ALBAY
Long before the Spaniards arrived in 1569, Albay had a thriving civilization
and a rich culture. The land was fertile, lush vegetation covered the plains and
the mountains. The earth yielded minerals, including gold.
In April 3, 1574 the place called “Baybayon” became an encomienda assigned
by Philippine Governor General Guido de Lavezaris to Juan Guerra. This
place would later be called “Baybay”, then “Al Baybay” and later shortened to
“Albay.”
Albay known for - Albay is known for its lush volcanic landscapes, sun-kissed
beaches, and spicy cuisines. But what makes Albay truly warm is its
people. Welcoming visitors with the best accomodations they can offer
is a trademark of Albayanos.
Longganisa de Guinobatan
Longganisa de Guinobatan is a Filipino
pork sausage originating from the town
of Guinobatan in Albay, Philippines. It is
a type of de recado longganisa. Each
link is typically only 2 inches (5.1 cm) in
length. It is made from lean pork, pork
fat, salt, sugar, garlic, saltpeter, and
black pepper.
Inulukan
Almost like “Pinangat”
This aromatic dish is also another version of laing and
almost the same as pinangat but with a slight
difference in recipes. Inulukan is made from the
shredded meat of river crabs (ulok) and then
wrapped in several layers of taro leaves (gabi) cooked
with lime and coconut milk
Cocido
Albay has a delicious alternative to the sour soup. Ladies
and gents, meet cocido. It's sourness comes from
calamansi and is made with local vegetables, talbos ng
kamote, and buho is sometimes added. The meat in
cocido is usually fish and it's perfect for those who want a
milder sour soup.
Catan Dungan Latik
Catandungan Latik consists of a steamed rice cake
generously topped with a sweet and sticky
coconut syrup known as bañar, the Spanish term
for “bathe” or “to pour syrup on.”
Similar to the latik of Cebu, this mouth-watering
treat also incorporates coconut into its topping,
mixing it with brown sugar and water to create a
heavenly sweet syrup that perfectly complements
the soft and fluffy rice cake.
Ibalong Festival
Ibalong Festival is a cultural, historical,
and sports festival held in the city of Legazpi in
the province of Albay, Philippines every August.
It is a celebration of the history of
the founding of Bicol as contained in Ibalong epic
that was created before the Spanish conquest
and passed down as oral history until it was
documented in written accounts by Spanish
friars.
Ibalong Festival comes from the word Ibalong, the old name of what is now presently called
the region of Bicol. The word can mean a number of things: to bring to the other side,
people from the other side, or derived from Gibalon, the site of the first landing of the
Spaniards and where the first mass in the island of Luzon was held.
The festival remembers and celebrates the mythic origins of Bicol as a settlement
established by heroic figures and their exploits in vanquishing fearsome monsters that are
told in Ibalong epic.
Ibalong Festival, second week of October; Legazpi
A week-long festivity recounting the brave exploits of the heroes of Ibalong or prehistoric
Bicol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade recreating the classic battles between
heroes and beasts of Ibalong
Kadagatan Festival
Kadagatan Festival, Bacacay; Black Saturday
Formerly called the Bancathon race, the
festival is a water sport activity participated
in by fishermen from the different
municipalities of Albay aimed to give
recognition and at the same time provide a
venue to the fishermen to show their strength, skills, and contributions to the socio-
economic development of the region
Sarung Banggi Festival
The festival celebrates the
cultural heritage of the town of
Sto. Domingo, commemorates
the contributions of Potenciano
Valladolid Gregorio, known for
his musical compositions.
Sarung Banggi Festival is known
for the annual Parade of the
Dancing Lights where every barangay showcases an impressive
interpretation of the song, Sarung Banggi. Contingents parade
their dazzling cultural presentations along with their Spanish-era
portrayed costumes downtown after twilight.
Paroy Festival
The Paroy Festival is a celebration of the art, tradition and cultural heritage of the people of Libon,
Albay. It coincides with the town's feast which falls on July 22 to 25. Its patron saint is St. James the
Great. Founded in 1996, it gave the people of Libon the answer to the question "“Libongueño, Who
Are You?" and they gradually described their traditions and culture as festive.
Rice is highlighted as 35% of Libon's land is
planted with rice [1]. However, two of the cultural
activities that are highlighted during the festival
are the dramatization of the arrival of the
Spaniards as it was the first to be encountered by
Juan Salcedo's troops when the invaders entered
Kabikolan; and also an exhibition of ancient
artifacts to commemorate the town's past.
