Bicol’s hot!

MANILA, Philippines - Mention Bicol and the awe-inspiring image of Mayon Volcano comes to mind. Reputed to be the world’s most beautiful peak, it is also one of the most photographed and iconic mountains in the world.

But beyond this picture-perfect scene is a tragic love story that tells why Mayon is one of the world’s most restive volcanoes.
 

This well-loved legend comes alive once again as Albay marks Daragang  Magayon Festival this month to celebrate the province’s foundation day. Literally meaning “beautiful maiden,” the month-long festivity relives the story of a Bicol lass from whose grave rose this perfect cone.

The longest celebration in the Bicol region, a wide array of special events is lined up daily to promote the province as a consummate cultural, adventure, natural and destination.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said this year’s festival is special, particularly with the province’s recent successful stint in the Internationale Tourismus Börse in Berlin, Germany where Albay took center stage as a highlight tourist destination in the Philippine Pavilion. The ITB is the world’s largest tourism and travel fair visited by some 170,000 guests from 180 countries.

Festivities kicked off with the Parada ng mga Higante where larger-than-life effigies of ancient Bicol mythological characters were paraded around Legazpi City to remind Albayanos of their cultural roots. It is the country’s only effigy parade based on local mythology dating back to the mid-18th century.

A glimpse of the legend’s saga was provided in the Sayaw kan Tolong Bolod as the Bicol University Albay Magayon Dance Troupe dramatized the expanded myth of the three sister mountains – Mayon, Malinao and Masaraga. Penned by award-winning writer and poet Abdon Balde Jr., the dance drama is a contemporary retelling of the origins of the three majestic peaks which dominate Albay’s skyline.

The Street Dance Legend Showdown saw municipal contingents interpreting the Daragang Magayon story and their own folk legends.

Celebrated TV chef Boy Logro wove his cooking magic with his own rendition of traditional regional dishes as part of Albay Culinaria program. He was joined by Albayano chefs Wilson Tan and Steven Silva.

The festival draws to a close on April 28 with the Gayon Bicol Festival Showdown which will gather the region’s major festivals. Sponsored by the Department of Tourism-Region V, the annual extravaganza showcases award-winning and colorful festival street dances from Bicol’s six provinces and the six cities.

Various sports tournaments, mountain climbing expeditions, celebrity appearances, agro-tourism and trade fairs, entertainment shows, and special events will spice up the celebration.

Salceda said that the festival will also zero in on the emerging natural attractions of Albay, such as hidden waterfalls, fine beaches and idyllic islands through familiarization tours.

He added that the provinces of Masbate, Sorsogon and Catanduanes which have formed with Albay the ALMASORCA Tourism Alliance will also receive focus in the month-long event. The four-province sub-region has bonded together to offer diverse spots and experiences in its attempt to cash in on Bicol’s booming tourism industry.