Region 5.pptx

Region 5

1. Philippine Culture, Tourism & Geography Region 5 – Bicol Region By: Prof. Mary Kristine Laurilla, MBA

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the location of the provinces where tourist attractions are located on the Philippine map. Identify the major gateways or entry points into different provinces. Understand the political structures, cultural, historical, religious, and educational aspects of the provinces where tourist attractions exist.

3. ALBAY – Legaspi City

4. ALBAY HISTORY AND CULTURE Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Southeastern Luzon Island. The name Bicol first came to be known as the name of the biggest and longest river in the region. The river comes from the outflow of lakes and springs from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte and form a large stream that exits in the San Miguel Bay, off the shores of Camarines Sur. The people of the region are called Bikolanos and the language is called Bikol .

5. ALBAY HISTORY AND CULTURE The citizens of Albay are called Albayanos . Albay is a province composed of 15 municipalities and 3 cities. The capital of the province is Legazpi City. It was named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who came to the Philippines in 1565 and started the massive colonization. The country became the colony of Spain for the next 300 years. As a result, the Albayanos became devout Catholics.

6. ALBAY HISTORY AND CULTURE The symbol most associated with Albay is the Mayon Volcano, a near perfectly-shaped active volcano, 2,462 meters (8,077 ft.) high, which could be seen throughout its 15 municipalities and 3 cities as well as in the surrounding provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes . Albay has a total land area of 2,554.06 square kilometers (986.13 square miles).

7. ALBAY TOURIST ATTRACTION

8. Vera Falls Located in a secluded nook at the southern base of Mt. Malinao . A paradise of forest and clear cascading water, a little over an hour from Legazpi.

9. Cagsawa Ruins Cagsawa Ruins is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Albay province. The church was built in 1587 then destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636. A priest had it rebuilt in 1587 but in 1814, the historic eruption of Mayon Volcano once again destroyed the church and the town of Cagsawa .

10. Daraga Church The 18th-century baroque church with its volcanic stone walls has witnessed several historic events, including the 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano that left 2,000 people killed. During World War II, the church was used as the headquarters of the Japanese army.

11. Japanese Tunnels at Ligñon Hills Located in Ligñon Hill Nature Park, this 40-meter long L-shaped tunnels date back to World War II in 1941 when Filipino and American soldiers fought against the Japanese army. Back then, the tunnels go all the way to the Legazpi City Hall. Today, visitors can crawl inside and explore what was once the hiding place of the Japanese soldiers during the war. There are even life-size statues inside the tunnel depicting what life was like for the soldiers back then.

12. CAMARINES NORTE and SUR

13. CAMARINES NORTE & SUR HISTORY From 1573 to 1829, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte formed only one political unit known as Ambos Camarines . In 1829, they were separated but reunited again in1854. They again separated, to be reunited again in 1893. This union continued until 1919. On March 3, 1919, Camarines Norte was created by the Philippine Legislature in Act 2809. When Camarines Norte was separated from Ambos Camarines in 1829, it was assigned to the towns of Daet, as capital, Talisay, Indan ( Vinzons ), Labo , Paracale , Mambulao (Jose Panganiban), Capalonga , Ragay , Lupi and Sipocot .

14. CAMARINES NORTE & SUR HISTORY Seventeen years late, it lost Sipocot , Lupi and Ragay to Camarines Sur in exchange for the town of Siruma . Juan de Salcedo, dispatched by Legazpi to explore the island in 1571, influence the existence of Camarines Norte. After subduing Taytay and Cainta, he marched further across Laguna and Tayabas . He visited the rich gold-laden town of Mambulao and Paracale obsessed by them about which he heard from native's there of existing gold mines. When Francisco de Sande took over from Legazpi as Governor General, Spanish influence started to be felt in the region.

15. CAMARINES NORTE & SUR HISTORY He established a permanent spanish garison in Naga to control the region and defend it from Chinese and Muslim pirates. Capt. Pedro de Chavez was assigned to head this force. There were already native settlements here when the Spaniards arrived. The flourishing town of Mambulao and Paracale were two of them. Indan and Daet were the other settlements besides Capalonga and others. But Paracale remained the most sought after and the most prosperous because of its gold mines. The towns were chiefly inhabited by Tagalogs; the rests were of Visayan strain. However, most of the immigrants were from Mauban Quezon.

16. CAMARINES NORTE & SUR HISTORY The Spanish missionaries did not falter in their mission to Christianized the natives. By virtue of RA Act 2809 of March 3, 1919, General F. B. Harrison separated Camarines Norte from Camariens Sur with Don Miguel R. Lukban as its first governor. At present it has twelve towns: Basud , Capalonga , Daet, Jose Panganiban, Labo , Mercedes, Paracale , San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, Santa Elena, Talisay and Vinzons . Daet remained as its capital town.

