel-to-bicol-top-10-things-to-do.htm