To further strengthen Albay’s position in the tourism market and boost the province’s sports programs, the provincial government is planning to host the 2012 Palarong Pambansa. Albay will be hosting a series of sports activities to built its capacity to host the nationwide sports tilt. On December 2010, Albay will host the Bicol SCUAA Meet with Bicol University as the main venue. The province will also host the Palarong Bicol in February 2011 sponsored by the Albay DepEd.

At Gov. Joey S. Salceda’s oath-taking speech early this month, he announced that the steering committee is now working on the project, with Board Member Ralph Andes at the helm. Aside from boosting the province’s tourism, hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2012 is also an opportunity to modernize the Albay’s sports facilities.

The sports events will be spread out to various facilities including the Albay Sports Complex in Guinobatan (for track and field), the Albay Astrodome (for indoor ball games), Bicol University (for outdoor ball games), the under-renovation Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (for boxing and other indoor events) and more. Gov. Salceda has also designated Team BuLLET (BU, Albay, Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco) as host of the event.

Under renovation Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (View more photos here)

Discover and capture Legazpi City’s many facets: from scenic landscapes and seascapes to interesting local life and colors! Join the 2010 Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk in one of the Philippines’ most photogenic cities, on Saturday, July 24, 2010. The Legazpi photo walk is part of a worldwide event where photographers get together to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers. This year’s photo walk world’s largest global social photography event. In a single day, over 1000 photo walks are scheduled to take place all over the globe participated by over 25,000 photographers.

The Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk in Legazpi will start at the newly built seawall boulevard in the city’s port area. The photowalk will then wind its way along the Kapuntukan Hill, the quaint fishing villages, the new Legazpi Boulevard and seawall, and back. Meet time is at 06:30am at the Legazpi Boulevard welcome sign near Embarcadero de Legazpi. To join the event, please register here. Hurry! Limited slots available.

Albay is all set to host the first ever National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition on July 26-31, 2010 sponsored by the provincial government of Albay and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). The 1st NRDRC is a nationwide skills competition that will test the readiness of the country’s rescuers and disaster officials in the worst disaster scenarios including water rescue, collapsed building scenario, earthquake and fire scenario.

Albay Governor and provincial disaster coordinating council chairman Joey S. Salceda initiated the NRDRC to promote Albay as a venue for rescue and disaster response training exercises and to sharpen the skills of disaster coordinating councils all over the country. “This contest aims to promote the importance of an organized and solid rescue group, its knowledge and application of techniques, equipment usages and command system for teams engage in search and rescue operations,” Salceda said.

The province of Albay is part of the Bicol Region, a geographically hazard prone area regularly threatened by calamities like typhoons and volcanic eruptions. Because of this, Albay, through the leadership of Gov. Salceda spearheaded a Disaster Risk Reduction Program combining institutional innovation, indigenous knowledge and information technology through APSEMO (Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office), AHEM (Albay Health Emergency Management), preemptive evacuation, permanent evacuation centers, safe schools, safe hospitals and facilities modernization.

The 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition is open to rescue teams and firefighters from the government and private sector. An estimated 45 teams composed of 15 persons per team are expected to participate in the nationwide skills competition. The participants will compete in several events such as significant events rough terrain search and rescue effort, air and water rescue missions. The winning team will receive P300,000 cash prize and a trophy; 2nd placer will receive P200,000 and a trophy; 3rd placer will receive 100,000 and a trophy.

Registration fee is P20,000.00 per team, inclusive of breakfast only for 3 days. There is also an optional Whale Shark Interaction tour in Donsol, Sorsogon (P1,850/pax). Visit the official website of the 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition at the Official NRDRC Website. Download the registration form here.

Registration/Waiver Forms must be received by July 15, 2010 by Fax at (052) 481-1297 or mail through albay.agrirehab@gmail.com, for more information about National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition please visit us at Albay Capitol Bldg., Ground Flr., Annex II, Old Albay, Legazpi City or call us at (052) 481-1297 look for Kat or Em.