Mayon Skyline View Deck
Welcome to the Mayon
Skyline View Deck, the top
tourist spot in Albay, known
for its breathtaking views of
the iconic Mayon
Volcano. The Mayon Volcano
Skyline View Deck offers a
breathtaking experience for nature
enthusiasts. With its stunning view of
the iconic Mayon Volcano, this attraction promises a memorable adventure.
The panoramic landscape from the Mayon Volcano Skyline is truly awe-
inspiring. The volcano's symmetrical cone shape, lush greenery, and the
surrounding picturesque scenery create a postcard-worthy sight.
Mayon Skyline View Deck offers breathtaking views of
the Mayon Volcano, known for its perfect cone shape.
Located in Albay, the Mayon Skyline View Deck is a top tourist
spot in the Bicol Region and a must-visit attraction in Legazpi
City.
The Mayon Skyline View Deck provides the best vantage point
to admire the panoramic beauty of the Mayon Volcano and
capture stunning photos.
Experience the scenic views and immerse yourself in the
natural beauty of Albay at the Mayon Skyline View Deck.
SAWANGAN PARK
Sawangan Park, Legazpi City,
Philippines: Sawangan Park,
nestled in the heart of Legazpi
City, offers a serene coastal
escape along the shores of the
Philippines. The park area is
beautifully landscaped,
providing a green oasis with
access to stunning ocean views
Embarcadero de Legazpi
Welcome to Embarcadero de
Legazpi, a hidden gem in the heart of
Legazpi City, Albay. This vibrant tourist
spot attracts visitors from all over with
its stunning waterfront views and a
perfect blend of shopping, dining,
and entertainment options. Whether
you’re a shopaholic, a foodie, or simply
someone who loves breathtaking scenery, Embarcadero de
Legazpi has something for everyone.
Ligñon Hill and Nature Park
Ligñon Hill Nature Park offers a
unique and unforgettable
experience. Whether you're
seeking breathtaking
panoramic views, thrilling
adventure activities, a glimpse
into the past, or a taste of
local culture, Ligñon Hill has
something to offer everyone. It's a place where nature's
beauty meets adventure, history, and local charm, creating
a truly memorable experience for all who visit.
Quituinan Hills
The Japanese found Quituinan Hill to be the
perfect place for their wartime operations
because of its strategic location, which gave them
a commanding view of the land, sea, and air. Only
one of the initially 18 mapped tunnels is now
open to the public, while there are plans for
further ones.
These tunnels played a vital role as hiding places
for the Japanese throughout the war. The tunnels
experienced collapses and degradation over time,
needing continuous maintenance and safety
inspections.
One of Camalig's Treashure, Quituinan Hill or Kitwinan. Based from the
history during World War 2 the Japanese base camps were located in
Quituinan Hill. It is valued because of it's high vintage point. There are 21
tunnels located and four can be explored for a historical adventure of tunnel
hopping.
Hoyop-hoyopan Cave
Hoyop-Hoyapan Cave: Hoyop-hoyopan
comes from Bikol word “hoyop” which means
‘blow-blow’ aptly describes the cool, soft,
murmuring winds that blow thorough its
labyrinthine passageways inside.
Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, a historical marvel nestled in Camalig,
Albay, Philippines, is estimated to be over 3,000 years old. This
ancient cavern has witnessed countless historical events, serving
as a refuge during World War II and Martial Law, an evacuation
center, and even a makeshift hospital. Today, it stands as a
protected site, captivating visitors with its unique features and
rich history.
The name “Hoyop-Hoyopan” is derived from the local dialect,
translating to “blow-blow.” This aptly describes the cool,
refreshing breeze that constantly circulates within the cave’s
spacious halls and high ceilings. The cave’s interior is adorned
with stunning rock formations, including stalactites and
stalagmites, which have been sculpted by nature over millennia
Vera Falls
Vera Falls in Albay is a hidden gem
offering a refreshing escape from
city life. Its stunning cascade, cool
waters, and picturesque
surroundings make it an ideal
destination for nature lovers,
adventure seekers, and those
seeking a relaxing getaway.
Whether for swimming, hiking, or peace, Vera Falls is sure to leave
a lasting impression.
Sumlang Lake
Sumlang Lake is known for its serene ambiance,
surrounded by lush greenery and the majestic
Mayon Volcano as its backdrop. Where locals
relied on fishing for their livelihood. Now,I it has
become a popular eco-tourism destination in the
region, attracting both local and foreign tourists.
Sumlang Lake is a small park with available
bamboo rafts for tourists to enjoy. You can also
enjoy activities such as bamboo rafting, kayaking, boating, and fishing in the lake while
taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.