The Key to the World of Culture

Language is the key to world of culture. It is the power that allows the people to communicate with one another.

The people of Bicol Region speak in several languages of Bicol sociolinguistic language. “Bikol” is the dominant language of the Region.

The Northern parts of Camarines Norte as well as in the municipality of del Gallego, Camarines Sur used Filipino language (Tagalog). Bicol languages also include the “Bikol-Rinconada”. The Rinconada areas are composed of Buhi, Bula, Baao, Iriga, Bato and Nabua. “Standard Bikol” is based on the coastal Bicol language of the dialect of Naga City. This “Standard Bikol” is understood throughout the region. In Albay, Albayanos speak a little similar to “Bikol-CamSur”. In Northern Catanduanes, they uses the “Bikol-Pandan” while the two provinces, Sorsogon and Masbate uses “Sorsoganon” and “Masbateño” mixed with “Samar-Leyte and Visayan Language”.

Language is a cultural heritage. Though the provinces spoke in different ways or dialects, Bicolanos can still communicate with one another using the “Standard Bikol”, even if they cannot speak it fluently, good communication is still there.

Language not only allows communication but it ensures the continuity of culture from one generation to the next. It is also the key to freely expressed one and perceives the world through the cultural language.

It's More Fun in Bicol!

Bicol Region has several unique attractions and exciting adventures that impress and delight thousands of tourists every year.

Have an unforgettable adventure with the natural wonders in Bicol’s famous attractions. From the shining beauty of volcanoes, hiking mountains, resorts, hot springs, beaches, caves and the famous Butanding.

The adventures start at the province of Camarines Sur wherein different water fun was found. Several attractive beaches and resorts were found there like the Pasacao beach and the CWC (Camarines Sur Watersports Complex) which has become a favorite venue for wake boarders and surfing.

After such enjoyment on extreme water sport, those who loved hiking and mountaineering can enjoy the journey at Mount Isarog, or at mount Iriga.

To continue the journey after those enjoyments found at water adventures in Camarines Sur it’s time to take a glance and proceed to the province of Albay. 

Mayon Volcano

The adventure in Bicol is incomplete without a glimpse and glorious sight at the splendid beauty of the world's legendary volcano with it's perfect cone, the "Mayon Volcano". 

Mayon Volcano with it's perfect cone.

Everyone can get a beautiful glimpse on Mayon volcano anywhere in Albay. You can also view the whole figure of the volcano if you start hiking at the Ligñon Hill Nature Park. The same adventure if you go through Taysan Hill wherein you can view everything, the beauty of Mayon Volcano, the whole landscape of Legazpi City and the blue water surface that sorrounds the province. 

Mayon Volcano is the most highlight of the region for tourists who used to visit the province.

Cagsawa Ruins

The historical image of Cagsawa Ruins.

As companion on the sightseeing of Mayon Volcano, another most visited places in Albay is the Cagsawa Ruins.

Tourists are fun of visiting at this impressive landscape, the place which is rish and full of history on it. The most destructive eruption of Mayon Volcano was on 1814 that makes thousands of people lost their lives including the Cagsawa Church that was burried on the flowing lava.

Today there are several developments in the place. Though only the church belfry remains with several giant stones around the surface, the history of the place will never be vanished at the heart of Bicolanos. Today it is manage by the Municipal Government of Daraga, Albay. At present (2012) was the first Cagsawa Festival that happened. One month celebration that was filled with fun and excitement. Many tourists were encourage to visit Albay and join the happiness of Albayanos.

Today it was already called Cagsawa Ruins Park. Many souvenir items can be found at the entrance and inside the park are restaurants where tourists can taste the delight of Bicol Cuisine and other native delicacies. 

As visitors and tourists are enjoying ot the delicacies, their eyes are also having fun on the beauty of Mayon Volcano standing in front of them.  

"Butanding"

After having fun on Albay, let's now proceed at the province of Sorsogon!

The famous giant whale sharks, best known as "Butanding" that can be found at Donsol, Sorsogon are also one of the pride of the province. tourist visit Donsol and enjoy the boat ride in the middle of the sea to witnessed the giant "Butanding".

The famous "Butanding" at Donsol, Sorsogon.

These sharks are said to be friendly to people that they brought fun to their viewers. Also the people enjoy it much with these friendly animals that they gave swimmers a ride. Having experience of being with "Butanding" is an experience that everyone will never forget.

During month of May, Donsol was celebrating a "Butanding Festival" as commemoration with their devine wonder that are considered as living stars of the whole region.

After enjoying the view with the "Butanding", everyone can also visit the other active volcano of the region at the province of Sorsogon, the "Bulusan Volcano".

With these several unique attractions and adventures, Bicol can do presents its beauty throughout the other places in the country. Visitors and tourists can never ever forget their fun, experiences and unexpected discoveries in the land of Bicol Region.

How Bicol Meets Her Needs

 

  Bicol region is located on the Southeastern part of Luzon facing the Pacific Ocean.It contains six provinces namely; Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate.

     The region manifests a mixture of different cultures and traditions, strong family ties and religious people, and literatures.

     Bicol's geographical location means no escape from intensity of hazards. The region is often affected when typhoons rush by, that always caused social and economic disruption and environmental degradation of the six provinces in their exposure to typhoons.

    However though the region is prone to natural calamities, Bicol is given by God with rich natural resources like farm lands, rich plant and animal life, valuable forests, marine wealth and beautiful tourist spots.

         Bicol is the greatest producer of coconuts and abaca fiber. Large tracks of land were used for agriculture and the other for mineral deposits and also fishing grounds.

  

I am Proud To Be A Bicolano

I am a Bicolano.

I came from a province with hope from the rising sun

Where the days are colored with a rainbows

And the nights are wrap with warm

With the moon and the stars up high.

From Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Norte

Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon.
Six provinces that comprise the Bicol Region.
The land of freedom. The land of smiles.
Bicol is my paradise.
painted with green slopes of rolling hills,
Mountains, plains and valleys.
Covered with rice, corns, coconut, cane and trees.
With the beauty of Mount Mayon
Shadows the land os the region
And arise its perfect cone in the world.
I am a Bicolano.
Proud of those brown men under the sun
Planting rice, husking coconuts, hacking mountains
And throwing nets beyond the Pacific.
I am a Bicolano.
Living with hope, dreams, love and loyalty.
Living in a warm, sweat and death.
For I am a Christian
With the bounty of God
I live in a peaceful land.
I am a Bicolano.
With these dark brown skins
Alive, alert, sovereign and with unity.
The land of joy and laughter
I am proud to be a Bicolano.