The Bicol Region, also known simply as Bicol, (Central Bikol: Rehiyon nin Bikol/Kabikolan; Rinconada

Bicol: Rehiyon ka Bikol; Filipino: Kabikulan; Spanish: Bicolandia) is a region of the Philippines, designated
as Region V. Bicol comprises six provinces, four on the Bicol Peninsula mainland (the southeastern end
of Luzon) – Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon – and the offshore island provinces
of Catanduanes and Masbate.[2]
The regional center and largest city is Legazpi City, Albay.[3][4] The region is bounded by the Lamon Bay to the
north, Philippine Sea to the east, and the Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost
provinces, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, are bordered to the west by the province of Quezon.

Geography
The Bicol Region comprises the southern part of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. The total
land area is 5.9% of the total land area of the country. Around 69.3% of the total land area is alienable and
disposable while the remaining 30.7% is public forest areas.[5]

History
The Bicol region was known as Ibalon, 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"; or as a
corruption of Gibal-ong, a sitio of Magallanes, Sorsogon where the Spaniards first landed in 1567. The Bicol
River was first mentioned in Spanish Documents in 1572. The region was also called Los Camarines after the
huts found by the Spaniards in Camalig, Albay. No prehistoric animal fossils have been discovered in Bicol and
the peopling of the region remains obscure. The Aeta from Camarines Sur to Sorsogon strongly suggest that
aborigines lived there long ago, but earliest evidence is of middle to late Neolithic life.[6]
A barangay (village) system was in existence by 1569. Records show no sign of Islamic rule nor any authority
surpassing the datu (chieftain). Precolonial leadership was based on strength, courage, and intelligence. The
native seemed apolitical. Thus the datu's influence mattered most during crises like wars. Otherwise, early Bicol
society remained family centered, and the leader was the head of the family.
The Spanish influence in Bicol resulted mainly from the efforts of Augustinian and Franciscan Spanish
missionaries. The first churches in Bicol, the San Francisco Church, and the Naga Cathedral, both in Naga,
along with the Holy Cross Parish in Nabua, Camarines Sur, are instituted by the Holy Order of the Franciscans.
One of the oldest dioceses in the Philippines, the Archdiocese of Caceres, was also instituted in the Bicol
Region. During this time, Bicol was dotted by many astilleros (shipyards) which were focused on
constructing Manila Galleons from the local hardwood forests.[7]

Administrative divisions[edit]

Provinces of Bicol

Further information: List of Bicol Region Cities and Municipalities

The region comprises six provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogonand the island-provinces
of Catanduanes and Masbate.
As of 2015, Camarines Sur is the region's largest province in area and population, occupying
5,481.6 km2 (2,116.5 sq mi) or around 30.4% of the total land area with a population of
1,952,544. Catanduanes is the smallest in area as well as population with only 1,511.5 km2 (583.6 sq mi) or
8.4% of the total regional area and a population of 260,964.[1]

Province Capital Population (2015)[1] Area[8] Density Cities Muni. Bgy.

km2 sq mi /km2 /sq mi

Albay Legazpi City 22.7% 1,314,826 2,575.77 994.51 510 1,300 3 15 720

Camarines Norte Daet 10.1% 583,313 2,320.07 895.78 250 650 0 12 282

Camarines Sur Pili 33.7% 1,952,544 5,497.03 2,122.42 360 930 2 35 1,063

Catanduanes Virac 4.5% 260,964 1,492.16 576.13 170 440 0 11 315

Masbate Masbate City 15.4% 892,393 4,151.78 1,603.01 210 540 1 21 550

Sorsogon Sorsogon City 13.7% 792,949 2,119.01 818.15 370 960 1 14 541

Total 5,796,989 18,155.82 7,010.00 320 830 7 107 3,471

The region has one independent component city, Naga, and six component cities –
Iriga, Legazpi, Ligao, Masbate City, Sorsogon City, and Tabaco. Masbate and Sorsogon are cities in their
eponymous provinces.