Albay spearheads 1st NRDRC to test competency in time of disaster, by Rhaydz B. Barcia, The Manila Times, July 13, 2010
Albay to host national disaster rescue competition, by Florencio P. Narito, Bicol Mail, April 1, 2010

This July 2010, unwind, relax and enjoy at the Embarcadero de Legazpi, the City’s premier entertainment and shopping destination. Embarcadero will celebrate the first ever Embarcadero Festival, a two week-long revelry that will be held from July 17 to 31, 2010. Exciting events are lined up for non-stop fun and celebration!

Schedule of Activities -- Embarcadero Festival 2010

July 17-31, 2010 -- Beer Fest
July 19-24, 2010 -- Beyond Expressions Photo Exhibit and Contest (CS Photography)
July 21, 2010, 7 pm -- Miss Embarcadero Swimsuit and Long Gown Competition
July 23, 2010 -- Fire Dancing Showdown
July 28-30, 2010 -- FHM Models Showdown and Car Show
July 28, 2010, 7 pm -- Miss Embarcadero Talent Competition
July 31, 2010, 7 pm -- Miss Embarcadero Coronation Night

Visit Embarcadero now!
View more photos of Embarcadero de Legazpi here
For more information, contact: (052)820-2360, (052)480-3357, (0915) 760-6244

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAgXoTezrvI

Jovic Susim, tagged the ‘Diplomatic Son of Albay’ is the latest teen housemate to enter ABS-CBN’s PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) Teen Clash of 2010. Jovic, 17 years old, is a student of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. He comes from a political family. At 6’3″ tall, he enjoys engaging into sports such as basketball and golf. With the intent of following in the footsteps of his politician father, this basketball varsity player decided to take up Consular and Diplomatic affairs.

A National Skimboarding Competition is all set to take place in the jet-black volcanic sand beaches of Arimbay, Legazpi City on April 26 to 28, 2010. Skimboarding is a boardsport wherein a skimboard (a smaller, sleeker version of a surfboard) is used to ride on an incoming wave.

Source: Albay Tourism

Unlike surfing, skimboarding begins on the beach, with skimboarders running and dropping the board onto the thin wash of previous waves. They use their momentum to ‘skim’ out to breaking waves, which they then catch back into shore in a manner similar to surfing.

Skimboarding is rising in popularity in the beaches of Albay. The fine volcanic sand is considered ideal for the sport.

Photo by Brix Borras

For more information about this event, please contact the Albay Tourism Office at the following details:

Telephone: (52) 481-0250
Fax: (52) 481-0250
e-mail: albaytourism@gmail.com

From April 4-30, 2010, Albay celebrates its annual Magayon Festival. The entire month of April is jam-packed with colorful and exciting events. Check out this year’s Magayon Festival activities. Come and visit Albay! Always Albay, Always Magayon!

Month-long Activities

April 4 – 30 Magayon Festival Trade Fair 2010 Astrodome Compound 8:00 am – onwards
April 4 – 30 Albay’s Top of the Line Product Showcase Capitol Lobby 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
April 4 – 30 Foodstall & Beer Plaza Gov. Locsin St., cor. Capitol 5:00 pm – onwards
April 5 – 30 Pintados sa Magayon (Bicol Artists’ Exhibit) Atrium Capitol Building 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Apr 5 – 30 LCC Mall Promo/ Events LCC Malls 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Apr 5 – 30 Pacific Mall Promo/ Events Pacific Mall 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Apr 5 – 30 Metro GAISANO Mall Promo/ Events Metro GAISANO Mall 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Apr 5 – 30 EMBARCADERO Promo/ Events Embarcadero Complex 9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Day to Day Activities

April 4 (Sunday)

1 Magayon Drag Race Bogtong, Legazpi City 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Gurumulan II (Mixed Martial Arts) Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
3 Magayon SUNKAD Challenge Albay Astrodome 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
4 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) OPENING with SPONGECOLA Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 5 (Monday)

