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.

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

The Philippines is rich in beaches with sands of varying shades: from blinding white to warm and golden. But jet-black sand beaches are very rare. The province of Albay, because of its volcanic origins, is home to beaches with distinct black sands of the deepest ebony color. The black sand is a product of millions of years of natural erosion that pulverized the mighty volcanic rocks into fine-textured sands. Albay’s black sand beaches stretch across the province’s eastern seafront with the best ones found in the towns of Bacacay, Tiwi, Sto. Domingo, and the city of Legazpi.

Beach in Bacacay | Photo by cigyrj (see photographer’s gallery here)

Bacacay

The small town of Bacacay lies on the eastern slope of Mayon volcano. It has 143 kms. of irregular coastline of mostly black volcanic sand and smaller white sand beaches in the Cagraray Island. Most of these black sand beaches are to be found in Brgy Sogod, which is less than 5 kms from the Poblacion.

There are several resorts offering day and overnight accommodations as well as other amenities. See list of resorts here:

Getting there with own car:

Driving to Bacacay is not a problem as the turns are clearly marked. From Legazpi City, Bacacay is approximately 20.3 kms, about 30 minutes of travel. There are two marked entry points to Bacacay, in Brgy Bonga and in Brgy. San Jose. To get to the beach Resorts, make a right at Brgy San Jose Junction. A marker “Beach resorts” will be sited before the said junction. Then drive straight about 3 kms to reach Brgy. Sogod.

Getting there via Public transport:

From the Legazpi City Central terminal, ride the jeep going to Bacacay. Ask the driver to let you off at Brgy San Jose junction. Then hop in to a tricycle to take you to the resort of your choice. You can also ride a van or GT Express to Bacacay.

Sto. Domingo Beach | Photo by Dacel Andes (see photographer’s gallery here)

Sto. Domingo

The beaches in this area are best for viewing. Resorts along the Sto Domingo coastline offer a wonderful view of the black beach, the Albay Gulf and a part of the Legazpi City area. It is also the best place to watch the rising of the full moon. On a full moon, you will have the unobstructed view of the water, moon, night sky and the city lights. Some resorts offer entertainment facilities like videoke and billiards. Some have private pools. This is the perfect escape from the hubbub of the city life. See list of resorts here

Getting there with own car:

Drive approximately 11 kms north of Legazpi. The marker for the turn to Sto. Domingo is visible on your right. From the turn to the Church is another 2 kms. From the church just go straight and make a right heading towards Kalayukai beaches, where you can find a string of resorts.

Getting there via public transport:

From the Legazpi City Terminal, take a jeepney or van going to Sto. Domingo. Get off at the last stop at the Poblacion. From the town proper get a tricycle to take you the Kalayukai Beaches. Before going there make sure that you have a specific resort in mind. Tell the driver exactly which resort you want to go to.

Beach in Tiwi | Photo by Hajji (see photographer’s gallery here)

Tiwi

Tiwi lies on the northern part of the Mayon volcano and is approximately 40 kms from Legazpi City. Beaches in this area specifically those in the Joroan shore are best for swimming as the water on this part is not too rocky. On this portion you will have a superb view of the Lagonoy gulf and the islets of Camarines Sur. The scenic drive to Joroan is also a big plus on this travel. For a really satisfying black sand beach swimming experience this is the place to go. See list of resorts here:

Getting there with own car:

Legazpi City to Tiwi is about 45 minutes to an hour of travel. If you reach the poblacion just go farther north about 2 kms to reach the turn for Joroan. Signage can be spotted. Another 5 km drive on paved and winding road will take you to the resorts.

Getting there via public transport:

From the terminal in Legazpi City, take the van going to Tiwi. Get down at the Tiwi poblacion or at the final stop. From there ride the jeep going to Joroan crossing which is right in front of the San Isidro Labrador chapel. Then get on a tricycle to take you to the Resorts.