Income
City Population (2015)[1] Area[9] Density City class Province
class

/sq
km2 sq mi /km2
mi

Camarines
Iriga City 111,757 137.35 53.03 810 2,100 Component 4th
Sur

Legazpi City 196,639 153.70 59.34 1,300 3,400 Component 2nd Albay

Ligao City 111,399 246.75 95.27 450 1,200 Component 4th Albay

Masbate
95,389 188.00 72.59 510 1,300 Component 4th Masbate
City

Naga City 196,003 84.48 32.62 2,300 6,000 2nd

Independent Camarines
 Income
City Population (2015)[1] Area[9] Density City class Province
class

/sq
km2 sq mi /km2
mi

component Sur

Sorsogon
168,110 276.11 106.61 610 1,600 Component 2nd Sorsogon
City

Tabaco City 133,868 117.14 45.23 1,100 2,800 Component 4th Albay

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Demographics
Population census of Bicol

Year Pop. ±%

1990 3,910,001 —

2000 4,686,669 +19.9%

2010 5,420,411 +15.7%

2015 5,796,989 +6.9%

Source: National Statistics Office[10][1]

See also: Demographics of the Philippines

Bicol Region has a population of 5,796,989 as of 2015 q39825, growing at an average annual rate of 1.29
percent between 2010 and 2015. The region's population density increased to 320 persons per square kilometer
in 2015.
In 1970, Camarines Sur was the only province with close to a million population. Albay, which was next in rank,
reached the 1970 population level of Camarines Sur only 20 years later. Masbate and Sorsogon were in the
same level every census year from 1970 to 1980. It is noteworthy that distribution and growth of the 1970
population were towards areas that were sparsely populated but agriculturally rich and/or endowed with fishery
resources. The island province of Catanduanes and its municipalities have exhibited very low population growth
from 1970 to 1980.
In 1980, the pattern was towards urbanization. This was due to the pull of newly installed infrastructures,
particularly roads, and the sporadic growth of trade in strategically situated municipalities that have better
economic opportunities. The 1990 growth originated from the strong attraction of employment opportunities in
established urban centers, which have become a source of growth of adjacent municipalities. This situation was
highly evident in Naga and Legazpi areas, whose surrounding municipalities exhibited high growth rates.
Unmistakably, the spill-over effects of development permeated those initial high growth areas.
Looking at the growth rates, all of the five provinces registered positive increases except for the province of
Camarines Norte. Most evident were those for the provinces of Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon, all of
whom registered more than 50% increments in the 1980–1990 and 1990–2000 periods. The positive increase in
the growth rate of Catanduanes was attributed to the improved sea transport facilities for ferrying people and
cargo to and from the port of Tabaco. The opening of the port of San Andres and the rehabilitation of Virac Port
likewise provided better access to goods and services in the province.
The Bicolanos are descended from the Austronesian-speaking immigrants who came from Southern China
during the Iron Age. Many of Bicolanos also have Chinese, Arab, and Spanish admixtures. Most of the townsfolk
have Spanish Mixtures and their language is referred to as Bicol or Bicolano. The Bicolano language is very
fragmented, and its dialects are mutually incomprehensible to speakers of other Bicolano dialects. The majority
of the Bicolano people are devout Roman Catholics due to the Spanish conquering the country and converting
them to their religion. Catholic Mass is celebrated daily in many churches in the Bicol Region.

