Mutya ng Magayon 2012 Candidates

Mutya ng Magayon # 1 Avethrea Rontas - Legazpi

Mutya ng Magayon # 2 Ma Donnessa Gordola - Bulan

Mutya ng Magayon # 3 Abigail Sipalay – Legazpi

Mutya ng Magayon # 4 Amandeep Kaur Singh – Sorsogon

Mutya ng Magayon # 5 Ross Andrea Ambrosio – Iriga

Mutya ng Magayon # 6 Naimah Abdirazack – Sorsogon

Mutya ng Magayon # 7 Candy Marilyn Vollinger – Catanduanes

Mutya ng Magayon # 8 Jessabel Ann Binza – Tabaco

Mutya ng Magayon # 9 Kathleen Mae Lausinco – Polangui

Mutya ng Magayon # 10 Keshia Mae Dee – Daraga

Mutya ng Magayon # 12 Candy Navarro – Legazpi

Mutya ng Magayon # 13 Micah Binas – Legazpi

Mutya ng Magayon # 14 Daisy Ann Kempf – Tabaco

Mutya ng Magayon # 15 Darlene Tiburcio – Catanduanes

Mutya ng Magayon # 16 Sheena Mae Borabo – Malilipot

Mutya ng Magayon # 17 Angelie Aubrey Asuncion – Tabaco

Mutya ng Magayon # 18 Charmaine Garcia – Castilla

Mutya ng Magayon # 19 Joane Tampoco – Legazpi

Mutya ng Magayon # 20 Jaja Noble – Legazpi

Mayon Volcano & Legazpi | Photo by Roe Empleo

Legazpi City – Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said on Tuesday that Albay is becoming a top tourist destination in the country after pursuing an aggressive tourism program that’s helping propel the province’s economic growth.

Jimenez, who graced on Tuesday the opening rites of the province annual month-long Magayon Festival, said the big investment poured in by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on its tourism program would indeed boost economic activity.

Ligñon Hill | Photo by Boggs Dichoson

Jimenez, citing tourism statistics said in 2011 Albay posted 350,069 tourist arrivals — a 17 percent growth rate that surpassed the national growth rate of 15 percent. Jimenez at a press conference said there were 3.9 million tourist arrival in the country in 2010 and 4.6 million in 2011.

Jimenez said, “It is more fun in Albay because Albayanos are known for being hospitable.” He said Albay has distinct tourism features with its people, festivals, history, culture and arts. “Tourism needs to invest in people since “tourism is a business of the people, there should be a concrete road map that would attract and be a destination.

“Mayon volcano should not only be an attraction, it should rather be a destination.” Jimenez lauded Salceda for initiating a three-pronged event that showcases a 30-day festivals, including the Magayon Festival depicting Albay’s cultural heritage, the Cagsawa Festival, and Karangahan Festival, featuring the province’s culinary arts.

Daragang Magayon | Photo by Sinjin Pineda

Salceda said that the province, after making distinction in the field of health, education, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, is now moving toward tourism and agriculture development.Salceda said the province is now shifting from the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to economic growth by attracting more industry players who would invest in agriculture modernization and tourism development.

Salceda, adapting “Albay Rising” as the province’s slogan said the slogan is largely anchored on the development of the tourism industry. Among the province’s tourist attractions are the active and near perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano, the historic Cagsawa Ruins, and many fine beaches.

Salceda said “Albay is investing heavily on tourism as among its revenue generating concerns designed to spur the economic development.”

Cagsawa Ruins | Photo by Beni Cruz

With Magayon Festival on its fifth year, the provincial government has set a package of close to 150 events that feature culture and the arts, trade and industry, tourism spectacles, culinary food trips, sports and special interests that are expected to titillate the interest of tourists and visitors.

Among the event highlights of Magayon Festival 2012 is the staging of the Dance of the Three Mountains, a play written by multi-awarded Albayano writer Abdon Balde in the Bicol vernacular. The legend tells the story of the three sister mountains — Magayon, Masaraga, and Malinao which is actually the legend of Mayon Volcano. Taking center stage is the Mutya ng Magayon Festival 2012, a pageant which has already produced world-class beauty titlists like Dianne Necio, the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas International.

Likewise, the Higantes, a parade of giant effigies which are all Albay mythological characters.

Magayon Festival | Photo by Marco Paolo Arroyo

The festival highlights include the Ginoo ng Magayon Festival 2012, to be hosted by actress Lovi Poe; Concierto sa Magayon, with Jhong Hilario and Kiss Jane; Concierto Pasasalamat; Magayon Lyre, Drum and Baton Competition; Gayon Bicol Festival Showdown; Daragang Magayon Legend Showdown, the street dancing and festival queen presentation; Hot-Taw sa Karaonan, and the Sili Viand Eating Contest; among others.

