Houses on Stilts by the Sea
BicolA boat ride is one way in getting to the city of Masbate and the island province of Masbate from the Bicol peninsula.
Human Events Stories
The Parish Church of Divine Mercy in Paolbo
Bicol ReligionWhat can the alliance of dream, determination, cooperation, faith, hope, charity, hard work, perseverance, community organization and vision accomplish and build?
A parish church and pious Catholic community in the sub-hilly part of Calabanga’s village in Paolbo.
Central School Pupils Win Campus Writing Derby
BicolBeside the gate of the public Calabanga central division pilot school is its massive, proud, yet paint-fading marker signage.
People Watching People At The Bay
BicolPeople watching people at the bay. Many times I do engage in people watching just for the joy of it. But how do I know I am not the object/ subject of another’s curiosity?
Easter Beer Plaza Fund Raising at the Octagon
BicolThe “Octagon” is a squat building that occupies the municipal lot which used to be an open space with a basketball court. It was there we watched various village teams compete for the championship trophy during the summer night games.
High Poverty Incidence Prevails in Rural Areas
The great divide between the poor and the rich in the country is nowhere more clear than when one goes to the rural areas. In the seaside village of Sabang, more than many nipa houses abound and inhospitable for people to live in. Dilapidated. Frail. Not safe for human habitation. Inadequate.
Bicolana Venus Raj Wins Premier Beauty Pageant
Bicol Human EventsTwenty one year old Bicol lass Maria Venus Raj from the town of Bato here in the province of Camarines Sur, bested twenty three other beauty contestants.
Quitting Time at the Public Market
Bicol Weather StoriesAt 6:28 in the evening, stalls at the only public market in the town start turning off lights one by one.
Blog Comments, Missing or Not the Correct Count
BlogsJust noticed this morning older posts (those beyond the home page/first page) with comments from friends and visitors who dropped by are either lost or not counted as it displays “0” (zero) or “1” by merely looking at the bottom of the post. I tested clicking on the comment link and would lead me to the window that displays the comments.
Always The Humble and Resilient Nipa
BicolThe nipa (pronounced neepa, as in long e) palm or nypa fruticans is an unusual tree that thrives abundantly on the creek at the back of our house. Obviously it is the perfect and natural breeding area which is muddy and wet ground.
Cbanga360 Hates Goodbyes
Bicol Genealogy Human EventsI hate goodbyes. It pricks the innermost recesses of my heart and pour tears on my eyes. It makes me sad and switch to a somber mood. I am very sentimental. I hate goodbyes.
The Gate To Palace of Archbishop of Caceres
ReligionThe gate opens up and lead to the Archbishop’s Palace, the official residence of the archbishop of (Nueva) Caceres in Elias Angeles street in the city of Naga.
Cbanga360 Followers Appreciation Day
Blogs Tech NewsHow many times would I tell myself that if ever I follow one’s blog, it is because the contents strike a strong and compelling interest that make me check it out on a regular basis and not just to reciprocate a friendly gesture.
La Porteria Church Gets Roof Renovation
Bicol Religion Weather StoriesThe parish church of Our Lady of La Porteria, one of the six in the town, gets the much needed roof renovation.
Let A Thousand Bikes Vroooom
BicolWhen bank and store credit was eased even to low income singles and families, the first option was to get one motor bike for ease in mobility. A very affordable monthly, some weekly, financing plan enticed one too many in our region; an effective sales drive that spread like wildfire not only in urban centers but also in suburban areas. Add to that the prospect of more savings on daily gas expense, and there should be no second thoughts but walk into the bike store and grab one.
At the Port of Legazpi
Weather StoriesThankfully enough we have this boat on the foreground. There’s the hint of blue in the sky but so faint and the general mood of the day is drab and dreary. The port at the city of Legazpi is the port of call for cargo and passenger ships that ply […]
Into the World of Local Cyclists
Bicol Human EventsOur town offers a distinct opportunity for local cycling enthusiasts to prove their prowess and grit by trekking to the hillsides and the rural country which is literally straddling the broad shoulders of mighty Mt. Isarog.
