Peñafrancia Festival 2014

Every September, the Peñafrancia Festival is being celebrated in Naga City, Camarines Sur. So here's the schedule for the 2014 Peñafrancia Festival.

Major Events Schedule

September 11, 2014

7pm - Miss Bicolandia 2014

Venue: Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum

September 11-21, 2014

All day - Bishop Gainza Trade Fair

Venue: Elias Angeles Street. In front of Veterans Bank

September 13, 2014

7am - Regional Band-Majorette-Fancy Drill Competition

Venue: Plaza Quezon

8am - Marian Youth Congress

Venue: Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum

September 14, 2014

5am - 4th Naga City Highland Triathlon

Venue: Metro Naga Sports Complex

3pm - 2nd Regional Cheer and Dance Competition

Venue: Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum

September 17, 2014

7am - Regional BSP-GSP Parade and DXM Competition

September 17-21, 2014

All day - Bicol Travel and Food Expo

Venue: Avenue Hotel Parking Area (Avenue Tent)

September 18, 2014

7am - Civic Parade and Float Competition

Venue: Plaza Quezon

3pm - Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival 2014

Venue: Plaza Quezon

September 19, 2014

6am - Aldaw nin Katalingkasan sa Espanya

Venue: Plaza de Nueva Caceres

7am - Regional Military Parade

Venue: Plaza Quezon

September 20, 2014

6am - Regatta sa Salog

Venue: Reina del Bicol Landing (Dahogan ni Ina)

12pm - Fluvial Procession

Venue: Reina del Bicol Landing (Dahogan ni Ina)

September 21, 2014

All day - Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

September 22, 2014

5pm - 2nd Peñafrancia Short Film Festival Awards Night

Venue: Universidad de Sta. Isabel Auditorium

Source: Naga Smiles to the World Facebook page

Tres Marias aka Calabanig aka Poro in Libmanan, Camarines Sur

Travel! Ahhhhhhhh! There was a long weekend a few weeks ago and every time there’s a long weekend, I always make sure to grab the opportunity to travel somewhere. So where was my destination last undas? Well, sa malapit na lugar lang naman. For the past months, most of my travels are within Bicol Region only. Madalas nga sa CamSur na lang ako naglalakwatsa.  Right now, I don’t have the luxury of time to go to places outside of the Bicol Region, kasi medjo madami dami din ang aking mga pinagkakaablahan sa buhay, mga bagay na pwedeng pagkakitaan.hehehe!

The view of the 3 islands

Anyway, so one fine morning a few weeks ago, me and my friends travelled to Libmanan to explore the 3 islands located in Ragay Gulf. The place in Libmanan that we’ve visited have several names. The locals called it as Tres Marias, Calabanig and Poro. They call it as Tres Marias because of the three islands located there. They also called it as Poro because it is at the northeastern tip of Camarines Sur province and it is one of the most far-plunged places in Libmanan town. I’ve been wanting to visit the place but due to time constraints and weather and financial constraints na din, hindi ko agad sya mapuntahan.

the river flowing to the sea

Last month, me and one of my friends attempted to visit the place but since there was a typhoon in the northern part of the Philippines, the sea was kinda rough so we weren’t able to proceed to the island. However, last long weekend after undas, since there was a beautiful weather, we were then able to visit the islands. It was a Saturday morning and our day started out so early. Medjo malayo kasi ang bahay ko sa place so I woke up early in the morning, which is at around 5am. Nagmeet kami ng friend ko sa van terminal sa Iriga City and then we boarded a van bound for Naga City. We arrived at Naga City at around 7:30am and then we waited for my 2 other friends who would join us in the adventure. My 2 other friends arrived at around 8am and then we proceeded to the jeepney terminal near the LCC Mall in Barangay Sabang, Naga City. We boarded a jeepney bound for Sipocot. We arrived at Sipocot town at 10am and then we decided to take an early lunch kasi wala kaming dalang mga lutuan. Ang dala dala ko lang ay dalawang tent for our accommodation. Kung pwede nga lang na kumain na din kami ng dinner and breakfast ay gagawin na namin para isahan na lang ang pagkain.hahaha!

ang bangka

Anyway, after we had our lunch, we then bought some bread para maging breakfast namin kinabukasan. After buying bread, we proceeded to the jeepney terminal bound for Barangay Caima. When we arrived at the terminal, the jeepney only had just about 5 passengers and it would take an hour bago mapuno ang jeep kasi konti ang pasahero during weekend. So we decided to look for a habal habal or motorcycle na pwede namin marent going to Caima. We were able to negotiate for 350 pesos for 2 motorcycles and that’s for one way trip only. The usual rate is 100 per person and since we were four, and the motorcycle can only accommodate up to two persons, we then hired two motorcycle. Nakadiscount din ng 50 pesos at okay na din yun na natipid namin na 50 pesos kasi pwede na din yun pambili ng alak at yelo.hahaha!

