The Pastores is a beloved tradition in the Bicol Region, especially in the province of Albay, during the Christmas season. It is a folk festival centered on the musical re-enactment of the Nativity story. At Pastores, the performers, decked in colorful costumes, honor the biblical shepherds who sang the first Christmas carols. The performance is done with an entourage of traditional musikeros, lots of dancing, and a generous dose of Christmas cheer.

Snapshots of Christmas in Legazpi City 2011

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) Bicol Express successfully conducted its trial run, dubbed the ‘Explorer Run’ from Tutuban Central Station in Divisoria Manila to Polangui Station in Albay last December 7 to 8, 2011.

This Christmas season, the Province of Albay celebrates the Karangahan: Albay Green Christmas. “Karangahan” is a Bicol term derived from the root word ranga which refers to a higher level of joy and contentment, and later was used to mean endearment. Here’s the line up of activities:

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 25, 2011, 12 restaurants from Albay will showcase their mouthwatering and sumptuous cuisines at very affordable and friendly prices for everyone to savor. Choose from a wide array of flavors and tastes, some Bicol inspired, that will surely delight your discriminating taste.

Albay stages its season-long Green Christmas advocacy project for the second year now, with a new added element aimed at fortifying its terms of endearment with the local folk with special focus on ethnic food and tastes.

If you want a rough terrain to conquer, a trail that will lead you to one of the most beautiful and active volcanoes in the world, there is only one adventure for you to take – the Mayon Trail Run.

Schedule of Activities Registration Info

Zalrian Sayat and Alfredo Mallete were adjudged winners of the 2011 Ibalong Festival Photography contest in the DSLR and Point & Shoot categories respectively.

Photography enthusiasts – whether professional or amateur; dSLR or point and shoot – have something unique and exciting to look forward to on September 24, 2011 in Legazpi City: the South Luzon leg of Canon PhotoMarathon Philippines 2011! See details here!

Ibalong, the ancient folk-epic of Bicol, came to life in a dazzling and colorful annual street presentation held last Saturday, August 20, 2011 along Legazpi’s main thoroughfares.

Keshia Mae Dee bested 19 other beautiful Bicolanas to win the coveted Mutya ng Ibalong 2011 crown. Yvethe Marie Santiago of Daraga, Albay was chosen as first runner up and Lorencia Mae Brown of Masbate City is second runner-up.

The Ibalong Festival 2011 presents Siram na Sana: Ibalong Food Expo 2011 on August 14, 2011 at the Venice Ballroom of La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center. Bring yourself, your family and friends to a delightful gastronomic experience!

For showing brilliance, extraordinary talent, exceptional achievement or rare courage in their respective fields of endeavor, eleven Bicolanos will receive the esteemed Rokyaw Ibalnong Awards. This year’s recipients include Venus Raj, restaurateur Noel Perdigon, Justice Sec. Leila de Lima, Senator Francis Escudero and more.

People were asking who will fight against Rabot. So, Bantong, the third hero was called. He was a good friend of Handyong. He was ordered to kill the new monster in Ibalong. To do this, he took with him a thousand warriors to attack Rabot’s den.