The Lambanog is a famous Filipino alcoholic drink made from the sap of the unopened coconut flower.

Distilled mostly in the Quezon province, it is also known as coconut vodka or coconut wine. Constant efforts at standardizing lambanog production led to its better quality. The Lambanog now is already being exported to other countries and continues to win foreign customers due to its non-chemical ingredients as well as its potency.

The Lambanog is a major part of the Quezon province tradition. It traces its roots back to the early 1900s. People in the area consider it a way of life. Generations of coconut farmers have passed but the Lambanog is still being produced and keeps getting better. The province is just a few hours away from Manila.

The processing of the Lambanog is done through the following three stages: 1. Pruning of the coconut flowers the coconut plantation worker or farmer climbs the coconut tree to prune its flowers and allow the sap to drip into a tukilor bamboo receptacle. He then returns the next morning to collect the receptacles. 2. Fermentation/Cooking of the sap after this stage a coconut toddy locally known as tuba is produced. 3. Distillation of the tuba the classic Lambanog is then ripened by time.

Lambanog processing is basically low-cost and easy. This is the reason why it is called the poor mans drink. In the rural areas of the Quezon Province, festivities and occasions are never complete without the lambanog. The tagayan, a practice in which people take turns drinking Lambanog using only one glass placed in the center of the group, is a treasured daily activity in the area.

The coconut tree grows throughout the Philippine archipelago. Coconut tree products have always been among the leading exports of the country. Recently however, other countries have paved the way for a tougher competition in the coconut export industry. The Lambanog is an excellent addition to the Philippine export market. With intelligent and continuous innovation, it can achieve worldwide popularity.

The feast of Our Lady of Peafrancia is celebrated on the third Saturday of September in Naga City, Bicol. The feast day is preceded by a novena, nine days of prayer, in honor of the Virgin. On the first day, the image of the Virgin, a copy of the Madonna in Peafrancia, Spain, is brought from its shrine to the Naga Cathedral where the novena is held. On the last day, the image is returned to her shrine following the Naga River route. The colorful evening procession is lit by thousands of candles from devotees in boats escorting the image. When the barge reaches its destination, the devotees shout "Viva la Virgen" (Long live the Virgin!) and the image is brought back in a procession to the cathedral.

According

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Peafrancia, Spain, settled with his family in Cavite in 1712. One day, his daughter fell ill and the family prayed for her recovery to the famous Madonna of Peafrancia, a picture of whom was in their possession. When the daughter recovered, the father vowed to build a chapel in honor of Our Lady of Peafrancia in Manila. However, since he was being detained in Nueva Caceres, he built the chapel in that city, now known as Naga, instead.

The famous Madonna is believed to have miraculous powers. On her feast day, pilgrims gather at her shrine to pay her homage for favors received.

Pinakbet or pakbet is a popular Ilocano dish, from the northern regions of the Philippines, although it has become popular throughout the archipelago. The word is the contracted in form Ilokano), of of the Ilocano word pinakebbet, meaning "shrunk" or "shriveled". The original Ilocano pinakbet uses bagoong ("bugguong" other fish, while further fermented monamon or native bitter south, bagoong beans, chili

alamang is used. The basic vegetables used in this dish include

melon, eggplant, tomato, okra, string peppers , parda, winged beans, and others. Root crops and some beans like camote, patani, kadios are also optionally added. The young pod of marunggay is also added. It is usually usually spiced includes with ginger, onions, or garlic. A Tagalog version

calabaza. Most of these vegetables are easily accessible, and are grown in backyards and gardens of most Ilocano households. As its name suggests, it is usually cooked until almost dry and shriveled; the flavors of the vegetables are accentuated with shrimp paste. In some cases, lechon, chicharon, or other meats (most commonly pork) are added. It is considered a very healthy dish, and convenient in relation to the harsh and rugged, yet fruitful Ilocos region of the Philippines.

