Affiliates
Contact Us
Century International Hotels
TravelSmart.NET

PHILIPPINES
HONG KONG
CANADA
EUROPE
USA
INDONESIA
SINGAPORE
THAILAND


THE WEBSITE
Philippines

CATANDUANES raw beauty
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: By Jaser A. Marasigan
Date: 2004-12-05
 
VIRAC, Catanduanes – Unspoiled and unexplored. Catanduanes is indeed, Bicol’s best-kept secret. This pearly island in the Pacific has a long strip of palm-fringed beaches and deep blue waters against a backdrop of lush verdant mountains, and a totally laid-back rural charm… A landscape untouched by the modern world. The island lies in the easternmost part of the Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. It is the first landmass of the Philippine archipelago to kiss the Pacific Ocean, making it directly open to the path of tropical cyclones, thus the monicker “The Land of the Howling Winds.”





I was dazzled by the province’s rugged and diverse landscape, undiscovered caves, tamed white sand beaches and colorful marine life. I never really expected that such a wonderful gift of nature exists in this part of the country.



Little is known or written about the history of the province because the "Ex Libris Canonicus," the best source of the province’s historical information, was lost and destroyed in one of the incursions of Moro pirates.



In the early 1900s, Catanduanes was a sub-province of Amnos Camarines and later, of Albay. It gained its provincial autonomy when Congressman Francisco Perfecto filed House Bill No. 301 which separated the province from Albay. It was approved on Sept. 26, 1945 and subsequently signed into law by President Osmeña on Oct. 24, 1945.



Remigio Socito, the last Lieutenant governor, was appointed as the first provincial governor. When elections were held in 1947, Alfonso V. User became the first elected governor.



There are several legends about the origin of the name "Catanduanes." One legend says that it came from the word "tandu," a local beetle that was abundant in the island. "Katanduan" was then, the reference made to this island. When the Spaniards came, it was corrupted from "katanduan" to Catanduanes.



Another legend says that the name actually originated from the word "samdong," a tree that once abounded in the island, which people consequently called "kasamdongan," or a place of many samdong. The word was also Hispanized, perhaps because of the difficulty of the Spaniards in pronouncing words ending in "ng". From "kasamdongan," it became "katandungan" which gradually metamorphosed to Catanduanes.



The province recently held the 1st Katandungan Festival in the capital town of Virac. The said activity was organized by the provincial government led by Governor Jun Verceles and Vice Governor Vince Villaluna. The festivity showcased the rich history and culture of the province, the sumptuous Bicol cuisine and the incomparable hospitality of its people.



Vice Governor Villaluna said that the best time to visit the province is from the months of March to August.



Catanduanes is the perfect hideaway. A place where you could go back to simplicity and revel of its serenity. A total escape, enjoying the richness and wonders of nature. Truly, a rejuvenating experience.



Probably the province’s claim to fame is the "Puraran," home of the world-renowned "majestic waves." Its breathtaking long-barrel type surf is perfect for both the serious surfer and the novice. Offshore waves are in their greatest shape during the months of September to November. The surfing area also boasts of a magnificent view of the mountains and coves. There are no luxurious accommodations, only cottages with the basic facilities. Puting Baybay and Majestic are the only resorts here.



The secluded Solong Falls beckon trekkers for a refreshing dip. It has several cascading waters flowing into natural pools. The highest has an elevation of 100 meters. Cottages are available for picnickers for a minimal fee.



Upon entrance to the town of Bato, a few minutes from Solong Falls, visitors will be greeted by this magnificent edifice, the Bato Church. Despite the tests of time, wars and ravages of calamities, this massive structure of mortar and coral stones was able to retain its old glory. It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire island, overlooking the Bato River. It took 53 years to build this Church under six different parish administrators. Construction started in 1830 and finished in 1883.



The first cross in Catanduanes can also be found here. The Batalay Shrine was constructed over the grave of Fr. Diego de Herrera of the Augustinian order in 1576 who died in Barangay Batalay.



Believed to be miraculous is the image of the mystical face of Our Lady of Sorrows that was found in a flooded stream near Barangay Batong Paluay. According to the locals, the image was etched on a piece of stone that has progressively increased in size. At present, one can view the image with bare eyes unlike before, when one had to use a magnifying lens. Its repository has been replaced three times to accommodate the increasing size of the miraculous stone.



Luyang Cave was where the natives sought refuge when they tried to escape from the Moro pirates. A mute witness to the massacre of the natives in the 17th century, the Moros said to have uprooted "sili" (red pepper) plants growing near the cave, added dried leaves, stuffed them in the cave entrance and set the cave on fire, suffocating the hapless natives.



To appease their troubled souls, a mini-grotto and altar was built inside. A "requiem mass" is held every April 28 in memory of the massacre victims.



The cave boasts of massive stalactites and stalagmites, and other rock formations. And hanging from the ceilings and walls of the cave are countless bats that inhabit the whole length of the cave.



The province has a population of 215,356. Bicol is the native tongue with different variations, especially when one gets to the northern towns. English and Tagalog are also spoken. To go around the island, one may take a bus or a jeepney. Tricycles are popular in Virac while taxicabs are not available.



Catanduanes can be reached by an hour trip via Asian Spirit or take a bus in Cubao or Pasay terminals then board a ferry at Tabaco Port.




[ Solong Falls Wiki | Puraran Wiki ]

 

Indonesia Thailand USA Europe Canada Hong Kong Philippines