Bicolandia

211 miles

My province, Bicol! The Bicol Region, also known as Bicol or Bikol and historically known as Ibalong prior to Spanish colonization called Bicolandia. It is designated in Region V. They are known as Ibalong that variously interpreted to derive form Ibalio, “to bring to the other side”, Ibalon, “people from the other side” or “people who are hospitable and give visitors gifts to bring home”. It is the land of the world’s most perfect cone because of Mayon Volcano. It contains the southern piece of Luzon the biggest island in the Philippine archipelago. And Bicol is famous among Filipinos for its spicy foods, best known for being the home of the world’s largest fish – the butanding (whale shark) and the majestic Mayon Volcano. It also has the other beautiful natural features like mountains, waterfalls with lush vegetation, and beaches that have grown famous for water sports activities.

………. Some t o u r i s t s p o t s you ……….

can travel and enjoy with

. . . M a y o n V o l c a n o . . .

Mayon Volcano, active volcano, southeastern Luzon, Philippines, dominating the city of Legazpi. Called the world’s most perfect volcanic cone because of the symmetry of its shape, it has a base 80 miles (130 km) in circumference and rises to 8,077 feet (2,462 metres) from the shores of Albay Gulf. It is popular because of its eye catching scenic shape and breathtaking. Its where Cagsawa Ruins located.

. . . P a s a c a o B e a c h. . .

This is located in the municipality of Pasacao in the province of Camarines Sur. It is known for its long stretch of brownish sand and crystal clear waters. Pasacao beach is rich not only in beauty but also in history .

Pasacao offers not white but ivory sand beaches. It may not be as good as it is in Boracay, Palawan or the other famous destinations in the country but like I said, if you want a quiet place without having to go far away from the city, you will find this a good place that me and my family enjoyed too.

Little do people know that the beach played as important role during the Spanish colonial period. It serves as a Spanish port that serves both as a defense port against the Moro pirates and also as a trade port of the Galleon Trade.

. . . L a h o s I s l a n d . . .

Caramoan brings into reality every person’s imagined beach paradise – deep blue waters teeming with marine ecosystem perfect for snorkeling and swimming and backdropped by lush green mountains. What makes the place more perfect? Finding not one but 10 perfect destinations in the island where you can equally enjoy this kind of beauty while getting unique, once in a lifetime vacation experience here.

. . . K a w a – K a w a H i l l . . .

Kawa-Kawa Hill is a popular pilgrimage site in Ligao, Albay. It’s an uphill devotional tour where larger-than-life statues stand representing significant events that took place before and after Christ’s arrest, persecution, and crucifixion. We stopped by in each of the 14 Stations of the Cross and scorching heat of the sun. It was a painstaking but worthwhile experience.

. . . D a r a g a C h u r c h . . .

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church, commonly known as Daraga Church, is a Roman Catholic Church in the municipality of Daraga, Albay, Philippines under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Legazpi. It’s situated on top of a hill above the bustling town. Now a historical landmark, Daraga Church is a testament to the unwavering faith and resilience of the Bicolano.

The facade was carefully carved from volcanic stones. Its distinct features include four spiral columns with medallions at the center of each column bearing images of the four Evangelists. In 2007, Daraga Church was declared as a National Historical Site. The church underwent restoration work in 2009-2010 to preserve its facade which is deteriorating because of age.

. . . S u m l a n g L a k e . . .

For those that are pressed for time, there is Sumlang Lake a closer destination in Camalig where visitors can relax through a bamboo raft cruise.

— T O P Foods that you can —

c r a v e of

– – – – – – B i c o l E x p r e s s – – – – – –

Bicol Express is a dish which was named after a passenger train from Manila to Bicol. They named the dish Bicol Express because eating the dish will make you run like a train to look for water to drink. Bicol express is made up of pork cooked in coconut milk and spiced with lots and lots of red hot chili. Anyone who would eat the Bicol express should always ready himself with tissue or towels because anyone eating this dish will surely sweat and cry in tears because of the hot and spicy flavor.

– – – – L a i n g o P i n a n g a t – – – –

There is also a Bicolano recipe for vegetarians: the very popular laing. Laing is made from local “gabi” or taro leaves. The leaves is simmered in coconut cream and then served with siling labuyo or chili pepper. The dish is very common since the Bicolanos plant taro near their houses. The dish is also very affordable and it can be seen in almost any carenderia (restaurant) in the region.

– – – – – – P i l i N u t – – – – – –

The nuts can also be used as sweets. Popular pili sweets includebinirubid or pinipilit, brittle pili nuts, caramelized pili nuts, and the yema azucarada.

– – – – – – P a n c i t B a t o – – – – – –

Pancit Bato is a type of noodles that originated from Bato, a barangay from the province of Camarines Sur. The process of cooking this pancit is similar to how pancit canton is cooked. The only difference is the ingredients. The pansit bato is cooked with fresh shrimps and petchay. It is usually eaten with rice or hot pandesal.

– – – – – – B u k a y o – – – – – –

ukayo is a sweet Filipino dessert / snack that originated from Lingayen, it is made by simmering coconut strips in a mixture of coconut water and sugar until liquid is heavily reduced, mixture is then formed into balls or flat circles and left to harden to a chewy consistency.

  
       Us family used to visit our grandparents to have
 vacation and have fun. Till I discover the beauty of Bicol especially
the Mayon Volcano. Its really fascinating and breathtaking to explore.
It is perfect to unwind and breathe fresh air when you see rice fields.
Especially the delicious foods that can make you crave even more.
And you'll feel magayon because of their hospitality. You gonna love it!
Try to explore Bicol, dahil cool sa Bicol!!!

xoxo,
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