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Catanduanes – Eco-Adventure
Paradise
The whole strip of Catanduanes
is virtually untouched, unspoiled, and unexplored. It has a
long string of palm-fringed beaches backed by jungle-covered
mountains and crowned with jewel-like islets. It offers a totally
laid-back rural charm, a beautiful natural environment and plenty
of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed.
Catanduanes is also a budding
surfing destination in the Philippines. During the months of
August to September, novice and experienced surfer ride the
“Majestic” wave and enjoy its white sand beach afterwards.
Demographics
1. 1. Population –
232,757 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 1,492.2 sq. km
3. Capital – Virac
4. Language/Dialect – Bikol, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (11)
- Bagamanoc
- Baras
- Bato
- Caramoran
- Gigmoto
- Pandan
- Panganiban (Payo)
- San Andres (Calolbon)
- San Miguel
- Viga
- Virac
Puraran Island
Home of the world-renowned “Majestic” waves, the
island is a promising surfing spot in the town. Offshore waves
are in their greatest shape during the months of August to September.
Pinukpok (Abaca fiber)
The indigenous abaca fiber, commonly called “pinukpok,”
produced and woven by locals of Baras, Catanduanes, has now
found its niche in the local and international fashion industry.
Batong Paluay
The face of Our Lady of Sorrows can be seen in this rock formation.
At present, one can view the image with bare eyes, unlike before,
when one has to use a magnifying lens.
Bato Church
It is the only remaining structure of its kind in the entire
island. It took 53 years, from 1830 to 1883, to build the Church,
through six different parish administrators. Despite the tests
of time, wars, and ravages of natural calamities, it was able
to retain its old glory of massive structure of mortar and coral
stones.
Places of Interest
Historical
Luyang Cave
Location: Brgy. Lictin, San Andres, Catanduanes
In the 17th century, many native settlers died inside the cave
during one of the attacks of pirates. To appease their troubled
souls, a mini-grotto and altar were built inside. In memory
of this massacre, a “Requiem Mass” is said every
April 28 of the year.
Japanese Tunnel
and Radar Tower
Location: Brgy. Buenavista, Bato Catanduanes
The radar tower was used as a former radar site of the Japanese
Imperial Navy during World War II. Now, it has been converted
to a weather radar station that has state of the art equipment.
From the roof deck, the panoramic view of the surrounding area
is simply breathtaking.
Man-made
Balongbong Mini
Hydro Damsite and Fore bay
Location: Guinobatan, Sipi Sibacungan, Bato, Catanduanes
The source of power goes into three large turbines which provide
the electric power over the whole island province. It was developed
by First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO), together
with National Electrification Authority (NEA)
Natural
Puraran Island
Location: Barac, Catanduanes
Puraran is the home of the world-renowned “Majestic”
waves. Its breathtaking long barrel type surf in is perfect
for both the serious surfers and the novice. The island is also
endowed with white sand beach.
Twin Rock Beach
Resort
Location: Brgy. Igang, Virac, Catanduanes
The area has pockets of white sand beaches sandwiched between
coves, where one can explore caves after swimming. Its underwater
coral formations offer an added adventure for spear fishing
and snorkeling.
Balite Beach
Location: Virac, Catanduanes
The sprawling beach is covered with cool and shady trees and
blessed with fine white sands, both in the shorelines and in
the swimming area. It provides an alternative area for recreation,
fun, relaxation, and picnics
Kosta Alcantara
Location: Brgy. Marilima, Virac, Catanduanes
Its shoreline is covered with fine white sand and its pristine
azure waters never fall to lure visitors to take dip. It faces
the mainland Bicol where one could take a full view of the breathtaking
Mayon Volcano.
Amenia Beach
Location: Brgy. Palawig, Virac Catanduanes
The entire stretch of the shoreline beckons visitors to take
a dip in its pristine waters and wave-combed sands. The well-manicured
landscape by itself is so inviting for a relaxed, laid-back
retreat. Ideal for family and office outings.
Solong Falls Natural
Park
Location: San Miguel, Catanduanes
A tastefully conceived park along the breadth of the Solong
river channel amidst the surrounding thick forest of giant ferns,
trees and a host of indigenous flora is proposed for immediate
construction. Solong has several cascading waters flowing into
natural pools. With its elevation of 100 meters, it is ideally
suited for adventure treks.
Religious
St, John the Baptist
Church (Bato Catholic Church)
Location: Camaroan, Catanduanes
Constructed in 1830, this massive structure of mortar and coral
stones has withstood the test of time, wars, and ravages of
natural calamities. The historical and magnificently situated
edifice is the only remaining complete structure of its genre
in the entire island.
Holy Cross of Batalay
Shrine
Location: Bato, Catanduanes
It is the site of the first cross in Catanduanes. It is believed
to be the grave of a missionary of the Miguel Lopez de Legaspi
expedition, Fray Diego de Herrera, who, in April 25, 1576, was
shipwrecked on the way back to Cebu. The cross marker that miraculously
located the friar's skeleton in the 19th century stands in the
present-day chapel, encased in narra hardwood--similar to Magellan's
Cross.
Batong Paluay
Location: Brgy. Batong Paluay, San Andres
The locals relate that the image of the mystical face of Our
Lady of Sorrows has been found in a flooded stream near the
barangay of Batong Paluay. The image was etched on a piece of
stone that has progressively increased in size. The replica
is enshrined in a chapel in San Andres.
Catandungan Festival
Place: Virac, Catanduanes
Date: October 24
Celebration of the province’s founding anniversary, and
a tribute to its founder, to continuously remind the people
of Catanduanes of the province’s independence from the
province of Albay. Among the featured special events are: surfing
competition, pantomina street dance, beauty pageant, agricultural
and trade fair, sportsfest, guided tours, and photo exhibits.
Dinahit Festival
Place: Pandan, Catanduanes
Date: July 30 - 31
Dinahit is a wind-driven vessel used by their maritime ancestors.
The highlight is the dinahit racing (Layag) with different racing
categories and styles. Fishermen from the town of Pandan or
from the other municipalities of the province participate during
the event. Other featured events are street dancing, fashion
show, agro-industrial fair, gay contests and indigenous games.
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