I am back, yet again, after a long hibernation of sorts. I fixed some personal issues, settled what should have been done before and still in the process of accepting and facing some other health circumstances that is part of life. And then I completely pushed aside into the backburner […]
Imagine this. A handsome building rising on Quituinan Hill fronting the majestic Mount Mayon would be a sight to behold. That prospect emboldens the municipal council committee on infrastructure of Camalig in Albay coming forward with the plan. They proposed to build a P3.5 billion Bicol International Convention Center located […]
We get it. Bicolanos and travelers to and from the region will have to get used to flying and landing on four dated airports, one each in Legazpi, Pili (for Naga), Virac and Masbate. The one and only, but much vaunted, Bicol International Airport, or the Southern Luzon International Airport, […]
The domestic airport in Pili serving metropolitan Naga and the provinces of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte will soon be capable of catering to evening flight take-off and landing operations. The Naga airport, which is operated by the Air transportation Office (ATO) of the Department of Transportation and Communications, has […]
Mt. Mayon in the province of Albay, in the Philippines is again rumbling. And that restlessness has been going on for sometime now. The ultra active strato volcano in the region of Bicol is living up to its reputation. The mountain towers with the height of 2,463 meters or 8,081 […]
CANBERRA, Australia –The saga for the search of missing MH370 plane is not yet over so it seems, despite past pronouncements the operation should have been minimized if not stopped already. But no, on Wednesday, the Australian research team claimed they have narrowed the location of the missing MH370 flight […]
The prevailing ban on laptops for passengers traveling specific routes from Middle Eastern countries to the United States has a negative impact on airlines in the region. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed Sunday that passenger demand for flights by Middle East airlines to the United States fell in […]
Have you been to CamSur, yet? Or, when was your last visit of the province? We are posting this because Governor Migz Villafuerte is rolling out the invitation to local tourists and ‘outsiders’ alike, to savor the warmth welcome for tourists. Take note the premier province of Bicol offers incomparable […]
American TV host makes fake commercial about United Airlines and it is funny and sad. Thank you Jimmy Kimmel for placing on the front row seat the flight of the obviously Asian man on that United Airlines plane. When already the details of the incident had been swarm-broadcasted on cable […]
Malacañang has suspended classes for elementary and high school levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the scheduled nationwide transport strike on Monday. Several local government units, universities and colleges also announced suspension of classes in different levels due to the transport strike. The Monday mass protest was […]
Driven by the ASEAN Open Skies framework, airlines in the region, are up to stiff competition between and among its operators. The new regime on the regional airline industry allows an ASEAN-based carrier unlimited fifth freedom rights to fly from one member country to any city in the region. A […]
The Philippines was included in the Zika virus-related travel advisory by the United States. The U.S. government on Thursday issued the advisory, recommending pregnant women to consider postponing non-essential travel to identified countries in the region. Ten other countries majority in the Southeast Asian region are also in the list, […]
Various airports in the country now enforces immigration inspection upon arrival and before departure of crew members of international airlines in the Philippines. This is the new policy by the Bureau of Immigration which began implementation beginning August of this year aimed at strengthening border security operations. The new rule […]
In an annual survey conducted by New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine, readers were asked to rate destinations all over the world according to their activities, sights, natural attractions, beaches, food, friendliness and overall value. Results revealed that Palawan hurdled the top rank after receiving the highest score among readers […]
MANILA – The country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines and the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service signed on Tuesday a general fares agreement on domestic travel for an initial 23 national government agencies. The agreement covers only official domestic trips of government officials, employees and personnel which will get […]
The idle Cagsawa Museum of Daraga gets a needed boost with a P50 million allocation from the National Museum of the Philippines. The funds will be used for rehabilitation that will lead to its eventual reopening to the public as the regional branch of the institution. Once operational, the local […]
It’s always fun in Boracay. The small island is a beach paradise. Tourists come and go. Beautiful memories are made. Can these 10 Instagram photos convince you to preserve the distinct beauty of the island forever? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boracay (@boracay_island) View this post […]
[flexiblemap address=”Mount Taraw, El Nido, Palawan” region=”Philippines” directions=”true” width=”100%” height=”250px” zoom=”10″ ] A foreign tourist hiked the ruggedly sharp cliffs of Mount Taraw of El Nido on Tuesday with his girlfriend with a good plan. Upon reaching the desired spot, Jean Jacques, the African tourist popped a ring to girlfriend […]
