Well this is a hit article again from our Mysterious Editor none other than Mitchteryosa from When Someone Speaks. Actually it came from Mommy Cortez from an interview by Mitch, who happens to hail from the legendary and exciting Province of Camarines Sur. We did a little revision of the article and edited some to preserve topic, in order to acquire a good read for our viewers.

According to Mommy Cortez, Camarines Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon with its capital of Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south, so rich in beauty and natural resources. The largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both in terms of population and land area. Its territory encompasses two cities: Naga City, the lone chartered city, is the province’s and the region’s commercial, educational, financial, and cultural center, while Iriga City, a component city, is the center of the Rinconada area. Most call it The Premier Province of Bicolandia for its supreme developed lands and exciting untouched forestry, coast, nature and landmarks, truly perfect for travel and tourism, adventure, sports or just a simple holiday when one chooses the province for that perfect holiday.

White sand beaches, crystal clear waters and that climate of a perfect weather especially during those summer months are the mighty pride of Camarines Sur. A version of the Copacabana Beach in Brazil could be seen in the 12 kilometer of white sanded beach in Pasacao with the nearby Daruanak Island. Then from Naga City to Sabang, San Jose and by boat to Caramoan or directly by land through the Caramoan Peninsula Road, one will be amply rewarded with this awesome beautiful beaches with fine white sand beside majestic limestone and marble mountains as well as a taste of adventure in its exotic islets with coves nearby. Then there is the place that offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Partido area and Mt. Iriga, built in the 1970’s by DPWH, great for family picnic in a riverside in Brgy. Consocep, Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Just these superb example of what to see would really be an exciting vacation not to miss. As for nature lovers, Mt. Isarog (Camarines Sur with the Protected Area Management Board has identified Malabay Falls (Naga City), Curry (Pili) Consocep (Tigaon), Hiwacloy (Goa ) as tourism areas within the mountain.), Mt. Asog (Iriga), Lahuy Island (Caramoan), Animosola Island (Balatan), Tayak Lagoon (Malarad Island,
Caramoan), Isla de Monteverde (Barangay Denrica and Garchitorena), Pinaglukaban Island (also of Barangay Denrica and Garchitorena), Umang Cave are great for spending those moments for scuba diving, adventure hiking, sight seeing, photography or just viewing nature at its best.

Historical places and landmarks of Camarines Sur are its pride for its heritage. The Nahulugan Kampana, the belfry of the first stone church which serves as the living memory of the past became an added tourist attraction of the municipality of Lagonoy while the Calvario Hill in Brgy. San Francisco, Iriga City, is the site of Bicol’s magnificent Emerald Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes where “Pagtanggal”, the Iriga folk version of the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ or senakulo is held annually. Kinuwartelan, a Spanish Garrison during the Spanish colonial period is also a top place to visit located in Brgy. Perpetual Help, Iriga City, where many of Filipinos were kept or incarcerated and did hard labor, is a popular local and foreign attraction.

Bicolanos are noted for their appetite in chili-hot dishes. Two of the famous dishes are “Natong” also known as “Laing” and “Langkang Palusag” which is also known as “Ginataang Langka”. Most of their dishes are flavored and boiled in fresh coconut milk spiced with “labuyo”. For meriendas/snacks, they have “Linubak” or known as “Nilupak” in Tagalog regions. It’s made of mashed unripe bananas mixed with scrapings of “sangkaka” or commonly known as “panutsa”.There’s one more thing that makes Camarines Sur well-known, the world’s smallest fish called “Sinarapan” which can be found in Lake Buhi.

The Kaogma Festival is a grand celebration festival of Camarines Sur, commemorating its foundation of the province, with events all over and a weeklong celebration of fun, happiness, cheers showcasing all its beauty. Finally Mommy Cortez mentioned that beautiful places produces beautiful people. I certainly believe that, the Philippines as a whole, produced the very best and beautiful people especially their smiles and wonderful, cheerful and energetic hospitality is the best in the world.