Legazpi City — The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) has opened its fourth satellite office in this city as part of its continued effort to extend public outreach nationwide. IP Philippines targets to open a total of five IPSOs until the end of 2009. Three IPSOs, including Cebu, Davao, and Angeles, have been established since the project kicked off in 2008.

Looking for a cozy and comfortable place to stay in Legazpi City that is only a short distance away from tourist destinations? Andamar Hometel is the excellent choice. Andamar Hometel is located just one and …

The Magayon Festival of Festivals Showdown, one of the most anticipated events of the month-long festival, was held last April 21, 2009. Eleven contingents representing eleven festivals from various cities and municipalities around the Bicol Region displayed their creativity and talent in an explosion of vibrant colors, rhythmic dances and songs.

The 2009 Magayon Art Exhibit showcases the talents of Albayanos in the Visual Arts. This exhibit is located at the atrium of the Albay Provincial Capitol. Several outstanding works of art are on display for the whole month of April.

San Miguel Island is located off the eastern coast of Albay in the Lagonoy Gulf. It is part of Albay’s chain of islands that include Cagraray, Batan and Rapu-rapu. San Miguel Island is home to an island marine reserve established by Coastal Resource Management Project in San Miguel Island (COREMAP-SMI).

DARAGA, Albay—The government is speeding up the acquisition of 200 hectares of land in Barangay Alobo, to build the P3.4-billion Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga town, Mayor Cicero Tiumfante said Friday. He said officials had consulted 216 landowners to be affected by the airport’s construction in Alobo village, and he was optimistic they would agree to sell.

When in Bicol, one should never miss shopping for abaca products – the region’s signature product. And when it comes to abaca-based products, Gallerias de Legaspi is one of the best sources. Gallerias De Legaspi specializes in handmade Abaca Handicrafts, mostly stylish bags. It is a factory outlet of a well-known exporter to such names as Esprit and Nine West. Each bag takes up to 48 hours to make by hand.

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.

The province of Albay offers a wide range of terrain perfect for extreme mountain biking. Whether you are looking for rough, steep and rocky terrain or tracks winding through rain forests, streams and fields – the intrepid mountain biker can find it in Albay

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.