Language
Further information: Bikol languages
The people of the Bicol Region, called Bicolanos, speak any of the several languages of the Bikol language
family, called Bikol macrolanguages, an Austronesian languages closely grouped under the Central Philippine
languages family such as the Visayan languages and Tagalog. The four major groups of language in Bikol are
Coastal Bikol (with four sub-languages), Inland Bikol (with six sub-languages), Pandan Bikol (lone language) and
Bisakol (with three sub-languages). The majority of Bicolanos understand and speak Central Bikol language (a
member of Coastal Bikol group of languages) since it is the language used in literature and mass media, but with
varying degrees. A known misconception of many Bicolanos is that Central Bikol, used in the cities of Legazpi
and Naga, is the standard Bikol. Central Bikol, though spoken by the majority and with speakers represented in
all provinces in the region, is not a standard Bikol since other forms of Bikol used in the region are separate
languages and usually unintelligible. However, the standard form of Central Bikol language is the Canaman
dialect.
Other Bikol languages are Rinconada Bikol, spoken in southern part of Camarines Sur province, Pandan
Bikol spoken in northern part of Catanduanes island and the Albay Bikol group of languages that include
Buhinon, Libon, West Miraya and East Miraya. Albay Bikol speakers can be found in Buhi, Camarines Sur,
central and eastern parts of Albay and in Donsol, Sorsogon. The standard form of Rinconada Bikol both in
pronunciation and writing is the Sinabukid (Highland) dialect of Iriga variant. On the other hand, Buhinon of Buhi,
Camarines Sur and Libon of Libon, Albay are the languages that are only used in their respective municipalities.
Rinconada Bikol and Albay Bikol group of languages are members of Inland Bikol, while Pandan Bikol is the only
language with no sub-languages or division.
The majority of the population in Masbate and Sorsogon speaks Minasbate and Sorsoganon respectively. The
two are Visayan languages but heavily influenced by Bikol languages, thus tagged and collectively referred to
as Bisakol, a portmanteau of Bisaya (Visayan) and Bikol (Bicolano).
Aside from Masbateño, three more Visayan languages are spoken in Masbate, including Hiligaynon/Ilonggo is
spoken in the southwestern tip, while Cebuano and Waray-Waray are spoken in the southern part of the island
province respectively. Tagalog is the dominant and native language of Bicolanos living in the municipalities in
the northern half of Camarines Norte.
Bicolanos also speak and understand Filipino, the national language of the Philippines. English is widely
understood in businesses, schools and public places.
Religion

PORTA MARIAE: "THE GATEWAY TO FAITH"

Bicol Express

The region retains Roman Catholicism as the overwhelming religion of the great majority. The Catholic religion
has the highest number of followers than any other area in the Philippines. The Catholic church grew in the Bicol
Region through the efforts of the Bishops from Nueva Caceres(Naga) from the 14th century until the Philippine
Revolution in 1898. Naga, Camarines Sur is the religious center of the Bicol Region. The region houses one of
the oldest dioceses in the Philippines, the ecclesiastical Archdiocese of Caceres, which is centered in Naga,
Camarines Sur. Other dioceses include are the Dioceses of Legazpi, Sorsogon, Daet, Masbate, Libmanan
and Virac. Fiestas (Feast day of saints) are annual celebrations of parishes, from a simple barrio fiesta honoring
a patron associated for good harvest, to a town fiesta honoring a miraculous saint, a diocesan fiesta like the
feast of Our Lady of Salvation, or a regional one such as the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Fiesta, the largest Marian
devotion in Asia, a week-long celebration to honor the Virgin Mary, dubbed as the "Patroness of Bicolandia". In
Luzon, the Bicol Region holds the most number of men entering the seminary for Catholic priesthood, or women
entering the religious life to become Catholic nuns. This can be accredited to the Holy Rosary
Seminary, Daughters of Mary, and Daughters of Charity Convents in Naga.
The largest minority religion in the region is Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) known for its magnificent worship buildings,
commonly called chapels or kapilya, with towering spires that dot the Bicol landscape. Each province represents
one ecclesiastical district (E.D.) with the exception of Camarines Sur which is divided into two – Camarines
Southwest E.D. in Naga, and Camarines Southeast E.D. in Iriga City. In total, INC has seven ecclesiastical
districts in the Bicol region. The chapel of local congregation of Legazpi, Albay is the biggest.
Other religions are also well represented in Bicol such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Protestants denominations of
Seventh-Day Adventist church, Baptist Church, Pentecostal, born-again

