Beauty and Bounty of Bicolandia

September 29, 2011, 9:01am

Limestone Cliffs in Caramoan

MANILA, Philippines -- There is certainly more to Mayon Volcano and the butanding in the Bicolandia than meets the eye. Find out as the region unveils its best-kept secrets in the grand Gayon Bikol sa OK Bikol Trade and Tourism Fair set at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall from October 6 to 9.

Organized by the regional offices of the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the event combines “Gayon Bikol” travel mart and the Orgullo kan Bikol One Town, One Product (OTOP) trade fair.

According to DoT V Regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla, the expo will showcase the beauty and the bounty of the Bicolandia through its alluring destinations, mouth-watering delicacies, and exquisite crafts.

She describes the event as a one-stop shop for new and exciting travel destinations as it features the region’s six provinces and seven cities, all offering diverse attractions and experiences.

The Bicol’s top tourist spots include: Bagasbas surfing beach and Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte; the CamSur Watersports Complex and Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur; Mayon Volcano and Misibis Bay Resort and Spa in Albay; Donsol, butanding watching, and Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon; Puraran Beach and Twin Rocks Resort in Catanduanes; and the Manta Bowl in Masbate.

Foodies can feast on the signature pili nut, the spicy laing, pinangat and Bicol express, and other exotic local dishes which have found their way into the international market

For souvenirs, visitors can shop for elegant abaca accessories and novelty items, mat products, and native home furnishings.

Opening the event on October 6 are Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, DoT Undersecretary Ma. Victoria Jasmin, and DTI Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco.

The Municipality of Daet, Camarines Norte takes center stage in the afternoon as it launches the Visit Daet Year 2012, a year-long campaign to bring in tourists and balikbayans.

The launch will feature Daeteño celebrities namely Bing Pimentel and Sid Lucero, legendary Crispa cager Atoy Co, Jun Urbano (aka Mr Shooli of Mongolian Barbecue) and tenor Dondi Ong. All their memorabilia and artworks will be part of the Amorsolo Museum at the Daet Heritage Center.

Bicol pop artists will sizzle in a variety show starred by Lou Bonnevie, Gino Padilla, Nyoy Volante and other celebrities on October 7. Jeline Oliva, Pure Sound acoustic trio, and Color It Red with Cookie Chua will rock the night away on October 8 in a Bicol Band Explosion concert.

Festivities will draw to a close on October 9 with homegrown talent Marlon Serrano and the Karangahan Philippine Dance Company.