So we rode the motorcycle and travelled to Caima. It was a one hour ride. Some portions of the road are paved and some are not, and some are, well, you won’t even consider it as roads but you’d rather call it as a trail. May part nga na wala talagang road at sa palayan kami dumaan. Sobra kasing sira sira yung daan especially those part na nasa malapit na ng Caima. After we arrived at Caima, we looked for a boat and just our luck, wala kaming mahanap na marerentahan na bangka. There were boats docked at the small port but the captains or boat operators are nowhere to be found. According to the locals, karamihan daw kasi ng mga may-ari ng bangka ay nagaani sa palayan nuong araw na yun. And the locals also told us that the boat owners will come back later in the afternoon. At dahil wala naman kaming magagawa dahil walang bangka, we just decided to wait until someone or any boat operators returns from the rice harvest. Kaya ayun, we waited and waited and waited and waited. At para naman hindi kami mabored while waiting, we bought a few ice, a brandy and a soft drinks at naginuman na lang kami sa may malapit na tindahan. Nagmukha nga kaming mga tambay sa kanto na tanghaling tapat ay nagiinuman lang malapit sa waiting shed. Some locals were even amused when they saw us drinking and they were somewhat curious kung sino kami. Some asked us a few questions and nakipagkwentuhan din.

One weird thing about the Barangay Caima is that the people in the barangay speaks tagalog. Even though they are still in Camarines Sur province, most of the people there came from Quezon province and Batangas and that’s the reason they really don’t speak the Bikol language. As far as I know, it is the only barangay in Camarines Sur where the people speaks tagalog instead of Bikol language. By the way, the barangay is just a mere 3 hours boat ride going to the nearby Bondoc Peninsula of the Quezon Province.

the first island

So going back to my story tungkol sa inuman at sa paghihintay namin ng mga boat operator na bumalik galing sa pagaani ng palay, we waited for at least 3 hours before someone arrived and decided to let us rent his boat for an island hopping trip. We rented the boat for a price of 1,350 pesos and it was kinda expensive but we have no other choice. There are no other boats that we could rent. So ayun na, we then boarded the boat and the boat slowly snaked through the river going out to the sea. We travelled for about 45 minutes before we reached the first island. Actually, magkakalapit lang naman ang tatlong isla. On the first island, there were 3 cast away cats who greeted us. Iniwan ata sila ng amo nila. Kawawa nga sila and I don’t know kung paano sila nakakasurvive sa isla. Maybe they know how to catch fish and birds and other animals, but they looked domesticated pa naman.hehehe! We just strolled in the island for a few minutes and then after that we then proceeded to the third island. Yung second island is a rocky island or it’s rather a rock formation lang na sumulpot sa dagat so we didn’t bother na lumapit pa sa isla. From the first island, mga 5 minutes lang ang distance going to the second island and just about 10 minutes going to the third island.

three castaway cats welcoming us in the first island

One of the three island-dwelling cats

The two large islands doesn’t have a fine white sand beaches but what they have is a coral beach. Mga nawashed out na mga dead corals and meron din pala na few pockets of light brown coarse sand. The two islands were big islands but there are no resorts, a community, a caretaker or a source of fresh water. The islands don’t even have its own name. They just call the three islands as Calabanig or Tres Marias. We stayed at the third island because it has a much longer stretch of coral beach. We weren’t able to enjoy the underwater sceneries or kahit nga lumangoy ng malayo-layo because there were a lot of sea urchins. Ayaw namin umuwi ng mainland na may mga nakatusok sa paa.hahaha! So after we pitched our tents, we decided to swim for a few minutes. Dun lang kami nagswim sa mababaw na walang sea urchin at wala din ngang mga corals. The coral reef is a bit farther from the beach. Kailangan mo munang daanan ang makapal at kumpol kumpol na sea urchin bago ka makapunta sa coral garden. Its too bad we weren’t able to enjoy the magnificent underwater world. Nakita lang namin ang coral garden when we were in the boat.

the second island

the second and the third island

the third island. it is an unnamed island

So after namin magswim, kumain na din kami ng dinner and then nagkwentuhan and we also waited for the moon rise. Ang ganda ng moon rise kasi maganda din ang panahon. We enjoyed the stars and the moon and madami dami din ang nakita kong mga shooting stars kaso I wasn’t able to make even a single wish. Badtrip! Nagugulat at naeexcite kasi ako kapag nakikita ko ang shooting stars kaya ayun, by the time na magwiwish na ko wala na ang shooting stars.hahaha! I slept at around 3am dahil sa sobrang pagstar watching ko at pakikipagkwentuhan sa friend ko.