How do you preserve and improve the ruins that is 202 years old and counting? The historical treasure of the Cagsawa ruins which occupies 1.5 hectares of Daraga town is up for total retouch with the collaboration of national government and local government agencies. Spearheading the task is the Tourism […]
The exciting 4-stage cycling event dubbed as the Le Tour de Filipinas in Luzon kicks off next month. Now on its 7th year, the four-day sporting competition starts on the 18th from Antipolo City and ends in Legazpi city. Stage One of the race will test 75 cyclists negotiating a […]
The tourist town of Puerto Galera of Mindoro Oriental hosts the 11th World Congress on ‘Most Beautiful Bays’ slated on February 1 to 6. It is one of the major events under the mantle of Visit the Philippines Again 2016 campaign of the Department of Tourism. This early, 18 countries […]
Dumaguete City — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) has filed a formal complaint against a Canadian national and his Filipina wife for allegedly bringing in a live bullet inside their baggage at the Dumaguete airport on their way to Cebu last week. Local AVSECOM head Police […]
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal Passenger Building project, has received an international recognition from a reputable press institution. Thomson Reuters’ Project Finance International (PFI) hailed the public-private parnership project that was awarded to GMR Infrastructure and Megawide Consortium as the “2015 Best Transport Deal” in Asia-Pacific (APAC) last December […]
Have you seen Mt. Mayon or Mayon volcano almost upclose? With its towering height of 8,077 feet (2,462 meters), the almost perfect-coned mountain is the main tourist attraction of the province of Albay and one of Bicol regions’ natural wonder. If you have not been to the province all your […]
The country recorded 4.39 million foreign visitors from January to October of 2015, a significant increase which is up 11.3 percent from 3.96 million a year ago. The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) said the country would likely meet the year-end target of 5.2 million international visitor arrivals. Do you […]
The National Bureau of Investigation Task Force Talaba (Tanim-Laglag Bala) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice criminal complaints against two employees of the Office of Transportation Security and four personnel of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. DOJ Undersecretary and Spokesman Emmanuel L. Caparas identified the respondents […]
[flexiblemap title=”Boracay Island” address=”Boracay, Malay, Aklan” region=”Western Visayas, Philippines” directions=”true” width=”100%” height=”250px” zoom=”12″] . The mandatory manifesto listing for boat passengers in Boracay was seen as the primary cause of long queues in the island. Prompted by the problem, the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force has ordered the management of Aklan […]
MANILA, April — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has expanded its international flight route network with the launching of flights to Jinjiang, China. Flights to the new route started last April 25. The service departs Manila at 11 a.m. via PR356 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, arriving Jinjiang at 1:25 p.m. […]
The province of Camarines Sur registered the biggest number of tourist arrivals in 2014 among Bicol provinces. According to the Department of Tourism, CamSur experienced a growth rate of 20.25 per cent from 1,547,678 in 2013 to 1,861,010. In contrast, Albay province attained a measly growth of 8.92 per cent, […]
ILOILO CITY, March 12 — Antique guv “cries” for slice of tourism pie, well not literally. The province of Antique appeals to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for a chance to show-off its natural and man-made tourism attractions which remained in oblivion. “Kami naman,” said newly installed Antique Governor Rhodora […]
LEGAZPI CITY, March 1– Like a broken record, the press information on Albay tourism bets high hope on visitors mostly from the Chinese mainland. One Chinese tourism agent confirms that his company have selected Albay as a tourism destination for the meantime. Terrence Fang of Yueqiho International Travel Agency recalled […]
The province of Catanduanes has adopted a new local tourism promotion program that gives tourists the privilege of taking part in tree planting during their stay. Dubbed as “One Tourist, One Tree,” the recently launched program is directed towards making the local tourism industry an avenue for keeping the verdant […]
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 25 — Almost there. Everything is ready for the holding of the first local bird festival to be hosted by the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) on Friday, February 27, here. State college president Dr. Milabel Nazario made this announcement Tuesday, citing the […]
LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 21 — The Filipino-Chinese community and the Albayano culture and traditions blended during the Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese Lunar new year celebration on Thursday here, the first time ever. Tourism department’s Bicol regional director Ma. Nini-Ong Ravanilla, infused the Pastores Bicol in this year’s Fiesta Tsinoy new year […]
Philippines in 20 best foreign retirement havens list for 2015 – Forbes MANILA, Feb 18 — US-based magazine Forbes rated the Philippines among the 20 best place to retire in its 2015 listing. If it’s retirement you seek, there are a number of countries to settle down to and the […]
Miss PH 2013 Ariella Arida hosts Miss Universe behind the scenes. Do you know that former Filipina beauty queen Ariella Arida hosts behind-the-scenes coverage of the Miss Universe pageant? According to the official site of the pageant, the Miss Universe Organization is giving fans an inside look into the glamour […]