1 Misa sa Magayon Albay Astrodome 8:30 am – 9:30 am
2 IBP Bicolandia Regional Convention
Fellowship Hotel St. Ellis 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
3 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Tennis Clubs 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Magayon CHEERS (Official Declaration by Gov. Joey S. Salceda) Peñaranda Park 9:30 am – 10:00 am
5 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies (Trade Fair, Foodstalls, Exhibits) Albay Capitol/Peñaranda Park 10:00 am
6 Mayon Eruption PHOTO Contest and Exhibit Atrium, Capitol Bldg. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
7 Magayon Drum and Bugle Corps Competition 2:00 pm
8 “Karwahe sa Magayon” (Float Parade) Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm
9 “Magayon Serenata 2010” Brass Band Festival PART 1 Peñaranda Park 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
10 Formal Opening “Magayon Festival 2010” by Gov. Joey S. Salceda Peñaranda Park (Main Stage) 6:30 pm
11 SILYAB sa Magayon (Fireworks Display) Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm
12 “Concierto sa Magayon” (Opening Concert w/ K. Brosas and Rico Blanco) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
13 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 6 (Tuesday)

1 IBP Bicolandia Regional Convention Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Hotel St. Ellis 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Tennis Clubs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 “Si Lolo at si Lola sa Magayon” (Senior Citizen’s Day) Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 POLANGUI Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm-7:00 pm
5 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 7 (Wednesday)

1 IBP Bicolandia Regional Convention Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Hotel St. Ellis 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Tennis Clubs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon Arnis Laro-Laban Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 3rd PUKKO NATIONAL KARATEDO CHAMPIONSHIP (Eliminations) Albay Astrodome 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
5 DARAGA Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm-7:00 pm
6 Ginoo ng Magayon 2010 REHEARSAL Albay Astrodome 8:00 pm – onwards
7 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 8:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 8 (Thursday)

1 IBP Bicolandia Regional Convention Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Hotel St. Ellis 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 REGIONAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Tennis Clubs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 3rd PUKKO NATIONAL KARATEDO CHAMPIONSHIP Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
5 Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Day Peñaranda Park 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 Magayon 5-Cock Derby Gallera de Legazpi 7:00 pm
7 Ginoo ng Magayon 2010 TALENT SHOW Polangui Plaza 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
8 “MAGPAURAG!” Talent Showdown Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm – onwards
9 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 9 (Friday)

1 IBP Bicolandia Regional Convetion Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Hotel St. Ellis 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 3rd Table Tennis Tournament LCC Activity Center 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Tennis Clubs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Bicol DART Challenge IV People’s Hall 8:00 am – 12:00 mn
5 1st Phil. Summer Youth and Mountaineers Adventure Camp Caramoan, Cam. Sur 8:00 am – onwards
6 TABACO CITY Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
7 Magayon 5-Cock Derby Gallera de Legazpi 7:00 pm
8 MaGAYon OPEN Search 2010 w/ Gupitan sa Plaza* Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
9 Ginoo ng Magayon 2010 REHEARSAL Albay Astrodome 8:00 pm – onwards
10 SILYAB sa Magayon (Fireworks Display) Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm
11 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 10 (Saturday)

1 3rd Table Tennis Tournament LCC Activity Center 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Various Tennis Clubs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Bicol DART Challenge IV People’s Hall 8:00 am – 12:00 mn
4 1st Phil. Summer Youth and Mountaineers Adventure Camp Caramoan, Cam. Sur 8:00 am – onwards
5 “Hataw at Galaw sa Magayon” (Hip hop Dance Revolution) Peñaranda Park (Main Stage) 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
6 Ginoo ng Magayon 2010 PAGEANT NIGHT (w/ Ms. Sam Pinto of PBB) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
7 Rocklakan sa Magayon ( SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 11 (Sunday)

1 3rd Table Tennis Tournament LCC Activity Center 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Governor’s Cup TENNIS Tournament Tennis Clubs 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Softball Tournament BU Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Bicol DART Challenge IV People’s Hall 8:00 am – 12:00 mn
5 1st Phil. Summer Youth and Mountaineers Adventure Camp Caramoan, Cam. Sur 8:00 am – onwards
6 Magayon Boradolan Festival Tabaco National High School 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
7 “Magayon Serenata 2010”
Brass Band Festival PART 2 Peñaranda Park 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
8 “Hayop ang Dating” (Dog show/ Dog walk) Peñaranda Park 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
9 Kuntaw-an sa Magayon Albay Astrodome 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
10 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 12 (Monday)