Heroes of Youth, or A Matter of Point of View
Many thanks and photo courtesy of League of Filipino Students and the Arkibong Bayan The great divide, nay, a chasm, between poverty and opulence both obtained in the urban centers like mega Manila and the rural areas is an encouragement for courageous and idealist youths to take up a different […]
Deviating Our Norm, PC Virus and Malware
Tech NewsThe other night, I have to “combat” an infection of my daughter’s notebook. It was an oversight on my part the real antivirus software expired a week ago.
White Orchids from Aunt’s Garden
BlogsA fresh band of white blooms of orchid from my Aunt’s garden. Thank you for hosting Luiz, Denise, Laerte and Valkyrien. See more flowers here at: Today’s Flowers
A Peek of the Balongay Sky
Bicol Weather StoriesThis is a sky photo taken during our visit of the village of Balongay here in Calabanga.
The Fifteen Bicol Martyrs of 1897
Bicol House Journal CultureThe story of the Bicol martys began with the discovery of the Katipunan secret society. And the message sent by then Manila-based Governor-General Blanco to all civil governors precipitated mass arrests throughout the country.
The Children of a Restive Mayon Volcano
Bicol Weather StoriesIt’s been more than two weeks now (and counting), the evacuees of about forty seven thousand people are huddled in designated safe centers in the province of Albay. The “former” residents who called their home the slopes of restive, almost perfect-coned Mayon volcano, spent their first Christmas and New Year, in cramped and crowded surroundings.
More Signs of Unrest Observed Within Mayon
Weather StoriesResident volcanologists declared on Monday Mayon volcano continues its ash explosions which are more becoming stronger despite the evacuees eagerness to return to their homes within the danger zones.
The Ubiquitous Flower of the Season
Blogs CultureThis post should be less wordy. We’re churning one for Cbanga360 on Facebook, which should be online much later. And that would be about Mayon volcano update. Thank you for hosting Luiz, Denise, Laerte and Valkyrien. See more flowers here at: Today’s Flowers
Christmas with Mt. Mayon on Verge of Eruption
Weather StoriesIt is Christmastime here in the areas surrounding the perfect-coned volcano of Mt. Mayon. And instead of snow, the towns experience ashfall showers and ground rumblings.
Archdiocese of Caceres Installs New Calabanga Parish
Bicol ReligionA new Catholic parish was canonically erected last October in the town of Calabanga by the Archdiocese of Caceres. The parish of St. Peregrine of Laziosi with its seat at barangay Sto. Domingo, is the 79th of the archdiocese. The new church is under the vicariate of Our Lady of La Porteria. Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legazpi, OP, DD, himself installed Fr. Joseph Collada Olin as the first parish priest during the mass held at the Union elementary school.
What has Become of Spanish Old Town Quipayo?
Bicol ReligionOn June 11, 1978 the Philippine national historical commission by virtue of presidential decree 1505 declared the baroque-inspired Quipayo church as a national historical landmark.
Flowers Are A Source Of Joy And Delight
BlogsFlowers are a source of joy and delight. Even if I am not that familiar of one too many, am posting here a specie gathered from my sister’s frontyard. Could this be the New South Wales Christmas bush flowers (Ceratopetallum gummiferum)? It’s a guess though. Will always stand corrected, maybe […]
The Green and Leafy Sea Dragons
inMotionEnjoy this short clip of the green and leafy sea dragons. First published in YouTube in widescreen.
Albay, Our World of Roads in Disrepair
Bicol Weather StoriesResidents of barangay Salvacion have to walk roads in disrepair, with asphalt washed away by flood and strong rains the past few months, a prevailing situation many times common to areas in the region.
Positive Economic Skies Over Embarcadero
CultureDevelopers and stakeholders of the newest commercial development in the city of Legazpi and in the province of Albay are in the upbeat mood.