Culture and traits

The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata (coconut milk) in its food.
A classic example is the gulay na lada, known outside the region as Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling
labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata.
Like their other neighboring regions, Bicolanas are also expected to lend a hand in household work. They are
even anticipated to offer assistance after being married. On the other hand, Bicolano men are expected to
assume the role of becoming the primary source of income and financial support of his family.
Bicolanos are also known for being very religious, the place is known for Senora De Penafrancia. Bicolanos are
often sweet, regionalistic, friendly, adventurous, puts high importance on education and social status. Contrary
to what is believed, not all Bicolanos are fond of chili. Men often know how to cook.
Economy
Bicol Region has a large amount of rich flatland, and agriculture is the largest component of the economy,
followed by commercial fishing. Coconuts, abaca, banana, coffee and jackfruit are the top five permanent crops
in the region. Rice and corn are among the chief seasonal crops. Mining is also one of the contributors to the
region's economy. Commercial fishing is also important with thirteen major fishing grounds supplying fish
markets in places as far as Metro Manila.[11]
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Tourism

Whale shark spotting in Donsol, Sorsogon

The region's tourism industry has been revived by the popularity of Mayon Volcano, the new CamSur Water
Sports Complex, whale shark spotting, among others, which consequently increased the number of upscale
resorts. Naga City has its colonial churches, and pilgrimages to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.[12][13][14]
The municipality of Daet and Catanduanes province have long been destinations for surfers.[15]The opening of
the Southern Luzon International Airport in Legazpi City, which is under construction, is hoped to further boost
tourism in the region.

Geology
Bicol region is highly volcanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known as the Bicol Volcanic Arc or
Chain, the volcanoes are the results of the Philippine Sea Plate subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt,
along the Philippine Trench. Volcanism is evident by the number of hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanoes that
dot the region starting from Mount Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon.[16]
Mayon Volcano is the most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its perfect conical shape and for
being the most active in the Philippines. Its eruptions have repeatedly inflicted disasters on the region, but during
lulls in activity, it is a particularly magnificent peak. The southernmost tip of the peninsula is dominated
by Bulusan Volcano, the other active volcano in the region. Tiwi in Albay and the Bacon-Manito area between
Sorsogon and Albay are the sites of two major geothermal fields that contribute substantially to the Luzon Power
Grid.

Volcanoes
From North to South

Photo Name

Mount Isarog is a 1,966-metre (6,450 ft) fumarolic volcano with a 2.5-

kilometre (1.6 mi) wide crater breached to the east.[19] The mountain and
vicinity covering 10,112 hectares (24,990 acres) is a protected area in the
Bicol Region under the name Mount Isarog Natural Park.[20]
Mount Iriga is a 1,196-metre (3,924 ft) volcano with a large horseshoe-
shaped collapsed crater located adjacent to Lake Buhi (foreground).[21]

Mount Malinao is a 1,548-metre (5,079 ft) volcano with a large crater about 3
kilometres (1.9 mi) at its widest, which is breached to the east, The
geothermal fields of Tiwi are located on its lower eastern slope.[22]

Mount Masaraga is a sharp-topped 1,328-metre (4,357 ft) Holocene volcano

NW of Mayon.[23]

Mayon Volcano, the highest point of the region at 2,463 metres (8,081 ft), is
also the most popular in the region for its beautifully symmetrical cone. It is
also the most active in the country.[24] The volcano is one of the protected
areas of Region V under the name Mayon Volcano Natural
Parkencompassing 5,776 hectares (14,270 acres).[20]

Pocdol Mountains with its highest elevation at 1,102 metres (3,615 ft), is a
fumarolic group of volcanoes situated between Albay and Sorsogon
provinces. It is the location of the Bac-Man Geothermal Power Plant and the
PNOC Eco-Park, a 25,100-hectare (62,000-acre) ecotourism park maintained
and protected by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC).[25][26]