The vegetable dish pinakbet is more than a regional cuisine. It is an enduring symbol of the Ilocano palate and a lucid display of the Ilocanos history of contestations and struggles with the physical and social environment. The recipe weaves intimations of the cultural productions of the Ilokanos transaction to their arid and less productive land. (Caday, 2009)

Ingredients: 1/2 cup squash, cubed 5 pcs string beans, cut 3 inches long 5 pcs okra, sliced lengthwise 4 small whole baby ampalaya, only ends are cut off 1/4 cup patani (optional) 6 pcs eggplant, halved 3 pcs tomatoes, quartered 1 tbsp. ginger strips 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 pcs onions, quartered 1 tbsp. fish bagoong or shrimp paste 1/4 kilo bagnet or pork belly, fried until crispy ( for vegan, replace with fried gluten ) 1 cup water Directions: 1. In a saucepan, arrange the vegetables in the following order: squash, string beans, ampalaya, okra, patani, eggplant, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and onions. 2. Top with bagnet (or pork) and bagoong (fish paste). 3. Add water. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer. 4. Slowly stir with a ladle to make sure that all portions are cooked. 5. Simmer until almost all the liquid is conserve hot. Good for four.

In the farthest coast of Camarines Sur is a paradise hidden in an underdeveloped and rural soil, where white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, islands and islets are common scenery. This is Caramoan!

Caramoan, a peninsular town, is a group of islands and islets scattered in the Pacific Ocean, endowed with natures beauty and preserved by its seclusion.

Made famous by the hit global reality show franchise Survivor, the group of islands is blessed with numerous islands with fine white sand, lagoons, caves, limestone cliffs and rocks, and rich marine life that give new definition to an island experience. But even before the Survivor series, there was already Caramoan beautifully unspoiled and unexploited.

With its natural beauty and rich history, Caramoan stands proud as a real tourism gem of Bicolandia that holds a promise of a perfect tropical island adventure!

Come south! Cam Sur! Caramoan!

How to Get There Barangay Sabang in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur is the common jump-off point to Caramoan Islands. There are public boats that leave every hour from 6AM to 11AM from Sabang going to Guijalo, Caramoan charging P120 per passenger. However if you miss the last public boat, you can hire a private boat en route to Guijalo. Range varies depending on the size of the boat and your haggling skill. A boat that can accommodate up to 16 persons can be rented from P2500-P3000. When it is low tide in Sabang, the boats couldnt get near the shore, but the porters are there to carry passengers on their backs. They charge P10 per passenger.

From Manila By Air

AirPhil Express, Cebu Pacific and Zest Air fly from Manila to Naga. From there catch a jeep, van or bus going to Sabang in Naga Central Terminal. Occasionally though (when the weather is good), there are jeepneys from Naga going to Caramoan that charge P250 per passenger, travel time is five hours by land on a very rough road.

By Land
Peafrancia Tours is the only bus line that goes directly to Sabang from Manila. Fare is P780.00, travel time is 9 to 10 hours. Meanwhile, RSL Bus, Phitranco, Isarog Bus, Amihan Bus,

Raymond Bus and Executive Bus have daily trips from Manila

(Cubao/Pasay/Alabang) to Naga. Fare varies from P500 to P700 oneway.

From Naga
Trips direct to Caramoan from Naga are available only during good weather, and catching these trips need some luck as the trips are limited. Naga to Caramoan takes five hours by public jeepney and the fare is at P250 per passenger, while Goa to Caramoan takes four hours at P200 per passenger. From Naga though, there are jeepneys, vans and buses going to Sabang at Naga Central Terminal. Fare is around P60-P100 oneway. Travel time is two hours.

From Virac
Another alternative, which is unknown to many, is to go to Virac, Catanduanes and catch a two hour boat going to Caramoan. This route is easier compared to Naga. Cebu Pacific and Zest Air have direct flights from Manila to Virac. Where to Stay The town has a lot of hotels and inns to choose from for those tourists who prefer staying indoors. But for more adventurous type, camping in one of the islands is a cheap and fun way of experiencing Caramoan.

Activities

Island and beach hopping around Caramoan Group: Sabitang Laya, Manlawig Sandbar, Cotivas, Lahuy, Gota, Lahus, Matukad, Pitogo, Minalahos, Hunongan, Tinago, Haponan, Basod Swimming/Snorkeling (be careful of the jellyfish though) Camping just bring your own camping equipments, enough foods and water supply, there are a lot of islands to choose from (those that arent use in Survivor taping) Spelunking in Culapnit Cave Visit St. Michael Parish, an old red-brick church Trek to Mt. Caglago with the 500-steps to the summit and see the 360 degree view of the Caramoan Islands and the gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Mother of Peace Explore Naga, visit Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex and Penafrancia Church Head south and visit the spots of Albay and Sorsogon Head north and explore the islands of Mercedes Group, Calaguas Group and Maculabo or surf in Daets Bagasbas Beach Tips