Short Film on Poverty Touched Millions of Viewers
The short film “Chicken a la Carte” by Ferdinand Dimadura, was made in 2005, beat some 3,600 entries when it won the 56th Berlin film festival award for short films in 2006.
Students Bring Christmas Cheers to Inmates
Colorful “star”-shaped lanterns of varying sizes made by inmates were unveiled in a program Sunday at the Albay provincial jail compound.
Flowers for the grieving heart
Blogs Human EventsOur family, and perhaps much of the folks in our place, have that very close family and extended kinship ties. We still know our cousins up to that we might call “fourth cousins,” fourth degree of consanguinity! (Memory and Tongue twisters: 1st cousins are my parent’s niece and nephews on […]
Mt. Mayon on Tight Watch for Eruption
Weather StoriesLast Wednesday (11 November 2009), about 1:50 A.M. Mt. Mayon had a minor explosion lasting for about three minutes which brought ash fall on the towns surrounding the volcano.
Family Survives Wrath of Nature and Human Error
BicolHow “bad events” struck twice in a row is a story so true and experienced by a good religious family in Daraga town, province of Albay. The first was brought about by the wrath of nature, the second by negligence and human error.
Rompeolas: Where the Waves Cavort
Bicol Weather StoriesLet’s spend an afternoon, and perhaps wait for the sun set, at the Rompeolas of Sorsogon city.
The Days of All Saints and Souls Remembered
BicolWe were at the town’s only public Catholic cemetery yesterday and visited our dear departed. Here in our place, as in the whole country, November 1st is designated by the church and the government as All Saints day.
Calabanga is now with 3rd Congressional District of CamSur
BicolWith the creation of a new congressional district in the province, our town is now in the third, well, the whole old second district was renamed new third district. It took effect when Republic Act 9716 was signed into law October 12th this year which reapportioned the first district of […]
Happy nuBlogger
BlogsWith the initial post here of I’m a new blogger, am calling these collective thoughts, insights and learnings, etc., of a nuBLOGGER.
The Bubbling Water of Lake Nag-Aso in Manito
BicolThe rural town of Manito is opening up to the influx of tourists brought about by the eco-tourism drive of the government. While it is home to the 160-megawatt Manito-Bacon geothermal plant, the site is being developed to cater to tourists.
A New University in Town
BicolThere are arrivals and changes that are welcome but make drastic contrast in memories stored in our mind. Take for example the recent conversion of the Camarines Sur State Agriculltural College (CSSAC) into the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) system last October 12, this year.
Bicol Wikipedia
BicolLess than two years since its launching last November 24, 2007, the
Bicol Wikipidya, an alternative choice and online reference source now has 4.654 articles and increasing.
I’m A Newbie
BlogsAt one time I visited over one hundred fifty blogs which took me hours sitting by myself and staring at the screen, reading-learning and be mesmerized of the amazing photos and typing comments quick and fast.
What Could be Done Better with the Inarihan Dam
Bicol House Journal PoliticsThis is the lock of the Inarihan dam located in barangay (village) Binaliw of Calabanga constructed many decades ago.
The THIRIS covers the watershed areas of Tigman, in the towns of Calabanga and Tinambac, Hinagyanan and Inarihan, both in Calabanga, with a total land service area of 3,542 hectares (8,752.47 acres.)
The Last and Final Words About Krill
BicolWhere in some advanced countries Krill fishing is so elaborate, modern, organized and well-funded to fill the appetite of factories that churn the tiny, minuscule organism into pet food, or extract its oil content for commercial purposes, our town fishers do it simple and still environmentally friendly, and most of all not saturating its population.
Yellow Bells by the Sidewalk
BlogsLucky for us to still find and appreciate flowers so ordinary and common in our place. But for the people ravaged by the typhoons and floods in metro Manila, and still in the flooded area around Laguna de Bay and outlying provinces, and again in northern and part of central […]
Rainy Days Ahead
Weather StoriesVery moody. The horizon is always adorned with thick clouds this side of the town.