The next day, I woke up at past 7am already. Hindi na nga ako naligo sa dagat during the morning. Kumain na lang ako ng tinapay for breakfast. By the way, since there were no source of fresh water in the island, hindi na rin kami nakapagbanlaw after namin magswim nuong gabi. Actually natuyo na lang ang damit ko dahil sa hangin. Nakaipon ako ng asin sa balat.hahaha!

third island. an unnamed island

third island. an unnamed island

After we had our breakfast, iniligpit na din namin ang mga tent and then we rode the boat going to Barangay Tagbak, Ragay town. We weren’t able to go back to Caima because it was low tide and the boat could not maneuver and docked at the small port in that barangay. The trip from Tres Marias to Tagbak is 45 minutes. Actually, we should have rented a boat in Tagbak instead of Caima kaso hindi ko pa alam nuon yung Tagbak that’s why sa Caima kami pumunta. According to some locals, there are 3 ways to go to Tres Marias. One is via Barangay Bahao, Libmanan which is about 2.5 hours jeepney ride from Naga City but it is just a 15 minutes boat ride to Tres Marias from Bahao. The other option is via Barangay Caima, which is 2 hours ride from Naga City plus 45 minutes boat ride to Tres Marias. The other option is via Barangay Tagbak of Ragay town, which is 2 hours ride from Naga City and then another 45 minutes boat ride from Tagbak Port to Tres Marias. I think the route via Tagbak is much better since there are a lot of boats there which you could rent for an island hopping trip to Tres Marias.

Anyway, after a 45 minutes boat ride, we arrived at Tagbak port and then boarded a tricycle going to the Quirino Highway. It was a 30 minutes ride and we paid the driver 100 pesos for the trip. And then at the Quirino Highway, we then rode a bus bound for Legazpi City and after 1.5 hours, we arrived at Naga City. Me and my friends then transferred to another bus bound for Iriga City and after an hour and a half ride, we finally arrived at Iriga City.

third island. an unnamed island

So far medjo nakakapagod din yung trip na yun at madami din mga kapalpakan. But isn’t it more fun and exciting kung may mga unexpected things na nangyayari sa pagtravel, right? Para sa akin mas enjoy yung travel na you’re enjoying the journey to your destination and at the same time you also enjoyed staying at the destination. Enjoy yung travel na sa pagpunta palang sa destination nyo ay nagienjoy ka na tapos pagdating mo sa pupuntahan nyong lugar ay magienjoy ka pa. And the best thing about that travel was that the friends na kasama ko sa travel na yun ay mga klase ng tao na mga masayahin at marunong harapin ang mga hamon sa pagtravel, mga taong marunong mag-adapt sa ibat ibang situation. Sila din ang klase ng mga taong masayang kakwentuhan at travel companion. So hanggang sa muli. I think this blog entry is kinda long and I’m pretty sure you’re kinda sleepy now after reaching this part of the story. Sooooooooooo, hey!!! Wake up!!! Hahahaha! That’s it pusit!

The Cave-like formations in Enkanto Falls. Libmanan, Camarines Sur

If you’re a clastrophopic person but you still want to experience spelunking less the walls and the roof of a cave, then exploring the Enkanto Falls is the nearest experience to spelunking. Enkanto Falls is a multi-tiered waterfalls located in Barangay Bikal, Libmanan town.

enkanto falls

A few weeks ago, my friend and I explored the beauty of Enkanto Falls. I’ve heard about this waterfalls from one of my friends and the name itself have intrigued me. Kakaiba kasi ang pangalan ng waterfalls, parang weird at may something extraordinary. The word “enkanto” means enchanted or pwedeng ang ibig sabihin nito ay may mga kakaibang kakabalaghan.

Our trip to Enkanto Falls started in Naga City. I woke up early in the morning to go to Naga City. Upon arriving at the Naga City Bus Terminal, my friend and I proceeded to the Van Terminal, however, there is still no van bound for Sipocot or Ragay town. We then proceeded to the jeep terminal near the LCC Mall to catch a jeep bound for Ragay. Even though the waterfalls is located in the town of Libmanan, specifically in Barangay Bikal, we need to ride a jeepney bound for Ragay town or Sipocot town because if we ride the jeepney bound for Libmanan, it will not pass Barangay Bikal.

So after 1 hour of jeepney ride, we finally arrived at Barangay Bikal. We paid 35 pesos for the 1 hour trip. We were dropped off at the barangay chapel of Bikal, however, when we asked a local where the Enkanto Falls is, we were informed that we were a bit far from the jump off point going to the waterfalls. We walked for about 15 minutes to the jump off point going to the waterfalls. If you’re coming from Naga City, the jump off point to the waterfalls is right after the bridge, which is after you pass the barangay chapel. There is no signboard going to the waterfalls and all you need to do is asked the locals. The waterfalls is just about a 15 to 20 minutes walk from the highway. You’ll be passing some farmland and some houses.

a fresh water crab

We reached the waterfalls after a 15 to 20 minutes walk. I was somewhat disappointed upon seeing the waterfalls. Sobrang konti kasi yung tubig na dumadaloy sa falls and I was expecting na medjo malakas ang agos ng tubig because it rained so hard the night before we went to the waterfalls. Medjo maputik nga din yung dinaanan namin. However, medjo swerte din pala kami na hindi masyadong maagos ang tubig sa falls because we were able to explore the several waterfalls in Enkanto. The Enkanto Falls is a multi-tiered falls. From the main falls, you can hike at the side of falls and you can go to the several tiers. I think we were able to visit 4 tiers of the falls. The hike going to the other waterfalls is like spelunking a cave without a roof and a wall. The waterfalls has a cave-like formations and I guess this is due to the fact that the waterfalls is near the Kulapnitan Cave. Hindi ko lang sure kung may connection nga talaga ang pagiging malapit ng waterfalls sa cave kaya nagkaroon din ng parang mga cave formations ang waterfalls.hehehe!