Bulusan Volcano, the other active volcano of the region, has an altitude of
1,565 metres (5,135 ft). It is located on the remains of the 11-kilometre
(6.8 mi) Irosin Caldera.[27] The volcano is a protected area and the centerpiece
of the 3,672-hectare (9,070-acre) Bulusan Volcano Natural Park.[20]
Education
Main article: Education in the Philippines

Ateneo de Naga University

From 1945 until 2011, the basic education system was composed of six years of elementary education starting
at the age of 6, and four years of high school education starting at the age of 12. Further education was provided
by technical or vocational schools, or in higher education institutions such as universities. Although the 1987
Constitution stated that elementary education was compulsory, this was never enforced.[citation needed]

University of Nueva Caceres

In 2011, the country started to transition from its old 10-year basic educational system to a K–12 educational
system, as mandated by the Department of Education.[28] The new 12-year system is now compulsory, along with
the adoption of new curriculum for all schools (see 2010s and the K–12 program). The transition period will end
with the 2017–2018 school year, which is the graduation date for the first group of students who entered the new
educational system.
All public schools in the Philippines must start classes on the date mandated by the Department of Education
(usually the first Monday for public, second Monday for private and third Monday for some colleges for the month
of June) since the presidency of Joseph Estrada in 1999, and must end after each school completes the
mandated 200-day school calendar organized by the Department of Education (usually around the third week of
March to the second week of April). Private schools are not obliged to abide by a specific date, but must open
classes no later than the last week of August.
Bicol is a region in the Philippines located in the southeastern part of Luzon. The region is famous because
of the Mayon Volcano which is found in Albay. The active volcano is known for its perfect cone shape. The
Bicol region is also known for its delicious food and delicacies. The Bicolanos love spicy foods. They also use
coconut cream in most of their recipes. The combination of hot spices and coconut cream is very enticing
not only in the Bicol region but also in the entire Philippines. Be sure to try these top 10 Bicolano foods and
fulfill your hot and spicy cravings.

1. Kinunot

Image source
Kinunot is a spicy appetizer which ingredients include shark meat or sting ray meat. Yes, shark meat and
sting ray meat. Who would have thought that these scary fish creatures can be so tasty? Bicolanos found a
way to turn them into a very delicious food. The shark or the sting ray is cooked with coconut cream
and malunggay or moringa leaves. It is a common joke in Bicol that when travelling by sea, you should
bring malunggay because the sharks are afraid of it.Kinunot is now commonly prepared using sting ray
because catching sharks nowadays is being prohibited.

2. Laing or Pinangat

Image Source
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.
3. Bicol Express

Image Source
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.

4. Guinataang Labong

Image Source
Labong refers to a bamboo shoot which can be bought in any Philippine market mostly during the rainy
season. It is also the main ingredient of Guinataang Labong which is a popular dish from the Bicol region.
The bamboo shoots are cooked in coconut milk with shrimp paste or sardines. Fresh shrimps can also be
added to this dish. What made this a Bicol dish is the addition of hot, fiery chili pepper, a distinct ingredient
in any Bicolano recipe.

5. Tilmok
Tilmok is another famous food from the Bicol region.Tilmok is the Bicolano term for coconut meat. The
other main ingredient of the dish is crab meat. The preparation oftilmok starts with the mixing of coconut
meat and the crab meat together. Garnishing is added after the meats are mixed. The mixed “meats” are put
inside banana leaves and then steamed. This delicious dish is popular among locals and even foreigners.

6. Pili Nut

With pili being endemic to the Bicol region, Bicolanos have found different uses of the pili nut. The
easiest to cook pili dish is the tinolang pili. In this dish, the nuts are soaked in boiling water until the
covering is soft. When the external coverings are already soft, the “tinolang pili” is ready. Fish sauce or
“patis” can also be added to give it a more delightful taste. The nuts can also be used as sweets.
Popular pili sweets include binirubid or pinipilit, brittle pili nuts, caramelized pili nuts, and the yema
azucarada.