Krills and the Bicolano Spirit of Tenacity
BicolMuch of the krills harvested in San Miguel bay are destined for human consumption. Depending on the volume, a fisherman would either bring his catch home or sell to a middleman.
The Gathering of Clouds
Weather StoriesCalabanga is one of the major rice producers in the province. With the looming unwelcome downpour coming, farmers are in deep trouble.
Water World
Weather StoriesThe series of frames here shows the deplorable and severe aftermath of tropical storm Ketsana, local name Ondoy, which caused flooding to a vast area in the national capital region and neighboring provinces due to the unabated torrential rain and wind.
The typhoon entered the eastern side of the big island of Luzon and made landfall between the provinces of Aurora and Quezon, even as rain started pouring earlier on Friday evening.
The Majestic Mayon Volcano in Albay
Bicol Bicol House Journal CultureWith its towering height of 8,077 feet (2,462 meters), the almost perfect-coned volcano is the main tourist attraction of the province and the regions’ natural wonder.
But don’t be guiled with its beauty and charm, for it has erupted times too many since its first recorded activity in 1776. The most destructive was in 1814 when the town of Cagsawa was buried under its mudflows and only the church belfry was left standing. The town was later relocated into what is now the bustling trade center of Daraga.
Scouring for Krill in San Miguel Bay
BicolJust a few meters from the rocky shoreline by the breakwater, this Sabang fisherman is making the most out of his early morning hours, scouring the shallow waters catching for the tiny, tiny shrimp-like marine orgnisms which thrives in San Miguel bay.
Mother’s Potted Bougainvillea
BlogsBougainvillea I want to share this one specie of bougainvillea flowers fresh from our Mother’s potted greens by the front porch. She still have time to care for these plants very popular in our place. My brother who is also green-thumbed helps in nurturing them. Mother just love the color […]
Mt. Isarog, The Majestic
Bicol Weather StoriesThis is Mt. Isarog, a dead volcano nestled at the heart of Camarines Sur province, the highest forested peak in the southern portion of the island of Luzon with a height of 1,966 meters (6,450.13 feet) above sea level.
My Aunt’s Orchids
BlogsCourtesy of our next-house neighbor and also Aunt Lolit, these orchids are blooms in her garden, a source of joy and delight even as she worries about the rainy season this time of the year. When asked permission for the frames, she obligingly lead the way. On a sad note, […]
Sky View with Tangled Wires
Weather StoriesSometimes can only wish for a good view of the sky clear and far from the electrical post with its tangled wires. We have to sacrifice a little in exchange for some convenience or I won’t be posting this skyview.
The Bicol Language, Part 1/ An Lenguahe kan Bicol, Parte 1
Bicol House Journal CultureMaogmang aldaw! is the Bicol phrase greeting one a good happy day, encompassing every Bicolano’s spirit of hospitality and friendship. Bicol is a distinct, complete language by itself, spoken by the majority of people in the region.
Wild Flowers in the Outfield
BlogsWhat’s in a name?A flower will still be a flower, though growing wild and uncared for. Dainty and frail, they thrive well and good outside the backyard fence basking at the sunshine, facing the vast, wide expanse of almost endless ricefields. Ano an yaon sa ngaran?An burak fermi nang burak, […]
By the Ricefield
Bicol Weather StoriesBy the ricefield. The simple joy of living in a rural area.
We tend to our rice farm and look up to the sky for rains to come at times.
The Popular Pedal Trikes
BicolVery popular among the folks on small towns is this means of transport where gas is not required to make it go the distance. It feeds on pedal power, endurance and foot strength of the trike operator. The three wheeled pedal trike’s popularity is all over that from the town […]
Where in the World is Cbanga360
BicolCalabanga is a small speck of dot as seen on the map of the province of Camarines Sur, down the region and peninsula of Bicol in southern Luzon, the Philippines.