Anyway, after exploring the waterfalls for more than an hour, my friend and I decided to go to the 3 islands in Libmanan, which is called as Tres Marias. We rode a jeepney to Sipocot town, which is just a 15 minutes ride and we paid 10 pesos for that. And then from Sipocot we rented a motorcycle to Barangay Caima in Libmanan and this is the jump off point to Tres Marias. There is a jeepney plying the route Sipocot to Caima but we chose to rent a motorcycle para mas mabilis kami makarating sa Caima. It was about an hour ride going to Caima. We reached the farthest passable road in Caima at kailangan pa namin maglakad going to the beach to rent a boat. Yung binabaan namin ay 15 minutes walk pa ang layo sa dagat kasi masyado ng maputik yung kalsada at hindi na pwedeng madaanan ng motorsiklo.

a wood mushroom, i think.

We were greeted by some locals in Barangay Caima and we were even invited to eat kasi may birthday party nung araw na yun dun sa bahay na malapit sa binabaan namin. We were somewhat disappointed when the barangay officials at the birthday party informed us that hindi daw kami makakapunta ng isla kasi maalon. We still informed them that we want to go but they discouraged us since it would be so risky travelling the sea with huge waves. And we also found out na may bagyo din pala nun somewhere in the northeastern part of the Philippines. Ang pagkakamali namin is we didn’t bother to check the weather report before going to Libmanan. So dahil hindi na kami makakapunta sa isla, kumain na lang kami dun sa birthday party. Even though we were just strangers in the area, we were welcomed as a friend and as a part of the community. So parang pumunta lang kami ng Caima at bumyahe ng 1 hour para lang makikain sa birthday party.hahaha! We met some of the other former barangay officials in Caima at nakipagkwentuhan na din. They informed us na bumalik na lang kami kung wala ng bagyo para hindi maalon and we should go there early in the morning para daw calm ang dagat. We then gave thanks sa mga nakausap namin na mga barangay officials and we then travelled back to Sipocot. From Sipocot, we then rode a train back to Naga City.

Our trip to Libmanan was an exciting adventure. I am sure that I’m going back to Caima and visit the Tres Marias islands. Libmanan may not be a known tourist destination in Camarines Sur province but the town has a lot of things to offer.  The town has a beautiful river, waterfalls, caves, islands and hot spring. Going to Libmanan town’s beautiful destinations maybe a little bit of a challenge but if you’re that kind of a traveller who loves adventure and off the beaten track destinations, then I would suggest that you visit Libmanan town in Camarines Sur. That’s it pusit! ‘til the next story!!

Naga City Peñafrancia Festival 2012 Schedule

Here's the 2012 Peñafrancia Festival Schedule. I'm sure this would be helpful for those of you who are planning to go to Naga City for the Peñafrancia Festival.


Peñafrancia Festival Highlights
SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
7PM - MISS BICOLANDIA PAGEANTNIGHT 2012
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 (FRIDAY)
3PM - TRASLACIONProcession
Venue: fromPenafrancia Shrineto Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
6AM - RegionalDXLM/BSP/GSP Marching Competition
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City GovernmentandDepEd

SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 (THURSDAY)
7AM - CIVIC Paradeand Float Competition
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government
2PM - VOYADORES Festival
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 (FRIDAY)
6AM - Regional MILITARY Street Parade Competition
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 (SATURDAY)
2PM - GRANDFLUVIAL Procession
Venue:Naga River
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

Detailed Schedule:
SEPTEMBER 1-2, 2012 | 2PM
1stJCINaga Funshoot
Venue: CIDG Firing Range
Sponsor:Junior Chamber International-Naga

SEPTEMBER 1, 2012 (SATURDAY)
2PM - 8th Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament (CrossOver)
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government
3PM - Little Miss Bicolandia Talent Competition
Venue: LCC Activity Center
Sponsor:c/o Jose Mariano
9PM - Perdon Penitential Procession (Divino Rostro)
Venue: Penafrancia Parish tomajorstreets
Sponsor:c/o Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 (SUNDAY)
2PM - Little Miss Philippines-Bicolandia Talent Competition
Venue: LCC Activity Center
Sponsor: Ginoong Bicolandia Foundation
5AM - 2ndNaga City Highland Triathlon
Venue: MetroNaga Sports Complex
Sponsor:Naga City SportsOffice
6PM - 43rd Miss Gay Bicolandia
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:c/o Junn Roa

SEPTEMBER 3-6, 2012
10AM - Imaheramun Photo Exhibit
Venue: SM CityNaga
Sponsor: Twin Pears Advertising