7. Dinuguang Bicol

Dinuguan is a dish that uses pig’s blood as ingredient in cooking pork. The process of preparing this dish is
mainly the same with the original dinuguan. What makes it Bicolano is the hot and spicy flavor. Chili
pepper is added to the dinuguan to add spice to it. Dinuguan is usually eaten with puto.

8. Ginataang Santol (Santol Cooked in Coconut Milk)

 Image Source
Almost all kinds of fruit, vegetable, or meat is possible to cook with coconut milk or locally known as “gata”.
Bicolanos tend to use coconut milk to any dish because of the abundance of coconut in the region. One of
the famous ginataan (a dish with coconut milk) from Bicol is the ginataang santol. The meat of the santol
fruit is cooked in coconut milk. No one imagined that the extremely sour fruit would be a very delicious
viand. Other famous ginataan recipes from Bicol are the ginataang puso ng saging (banana blossom
cooked in coconut milk) and thesigarilyas sa gata (Winged Beans cooked in coconut milk).

9. Pancit Bato

The 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.

10. Sinapot

Sinapot is a banana dish also known as maruya or baduyafor non-Bicolanos saba (Cardaba banana). The
bananas are peeled and sliced and then mixed with flour, salt, baking powder, eggs and water. The mixed
ingredients are then fried in boiling cooking oil.
Abaka, Bicol natives finest

One of the prides of Bicol region, Philippines is the production of native products which are basically made up
of abaka. Abaka is a sort or specie of native banana which is being harvested because of its fiber. With the use of the
fiber that people can get from abaka, they can produce more high quality products like lampshades, chairs,
accessories, furniture, baskets, slipper and some others. Generally, these products are handmade and can be done
manually by most of the skillful people in Bicol region. You can take a look at the sample pictures below and be able
to have a glimpse on the native products that the place is offering.
These native products are mainly used as a display and decorations in any houses. So, anyone can purchase these
products in any authorized stores. Abaka products are the main products which can be exported to some other
countries. According to the survey, there is a higher rate of exports of abaka products this year, 2013.

Abaka is a way of life

Most of the people in Bicol Region, most especially the Albay Province are producing a well-crafted product which
they can use for their daily living. This kind of chores is very important for them since this is their primary source of
living. Though there are some other jobs or works which they can do, still, they are so eager to show their creativity
by doing any native products made up of abaka fiber. After all the process being done, they are selling their products
to some other neighbor towns and cities. In fact, some of their products are being exported to Metro Manila, capital
of the Philippines and in some parts of the country.

The prices of these native products depend on the different types of the products. So, if you are looking for some
native products for your native house, then the place can provide you with all your needs and wants. All the primary
needs in your house including different pieces of furniture up to the accessories inside your room will be provided
for you. So, come now and experience the different products of the Bicolanos. You can also explore the lifestyle and
all the ways of living of all Bicolanos since all the guests and visitors are welcome to their place.

As you go to Bicol, Philippines; you can have an assurance that you will be relaxed as if that you are in a primitive
society in the country. Aside from its excellent products, the place is filled with stunning spots where everyone can
go!
Hotels in Legazpi City
LIKE many other provinces around the Philippines, visiting tourists bound for this place can rest assured they will always find
nice hotels to choose from and stay. Hotels in Legazpi are generally neat and cozy. Security is good too not to mention that they
also offer very popular affordable rates. I would mention a few nice hotels and just feel free to check their websites for a more
detailed info.

1. The Pepperland Hotel is located near the airport and has a good view of the Mayon Volcano esp. on sunny days. Although
there are transfer rides from the airport to Pepperland Hotel, just a few steps from the airport will bring you right in front of this
Hotel

.
There are also several restaurants offering very good food at very affordable prices conveniently located nearby. Pepperland has
its own lobby restaurant that offers a variety of very good food and a night bar, where live bands make it all the more fun fun fun
on some nights.

