President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo announced on Monday (April 20) that the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is expected to resume train travel between Manila and Bicol region before the end of the year. The President said she was informed by PNR General Manager Manuel Andal that the rehabilitation of the Manila-Bicol-PNR line would be completed before the end of 2009 paving the resumption of the train service between the two points.

The War of Our Fathers Exhibit is a meaningful tribute dedicated to World War II veterans. Located at the Albay Capitol Lobby, the exhibit features a rich collection of images, documents, artifacts and memorabilia from the horrific period in our country’s history.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda announced Wednesday that the province is adopting the Australian model on Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) starting school year 2009-2010 with an initial fund of P16 million. Under this program, those who enroll in Bicol University main campus and Albay-based private colleges can apply with the Education Quality for Albayanos (EQUAL) for a loan of P5,000 per semester for every semester for the entire course.

Sorsogon’s Butanding exhibit, which won the grand prix for best booth at the 2008 19th Philippine TravelMart is one of the major displays at the Magayon Festival of Albay. In a letter to Governor Sally A. Lee, Governor Joey Salceda of Albay invited the province of Sorsogon to take part in the festival “by way of showcasing the very impressive exhibit of Sorsogon which won during the Philippine TravelMart presented at the Gayon Bikol Fiesta.” It will be displayed at the Albay Provincial Lobby.

The Bicol Region, particularly the Province of Albay, is rich in spectacular vistas and wondrous panoramas that are a delight for every photographer. From the postcard-perfect beauty of Mayon to the yet to be discovered destinations within the province, Albay offers an abundance of lovely photographic subjects. This April 17-20, 2009, amateur and professional photographers will get the chance to hone their photography skills while capturing some of Albay’s best views in the Bicol Destination Photography Workshop with Wig Tysmans – one of the country’s most sought-after corporate, fashion and advertising photographers.

Every Good Friday, the Catholic citizens of Legazpi gather to commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ by witnessing and joining the annual procession. Beautiful ‘carrozas’ carrying various Saints as well as scenes from Christ’s passion and death are decorated with hundreds of flowers and lights and solemnly paraded through the streets of the city. The faithful, with candles and rosaries in hand, follow the ‘carrozas’ as it meanders through the city.

Get ready for an action-packed weekend on April 18-19, 2009 with the Albay Seige II: Invitational Airsoft Competition. The 2nd Airsoft Speedball Competition is one of the most anticipated events, not only for airsoft enthusiasts, but also for everyone who loves to watch a good combat game. The battle erupts at the Bicol University Football Field. For the uninitiated, airsoft is a game in which participants eliminate opponents by hitting each other with spherical non-metallic pellets fired from a compressed-air gun (or airsoft gun) powered by gas, manual spring-load, or electrically powered gearbox.

The month-long, province-wide Magayon Festival 2009 officially begins today! This is the perfect time to explore Albay’s well-known destinations and discover its hidden treasures. There is indeed so much more in Albay than its famed Mayon.

Makusog, the tribal chief of Rawis, had a daughter, Daragang Magayon, whose outward beauty was matched by her kind heart. Her suitors were legion, including Pagtuga, a handsome warrior but arrogant chief of the Iragas. But, Magayon’s heart belonged to the noble Ulap, son of the Chief Karilaya of the Tagalogs. Thus, he gathered his warriors to fight for his beloved.

The Legazpi Tourist Inn is located right at the center of the Legazpi Central Business District. The inn offers 24 rooms (19 aircon rooms and 5 non-aircon rooms). It’s location is about 15 minutes drive from Legazpi City Airport and walking distance to the two major malls in Legazpi City. The inn has a secured parking area with security guards, outside line and intercom service in every room, TV with cable channels, hot and cold showers, a laundry and ironing services.

The Magayon Fest Amazing Race is an adventure race highlighting many of our community’s unique features and heritage. Teams of two individuals will race around the Province of Albay in competition with other teams. Teams strive to complete challenges in three different categories to win major cash prizes. Challenge categories include: Arts & Culture and Hands-on, Fun and Festivals, and Adventure & Sports.