Bicol Bound

Travelers journeyed from all parts of the country to experience the inexplicable bliss of being part of a traditional feast that has been celebrated for centuries. Thousands of devotees and tourists recently flocked to Camarines Sur’s Naga City, all wanting to get a glimpse of one of the country’s most famous religious feasts: the Peñafrancia festival.

Located at the center of the Bicol provinces, Naga City serves as the focus and initiator of major and significant religious festivities in the region. Starting out as a simple yearly veneration of the Lady of Peñafrancia during the 17th century, it has now evolved into a major religious event that has become one of the country’s tourist drawers.

Aside from the highlight of the feast, which is the fluvial procession, the week-long celebration allows tourists to have an in depth experience of the provinces’ deep history and colorful culture and traditions, and of course, time to be awed by and wonder at Bicol’s natural wonders.

A province surrounded by majestic beauty

On the way to Naga city for the Peñafrancia festival is one of the most recognizable natural wonders of the country. Known for its perfect cone, the Mayon volcano in Legazpi, Albay was a picturesque landmark for tourists.

The name "Mayon" was derived from the Bicolano word Magayon, which translates to "beautiful."

Mt. Mayon is one of the most active volcanoes in the country, with 49 recorded eruptions since its first documented activity in 1616.It towers at 8,189 feet with a base circumference of 62.8 kilometers, but measurements cannot do justice to the breathtaking beauty of this geographical wonder.

One of the sites to have been badly damaged by its volcanic wrath was Cagsawa in 1814. Now it has also become a tourist destination where the belfry remains as mute testimony of Mayon’s unpredictable fury and devastating strength. Through the Cagsawa ruins, tourists have an unhampered view of stunning Mt. Mayon.

There are also the Ligñon hills, minutes away from the Legazpi airport. With an elevation of 500 feet above sea level, these offer a breathtaking view of the city at night. It’s also a nice place to relax and feel the refreshing breeze of cool air.

Yet the province of Bicol still contains beaches and other natural wonders awaiting tourists.

Spice, spice, and everything tastes nice!

Bicolanos are known for their passion for fiery spicy food, and guests who have tried the local delicacies will understand why. Sampling the spicy twist of Bicolano food should always be included in the itinerary of anyone wanting to go to the spicy city.

Given the long trip from the metro, a rumbling hungry tummy was certainly one of the things that guests experienced on their way to take part in the Peñafrancia festival. What better way to satisfy this food craving with Bicol’s scrumptious spicy delights?

One of the popular dishes of the province is the affordable yet top of the line taste of Asado Mami. Sprinkled with crushed chicharon, the seemingly regular looking noodle dish can be the most memorable food you will taste in the province once you taste the asado (braised pork) mixed with the noodles. Add a little chilli and you’re all set for an exploding sensation in the taste buds.

Kinunot is another local dish that can tease the taste buds; it is a mix of local seafood mixed with malunggay with a touch of the trademark hotness the region is known for. Tourists who taste it for the first time find themselves ordering more for takeout. For those who can’t handle spicy food, there is always Bicol’s tasty toasted siopao.

Viva dela Virgen!

As white towels were raised, they swayed in the air upon the arrival of the venerated image. The thick crowd of devotees and tourists felt an intense emotion characterized by goosebumps and tears as they all exclaimed Viva! Viva la Virgen!

The yearly festival which draws in tourists not just from neighboring provinces and other parts of the country but also from other countries starts with the "Translacion." Practiced since 1885, it is considered to be an important part of the celebration where the miraculous image of the Virgin, Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro is transferred to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga City for novenas and holy masses.

The fluvial procession returns the image of Peñafrancia to her sanctuary on board a decorated pagoda. The pagoda is led by other bancas manned by boatmen and male devotees in a colorful fluvial parade that heightens the excitement upon the arrival of the miraculous image.

Devotees look for perfect spots along the sides of the river and wait from morning until late afternoon just to get a glimpse of the miraculous image, considered the highlight of the feast. Under the heat of the sun and amid the swarming crowd, the devotion of the faithful is clear as they await the arrival of "Ina."

But more than the sheer number of devotees is the number of testimonies from people who have been beneficiaries of the miracles of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, which has grown greatly over the years.

"The evident great number of followers, devotees, and faithful who have come to visit and celebrate the yearly feast and tradition can only be attributed to [a] higher being. Through this celebration, more than just asking for help and miracles, they are showing their gratitude for the blessings they have received from Our Lady of Peñafrancia," expressed Mnsgr. Romulo Vergara of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore.

The Feast of Peñafrancia in Naga City exemplifies how meaningful a Bicol-bound vacation can be: indelibly memorable and thanks to breathtaking sites, great food, warm people, and a culture rich in passion and tradition.