SEPTEMBER 3, 2012 (MONDAY)
6PM - 22nd Little Miss Bicolandia
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:c/o Jose Mariano
9PM - Perdon Penitential Procession (Divino Rostro)
Venue: Penafrancia Parish tomajorstreets
Sponsor:c/o Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 (TUESDAY)
10AM - CharityDay of Miss Bicolandia Candidates
Venue: LCC Activity Center
Sponsor:Naga City Government
6PM - Little Miss Philippines – Bicolandia
Venue; PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: Ginoong Bikolandia Foundation
9PM - 20th Ginoong Bicolandia
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: Ginoong Bikolandia Foundation

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
3PM - Pretty Boy Bikolandia Talent Competition
Venue: LCC Activity Center
Sponsor:c/o Jerry Perez
7PM - MISS BICOLANDIA PAGEANTNIGHT 2012
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government
SEPTEMBER 6-16, 2012
10AM - Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair
Venue: Along Elias Angeles St.
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 6 2012 (THURSDAY)
6PM - 20th Pretty Boy Bicolandia
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: Cher-Ami International
9PM - Peñafrancia RegionalDance Showdown
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: Cher-Ami International

SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 (FRIDAY)
FEASTOF THEDIVINOROSTRO
4AM - Penitential Procession of theImage of INA
Venue: Basilica Minoreto Peñafrancia Parish Church
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
5:30AM - Pontifical Mass, Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi,OPDD
Venue: Peñafrancia Parish Church
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
6:30AM - Community Mass
Venue: Peñafrancia Parish Church
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
8AM - Pontifical Mass, Bishop Gilbert Garcera
Venue: Peñafrancia Parish Church
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
12NN- Start of Traslacion Procession of delegatesfromschools,
institutionsand organizations
Venue: Majorstreets
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
1-5PM - Holy Mass
Venue: MetropolitanNaga Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
2PM - Community Mass
Venue: Plaza de Covarruvias, Peñafrancia Parish
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
3PM - TRASLACIONProcession
Venue: fromPenafrancia Shrineto Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
5PM - Pontifical Mass, Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi,OPDD
Venue:Quadricentennial Arch,Naga Metropolitan Catheral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
7PM - Holy Mass
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Catheral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 8 – 9, 2012
8AM - 1stNaga City Mayor’s Cup BadmintonOpen (ABC 7)
Venue:Naga City Gymnasium
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 8 – 14, 2012
5PM - SolemnNovena Massesin honor ofOur Lady of Peñafrancia
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
8PM - Marian Procession (for September 8, Marian YOUTH
Procession)&Healing Prayer with Manto
Venue: Cathedral Grounds
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 8 – 15, 2012
4AM - Bikol Masses
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
5AM - BicolNovenatoOur Lady of Penafrancia
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
5:15AM - Bicol Masses
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
3-7PM - Confessions
Venue: Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Arches
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 8, 2012 (SATURDAY)
2AM - Peñafrancia Marathon
Venue: Majorstreets
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
7AM - Marian Youth Congress
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
8AM -Dog Paradeand Fashion Show
Venue: STI Gymnasium(CBDII)
Sponsor:Naga City VeterinaryOfficeandDept. of Agriculture R5
5PM - Marian Youth Congress Parade
Venue:Naga City ColiseumtoNaga City Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
7PM - Kapamilya Caravan
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: ABS-CBN

SEPTEMBER 9– 14, 2012
7PM - Marian Band Concerts
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral Grounds
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 (SUNDAY)
3PM - That’s My Boy Bicolandia/That’s My BoyNaga City
Venue: LCC Activity Center
Sponsor: Ysabella Productions
6PM - Saludo Concert with KC Concepcion
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor: HEROFoundation, Inc.

SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2012
10PM - Perdon Processions
Venue: Majorstreets
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 (MONDAY)
6PM -Nagueñong Bidang-Bida Rap Contest Finals
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2012
WPPP Goesto Penafrancia 2012 (Seminar-Workshop)
Sponsor:Wedding and Portrait Photographers of the
Philippines

SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 (TUESDAY)
6AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese of Virac,
Bishop Manolo delos Santos
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
8AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese of Libmanan,
Bishop Jose R. Rojas
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
2PM - 8th Inter-Collegiate Basketball
Tournament (CrossOver)
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
6AM - RegionalDXLM/BSP/GSP Marching Competition
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City GovernmentandDepEd
6AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese ofDaet,
Bishop Gilbert Garcera
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 13 – 15, 2012
3AM -Dawn Penitential Procession of INA and
Divino Rostro
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to Majorstreets
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 (THURSDAY)
6AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese of Sorsogon,
Bishop Arturo Bastes
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
7AM - CIVIC Paradeand Float Competition
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government
2PM - VOYADORES Festival
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government
6PM -Union of Bicol Clergy,
Bishop Jose Bantolo
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
7PM - RMN-DWNX Concert
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor: RMN-DWNX

SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2012
6AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese of Masbate, Bishop Jose Bantolo
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 (FRIDAY)
6AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese of Masbate, Bishop Jose Bantolo
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
6AM - Regional MILITARY Street Parade Competition
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor:Naga City Government
Assisted by: The Bicol Federation of Activeand Reserve PMT
Commandants&Instructor’s League, Inc., the FraternalOrder of Eagles
&Bicolnon Eagles Association, Inc.
6AM - Pontifical Mass, MilitaryOrdinariate,
Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
2PM - 8th Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament (Finals – Game 1)
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government
6PM - 2012 Penafrancia Fiesta Pa-Raffle parasa Masa
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: Bicolnon Eagles, FraternalOrder of Eagles&BFARCIL
7PM - 24th BicolDance Showdown
Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: RMN-DWNX
9PM - Vigilia de Espigas(Prayer Vigil)
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Sponsor: AdoracionNocturna Filipina
9PM - LCC Midnight Sale
Venue: LCC Mall
Sponsor: LCC Mall

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 (SATURDAY)
6AM - Pontifical Mass, Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi,OPDD
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Catheral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
6AM - 26th Regatta Championships
Venue: Penafrancia Landing Arch (Danlugan)
Sponsor: Ginebra San Miguel

SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 (SUNDAY)
SOLEMNITYOFOUR LADYOF PEÑAFRANCIA
6:30AM - Pontifical Mass, Bishop LuciloQuiambao
Venue: Basilica Minore
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
8AM - Pontifical Mass, Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi,OPDD
Venue: Basilica Minore
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
9:30AM - Pontifical Mass, Bishop Jose Bantolo
Venue: Basilica Minore
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
11AM - Pontifical Mass, Bishop Jose Sorra
Venue: Basilica Minore
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
3PM - GMA Kapuso Fiesta Mall Show
Venue: SM City –Naga
Sponsor: GMA 7
6PM - Pontifical Mass, Bishop Manolo delos Santos
Venue: Basilica Minore
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres

SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 (MONDAY)
2PM - 8th Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament (Finals-Game 2)
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 (SATURDAY)
2NDPenafrancia Tatto Arts Festival
Sponsor:Whuatt?! Productions
2PM - 8th Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament (Finals-Game 3)
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor:Naga City Government
10AM - Pontifical Mass,Diocese of Legazpi, Bishop Joel Baylon
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Catheral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
12NN- Ringing of Bells
Venue:Naga Metropolitan Catheral
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
2PM - GRANDFLUVIAL Procession
Venue:Naga River
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
4-6PM - Confessions
Venue: Basilica Minore Grounds
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
6:30PM - Pontifical Mass, Archbishop Luis“Chito” Tagle
Venue: Basilica Minore Grounds
Sponsor: Archdiocese of Caceres
7PM - Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM
sa Peñafrancia| Venue: PlazaQuezon
Sponsor: Bombo Radyo Philippines
7PM - KapusoNight
Venue:Naga City Coliseum
Sponsor: GMA-7

Source: http://naga.gov.ph/news/penafrancia-2012-schedule/

Magarao. The Hilot Capital of Camarines Sur.

In the province of Camarines Sur, whenever you mentioned the place Magarao to Camarines Sur residents, the first thing that pops into their mind is the word “hilot”. The town of Magarao is famously known for having the best manghihilot in the province. Whether you’re experiencing a sore muscle, a twisted tendons or a tired body, the town’s manghihilots can cure them. They have mastered the art of healing through hilot. The skills of manghihilot were pass down from generation to generation. People flock to this small town para magpahilot ng mga katawan nila, ng mga bali sa katawan, mga nananakit na katawan at iba pa.

Magarao Church

Magarao town hall

the town park

I visited the town of Magarao a few days ago, but not to try their hilot but to check the other things that this town has to offer. Magarao is located just a few kilometers from Naga City and it is just a 15 to 20 minutes jeepney ride. When I arrived at the town, I roamed around its town center and took some pictures of its church, plaza and its town hall. Nagtanong tanong din ako sa mga locals kung ano pa ang mga bagay na maipagmamalaki ng Magarao but, as I expected, hilot lang talaga ang ipinagmamalaki nila. I then asked some information sa Munisipyo pero same answer din ang nakuha ko. I then proceeded to their hilot center para alamin din ang rates ng hilot service nila. I was tempted to try their hilot because it was cheap but I still have several towns to visit on that day kaya hindi na ako pumasok sa center nila. So after I took some pictures of their hilot center, I then rode a jeepney and pumunta na ako sa next town on my list to visit sa araw na iyon. 

the hilot center or the wellness center

The Leaning Bell Tower of Bombon, Camarines Sur

Whenever I go to those towns north of Naga City, I always pass by on this town called Bombon and always passing its famous Bell Tower. So one fine day, noong mga panahon na wala akong magawa, I travelled to several towns in Camarines Sur at inalam ko kung anong mga tourist destination meron ang ibang munisipyo. After I visited the town of Magarao, I then proceeded to Bombon.  The town of Bombon is just a small town located just a few kilometers from Naga City. It is just a mere 20 to 30 minutes jeepney ride from Naga City.