1 “BULILIT sa Magayon” (Children’s Day) Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Softball Tournament BU Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon FOOTBALL Cup B.U. Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 SAGUPAAN sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (Top Stage) 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
5 MAGAYON SONG CO. (CD Launching w/ Nyoy Volante) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
6 Divine Word College of Legazpi (D.W.C.L.) Night Peñaranda Park (Main Stage) 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
7 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 13 (Tuesday)

1 Softball Tournament BU Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon FOOTBALL Cup B.U. Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 SAGUPAAN sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (Top) 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
5 TALENTADONG GABOS, BICOLANONG BOGKOS (Teatro de Artes) Peñaranda Park (Main) 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
6 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 14 (Wednesday)

1 Softball Tournament BU Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon FOOTBALL Cup B.U. Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 CAMALIG Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
5 TITSER’S DAY Albay Astrodome 2:00pm – 6:00 pm
6 Magayon BANDFEST ‘10 Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
7 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 15 (Thursday)

1 Magayon Jobs Fair Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Softball Tournament BU Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 LARO NG LAHI sa Magayon (Indigenous Games) Peñaranda Park 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 Magayon FOOTBALL Cup B.U. Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 Search for Albay Top Cops Peñaranda Park 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
7 “MagpaURAG!”
Talent Showdown Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm – onwards
8 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 16 (Friday)

1 Magayon Jobs Fair Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Softball Tournament BU Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Magayon FOOTBALL Cup B.U. Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 LIBON Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
6 MASARIG 2010 (Bodybuilding Competition) Peñaranda Park 7:00pm – 10:00pm
7 CONCIERTO para sa MONASTERYO Divine Word College of Legazpi 7:00 pm
8 SILYAB sa Magayon (Fireworks Display) Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm
9 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 17 (Saturday)

1 Magayon Bike Show LandCo Business Park 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon X Playground LandCo Business Park 8:00am – 5:00pm
4 Magayon FOOTBALL Cup B.U. Grounds 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 PRETTY PREGGY (Buntis Pageant) Peñaranda Park 3:00pm – 7:00pm
6 SAGUPAAN sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (Top) 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
7 “Hataw at Galaw sa Magayon” (Hip hop Dance Revolution) Peñaranda Park (Main Stage) 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
8 Magayon BAILE (Ballroom Dance Competition) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
9 Magayon DANCESPORTS (w/ Regine Tolentino) Albay Astrodome 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
10 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 18 (Sunday)

1 Magayon Bike Show LandCo Business Park 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon KI AIKIDO Tournament Peñaranda Park 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
4 Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay (SPA) Concert (Feat. Pooh and Hale) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm-10:00 pm
5 Magayon Goes Retro RETRO MUSIC FESTIVAL Peñaranda Park 3:00 pm – 4:00 am
6 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 19 (Monday)

1 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Namit Bikol Cooking Demonstration Astrodome Compound 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
3 Bicol University (B.U.) Night Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
4 Bikini Summit 2010 REHEARSAL Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
5 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 20 (Tuesday)

1 EARTH WEEK International Celebration
2 Dama Tournament Albay Capitol 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Kabuhayan sa Magayon People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 “Cultural Show” JBR Production Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
6 Bikini Summit 2010 PAGEANT NIGHT Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
7 MagRAPan sa Magayon Year 2 (Rap Concert) Peñaranda Park 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
8 Rocklakan sa Magayon Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 21 (Wednesday)

1 EARTH WEEK International Celebration
2 Dama Tournament Albay Capitol 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Kabuhayan sa Magayon People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition Mayon Riviera Sto. Domingo 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 TIWI Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
7 Magayon Fashion Festival Peñaranda Park 7:00pm – 10:00pm
8 EQUALYMPICS Albay Astrodome 7:00pm – 10:00pm
9 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 22 (Thursday)

1 EARTH WEEK International Celebration
2 Dama Tournament Albay Capitol 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon TUMBUKAN (9-Ball Billiard Competition) Ninong’s Bar 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 KASAL-KASALON SA MAGAYON (A Bridal Exhibit) Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – onwards
5 National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition Mayon Riviera Sto. Domingo 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 Kabuhayan sa Magayon People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
7 SPICY ALBAY – Photo Congress People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8 HOT-AW SA KAONAN (Sili Viand – Eating Contest) Peñaranda Park 6:00pm – 8:00pm
9 “MagpaURAG!” Talent Showdown (Finals) Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm – onwards
10 MAGAYON FASHION SHOW (Bridal Collection) Albay Astrodome 8:00pm – 10:00pm
11 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 23 (Friday)