2. Hotel Venezia is just a good 2-minute drive from Legazpi Airport and accessible to

government offices, banks, churches, shopping malls, and Albay

park. Hotel Venezia offers wide range of accommodation and they have very spacious rooms. Note: Some rooms have verandas.
This place is definitely a home away from home. It also has 3 function rooms, meeting facilities and equipment for 350 people
(for meetings) and 500 people (for cocktails).

3. Sophia Hotel is also another hotel located along Washington Drive that offers very reasonable accommodation rates. This
Hotel is just two minutes away from the airport. It has its own lobby cafe & restaurant. There is a Disco/Ballroom Dancing area
on the 2nd floor. Most of performing live bands here are timers to overseas bookings and are very good. For those who are into
singing, there is a Karaoke Bar adjacent to the lobby restaurant. But the most important thing is that- they offer very reasonable
accommodation rates. Be sure to ask re their occasional promo rates to become an instant winner.

4. Hotel Victoria may not be as grandiose compared with other popular hotels in Legazpi but this hotel offers very good package
rates for those visitors checking in in groups. At present, Hotel Victoria has opened only 5 of its many rooms for visitors to
accommodate- as the rest are already occupied by guests who are staying for a period of time. Find this hotel along Rizal Street.
5. Hotel St. Ellis (formerly Hotel La Trinidad) is conveniently located along Rizal Street
and a short 3-kilometer drive from Legazpi Airport. Business establishments, restaurants, department stores, Embarcadero, and
etc. are all within walking distance. Their 40 guest rooms are havens of thoughful comfort.

6. Casa Blanca Hotel is also located in a very convenient location within the heart of Legazpi City's vibrant downtown and just
10 minutes drive from the airport. Casa Blanca offers its
guests different categories and well appointed cozy guestrooms at very affordable rates. Casa Blanca Hotel's restaurant offers a
variety of good food and nightly live band entertainment.

There are still a lot more of nice Hotels and cozy inns within Legazpi City. Check it out!
You might also like:

► PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP TO BICOL

► BEST TRAVEL TIPS TO BICOL-PHILIPPINES

► BUTANDING in Donsol Sorsogon

► CARAMOAN ISLAND

► TICAO ISLAND
 Linkwithin

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► OTHER BICOL PRODUCTS

Bicol is not only proud of its natural wonders and good food but has been also noted to be the major producer of abaca
products even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines.

Abaca is grown almost everywhere in Bicol. Volcanic area like the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon, are best suited for abaca
cultivation. The Philippines' tropical climate, high to moderate rain fall, and rich in volcanic soil are particularly important in the
growing of these plants.

Some of the common abaca products now being sold all over the world are: Bags, Table Runners, Place Mats, Wallets, Belts,
Slippers, Carpets, Hammocks, Wall Decors and even ropes.

Americans have been the largest importer of abaca since 1830s , followed by Japan, and Australia.... The American
navy uses abaca rope because it has a remarkable strength and more resistant to salt water decomposition than other known
fibers. In fact, it was and still is the strongest of all natural fibers. Such qualities that were also appreciated by other foreign
shipping companies all over the world.

By 1925, the US Department of Agriculture officials attempted to grow abaca in the Central American countries but despite
experimental planting in their willingness to expand the industry in several other central American countries, efforts came out to
be futile. However, at the end of World War 2 they have finally succeeded cultivating Abaca somewhere in Equador.

The abaca plant is a restricted material and government regulated. So, while Abaca's seeds and flowers are freely shared among
countries, Thus, if a country other than the Philippines claims to grow abaca, DNA testing will always trace its origin to the
Philippines, especifically Bicol.

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► BEST TRAVEL TIPS TO BICOL-PHILIPPINES

► FIREFLY WATCHING IN SORSOGON

► BUTANDING in Donsol Sorsogon

► PINANGAT & LAING - ANOTHER FAMOUS BICOL TREATS

► VEGETABLES TURNED NOODLES

► VEGETABLES TURNED NOODLES
NO food coloring agents have been added to give such bright and happy looks to these delicious noodles. These multiple
vitamins and minerals' enriched noodles are products of Bato, Camarines Sur. Thanks to those people who made veggies a lot
more easier to eat.

