Bicolandia in Intramuros

On its second year of the crowd-drawing Best of the Regions cultural-trade fair in Intramuros, locals and foreigners can again take that virtual trip to the “Land of Fire,” with a gastronomic tour of Bicol’s chili/coconut-based cuisine; a cultural expedition into the lifestyles, history and music of its people; and a visual journey to its most famous tourist attractions. Slated from Sept. 1-12, the “Gayon Bicol Fiesta” at the Clamshell I in Intramuros, will provide visitors a rare Bicol experience minus the actual trip.

Lovers of the sizzling hot Bicol Express, mouthwatering Pinangat (Laing) and the addicting Pili nut can feast on all these and more authentic Bicol delicacies at the cultural market. They can also learn how to cook it the Bicolano way through daily food demonstrations.

Enterprising individuals as well as art aficionados can take advantage of craft demonstrations such as abaca stripping, tabak (bolo) making, bamboo crafting, sinamay doll making, and pinukpok weaving.

Meanwhile, the huge tent called the Clamshell, venue of the regional exhibit will be transformed into a miniature version of the province, featuring replicas of the majestic Mayon volcano in Albay; the Puraran surfing haven in Catanduanes; the cattle ranches in Masbate known as Rodeo Country; pineapple plantations in Daet; gold panning industry in Paracale, Camarines Norte; Sorsogon’s Switzerland of the Orient — the Bulusan National Park; and the latest eco-tourism adventure haven in the province called CONSOSEP, a R6-million project of the Dept. of Tourism in Mt. Isarog, Camarines Sur.

The public will be treated to a grand parade of festivals on Sept. 4, at 4 p.m. during the launching ceremonies. Snippets of Bicol’s most colorful festivals such as the Tinagba Festival of Iriga City, Tabak Festival of Tabaco, Kaogma Festival of Camarines Sur, Pili Festival of Sorsogon, Ibalong Festival of Legazpi City, and Sunflower Festival of Ligao, Albay will be performed before distinguished guests including local government officials and travel leaders. A “Gayon Bicol” fashion show will be held later in the evening at the Clamshell, featuring fabric creations of Bicol designers.

Acoustic performer Nyoy Volante heads the list of top Bicolano artists who will be performing nightly at the San Ignacio Ruins and Clamshell I in Intramuros. Other celebrities are rock star Lou Bonnevie, rap group Salbakuta, Amanos Band, soloist Deo Marco and the Elvis Presley of Asia.

Also part of the regional presentation are daily festival parades along Anda Street and nightly cultural shows by the Bicol Heritage Choir, Nabua Central Rondalla, Sorsogon City Chorale and Dance Troupe, WOW Bata Performing Arts Group, Kwerdas de Naga Community Rondalla, Catanduanes Songs and Dances, Masbate City Performing Arts and LRV Dance Troupe & String Ensemble.

[ Puraran Wiki ]