The best time to go there is during dry months (November to May) If you will go camping, be sure to choose an island not being used by the Survivor Survivor rented the island for 25 years starting 2008, meaning, tourists will not be able to explore the island freely up to 2033 if the contract is not extended

The Bahay Kubo is the native house of the Philippines and is also considered constructed as to its national shelter. to Made the of indigenous climate building of the materials like bamboo and nipa, this pre-Hispanic architecture was perfectly adapt tropical Philippines and to be easily repaired or rebuilt once damaged by typhoon, flood or earthquake which frequented the country. Its name is said to have originated from the Spanish word, cubo, which means cube, because of the bahay kubo 's rectangular/cubic shape.

Also known as Nipa Hut, this architecture can still be found along the countryside. It is constructed of indigenous materials that can easily be found in their local surroundings wood, planks, grass, bamboo and large logs. Normally cubic in shape, this shelter is raised on stilts or posts of one to two meters depending on the area where the said shelter is constructed it may be on solid ground, on a hillside or mountainside, or in shallow water. Raising the interior from the ground safeguards the shelter's inhabitants from flood, and from snakes and other wild animals.

A typical bahay kubo only has one, large, open, multi-purpose room for dwelling, called bulwagan. It has a cellar, called silong where most household chores are done. This area serves as the area for livestock pens, storage space, workspace and granary. The walls are made of nipa and cogon leaves or sawali or woven bamboo, and there are large windows on all sides, which keep the interior well-ventilated. The windows have tukod or legs that hold the swinging shades open

during the day, and secure it back in place at night. Another feature of the the bahay kubo is ladder or hagdan which can easily be removed at night or when the owners are out. Likewise, some huts have an open back porch or batalan where household chores are done and where the jars of water are placed.

Tinikling is the most popular and best known of the Philippine dances and honored as the Philippine national dance. The dance imitates the movement of the tikling birds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers. Dancers imitate the tikling bird's legendary grace and speed by skillfully maneuvering between large bamboo poles. Tinikling means "bamboo dance" in English. Considered as one of the oldest dances from the Philippines, this dance was originated in the islands of Leyte in the Visayan Islands. People of Leyte describe the tikling bird as one of the most unique in its movements - walking around and between the tree branches and some grass stems. This bird was named "tikling" from which the Tinikling dance got its name. Because of the creativeness of the people, they imitate this bird by using bamboo poles. Before this dance became what it is today, it went through an evolution of sorts. Different stories of the Tinikling's origin have been passed down through oral histories and folklore.

One of the stories of the Tinikling's origin may be made up, a fact, or part of a legend. The story says that the Tinikling started by the people who worked on the fields and paddies in the Philippines. When the Spaniards came from Spain and conquered the Philippines, the natives were sent to the haciendas. The natives lost control of their land because they were under the encomienda system, an economic system that is largely based on rural and agricultural operations of large farmlands administered by caretakers for the King of Spain. The natives had to work all day to please the Spaniards. The natives could have completely lost control of their destiny under an exploitative system. The people of the Philippines worked in the fields and paddies for nearly four hundred years (1500-1898). The people who worked too slowly would be sent out of the paddies for punishment. Their punishment was to stand between two bamboo poles cut from the grove. Sometimes, the sticks would have thorns sticking from their segments. The poles were then clapped to beat the native's feet. By jumping when the bamboo sticks were apart, the natives tried to escape this cruel form of punishment. This type of punishment became a cycle - the more bruised the person's feet were, the less work he would do, the less work he would do, the more punishment. The matrix for the dance was probably laid out when the workers would return home with their feet bruised and bleeding from the punishment. It is said that from a distance, the people who were receiving the beating looked like the heron. And this is one of the stories about the Tinikling's origin.

The punishment later became the dance it is today. When the Tinikling is danced, there is music of plucked strings in Iberianinfluence staccato interspersing with tremolos and kept in time with double stepping sway balances. By practicing to escape the bamboo sticks during punishment, the Tinikling soon became a challenge, an art, and a dance. The Tinikling is performed on certain Sundays in the Philippines. One can watch the nimble feet jump between the bamboo sticks hoping to escape its ferocious bite. But now that it is no longer a punishment, the sticks are smooth and the clapping is gentle. The Tinikling has truly become a dance.