Magayon’s Beer Plaza, will present bands and artists as nightly guests at the Penaranda Park in here, and is expected to keep the festival’s night life wake until dawn. (MAL/MSA-PGA)

The ‘boiling lake’ of Nag-Aso in the town of Manito is another off-the-beaten-path wonder in Albay. This 3-hectare lake is fed by a hot spring that has a temperature that can reach 100° Celsius, hot enough to boil eggs within 10 minutes. It is located in the boundary of Barangay Balabagon and Hulugan, nestled between a ridge and the Albay Gulf.

The name comes from the Bicolano word, which means ‘steaming’ or ‘smoking’. Because of the extreme temperatures of the lake, its heat is used to help power a 160-MW geothermal plant. During high tide, the lake is submerged by seawater from the Albay Gulf, but the bubbling, boiling water is still visible.

Location

View Nag-aso Boiling Lake in a larger map

Albay is famous for its volcanic jet-black sand beaches, but the province also has its share of islands with stretches of golden sands. Pinamuntugan Island in Bacacay, Albay is one of these; a hidden gem that is off the beaten path of most tourists. Pinamuntugan is located off the coast of the more well-known Cagraray Island, the home of the luxury resort Misibis Bay.

How to get there

Bacacay is easily accessible by car from Legazpi. Vans and jeepneys from the Legazpi Grand Central Terminal also have regular trips to and from Bacacay. At the Bacacay port, you may ask for one of the boatmen to take you to the island for a fee, ranging from Php1,800 to 2,500, depending on your ability to haggle. The boat’s crew will wait while you enjoy the island, so make sure you bring extra food for them.

The best time to go there is early morning. Leave Legazpi at 6AM sharp and you will arrive at Bacacay port by 7am. The boat ride is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Even if the island is private, there are no entrance fees. Just bring the basics: food, tents, drinking water, camera, sunscreen and don’t forget your sense of adventure!

Help preserve the island’s beauty by leaving nothing but footprints, taking nothing but pictures, and killing nothing but time.

More Photos of Pinamuntugan Island

High Noon | Photo by Beni Cruz

Pinamuntugan Island | Photo by Motoragon

View more photos here

Pinamuntugan | Photo by Jhon Ronell Araña

View more photos here

Busdac Beach | Photo by Ryan Baliza

Location

View Pinamuntugan Island in a larger map

Mayon 360 is a 50-mile (80-kilometer) run around the the circumference of the world’s most perfect-coned volcano, Mt. Mayon. This run will cross 7 Municipalities, 3 cities, and 77 Barangays, all paved roads, with close to 60 percent asphalt and 40 percent concrete.

Because the run is longer than the traditional distance of 42.1 kilometers, Mayon 360° is classified as an ultramarathon This event is organized by the Junior Chamber International – Legazpi Chapter in cooperation with Liga ng mga Barangay – Albay Chapter and sanctioned by the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners. It is sponsored by the Provincial Government of Albay, Governor Joey S. Salceda, and the Magayon Festival 2012.

This one of a kind event will be held for the second year in a row. Last year’s inaugural run won the Best Sports Tourism Event award given by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP). This year, a total of Php230,000 in cash prizes will be given away in several separate categories.

Route Map

Race Schedule

Race Briefing & Carbo Loading Party

April 20, 2012, 5PM to 6PM, People’s Hall, Albay Provincial Capitol, Albay

Race Day

April 21, 2012

3:00 AM Assembly
4:00 AM Gunstart

Start: Peñaranda Park, Albay
Finish: Peñaranda Park, Albay

Registration Fee:

P850.00

Registration Requirements:

• Medical Certificate signifying the runner is in good health to participate in this endurance sport (Validity of 2 months from race date)
• Completed one full Marathon within 1 year of race date (submit proof)

Official Website: Mayon 360

Prizes

Ginoo ng Magayon: Jasper Lemuel Velarde
Ginoo First Runner-up: Wayllon Apodaca
Ginoo Second Runner-up: Hiroshi Toroby
Ginoo ng Magayon Turismo: Kevin Casimiro

Winners of the Ginoo ng Magayon 2102

Aerial view of Southern Luzon (Bicol) International Airport Construction

by Rhaydz B. Barcia and Raffy S. Ayeng, The Manila Times

Legazpi City – The Aquino administration is expediting the construction of P3.5-billion Bicol International Airport in Albay to cater to the rising influx of foreign and domestic tourists making Bicol one of the fastest growing region in the country Tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. told The Manila Times.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., who opened of the monthlong Magayon Festival also announced the government’s approval of a P1.4-billion tourism infrastructure package for the province and cited Albay as the country’s fastest rising tourist destination.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the two vital projects under the package are the Cagraray Circumferential Road in Bacacay town worth P440 million, and a road that directly links Albay with Donsol, Sorsogon, home to the world famous Butanding or sperm whale, P870 million.