17. CAMARINES NORTE - Daet

18. CAMARINES NORTE TOURIST ATTRACTION

19. Vinsons Church One of the oldest churches in the Philippines celebrated its 400 years anniversary in 1981.

20. Mahabang Buhangin Mahabang Buhangin is one of the best tourists spots in Camarines Norte very known to beach lovers and backpackers. The kilometers long stretch of powdery white sand beach and crystal clear waters add up serenity and simplicity gained its reputation as one of the best pristine beaches in the country. The green hills and trees makes the perfect ambiance of the beach.

21. Colasi Falls Colasi Fall is one of the exciting tourist spots in Camarines Norte, a 70-foot tall waterfalls tucked in the forestland of the province. The majestic waterfalls is being surrounded by mossy cliffs with growing plants in it and lush of green foliage.

22. First Jose Rizal Monument This 121-year old monument was first built in 1899 in a place known today as Rizal Park in Daet, Camarines Norte. The monument’s three faces have been engraved with excerpts from two of Rizal’s most famous works, El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere. It also contains excerpts from Governor Antonio de Morga , who was credited for being Rizal’s inspiration in writing his two novels.

23. Museo Bulawan The museum was previously known as the Provincial Community Museum of Camarines Norte. It has since been adopting its current name, which also means “ golden museum ”. As with many dedicated museums in the Philippines, Museo Bulawan is a window to the flourishing cultural and historical traditions of Camarines Norte. It features activities for the visitor’s benefit. Some of these include the Museum Month held every December and the Rizal Day Celebration held annually in the same month.

24. CAMARINES SUR - Pili

25. CAMARINES SUR TOURIST ATTRACTION

26. CamSur Watersports Complex CamSur Watersports Complex is one of the best tourist spots in Camarines Sur for water sports enthusiasts. Considered as the first world-class water sports complex in the Philippines, it takes pride in its excellent facilities primarily designed for wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing. The 6-hectare property has 6-point cable ski system which pulls the skiers on a clockwise direction around the lake. The complex is known to host international wakeboarding events. Other amenities includes swimming pools, massage huts, cabanas and a restaurant.

27. Caramoan Islands Caramoan Islands are the main destinations for island hopping activities in Camarines Sur. These group of islands which lies on the lower eastern part of province gained its reputation of having the best secluded white sand beaches and coves. Aside from swimming, the best things to do in the islands are to snorkel down the diverse marine life, explore the caves and lagoons, hike the hilltops or climb up the limestone rocks for spectacular views. Notable islands includes Matukad Island, Lahos Island, Hunongan Island and Gota Island among other paradise islands.

28. Mount Isarog Mount Isarog is one of the renowned tourist spots in Camarines Sur, a potentially active volcano standing 1,976 meters above sea level. The mountain and its surroundings is a protected area composed of grasslands, thick and mossy forests which serves as a habitat of some endemic animals. The summit of the mountain offers a “sea of clouds” in the early morning, a panoramic view of Bicol Peninsula and Mount Mayon .

29. Lake Buhi Lake Buhi is a freshwater lake in the province situated in a valley between Mount Asog and Mount Malinao . The 1,600-hectare lake is known as breeding ground of sinarapan , the world’s smallest fish that can be harvested commercially.

30. Malabsay Falls Malabsay Falls is one of the renowned waterfalls in the province of Camarines Sur, a 40-feet falls amid verdant foliage. It is surrounded by mossy cliffs and boulders with growing plants on them.

31. SORSOGON – Sorsogon City

32. Sorsogon History In 1570 two Augustinian friars, Alonzon Jiménez and Juan Orta , accompanied by a certain captain, Enrique de Guzmán, reached Hibalong , a small fishing village near the mouth of Ginangra River, and planted the cross and erected the first chapel in Luzon.

33. Sorsogon History It was from this village that Ibalong , referring to the whole region, came to be. Moving inland with a northwesterly direction they passed by the territory now known as Pilar, before they reached Camalig , Albay. The province was eventually separated from Albay on October 17, 1894 and adopted the name Sorsogon. The town of Sorsogon was also selected as its capital.

34. SORSOGON TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

35. Donsol (Whale sharks) Donsol is Sorsogon’s most popular destination as it is world-famous for whale shark viewing. Several whale sharks (locally called butanding ) naturally congregate around Donsol waters from December to May. Donsol practices responsible eco-tourism that does not alter the behavior of whale sharks. The local guides do not feed these animals for the sake of attracting them to the shore.

36. Bulusan Volcano Natural Park Bulusan Volcano Natural Park is a treasured natural wonder and one of the most recognized Bicol tourist spots. This protected natural park covers rainforests, grassland, hot springs gardens, and farmland. The park is also home to the famous Bulusan Volcano, a popular trekking destination in Luzon.