1 EARTH WEEK International Celebration
2 Dama Tournament Albay Capitol 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon Beach Volleyball Embarcadero 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Magayon ALBAY ADVENTURE 102 Tabaco-Sula-Cagraray 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition Mayon Riviera Sto. Domingo 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 SPICY ALBAY – Photo Congress People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
7 KASAL-KASALON SA MAGAYON (A Bridal Exhibit) Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – onwards
8 LEGAZPI CITY Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
9 Magayon Idol
of Radyo Veritas Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
10 Kabuhayan sa Magayon People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
11 MAGAYON FASHION SHOW (Designers’ Collection) Albay Astrodome 8:00pm – 10:00pm
12 SILYAB sa Magayon (Fireworks Display) Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm
13 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 24 (Saturday)

1 EARTH WEEK International Celebration
2 Magayon Chess Tournament People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon Swimming Competition BU Swimming Pool 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Magayon Fest AMAZING RACE w/in Legazpi & Albay Dist. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 Magayon Beach Volleyball Embarcadero 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 Magayon ALBAY ADVENTURE 102 Tabaco-Sula-Cagraray 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
7 KASAL-KASALON SA MAGAYON (A Bridal Exhibit) Albay Astrodome 8:00 am – onwards
8 National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition Mayon Riviera Sto. Domingo 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
9 ABS – CBN Variety Show Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
10 MUTYA ng Magayon Festival 2010 REHEARSAL Albay Astrodome 8:00 pm – onwards
11 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 25 (Sunday)

1 National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition Mayon Riviera Sto. Domingo 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
2 Chess Tournament People’s Hall 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 Magayon ALBAY ADVENTURE 102 Tabaco-Sula-Cagraray 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
4 Magayon Fest AMAZING RACE w/in Legazpi & Albay Dist. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
5 Magayon Beach Volleyball Embarcadero 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
6 PIO DURAN Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
7 LAGATOK SA FOLK (Folk and Country Concert) Albay Astrodome 7:00pm – onwards
8 MUTYA ng Magayon Festival 2010 TALENT SHOW Tabaco Terrace 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
9 MUTYA ng Magayon Festival 2010 Rehearsal Albay Astrodome 10:00 pm – onwards
10 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 26 (Monday)

1 Aquinas University of Legazpi (A.U.L.) Night Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
2 National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition Mayon Riviera Sto. Domingo 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
3 National SKIMBOARDING Competition Arimbay, Legazpi City 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
4 Namit Bikol Cooking Demonstration Astrodome Compound 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
5 MUTYA ng Magayon Festival 2010 REHEARSAL Albay Astrodome 8:00 pm – onwards
6 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 27 (Tuesday)

1 National SKIMBOARDING Competition Arimbay, Legazpi City 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
2 Isandaang Minutong Tawa at Laro (Kudkod Paga – Turo Gata) Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
3 Magayon BANDMASTER’S Show Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
4 MUTYA ng Magayon Festival 2010 TECHNICAL REHEARSAL Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
5 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 28 (Wednesday)

1 National SKIMBOARDING Competition Arimbay Legazpi City 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
2 Book Launching – ALBAY HISTORY BOOK by Dr. Danilo M. Gerona People’s Hall 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
3 RAPU-RAPU Day Product Demonstration/Street Parade/Cultural Presentation Peñaranda Park 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
4 MUTYA ng Magayon Festival 2010 PAGEANT NIGHT (w/ Drew Arellano and Aljur Abrenica) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
5 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 29 (Thursday)

1 MAGAYON FESTIVAL LEGEND SHOWDOWN (Street Dancing Competition) Peñaranda Park 1:00 pm
2 NAMIT BIKOL Cooking Competition (Bagong Pagkaing Teknolohiya, Go Negosyo Pa) Astrodome Compound 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
3 Legend of “Daragang Magayon” (A Musical Play) Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
4 SILYAB sa Magayon (Fireworks Display) Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm
5 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

April 30 (Friday)

1 “Conciertong Pasasalamat (Closing Concert w/ Erik Santos) Albay Astrodome 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
2 “PAYASO SA MAGAYON” Clown Competition and Stage Show Peñaranda Park 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
3 SILYAB sa Magayon (Fireworks Display) Peñaranda Park 9:00 pm
4 Rocklakan sa Magayon (SMB) Peñaranda Park (SMB Stage) 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

Note: Subject to change w/o prior notice.