Salceda has pursued an aggressive tourism campaign for the province, dubbed as ‘Albay Rising.’ He said they have now shifted their focus on tourism and agriculture after significant accomplishments have been made in the fields of health, education, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Jimenez acknowledged Salceda’s all-out tourism development drive and noted that the governor’s initiatives have boosted Albay’s economic activity, and as a result, posted a 17 percent growth in 2011, higher than the 15 percent national growth rate for the year.

“You need 24/7 airport to cater the big influx of both foreign and domestic tourists making Bicol as the fastest growing region in the country. That’s why President Aquino is prioritizing the immediate com-pletion of Bicol International Airport in 2014,” Jimenez said.

“So two years from now, we’re expecting that this airport will be finished and operational sooner than the people expected. Bicol will be having an all weather airport now,” the DOT chief said.

DOT Bicol regional office records show that the top visiting foreign tourists in Albay last year were Americans, followed by Japanese, Koreans, Canadians and Australians.

Bicol region is one of the five growth corridors identified during the incumbency of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s super region development strategy which covers Regions 4B, 5, 6, 7 and 8 including the provinces of Palawan, Romblon, Camiguin and Siargao Island. These places are known for their natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

In 2011, national tourist arrivals reached 3.9 million according to Jimenez and in 2012 they’re targeting 4.6 million tourists.

With the completion of Bicol International Airport in 2014, Legazpi City in Albay, the regional center site and economic hub of Bicol as well as gateway or corridor in Luzon including Visayas and Mindanao regions will be serving 7.1 million people travellers including Samar Island.

Bustling Legazpi Port | Photo by Davy Chioa

Legazpi City, Philippines – This Albay city has received P20 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for “good housekeeping,” as it has properly carried out social services and pro-poor programs.

City administrator Noel Rosal said the money is earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Albay public market, with P5 million; expansion of the city’s slaughterhouse in Barangay San Roque, P5 million; and road and lighting improvements of subdivisions turned over to the city by the developers, including Amorao, Our Lady’s Village and Vel Amor, P10 million.

“We want all these facilities either constructed, improved or rehabilitated immediately to cater to the needs of the public,” Rosal told The STAR.

Rosal said DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who served as Naga City mayor for 18 years before appointed to a Cabinet post, appreciated the developments in the city and ordered the release of the P20 million to bankroll projects which the city government could not immediately implement for lack of funds.

The Department of Budget and Management has also released P500 million to the city government for a flood control system.

The project will involve the construction of flood gates, pumping stations, concrete dikes, river walls, and bridges, targeted at preventing flooding in the city proper, particularly in low-lying communities and coastal barangays, Rosal said.

Rosal said work on the flood control system will start next month.

On Nov. 30, 2006, at least 1,500 people either died or went missing when super typhoon “Reming” triggered up to 10 feet of floodwaters in the city’s commercial district, mixed with volcanic debris from the slopes of Mayon volcano.

Accomodations*

Resort Room – 1 double bed P1250.00
Family Room – 2 double beds, with private living room and a shower with hot and cold water. P3100.00
Condotel – 1 double bed and 2 bunk beds; private kitchen and dining area, living room with cable TV and shower with hot and cold water. P3650.00
Dormitory Rooms – can accommodate a large group of guests whether in business or a get-together for fun in the beach. P1200 to P4000
Extra Bed – P150.00

*All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a private bathroom, cable TV, intercom and 24 hour service

Amenities

Swimming Pool (for kids and adults)
Seaside Cottages for picnics
Queen’s Hall (300 persons capacity)
Astoria Hall (20-40 persons capacity)
MBR Restaurant
Pool-side Bar

Services

Wifi
Videoke/Karaoke Sing-Along
Gym
Private Parking (for small cars only)
Laundry Services
Massage Therapy
24 Hour Room Service

Contact

Address: Calayucay, Sto. Domingo, Albay
Phone: (052) 481-9524; (0928) 230-8096
Email: bolinae@ymail.com; information@ManhattanBeachResortPhils.com
Website: http://manhattanbeachresortphils.com/

Location

View Manhattan Beach Resort in a larger map

La Edley is a cool oasis right in the midst of the city. It offers a refreshing swimming pool and convention facilities perfect for intimate events such as parties and weddings. A unique feature of this resort is its location – its proximity to the Legazpi airport runway make it a good vantage point for plane-spotting!

Pool is open from 7am-12mn only

Tariff rates:

Entrance fee (both for swimmers and non swimmers)
7am-5pm: kids (below 3ft) P50.00, adults P75.00
5pm-12mn: kids (below 3ft) P80.00, adults P100.00

*Tables, Kiosk and Kubos rates ranges from P200.00-P1,000.00

Amenities/Facilities

Pools for kids and adults
Cabana with private pool is available for overnight
Open and airconditioned halls for any kind of events
Offers airconditioned rooms for overnight stay
Catering services
Videoke
Billiard table
ample parking space

Contact

Address: Aeroville Technohomes, Cruzada, Legazpi City
Phone: (052) 435-0401
Email:laedley@yahoo.com
Website: http://facebook.com/laedley

Location

View La Edley Resort in a larger map