Not Butanding, but Dolphins frolic in Albay waters now. A pod of dolphins has been appearing and frolicking before the public off the coastlines of the city of Legazpi and the adjoining town of Sto. Domingo since last week. With these new exciting development, the mayors of Legazpi and Sto. […]
Canada launches call for proposals for P825-million livelihood, reconstruction assistance for ‘Yolanda’-affected communities. MANILA, Nov. 11 — The Government of Canada launched the Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Assistance Call for Proposals in Ottawa in commemoration of the first anniversary of typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) and as part of its ongoing assistance to […]
Valerie Weigmann, a commercial model and TV host, who claims her roots from Albay province, was crowned Miss World Philippines 2014 Sunday night in Manila. Also winneres are runners up Lorraine Kendrickson, First Princess; Nelda Ibe, Second Princess; Nicole Donesa, Third Princess; and Rachel Peters, Fourth Princess. Aside from winning […]
Even with the impending eruption of Mayon volcano, there are tell tale signs that disaster tourism has positive economic benefits to the province of Albay and Legazpi city. The national government thru its various national agencies are pouring millions of pesos as ready funds to finance expenditures and purchases of […]
As the Peñafrancia regional feast and festivities ushers in, watch here the regional competition of school bands, majorettes and military units fancy drill as they vie for ranking, honor and prestige of being on the top. Starts September 13, 2014, at 7:00 AM Bicol standard time. Peñafrancia regional competition of […]
LEGAZPI CITY – This Bicol city hosted last year more than half a million tourists, an increase of 32.27 percent from the previous year’s number of arrivals. As recorded by the Bicol regional office of the Department of Tourism, the total arrivals of both domestic and foreign tourists here for […]
LEGAZPI CITY -– The regional office for Bicol of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) based here is discouraging the development of resorts in Camarines Norte’s Calaguas Islands to preserve its serenity, natural beauty and exotic ecosystem. Gilbert Gonzales, DENR regional executive director, on Thursday warned resort developers […]
PILI, Camarines Sur — After two years absence, the Kaogma (Happy) Festival of this province reopened Saturday, May 24th, in the capitol complex to a fiesta theme complete with free rides, rock-band concerts, pageants, boxing and variety shows with television and movie stars. An excited Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte, announced […]
MANILA, May 17 — The Department of Tourism on Thursday welcomed United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Taleb Rifai who arrived in Manila. Secretary General Rifai’s visit will start off with a dinner meeting in Manila with select Cabinet members of the Aquino administration, businessmen, and officials of […]
A new grouping of Bicol provinces into a local tourism industry development alliance is finally taking shape. The new group, which will be referred to as “Triple C,” include the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes. It will comprise a tourism development area. The two sub-tourism areas under […]
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 -– Bicol tourism made a noticeable upswing trend in 2013 as some 3.2 million visitors arrived in the past year with an estimated P1.9 billion revenue earned on tourist-related activities. Maria Ong-Ravanilla, regional tourism director, said of the 3.2 million tourist arrivals, 2.5 million were domestic […]
It is really a big deal that Albay’s view deck zone and rest house was finally restored. Yet, there is the unanswered question on how come it was left being a white elephant for over a decade which concerned local government officials and, or, agencies did nothing. For over ten […]
LEGAZPI CITY, — Albay opens its international gateway through this city on January 30th. On this day, about 156 Chinese tourists will visit the Bicol province during the initial direct flight from Xiamen, China. The Chinese nationals are expected to stay for a five-day tour. The domestic airport here has […]
The domestic airport in Legazpi receives a boost from the provincial government of Albay with the allotment of P11 million for upgrading geared towards making the city a prospective gateway for chartered flights of foreign tourists. This was confirmed as the provincial legislature unanimously approved last week the allocation requested […]
Miss Grand International 2013 was the first edition of the beauty pageant. It was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 19, 2013. At the end of the event Miss Puerto Rico, Janelee Chaparro was crowned as Miss Grand International 2013. Miss Philippines beauty Annalie Forbes finished 3rd runner-up. Full Show […]
SORSOGON CITY — All thirty-two international beauties from countries over the world descended on this city Tuesday to compete in the “Resort Wear” segment of the Ms. Earth International competition on Wednesday at the provincial gymnasium. The candidates arrived late Tuesday morning from Metro Manila and proceeded to the Siama […]
LEGAZPI CITY -– The booming tourism industry here will get a boost as the city locates a new boulevard to be constructed in its northern part anytime next year after the completion of all the necessary requirements, permits and clearances, Mayor Noel E. Rosal said in an interview. The proposed […]
Seriously, Naga City-Camarines Sur needs an all-weather airport. Domestic airline passengers get a doze of frustration each time flights destined from Manila to Naga city and return get axed due to cancellation. But it makes more ironic when the cancellation was not caused by aircraft mechanical trouble but by sunset […]
