Have you been to Bicol? If yes, this blog will encourage you to visit the place again. And if no, this blog will help you to learn more and give you interest to visit the place.
Bicol Region, Region V, is a peninsula at the southeastern end of the islands of Catanduanes and Masbate, and several outlying islands. It is composed of six provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.
There are several volcanoes found in this region: Mt. Labo, Mt. Malinao, Mt. Isarog, Mt. Bulusan and Mt. Mayon, one of the famous mountains because of its perfect natural cone. Bicol Region is bounded by natural barriers like Lamon Bay on the north, Pacific Ocean on the, and Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf on the west.
This region is considered as one of the famous tourist destinations in the Philippines because of its vibrant culture and splendid scenic view. It has a lot of beautiful natural scenery like mountains, volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, rivers, caves and waterfalls that cater visitors and tourists that are nature lovers. Bicol Region is also known for its world-class diving spots. Also, Bicol is the only region where you can find the tiniest fish in the world. Mt. Mayon, located in Legaspi City, having perfect natural cone is one of the most visited destination in the region. Also, Bicol is famous for its cultural and architectural heritage like their churches which are dated back from Spanish period.
Bicol Region is accessible by land transport, rail, air and water transportation.
MESMERIZED WITH CAMSUR
The largest province in terms of population and land area among the six provinces in Bicol region is Camarines Sur, also known as CamSur. Its name has been derived from the Spanish word “camaronchones” or “camarines” which means “kamalig”, a nipa or bamboo-made huts by the natives. It covers 5,497.03 km2 with a 1,693,821 population and a density of 308.13 km2. CamSur is divided into two cities: Naga City and Iriga City and 35 municipalities. Even though the municipality of Pili is considered as the provincial capital, Naga City is the commercial, education, financial and cultural center of the province.
Bicol is the main languages spoken in Camarines Sur. It has three types namely Bicol Central, Bicol Albay and Rinconada Bicol. First, Bicol Central, also known as Bikol Naga, is the standard Bicol that is easily understood and spoken especially around Naga City. Second, Bicol Albay, also known as Buhi-non, is spoken in the southern part of the province. And lastly, Rinconada Bicol, also known as Bikol Nabua, is used around the area of Nabua. Tagalog and English are also understood by the population.
Like most of the rest of the country, the climate in Camarines Sur is very tropical. The average temperature is 27.0 °C and a 25.8% of relative humidity. From March to May, the province is dry. On the other hand, the rest of the year will be wet in the province.
Camarines Sur is an agricultural province. It produces rice, corn, feed meal, freshwater fish and livestock. The trade happens between them and neighboring provinces in south.
If you’re tired walking around the province, you can use other means of transportation like tricycles, trisikad or manpowered tricycles, jeepneys and taxis in roaming the province.
UNDISCOVERED PROVINCE, CAMARINES NORTE
Camarines Norte is found in the northern coast of the Bicol Peninsula. Its name has been derived from the Spanish word “camarin” which means rice granary or warehouse. It covers 2,320.07 km2 with a 513,785 population and a density of 221.45 km2 It is composed of 12 municipalities. Daet is the capital of Camarines Norte. “Camarines Norte is bounded on the north by the Pacific Ocean, in the east by San Miguel Bay, in the west by Lamon Bay and in the south by Quezon province and the adjoining province of Camarines Sur.”
There are two principal dialects spoken in the province. First is Tagalog which spoken for more than half of the population. Second is Bikol which spoken by 38.17%. The remaining population from its neighboring provinces used other languages.
Unlike CamSur, Camarines Norte has no dry season. From November to January, the province is in the state of maximum downfall period which falls in the eastern and northern part of the province.
Camarines Norte is rich in different minerals like gold, iron, copper, uranium, lead and zinc. In this regard, this province is considered as a rich mining destination. It is not only caters mining industry but also agriculture and fishing industry. Its two major products are coconut and abaca. Also, it supplies fish and shrimp on the way to Manila.
“Camarines Norte is virtually underrated and rarely visited by most travelers. The province hides its spectacular secrets of undiscovered caves, exquisite and unspoiled postcard-perfect beaches and rich coral gardens. The province is also home to promising dive sites and world-class surfing, elegant looking bays that open into the Pacific, misty mountains and charming towns throbbing with Bicolano warmth and hospitality.”
ISLAND PROVINCE, CATANDUANES
Catanduanes is not just a just province but an island province. It is composed of 11 municipalties. Its capital is the municipality of Virac. It covers 1,492.16 km2 with a 232,757 population and a density of 155.99km2. The features of this province are rugged and mountainous. The highest mountain peak is in Boctot with an elevation of 803 meters above sea level which is located between the municipalities of Virac and San Miguel.
“Isla de Cobos” was Catanduanes’ first adopted name because Spanish conquistadores came upon several tribes living in thatched huts called cobos. Catanduanes has been derived from the word “tandu” which means native beetle and samdong tree found in the island. “Katanduan” or “kasamdongan”, a place where tandu or samdong tree grows, became a new interpretation for the name “Catanduanes”.
From the last quarter to the early months of the first quarter, the province will experience heavy rains. But the other months except July and August will be a fine and dry days.
The mother tongue of Catanduanes is conventional dialect. Its second is tagalog which is the most easily understood by the passersby. English is the medium of instruction in schools.
Catanduanes celebrates a lot of folk festivals like Kalbaryo, Kagharong, Pantomina, Padadyao sa Tinampo and the Sugbo festival for its local religious rituals.
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