These happy looking noodles come in different flavors like:

Green Noodles: MALUNGGAY/Moringa + (leaves, seeds, and flowers), which are rich in vitamin C, ascorbic acid, iron,
calcium, and phosphorus and have been claimed to help lower blood pressure, aid in circulatory stimulation, ease pains caused by
rheumatism, headaches, migraines not to mention that it can also help prevent tumor.

Orange Noodles: CARROTS are excellent sources of antioxidant compounds, pro-vitamin A carotenes, which help protect

against cardiovascular disease (lower risk of heart attack) and cancer

and promote good vision, esp. night vision.

Yellow Noodles: SQUASH+( shoots and flowers)- Alttogether, they become another excellent sources of Vitamins A & B,
calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which are very good in promoting good vison, increase rate of metabolism, helps maintain healthy
skin and muscle tone. Enhance immune and nervous system function.
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► BICOL EXPRESS

Add zest to your short stay in Bicol with the taste of the authentic fiery Bicol expressinvading your tongues. If I were you, I
would not leave Bicol behind without tasting this spicy treat especially prepared for you by the very people who originally
concocted it many decades ago. Obviously, it is the name that easily identified Bicol Express as another Bicolano dish. However,
it is the exquisitely unique blended flavors of thick coconut milk, shrimp paste, pork, garlic, onions, and a handful of really hot
green and red chili peppers(labuyo) that made Bicol express all the more popular not only domestically but internationally as well.

How it is prepared? Very easy☺. Mince a handful of garlic, chop several pieces of onions, chop thinly sliced pork into very
small pieces, cut those small labuyo into two and get a pint of fresh thick coconut milk from the market. Once you have all the
ingredients ready, set aside coconut milk and sauté all the ingredients in 2~ tablespoons of good oil in the following
order. Garlic→onions→chopped pork meat→shrimp paste(washed to lessen saltiness)→labuyo. Add coconut milk and put salt
or whatever taste enhancers you'd prefer to add in. Stir occasionally until it's cooked. Done. It's chao time!

► CARAMOAN ISLAND
► CANDIED PILI NUTS

With pili nuts being endemic to Bicol, whenever someone speaks of BICOL, image of pili nutscomes into mind especially when
the talk is about sweets. Pili trees are usually grown in the Bicol forests. Unless you are a Bicolano, you will not recognize which
of those trees that you see around you are Pili. The color of a "ready to harvest" pili nut is more like magenta in shade. These nuts
come in clusters. The way pili nuts are harvested is similar to that of harvesting coconuts. In Bicol, they call the tree bearing pili
nuts as simply, PILI.

After harvesting these pili nuts, locals blanch them in lukewarm water for a few minutes and once the external covering of these
nuts softens, they are ready for serving (TINOLANG PILI). The dark magenta-colored skin is then peeled off until the cream
colored meat-like part is exposed. This part is then- dipped in fish sauce "patis" to give it a more delightful taste.

Once the outer layer is removed, the pili nut shell is then exposed. Pili nut shells are as slippery as lemon and orange seeds
when they are wet, that is why- locals have to dry them first before they start the cracking process for easy extraction of pilinuts
embedded within those shells. But, aside from the meaty outer layer enveloping a pili nut shell the pili nut itself has also its own
thin wrapping, which is colored like that of an old red brick.

After they are done extracting these nuts from their respective shells, locals boil them for several minutes until done. The next
step is- peel off those nuts skin- after which, they would start cooking these raw pili nuts into sweet luscious candies.

Popular candied pili nut products are:

 brittle pili nuts, caramelized pili nuts, yema, azucarada....

As to pili nut shells, some locals who live far from the city, burn and turn them into charcoals, which by the way, is said to have
more energy/heat than that of charcoals made out
of wood and coconut shells. With a stock of generous charcoal on hand, they can then cook their pili nut candies without the need
to spend more on butane gases and kerosene.