More Albay black sand beaches:

Black sand beach in Legazpi | Photo by Roe Empleo (see photographer’s gallery here)

Rawis Beach, Legazpi | Photo by Miko Cuenca (see photographer’s gallery here)

Padang Beach, Legazpi | Photo by Dacel Andes (see photographer’s gallery here)

Photo by Dex Baldon (see photographer’s gallery here)

Source: Albay Tourism

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

The St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church in Oas was founded in 1605 by Franciscan missionaries. Fray Marcos de Lisboa was its first pastor. The first Oas church was made of wood and cogon grass. In 1825, a bigger church with a rectory was built out of volcanic rocks and bricks. The construction of the new church was supervised by Fray Francisco de Anunciacion O. Peñaranda.

St. Michael the Archangel Church | Photo by Arnel Constantino

P. Fray Marcos de Lisboa compiled “Vocabulario de la Lengua Bicol”, the first Bicol Dictionary published posthumously in Sampaloc, 1754, from his manuscript. He resided in the Bikol region for nine years from 1602 to 1611 and was “Definidor y Ministro” of the town of Nabua (1602), administrator of the town of Oas (1605), and Vicario Provincial of the Province of Camarines (1609-1611).

The first structural foundation of the church was made of wood and cogon grass. In 1866, the church and the rectory was damaged in a fire. Later that same year, the church was rebuilt under the supervision of Fray Francisco de Aragones. A transept was added to the church by Fray Santos Herrijon who served as pastor from 1873 to 1878. In 1884, a strong earthquake and a subsequent typhoon demolished the church and the rectory.

Oas in 1847 | Painting by Jose Honorato Lozano | Courtesy of Oasnon.org

Another strong typhoon in 1947 damaged the church and it had to be rebuilt. Fr. Luis Dimarumba spearheaded efforts to repair the church edifice. In 1997, under the dynamic leadership of Msgr. Rolando Diokno, the Oaseños finally realized their dream of coming together for worship in a beautifully renovated church. On May 8, 1997, the fiesta of the patron saint was celebrated with the blessing and inauguration of the renovated church building.

The Oas Church before renovation

Traditionally, Oas celebrates its town fiesta on May 8, but the parish observes another feast on September 29 according to the church calendar. On this day, the newly established Himoloan festival is held, showcasing the religious traditions of Oas and the spirit of oneness and Alay Kapwa – aid to the neighbor in need.

Source: The St. Michael the Archangel Parish History, Oasnon… Forever

Map of St. Michael the Archangel Church, Oas:

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The Parish Church of St. Dominic de Guzman is the most prominent landmark in the quaint and picturesque town of Sto. Domingo. Built in 1820, the church is built with massive solid stone walls unsupported by pillars. Two dome-shaped belfries give a graceful symmetry to the church. Since cement was not yet used during the construction of the Sto. Domingo church, massive stone walls were built using a mixture of lime, egg albumin, and “tangguli” (or molasses) that serve as binder and hardener.

Sto. Domingo Church | by Rouel

The church was built through forced labor. Workers shed sweat, tears, blood and even their lives for the construction of the church.The town of Sto. Domingo was originally named Libog from the corrupted Bicol word “libot” which means roundabout. The poblcation was off the main route between the trade center towns of Tabaco and Legazpi City, but had to be included in the route for trading and government purposes, thus a roundabout road had to be constructed.

Vintage Photo of Sto. Domingo (Libog) Church

Established as a separate municipality of Ibalon in 1749, Republic Act. 2520, enacted by Congresswoman Tecla S. Ziga, provided for the change of name Libog to Sto. Domingo in 1959. Formal proclamation of its new name was made on August 4, 1959 which coincide with the feast day of town’s patron saint. The builders of this town were expert planners as the poblacion was so designed that all downhill streets were parallel and the cross streets were also parallel. Provisions were made for two spacious public plazas, market site, a wide church site and a government–building compound all clustered along the main thoroughfare.

St. Dominic de Guzman Church Interiors | Photo by Shubert Ciencia

The town is the birthplace of “Sarung Banggi”, a classical bicol love song composed by an illustrious son of Sto. Domingo, Potenciano Gregorio in 1910. It is also the center of the resitance movement against the Japanese, headed by Col. Faustino M. Flor, a native of this town and founder of the guerilla movement. Sto. Domingo is also well-known for its jet black sand beaches and numerous resorts. In fact, it is recognized as the resort town of Albay.