The Rain Clouds Are Coming
Bicol Weather StoriesThe once white, thick puffy clouds hovering above turned darker in due time, cool air sweep the area and then tiny droplets of crystal water began to pour from above.
The Ubiquitous Ukay-ukay at the Town Market
BicolOne way we can learn about the the town is by wandering at the market. And on this our particular stroll, we came upon this makeshift-stall selling new and second hand clothes.
What's Recommended
Bicol Weather Stories
Mt. Isarog, The Majestic
This is Mt. Isarog, a dead volcano nestled at the heart of Camarines Sur province, the highest forested peak in the southern portion of the island of Luzon with a height of 1,966 meters (6,450.13 feet) above sea level.
The Power of Social Networking, Media and Heroism
We were taken for a ride about the story of the school girl from Malinao who was catapulted to instant fame and became a local heroine. Maraming nakuryente!!!
Religion
CBCP will issue Oratio Imperata to bring rains on El Nino- affected areas
Rain will undoubtedly breathe a certain respite to drought affected areas. More so if there will be more abundant rains to quench parched farm lands.. So the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines will likely issue Oratio Imperata to ask for rains in areas affected by El Niño. This was […]
NOAH
Why PH is spending P10- billion for the APEC meet
Malacanang on Friday defended the P10-billion budget for the hosting of the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), by saying it is the country’s economy that will benefit most from the amount that the Philippines invested for the prestigious event. ”For the attendance alone, it is expected that more or […]
DSWD- Bicol ships out 8,000 food packs for eastern Samar
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol on Tuesday morning sent some 8,000 emergency family food packs worth P8-million for victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Samar, a regional official said Tuesday. Arnel B. Garcia, DSWD Bicol regional director, said the initial shipment of the relief goods […]
Weather Stories
Cloudy skies with light rains on New Year’s Eve – PAGASA
MANILA, Dec. 31 — PAGASA said the Bicol Region, Quezon Province, Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon will have cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms, caused by the cold winds blown by the Northeast Monsoon or “Hangin Amihan”. Expect cloudy skies with light rains in the National Capital Region (NCR) […]
Overseas Tech News
Facebook fact checks fake news, false social media posts on #covid-19
As the pandemic effect of the novel coronavirus 2019 or covid-19 or Chinese virus or Wuhan coronavirus sweeps the world, social media is also abuzz and busy about it. Social sharing media giant Facebook is being used as the public square of sharing truth, half-truth and totally false claims by […]
Overseas
Islamic State claims responsibility as 150 killed in attacks across Paris
Islamic State claims responsibility of Paris attacks that took place Friday night in an online press release Saturday. “Eight brothers carrying explosive belts and assault rifles targeted the places previously carefully selected,” it said. “They triggered their belts amid these disbelievers after having used up their ammunitions,” continued the statement. […]
Politics Red Monkey Talks
Robredo: Ipinaglalaban Kinabukasan ng Mga Anak Natin #short
Presidential candidate Leni Robredo shows her fighting form at her best. Her rallying appeal of “ang ipinaglalaban po natin ay ang kinabuksan natin, ng ating mga anak!” Most of the candidates of the Tropang Angat of Leni Robredo -Kiko Tandem were present in the eventful rally coniciding with the 36th […]
NAVFORSOL pre-positions relief goods in anticipation of Typhoon Yolanda
Naval Forces Southern Luzon of the Philippine Navy, has pre-positioned 10,000 sacks of rice and 35,000 packs of relief goods in various municipalities of Albay in preparation for the possible adverse effects of super typhoon “Yolanda.” This was announced by Philippine Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic who said that […]
NOAH
New Presidential task force will protect life, security of media people – Malacañang
MANILA, Oct. 15 – The Palace is creating the Presidential task force it claims to protect the life, liberty and security of media practitioners in the country. This according to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar as he confirmed the promulgation of the order in a media briefing on Thursday. The Administrative […]
PAL adds two new international destinations down under