Municipal Hall of Bombon

Bombon Church and its famous Leaning Bell Tower

Bumaba ako sa jeepney ng malapit ng dumating sa simbahan ng Bombon. I proceeded to the church and took some pictures of its famous Leaning Bell Tower. Hindi naman sya masyadong naglilean talaga na kagaya ng Leaning Tower of Pisa pero mukhang leaning naman ang Bell Tower ng Bombon.hehehe! So after taking some pictures, I then proceeded to its town hall to ask for information kung ano pa ba ang pwedeng mapuntahan na tourist attraction sa Bombon and the town hall employee informed me na wala naman talaga masyadong tourist spot sa Bombon. She also informed me about Casa Ofelia resort, which is a little bit far from the town center, kaya hindi ko na rin pinuntahan. Kaya ayun, after taking some pictures of its town hall and knowing that there’s no other tourist destination to visit in Bombon or near the town center, I then decided to go to the next neighboring town, which is the town of Calabanga.  Nauna na yung blog entry ko tungkol sa Calabanga kaya basahin nyo na lang ulet, sinulat ko yung kwento tungkol sa Calabanga about a few weeks ago.hehehe!

Earth Day 2012 in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

Yesterday, while I was making my blog entry for Calabanga, I suddenly stumbled upon on these group of pictures that was taken by me a few months ago.  I was organizing the photos in my folder and I saw the Earth Day event pictures and I wondered whether or not I already did a blog entry about that event and only to find out that I haven’t uploaded and did a story about the said Earth Day 2012 event.

Barangay Cagsao, Calabanga

Anyway, the pictures show the mangrove tree planting activity that was conducted last April during the Earth Day 2012 celebration. The tree planting activity was conducted in Barangay Cagsao, Municipality of Calabanga in Camarines Sur. The activity was sponsored by an NGO which was also participated by different community and school organization. Weeks before the said activity, a friend of mine invited me to join her organization for the tree planting activity. I always want to join activities that benefits the environment so when my friend invited me, I didn’t hesitated to say yes.

The mangrove reforestation site in Calabanga

the volunteers in action

The mangrove plantation in Barangay Cagsao, Calabanga is probably the largest mangrove plantation site in the province. The barangay has been managing the mangrove site for several years now and most of the mangroves that have been planted a few years ago are now about a few meters in height. The mangrove has a lot of benefits to the community. The mangroves help to prevent coastal erosion by stabilizing soil and sediment and it also helps in protecting the coastal community from the waves during storm surge. The mangroves also serves as a spawning ground for many marine animals and this could mean, the community will benefit from the increase numbers of fishes near the mangrove ecosystem.

During the Earth Day event, hundreds of people planted more than a thousand propagules or mangrove seedlings. I know a few years from now, those mangroves that we’ve planted will soon became the home for thousands of marine creatures and this will not only benefit the community in Barangay Cagsao but it will also benefit everyone of us.

Wandering in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

It’s been more than a month since the last time I travelled to a place far from home, so yesterday, I got out of our house and ventured out for a town hopping. I really don’t have a plan for that day. All I really wanted was to travel somewhere or away from the four corners of our house. So after I ate my brunch, I took a bath, nagbihis at nagprepare na ng gamit para magdaytour sa kung saan man na lugar. I thought of going somewhere in Albay but I don’t know where, and I felt a little bit lazy to research for a destination so I just then headed to Naga City and then from Naga City I decided to town hopped to the nearby town. I visited a total of 3 towns yesterday but I’ll just focus my story on the town of Calabanga.

Barangay Cagsao

The town of Calabanga is a big town located north of Naga City. It is about a 30 minute jeepney ride from Naga City Northbound Terminal. Calabanga has a lot to offer for visiting tourist. There are a lot of things to do in this beautiful town.  There are several resorts in the area and there are also several beaches. The town doesn’t boast a white sand beach but there are really some nice beaches in Calabanga.

Every year, during the Holy Week, hundreds of thousands of people flocks to Calabanga to visit the miraculous Amang Hinulid. Devotees walk for several kilometers to show their devotion and then kiss the image of Christ. Amang Hinulid is an image of the Lord Jesus in repose in his tomb. Last year, an estimated of half a million devotees visited Amang Hinulid.

Calabanga is located near the mouth of Bicol River so there’s an abundance of fish supply in the area. One of the famous products in Calabanga is “abo”. It is a kind of dried fish that is commonly sold in Calabanga and nearby municipalities. There are also old churches in Calabanga. Being one of the earliest settlements in Bicol, Calabanga is full of history.

Quipayo Church

Quipayo Church

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Church or Calabanga Church

Another destination in Calabanga is The Village @ San Bernardino located at Barangay San Bernardino, Calabanga. This resort is also called as LRV Agri-Science Farm. It is a resort with an organic farm. You can go to the resort and pick and buy fresh vegetables and you can even catch a fish at their fishing lagoon.  The resort also offers big rooms and cottages for an overnight stay and they also have a big function hall for different events.