37. Tikling Island Tikling Island is located off the coast of the town of Matnog , Sorsogon. It is named after a bird species that frequent the area. The privately-owned island exudes a serene ambiance as it does not have a resort or any commercial structure on it.

38. Ogod River (Firefly Watching) Ogod River is one of the natural attractions found in Donsol , Sorsogon. Tourists make their way to Ogod for a special type of river cruising. This cruising happens at night so passengers can view hundreds of magical fireflies light up the dark skies.

39. CATANDUANES – Virac City

40. Catanduanes History In the early part of the 13th century, people believed to have come from Borneo, Malaysia and China first reached this island. They were mostly traders and seafarers engaged in barter and trade within the region and in search of new lands for settlement. These groups of traders plus a few settlers gave a semblance of population activity during the later period of the century. The uneventful migration pattern of trading and settlement during the succeeding centuries was characterized by relative stability as commercial activities confined mostly within and among the neighboring islands. The historical gap between the 14th centuries and the middle of the 15th century illustrates the doldrums in the island’s early history given the long-drawn establishment of population centers.

41. Catanduanes History During the early part of 1573, a group of Spanish conquistadors led by Juan de Salcedo set foot on the island, while in pursuit of pirates plying their trade along the coastal villages of southern Luzon. They came upon several tribes living in the thatched huts called cobo by the natives. Hence, Isla de Cobos became the province’s first adopted name.

42. Catanduanes History The actual evangelization of the island started some twenty years later, when the soldiers of Spain, after subjugating the Bicol mainland, came back with Franciscan missionaries. The missionaries armed with the cross and backed by the sword of the conquistadors evangelized the entire population without much resistance, after initially converting the southern tribes. Near the turn of the 19th century, the struggle for independence from the Spanish colonizers was effectively stifled by American interference. With superior arms and technology, the new conquerors found passive resistance among the natives. From one occupational regime, the country was placed under another.

43. Catanduanes History From then, a civil government has replaced the military government. Catanduanes was made a sub-province of Ambos Camarines with Felipe Usero as its first Lieuten­ant Governor. It was during his term that the island was annexed to the province of Albay. The American occupation ended in 1934, followed by the birth of the Philippine Commonwealth. In the 19th century, the sub-province of Catanduanes was already governed by a permanent delegate commissioner from the province of Albay, appointed by the central government in Manila.

44. CATANDUANES TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

45. Binurong Point Binurong Point in Baras town is a place that offers equally jaw-dropping views of the open ocean crashing against rocks. Be prepared for a bit of a hike as you will be passing forest trails, hiking up former pasturelands, skipping through boulders, and walking on narrow paths. But the view from the top of the cliff. especially during sunrise, will be worth the hike. Other viewpoints near Virac that are also worth visiting are the Balacay Point, and the PAGASA Weather Radar Station.

46. Jesus’ Face Rock at Talisoy Beach Located in a small cove a few minutes from Virac town proper is the clean and well-kept Talisoy Beach, also known to locals as Jesus’ Face Beach because of the unique rock formation that is said to look like the face of Jesus Christ.

47. Marilima Beach Marilima Beach, another beautiful stretch of creamy white sand beach in Virac , is lined with coconut trees and surrounded by clear blue waters. Its simple beauty will seduce you into taking a dip in the water or lie down on the sand to get the perfect tan. On a clear day, you can even spot Mayon Volcano in Legazpi, Albay from Marilima Beach.

48. Famous Festival in Region 5

49. ALINAO FESTIVAL – MALINAO, ALBAY (July 20 – 26) Alinao Festival is an annual tribute to the lost tree of Alinao on the mountains of Malinao , It is also said that the word “ Alinao ” came from the word “ malinaw ” which means clear waters where one of the best falls is here, the Vera Falls.

50. PINANGAT FESTIVAL – CAMALIG, ALBAY (June 10 – 24) An annual festival celebrated every month of June 10-24 to coincide with the town fiesta in honor of its Patron Saint, St. John the Baptist. The festival’s name is acquired through the world famous native food delicacy of the municipality which is the Pinangat .

51. IBALONG FESTIVAL – LEGAZPI, ALBAY (Aug. 10 – 19) A celebration in recognition of the socio-historic-cultural heritage of Bicolanos as based on the Ibalong Epic showcasing the bravery and strength in character of three heroes Baltog , Handyong , and Bantong as they fought against the villains Tandayog , Oryol, Rabot , and other wild monsters that threatened the place and orderliness of their place.

52. REFERENCES Department of Tourism. (2018). Tourism Guidebook and Manual . Retrieved from http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Guidebook_Manual/TourismGuidebook.pdf So, P. L. (2018). Philippine Tourist Destinations . Manila, Philippines: Accumicro I.T. Solutions. Domingo, B. B. (2017). Philippine Tourism . Foreign Service Institute. Libosada , C. M. (2017). Domestic Tourism . Pasig City, Philippines: Anvil Publication.