MANILA, May 21 — The country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines on Wednesday said it is set to launch flights from Manila to Cairns, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand beginning December 1 this year. PAL said these new flights are part of the expansion of its network in the Oceania region. […]
Entertainment Overseas
Sochi Olympic torch completes longest relay in history
With the XXII Winter Olympic Games formally open in Sochi, Russia, the athletes who compete must turn their eyes to the sky to see how far the torch that is lighting the Olympic flame has traveled. This torch, which has journeyed farther than any torch in Olympic relay history, arrived […]
Bicol Weather Stories
Typhoon Yolanda makes fourth landfall in Bantayan, Cebu; cuts power in Sorsogon, other provinces
Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ makes fourth landfall in Bantayan, Cebu; cuts power in several provinces. The state weather bureau on Friday said typhoon Yolanda has made its fourth landfall over the island of Bantayan in the province of Cebu at 10:40 A.M. PAGASA also said that red warning signal was issued at […]
Blogs
Ginger is a lingering joy by simply being around
For sometime now, Ginger has appeared in various instances on this site. Ginger is the apple of our eyes for quite four years now. Considered as a little princess in the household, she is a lingering source of joy by simply being around. Adopted in September 2011, she perfectly adjusted […]
What's Throwback
Overseas
Video: Pope Francis in Ciudad Juarez, 6th Day in Mexico and farewell ceremonies
On the sixth and final day of Pope Francis in Mexico, he flies in the morning from Mexico City to Ciudad Juarez. It is good to note here that the pope always return to the Mexican capital after the conclusion of his daily public appearances. But not on this final […]
Culture
Malacanang defends President Aquino in campaign for Roxas-Robredo team
Malacanang was trying to defend the campaign sorty of President Benigno S. Aquino III with Liberal Party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates. President Benigno S. Aquino III believes campaigning for Daang Matuwid Coalition candidates is his duty to the Filipino people, a Malacanang official said on Sunday. “President Aquino is actively […]
Weather Stories
Ridge of high pressure area brings warm, humid air on Holy Monday
For Holy Monday forecast, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Expect to experience warm and humid weather in the next three days in most parts of the country because of the ridge of high pressure area extending […]
Bicol Blogs Entertainment
Albay opens Palarong Pambansa in grand style
Legazpi City, Albay, April 11 — Lost in the din of excitement and expectation for the TV broadcast of the Manny Pacquiao vs Tim Bradley fight in Las Vegas, and the expected brawling noise and cacophony of the vice presidential debates at the University of Santo Tomas later, was the […]
Politics
Poll body set to hold final test and sealing of 92,509 VCMs this week
MANILA — As the Philippine elections near the final homestretch, the poll body is set to hold the final testing and sealing of the vote counting machines this week. The focus of activity will be the conduct by the Commission on Elections of a one-day event participated in by designated […]
Politics
More Mindanao politicians, personalities on incoming Duterte cabinet
KORONADAL CITY — Four leaders from the provinces of (North) Cotabato, Maguindanao and South Cotabato were among the favored faces of the new cabinet of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Foremost among the four was incoming Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol who, after his appointment was made public, immediately embarked on “Biyaheng […]
Politics
Inaugural speech of Vice President Leni Robredo
Inaugural Message of Leni Robredo during the Oath Taking of the Vice President of the Philippines at Quezon City Reception House, June 30, 2016 To my beloved countrymen: There are moments in our lives that shine brighter than others. Like when I met Jesse. Or when I saw my children’s […]
Politics
Expect these during the 1st SONA of President Duterte
On Monday’s first State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, do not expect to see the wives of honorable members of the Senate and House of Representatives, including the lady legislators garbed in pompous terno with matching jewelry. After all, the event is not about the display […]
inMotion NOAH
DENR secretary on high energy at the State of Mindanao environment day
There is no doubt, the enthusiastic Secretary Gina Lopez of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is bound to do more positive acts which would benefit the conservation of natural resources and the environment. On the video above, the secretary displayed high energy in front of participants, students, staff, […]