If you and your buddies are planning on a summer ender escapade and want to get the usual ration of ancient ruins and adventure travels, then please let us suggest taking a trip to the less crowded but no less impressive, the province of Camarines Sur.

Whoever thought that there’s nothing to see in Camsur aside from the majestic Mount Mayon, he could be making a huge mistake. The region is actually blessed; it is a place where thrill seekers and
history buffs could bum around.

With its scenic and enchanted sights, beautiful beaches with world-class diving sites, centuries-old churches and religious relics, and of course their luscious cuisine to taste— who could asked for more?

Situated in the southern most part of the island of Luzon, the Camarines Sur is about 377 kilometers away from Manila, which is about eight to ten hours by land and forty-five minutes by plane.
Now that you know the reasons why you should go to Camarines Sur, read more as we give you a little tour to one place where heritage blends well with modern amenities.

TRAVEL THROUGH HISTORY

Rudyard Kipling, a British author and poet once said, “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it,” true enough, and what better ways to do it is visiting museums or ancient relics that reflects the place’s history.

MUSEO DEL SEMINARIO CONCILIAR DE NUEVA CACERES

If you want to learn more about Naga city’s rich and colorful past, you should pay a visit to the Museo Del Seminario Conciliar De Nueva Caceres. Declared a national historical landmark on September 9, 1988, the museum is nestled at the Metropolitan Cathedral Compound in Naga City, it is a place where you could discover the values of pre-historic and Spanish time. The museum is divided into two parts: The Ecclesiastical Section and the Achaeological Section.

THE ECCLESIASTICAL SECTION

Here is where they display the artifacts and regalia concerning the spiritual history of Bicol Region, it also exhibited the memorabilia of prominent Bicolano bishops and priests, old scholastic records and archival materials confirming the Bicolanos knowledge about religion, and other pieces that serves as a reminder of the Christian heritage of the Filipinos.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SECTION

No less important and interesting is the Archaeological Room found in the Museo Del Seminario Conciliar De Nueva Caceres. This section contains a collection of Nagueño achaeologist Mr. Ermelo N. Almeda of Pre-Christian artifacts of Neolithic Stone Age unearthed mostly in the Bicol region. One thing that will surely creep you out at the same time amaze you would be the burial jars and covers which reveal the animistic beliefs of our ancient people.

UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES MUSEUM (UNC MUSEUM)

The University of Nueva Caceres Museum is one of the oldest museums outside Manila and recognized by the International Association of Museum. It houses archaeological, ethnographical, historical and ecclesiastical collections relating to the Bicol region. The musuem is devided into four sections: the Central Gallery, which contains the pictorial evolution of Nueva Caceres from a college into a university; Filipiniana, which houses items and artifacts about the Philippine history under four periods; Archival Library which covers valuable materials like Bicolandia’s history, culture and writings; and the founder’s Memorabilia. In it you will see the collection of the founder of the University of Nueva Caceres, Don Jaime Hernandez of items focusing on his achievements, created to give honor to his outstanding leadership and service.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Sure a visit in the Bicolandia Region wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Mt Mayon and the Ruins of Cagsawa, but there’s more—their luscious spicy cuisine. Millions of people from around the world enjoy the flavor and flair spicy food brings. In the Bicol Region, it is one cuisine that they are very proud of. It doesn’t only tickles one’s appetite and brings delight to the bone but according to studies it is also good for speeding up metabolism. Here are some restaurants where you could enjoy the authentic Bicolandia cuisine.

CHILI PEPPERS

Chili Peppers is located at Rizal St. cor. Doña Aurora, Old Albay District. It is an old house converted into a restaurant retaining its grandeur adding a nostalgic ambience when you dine in. They serve mostly of traditional Bicol specialties and delicacies that include their version of crispy tuna tail aptly called Crispy Patang Dagat; Bicol delicacies such as the Pinangat, Bicol Express and Laing that are true to age old, having its recipes passed from one generation to another. They are also known for serving in generous portions with very affordable prices. No wonder their customers keep coming back for more.

BIGG’S DINER

For people who are not a big fan of spicy foods, and longing for fast food frenzy, you have to dine at Bigg’s Diner located at Advent Cinema Bldg., P. Burgos St. in Naga City. Bigg’s Diner is a 50’s inspired diner that doesn’t only gives delight to your belly but a feast for the eyes as well. You will surely enjoy viewing those antique ornaments dangling on their walls. This diner serve rice toppings, veggie salads, pasta, pizza and their must-try burgers— cheeseburger and cheesy mushroom burger complete with sweet onion rings, tomato slices, lettuce and their thick yet juicy burger patties.

PASALUBONG MADNESS!

We Filipinos love pasalubong. Wherever we go we make sure we have something to bring home for our families and friends. Be it a t-shirt, postcards, refrigerator magnets, miniature figures or even household items such as mugs, ashtrays, mats and many others. Before you embark on another 12-hour drive going to back to Manila or before you hop on the plane make sure you drop by these stores where you could buy pasalubong to your families and friends that they will surely love and appreciate. Shop till you drop!

AZUL’S NATIVE CRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS

This one-stop-shop is located as Tahao Road, Legazpi City. Azul’s Native Crafts and Souvenirs would surely be a delight to anyone who will stop by their shop, exposing Bicol’s handicraft products from handcrafted abaca bags, wallets, colorful native slippers or sandals, hats, key chains and accessories to Mayon paperweights (made from volcanic ash), the all-time-favorite-pasalubong—magnets and pen holders. They also sell woven placemats and runners, rugs, baskets as well as artistically made frames made of abaca handmade paper. They also sell pili nut sweets, that sweet tooths will surely love. Come and visit them! For inquiries call or text Ms. Claire or Ms. Alice at 09189352993 or (052) 4352440.

TIWI CRAFTS AND POTTERY

Pots are great accessory for homes. And for people who want to buy durable and stylish pots and ceramics, you should drop by Tiwi Crafts and Pottery located at Zone 3 Brgy. Putsan Tiwi Albay. The town of Tiwi has been the cradle of pottery for years now, with skills passed down from generation to generation and perfected through years of practice. The Tiwi Crafts and Pottery sells decorative jars and vases, lamps, candleholders, thick and unsophisticated figurines shaped like ladies shoes, baskets and slippers. If you wish to buy well-made pots, call or text Salem Coriño, the designer and store manager of the Tiwi Crafts and Pottery at 09202081433.