Chicken, fish, beef and pork barrels find its way on the feast tables in fiestas Calabanga, 07 September 2013 – Yes. Definitely. Chicken, fish, beef and pork barrel finds its way on the feast tables in Calabanga, if we have to measure the volume of food served during this time […]
The 10-day Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair opens September 12, 2013 in Naga city. It will definitely place on spotlight marine wealth of Bicol. It will be housed a few meters from the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. This time, the focus of the multi-sectoral event is the wealth of Bicol peninsula’s […]
Back during the days when the governments of the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of China in Taiwan were in very good and cordial terms, we had that opportunity of visiting Taipei and surrounding communities. The short plane flight from Manila to Taipei was a respite from the […]
Legazpi city, June 14 (PNA) – At least 40 survivors and two dead persons who were aboard a passenger-cargo vessel that sank in the waters of Burias Pass early morning today have been retrieved by search and rescue operatives starting at about 7 a.m. today, according to a report of […]
Quite worth noting is the current claim of activist group Pamalakaya which specifically zeroed in on the government’s thrust into tourism development projects not only in Bicol but the rest of the country. Pamalakaya (National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines) is an alliance of activist fisherfolk groups […]
Albay province will stage a 50-mile run during the celebration of Daragang Magayon Festival on April 6. The marathon will test the endurance and speed of runners who will compete in the Mayon 360º, a run around the circumference of Mt. Mayon. The race is one of the sports highlight […]
When Camsur became a byword as an emerging tourist mecca, any claim to that effect needs tangible and statistical proof. It is not the tourists who come and repeatedly come who are dying and grandstanding to find the proof or will not stop until handed down the proof.
The province of Camarines Sur is hosting the upcoming 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress. It will be held at the CWC, inside the sprawling provincial capitol complex in the capital town of Pili.
A documentary feature presentation about “Amang Hinulid” of Calabanga, Cam Sur, Philippines. Presented by Cbanga360 Production in two parts.
The banca operator is so experienced he managed to device a system of not going straight ahead after departing from Balongay but instead maneuvers a sharp curved route to curtail the push and shove of the current. Imagine being in a crib on a rocking motion. Just looking at the transport boat, do not expect amenities of comfort for the seat will be a piece of bamboo pole nailed across its rim.
We focus our attention on the volunteer devotees, the people that paddles manually the boats all stringed together pulling the “vancuerna” or “pagoda” or the barge that carries about one hundred fifty people including the images of the Virgin of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro.
Dumaguete City — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) has filed a formal complaint against a Canadian national and his Filipina wife for allegedly bringing in a live bullet inside their baggage at the Dumaguete airport on their way to Cebu last week. Local AVSECOM head Police […]
A new grouping of Bicol provinces into a local tourism industry development alliance is finally taking shape. The new group, which will be referred to as “Triple C,” include the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes. It will comprise a tourism development area. The two sub-tourism areas under […]
Valerie Weigmann, a commercial model and TV host, who claims her roots from Albay province, was crowned Miss World Philippines 2014 Sunday night in Manila. Also winneres are runners up Lorraine Kendrickson, First Princess; Nelda Ibe, Second Princess; Nicole Donesa, Third Princess; and Rachel Peters, Fourth Princess. Aside from winning […]
I am back, yet again, after a long hibernation of sorts. I fixed some personal issues, settled what should have been done before and still in the process of accepting and facing some other health circumstances that is part of life. And then I completely pushed aside into the backburner […]
Canada launches call for proposals for P825-million livelihood, reconstruction assistance for ‘Yolanda’-affected communities. MANILA, Nov. 11 — The Government of Canada launched the Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Assistance Call for Proposals in Ottawa in commemoration of the first anniversary of typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) and as part of its ongoing assistance to […]
A few days from now, on September 10, the region begins the celebration of 300 years of devotion, the Tercentenary of the Virgin of, and Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
The Philippines was included in the Zika virus-related travel advisory by the United States. The U.S. government on Thursday issued the advisory, recommending pregnant women to consider postponing non-essential travel to identified countries in the region. Ten other countries majority in the Southeast Asian region are also in the list, […]
CANBERRA, Australia –The saga for the search of missing MH370 plane is not yet over so it seems, despite past pronouncements the operation should have been minimized if not stopped already. But no, on Wednesday, the Australian research team claimed they have narrowed the location of the missing MH370 flight […]
Developers and stakeholders of the newest commercial development in the city of Legazpi and in the province of Albay are in the upbeat mood.