Sto. Domingo Church | Photo by Patrick Pantangco

Map of Sto. Domingo Church

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LGU of Sto. Domingo
Official Website of Sto. Domingo
NSCB Region V

The Parish Church of Guinobatan, Albay is dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption. Guinobatan as a parish started as a visita of the Municipality of Camalig in 1672. By 1678, Don Francisco Bagamasbad, Chief of the ‘Tenientes Absolutos’, spearheaded a petition to the Governor-General of the Philippines to elevate the visita into an independent municipality. This effort achieved fruition in 1688 when the request was granted. Rev. Fr. Alfonso de Zafra was the first minister of the Parish of Guinobatan. Soon after, the first Guinobatan church was built.

Guinobatan Church, 2009 | Photo by Sherwin Magayanes

Through the centuries, the church of Guinobatan often suffered destruction in a series of calamities including the cataclysmic eruptions of Mayon Volcano, strong typhoons and the ravages of the Revolutionary and the Philippine-American Wars. Despite these setbacks, the faithful people of Guinobatan dutifully rebuilt their parish church. Today, the vibrant town of Guinobatan is a first-class municipality. The parish of Guinobatan celebrates its annual fiesta every 15th of August.

Guinobatan Church in 1966

Guinobatan Church Interiors

Guinobatan Church Belfry | Photo by George Gubat

How to get to Guinobatan from Legazpi:

Hop on one of several jeepneys plying the Guinobatan-Legazpi route.

Map of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Guinobatan, Albay:

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Source: Albay Tourism

The church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City is one of the most stately religious structures in the province of Albay. According to the Estado Geografico Estadistico Historico written in 1805 by Father De Huerta, the recorded history of the city began in 1587 through the missionary work of the Franciscan Fathers. A church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, was first built in Tabaco in 1616 by Fr. Pedro De Alcareso. The construction of the present church started in 1864 and was completed in 1879. The Tabaco Church is unique among Philippine churches because the stones used to build the church bears the distinct marks of the Masons.

Tabaco Church Facade | Photo by bok2009

According to local folklore, when the Spanish first arrived in Tabaco, they approached a native and asked the name of the place. The native, who was a jealous father and didn’t understand Spanish, thought they were trying to take his daughter. His response was Tabac Co! Tabac Co! meaning My Bolo! My Bolo! His daughter brought his bolo, but by that time, the Spanish had already assumed he was referring to the name of the place. The recorded history of the city begins with the arrival of the missionary Franciscans 1587.

Tabaco Church in 1966

The first inhabitants settled along the coast and engaged in fishing and farming. Continuous attacks by Moro raiders forced many to migrate to surrounding area, eventually resulting in a town settlement by 1703. Tabaco City has been stuck by a number of disasters over the centuries. A typhoon in 1811, an eruption from Mayon Volcano in 1814, typhoon Trix in 1952 that completely submerged Natunawan Island, a fire that raised the commercial centre in 1964 and typhoon Sining in 1970.

Inside Tabaco Church | Photo by Tabar MD Photography

Today, Tabaco is a progressive and fast-growing city home to 123,513 people. It is a major agricultural and trading center not only in the province but also in the entire Bicol Region. Tabaco is well-known for its cutlery and metal craft, ceramics, woodcraft, ship building, and caragumoy industry. The city is also home to the Tabaco International Seaport, the only international port in the region.

Tabaco Church Belfry | Photo by rden29

How to Get to Tabaco City from Legazpi:

Take the bus or van from the Legazpi City Central Terminal to Tabaco.

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The Church of St. John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista) in Camalig is another imposing religious structure in the province of Albay. The church is built entirely out of solid blocks of volcanic rock from Mount Mayon. Christianity was brought to Camalig by Capt. Luis de Guzman together with Father Alonzo Jimenez, an Augustinian priest who came with the Legaspi expedition. Evangelization was started in 1578 by the Augustinian missionaries.

Camalig Church and Mayon Volcano | Photo by Simon Listana

When the Augustinians left, the Franciscan Fathers Pablo de Jesus and Bartolome Ruiz continued their work. In 1579, Camalig was formally inaugurated as a town and as a parish. The original poblacion was placed in Binanua-an. The original church and “escuela Catolica” was established in this place in 1605.

The eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814 devastated parts of Camalig and totaly destroyed the nearby towns of Cagsawa and Budiao. Although the church was unscathed, the eruption prompted the town officials to transfer the church and the town government to the mountains: first, to Palanog, then to Kitapunte and then to Baligang. After a fire razed the new settlement, the town government was restored to the original poblacion and the intact church was reoccupied.

Old Photo of Camalig Church and Convento

The current edifice of the Camalig Church was built in 1842. Hundreds of stone-cutters worked under the supervision of Spanish priests to construct the church out of solid blocks of lava rock. The church was completed in 1848 and was considered one of the strongest, most massive and most beautiful churches in the entire region.

Affluent residents and families of the town vied with one another in providing the interior of the church with expensive furnishings, be they wood, in glass, in silver, gold, brass or copper, including the altar linens and ceremonial vestments. The people also generously contributed for the bells, except for the biggest one, which was donated by the Franciscan order, together with the Baptismal Font.

Camalig Church Interiors | Photo by Ariel Chua (Click here for more photos)

Two other marble holy water fonts installed at the entrance and two smaller ones on the west side door were donated by prominent families. Five capitanes each donated a crystal chandelier. The church sustained heavy damaged during the Typhoon Sisang in the 1980s but was lovingly restored by the citizens of Camalig.

Today, the Camalig Church is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved churches in the province and is a must-visit because of its immense cultural and historical value.

How to get to Camalig from Legazpi:

There are numerous jeepneys that regularly ply the Legazpi-Camalig route. All jeepneys going to the towns of the third district of Albay (Guinobatan, Ligao City, Polangui, Libon, Oas, Pio Duran) pass through the Camalig poblacion.

Source: St. John the Baptist Parish (Camalig) and its Church by Ida Marcelino

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) is the crowning glory of religious architecture in the province of Albay. Nestled majestically on top of a hill above the bustling town, the Daraga Church has stood for centuries as a testament to the unwavering faith and resilience of the Bicolano. The centuries-old church was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute by virtue of the declaration signed by National Museum Director, Corazon S. Alvina last October 29, 2007. A historical marker was unveiled on October 16, 2007.

Daraga Church | Photo by madzieph

The Daraga Church was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773 when the present town of Daraga was but a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa. The catastrophic eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814 destroyed Cagsawa, Budiao and three other towns and killed almost 2,000 people. Today, only the belfry of the old Cagsawa church remains as a mute testimony to Mayon’s treacherous wrath. The survivors of the 1814 eruption chose to relocate to Daraga. This was then approved by the Governor-General on October 4, 1814 and implemented on November 7,1814.

Old Photo of Daraga Church

In 1815, a government of the town of Daraga was formally organized with Venando Espiritu Salomon as its first appointed captain. Since then, Daraga has grown to become a center of trade and commerce in the province of Albay. In fact, well-known German scientist and traveler Fedor Jagor visited Daraga in 1870 and described it as ‘a well-to-do town of twenty thousand inhabitants at the foot of the Mayon, a league and a half from Legaspi’. Read a more detailed account of the history of Daraga here.

Daraga Church | Photo by Margaret Joy Caraig

The design of the Daraga Church can be described as a blend of architectural styles: Renaissance Gothic and Mexican baroque. The result: an indigenous baroque style that distinguishes it from other colonial churches in the Philippines. The facade was carefully carved from volcanic stones. Distinct features of the Daraga Church facade include the four spiral columns with medallions at the center of each column bearing images of the four Evangelists.

Detail of Daraga Church facade | Photo by daylen11

The richly decorated facade also features images of the Our Lady of the Gate, the Franciscan Saints, the coat of arms of the Franciscan order and many more. The belfry has an octagonal base with images of the twelve Apostles engraved on the sides of the six angles. All of these were hewn from volcanic stone. Read more about the rich art of the Daraga Church here.

Altar of Daraga Church | Photo by Jerry Noveno

The Daraga Church is a cultural and architectural treasure that is a priceless part of Albayano heritage. Today, the church is one of the most visited destinations in the province of Albay. The church is easily accessible from the city of Legazpi.

Map of Daraga Church:

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