I first met Cecile Licad at the Cagsawa Church Ruins in Daraga, Albay, one day in August of 1975, when she was only 14. That was the year she performed at St. Agnes Academy in Legazpi City.
Residents of this town need to take only a few steps from their homes to get to the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pyramids of Giza, the Golden Gate of San Francisco and the Great Wall of China among other international landmarks, their replicas at least, that had risen in a 3,000-square meter compound here.
A place to discover in Bicol province is Misibis Bay along the southern tip of Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay. It’s a resort with first-class amenities and its own beaches and coves, choice villas with private pools and a casino.
The laid-back town of Camalig in Albay province comes to life as it celebrates its rich cultural and culinary heritage in the Pinangat Festival, June 10-24.
The good thing about the ongoing Daragang Magayon Festival in Albay is that it has taken notice of other cultural attractions in neighboring provinces and showcased them in one parade that showed the best of Bicol in a festival celebrating the 440th foundation year of the province.
Out of signt, out of mind, out of love?
A five-year separation between a husband and a wife should be enough grounds for a court to annul their union, according to a bill authored by Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara.
Thousands of pilgrims are expected to climb Kawa-Kawa Hill and National Park in Ligao, Albay, this Holy Week to reflect on the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ by praying before the 14 life-size Stations of the Cross stretching 1.37 kilometers to the top.
The place to stay in the whole of Albay is the hilltop Oriental Hotel in Legazpi City, the capital. It’s a classy, deluxe establishment in glass and metal, with white as the dominant color. The cuisine is highly recommended—local and international dishes with a distinct Bicolano flavor.
Bicol life and lore are tackled in Tanghalang Pilipino’s musical epic “Ibalong,” opening Feb. 8, featuring a formidable cast that includes Jenine Desiderio of “Miss Saigon” fame.
Francisco Harabas’ antics and fun-loving personality brought him fame in the early 1930s. Known as “Kenkoy,” he became a household name, and his name became synonymous with anyone who was worry-free, jovial and easy to get along with.