This is part two of the photo recap of the Penafrancia fluvial procession last Saturday. This is a photo-study of how people waited for the procession and the fluvial event in back yards, alleys, and every available space one can occupy to gaze at the passing venerated images of the Divino Rostro and the Virgin of Peñafrancia.
The exciting 4-stage cycling event dubbed as the Le Tour de Filipinas in Luzon kicks off next month. Now on its 7th year, the four-day sporting competition starts on the 18th from Antipolo City and ends in Legazpi city. Stage One of the race will test 75 cyclists negotiating a […]
ILOILO CITY, March 12 — Antique guv “cries” for slice of tourism pie, well not literally. The province of Antique appeals to the Department of Tourism (DOT) for a chance to show-off its natural and man-made tourism attractions which remained in oblivion. “Kami naman,” said newly installed Antique Governor Rhodora […]
The country recorded 4.39 million foreign visitors from January to October of 2015, a significant increase which is up 11.3 percent from 3.96 million a year ago. The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) said the country would likely meet the year-end target of 5.2 million international visitor arrivals. Do you […]
[flexiblemap title=”Boracay Island” address=”Boracay, Malay, Aklan” region=”Western Visayas, Philippines” directions=”true” width=”100%” height=”250px” zoom=”12″] . The mandatory manifesto listing for boat passengers in Boracay was seen as the primary cause of long queues in the island. Prompted by the problem, the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force has ordered the management of Aklan […]
Quite worth noting is the current claim of activist group Pamalakaya which specifically zeroed in on the government’s thrust into tourism development projects not only in Bicol but the rest of the country. Pamalakaya (National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines) is an alliance of activist fisherfolk groups […]
PILI, Camarines Sur — After two years absence, the Kaogma (Happy) Festival of this province reopened Saturday, May 24th, in the capitol complex to a fiesta theme complete with free rides, rock-band concerts, pageants, boxing and variety shows with television and movie stars. An excited Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte, announced […]
The Philippines was included in the Zika virus-related travel advisory by the United States. The U.S. government on Thursday issued the advisory, recommending pregnant women to consider postponing non-essential travel to identified countries in the region. Ten other countries majority in the Southeast Asian region are also in the list, […]
We focus our attention on the volunteer devotees, the people that paddles manually the boats all stringed together pulling the “vancuerna” or “pagoda” or the barge that carries about one hundred fifty people including the images of the Virgin of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 25 — Almost there. Everything is ready for the holding of the first local bird festival to be hosted by the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) on Friday, February 27, here. State college president Dr. Milabel Nazario made this announcement Tuesday, citing the […]
I am back, yet again, after a long hibernation of sorts. I fixed some personal issues, settled what should have been done before and still in the process of accepting and facing some other health circumstances that is part of life. And then I completely pushed aside into the backburner […]
Seriously, Naga City-Camarines Sur needs an all-weather airport. Domestic airline passengers get a doze of frustration each time flights destined from Manila to Naga city and return get axed due to cancellation. But it makes more ironic when the cancellation was not caused by aircraft mechanical trouble but by sunset […]
Dumaguete City — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) has filed a formal complaint against a Canadian national and his Filipina wife for allegedly bringing in a live bullet inside their baggage at the Dumaguete airport on their way to Cebu last week. Local AVSECOM head Police […]
Tourism industry in the Bicol region leaped a considerable improvement beginning last year when it ranked fourth overall compared to other regions of the country.
LEGAZPI CITY -– The regional office for Bicol of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) based here is discouraging the development of resorts in Camarines Norte’s Calaguas Islands to preserve its serenity, natural beauty and exotic ecosystem. Gilbert Gonzales, DENR regional executive director, on Thursday warned resort developers […]