Municipal Hall of Calabanga

One of the cottages at  The Village @ San Bernardino

The Village @ San Bernardino

The Village @ San Bernardino

The Village @ San Bernardino

I only stayed for several hours in Calabanga. I’ve been to this place for so many times since my college years but it was only yesterday that I had that moment to capture a lot of photos of this beautiful town called Calabanga. It was almost about late in the afternoon when I decided to go back to Naga City. Ayoko kasi magpagabi baka maubusan na ng byahe pabalik ng Naga City. I wasn’t been able to visit the other resorts in town but I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to visit them someday. In order for you to get to Calabanga, from Naga City Bus Terminal, ride a tricycle to Naga Northbound Terminal. The travel time is 10 minutes. And then from Northbound Terminal, ride a jeepney bound for Calabanga. The travel time is 30 minutes. Fare is 20 to 25 pesos. So that’s for now! Kagaya nga ng laging sinasabi ng mga Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, COWABUNGA Dudes!!!!!  Sounds like Calabanga Dudes!!!! Hehehehe!

Affordable Food Destinations in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

So you’re in Naga City for a vacation, and you’re on a tight budget, or maybe you just want to make a food trip, and you’re looking for an affordable place to eat in Naga City, and you’ve search Google for information regarding Naga City, and you’ve landed on my website, THEN, good for you because I just have the information that can sort of help you. Pero kung ayaw mo sa webpage na to eh di ano…eh… please....’wag mong iclose…basahin mo naman muna oh! Hehehe! Nagmakaawa talaga..hehehe!

Anyway, I have listed here several locations in Naga City where you can find affordable restaurants, karinderia, turo-turo and famous streets for affordable foods in Naga City.

1. Naga Garden Restaurant

This restaurant is located at Panganiban Drive, near Plaza Rizal. The restaurant is famous for toasted siopao and the yummy lomi. They also serve some bicolano dishes at an affordable price.

Naga Garden Restaurant

2. Mama Eñga Restaurant

If you’re looking for authentic bicolano dishes, then go to this restaurant located at Peñafrancia Avenue, in front of Emily Theater. The restaurant is just a small restaurant near the famous The Park restaurant of Crown Hotel. Mama Eñga serves affordable and delicious bicolano dishes such as pinangat, laing and bicol express.

Mama Eñga

3. Geewan Restaurant

Now, if you want a little bit of classy but affordable restaurant offering bicolano dishes, then proceed to Geewan Restaurant located at P.Burgos Street, near Plaza Quezon (at the back of the grandstand) This restaurant offers different dishes including bicolano dishes. Turo turo style ang restaurant na to pero medjo may pagkakonting sosyal but affordable still to people on a tight budget.

Geewan Restaurant

4. Ateneo Avenue

This street is full of karinderia and affordable places to eat. Most of the people eating in this area are students, given the fact that this is near the two big universities in Naga City. You’ll find affordable budget meals here, mga pang student price, but don’t expect too much here. Mga simpleng kainan lang ang andito. Meron din medjo classy na karinderia and still mura pa din ang presyo.

Ateneo Avenue

5. Cely’s Eatery

Ahhh, the famous Aling Cely’s. This eatery is famous for kinalas, a flavorful noodle soup with slice of beef and thick sauce. Madalas akong pumupunta dito nung college pa ako kasi dito ang takbuhan ko kapag limited ang budget ko bilang studyante. This place is always full of customers during late in the afternoon. Aside from kinalas, they also offer goto, maruya, puto and other snacks. This is located in Barlin Street corner Dimasalang Street. This eatery is near the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

Cely's Eatery

6. Dayangdang Street

Just mention this street to the tricycle driver and tell them to bring you to Kinalasan and I’m pretty sure they know where to bring you. This street is famous for Kinalas, a flavorful noodle soup with slice of beef and thick sauce. There are few eateries here offering kinalas and one of them is Kinalas Twin.

Dayangdang Street

7. Naga City Plaza Rizal Skating Rink

The skating rink was converted into a place for street food stalls. There are plenty of stalls here offering kwek kwek, fishballs, and other street foods. During late in the afternoon, this place is full of students and other people who want to eat some quick foods.

Naga city street food

8. Paksiwan at Kainan. Infront of SM Naga City

There are a lot of paksiwan and karinderia infront of SM Naga City. There are also several karinderia around SM Naga City. You have several dining option inside SM and outside SM Naga so if you have a tight budget, you can find a lot of eateries in this area.

Paksiwan near SM Naga City

9. San Francisco

This is the most famous food location in Naga City when it comes to cheap foods. There are a lot of stalls here that offers affordable foods. Turo turo style ang pagkain dito. You can have a meal here for as low as 15 pesos and if you have a 100 pesos budget, I’m pretty sure it will go a long way, to the extent that you can even treat your friends for a lunch or dinner with that kind of budget. Sobrang mura ang mga meal dito but don’t expect much kasi open air ang lugar na to and medjo madami ang tao dito specially during lunch time. This place is located at Peñafrancia Avenue, infront of EMall, and near the San Francisco Church.

San Francisco

8. Magsaysay Avenue

This is the famous avenue in Naga City. This is where you’re going to find lots of restaurants, hotels, bars and other businesses. This is the nightlife center of Naga City. You can find here restaurants that offer different cuisine. There are also a lot of affordable restaurants here and several expensive restaurants too.

Magsaysay Avenue

Cereza, Magsaysay Avenue

So there you have, those are the locations that you can check for an affordable places to eat in Naga City. I hope you'll enjoy your stay in Naga City.