Visit the Magayon Festival Official Website

Experience Albay anew this April 2010 as the province celebrates its annual Magayon Festival: an explosion of colors, culture and crafts! This year’s Magayon Festival promises to be even more exciting than ever. With the banner ‘Albay Rising’, the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda will invest P12 million for the various tourism-oriented events and another P3 million for promotions.

The festivities kicks off on April 5 and every day there are several events lined up. Trade fairs and exhibits will showcase the best of local crafts and souvenir items of the province’s 15 towns and the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco. The province will also launch the book “Albay: Winding Down the Historic Abaca Trade” by historian Danilo Gerona which chronicles the progress of Albay through the centuries. The province is noted for its export-quality abaca crafts, pili sweets and spicy delicacies.

Credits to the various photographers

The highlights of the Magayon Festival 2010 include the Legend Showdown street dancing tilt where the different festivals of Bicol come together in a grand celebration through the streets of Legazpi; the Namit Bikol cooking competition, and a musical play on the legend of Daragang Magayon (beautiful maiden).

Other Magayon Festival activities include beauty pageants, entertainment shows, sporting tournaments, fashion shows, livelihood seminars, and the Rocklakan sa Magayon nightly food plaza around Peñaranda Park. The festival draws to a close with a concert featuring Erik Santos and fireworks display on April 30.

The Mayon Photography Club Inc., in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Albay is inviting you to the photography workshop and seminar entitled ” Spicy Albay 2 Photography Convention” on April 22-24, 2010 at People’s Hall, Albay Provincial Capitol, Old Albay District, Legazpi City. Renowned Bicolano photographers will be sharing their knowledge and expertise as well as the latest techniques, technologies and trends in the field of photography. The convention is open to enthusiasts and professional photographers. See details below:

For Registration/Info please contact:

Tom Falcon 0916-2361600
Pat Encinareal 0917-3591666
Nelson Salting 0928-3955772

The Visita Iglesia (Visit of the Churches) is a tradition that Catholics observe during the Lenten season. Visita Iglesia is often practiced on Holy Thursday during the Holy Week. On this day, the faithful visit seven churches to offer a solemn prayer and contemplate on the fourteen Stations of the Cross. The practice of visiting seven churches dates back to the time of the early Christians, when pilgrims would visit the seven great basilicas of Rome for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Visita Iglesia is also an opportunity for people to see and appreciate the beauty and historical value of Albay’s centuries-old churches. In this series of posts, Wow Legazpi will explore the major Catholic churches of Albay, not only to serve as a guide for pilgrims who will observe Visita Iglesia but also to provide information about these churches and help inspire appreciation of these priceless cultural treasures.

Please visit Wow Legazpi as we regularly update our Visita Iglesia: The Churches of Albay Series.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Legazpi City
St. Raphael Archangel Church, Legazpi City
Our Lady of the Gate Church, Daraga
St. John the Baptist Church, Camalig
Our Lady of the Assumption, Guinobatan
St. John the Baptist Church, Tabaco
St. Stephen the Protomartyr Church, Ligao
St. Michael the Archangel Church, Oas
St. James the Great Church, Libon
St. Anthony of Padua Church, Polangui
St. Rose of Lima Church, Bacacay
St. Dominic de Guzman Church, Sto. Domingo
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Malilipot
St. Joachim and Anne Church, Malinao
St. Lawrence Church, Tiwi
Our Lady of Salvation Shrine, Joroan, Tiwi

Photos courtesy of Shubert Ciencia, Arnel Constantino, and the Heritage Conservation Society