PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference November The Oriental Hotel Legazpi. Albay, Philippines

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1 PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference 2015 November The Oriental Hotel Legazpi Albay, Philippines Hosted by Provincial Government of Albay Description of the main tourist sites in Legazpi City, Albay Here are some of the accessible tourist destinations in the province of Albay: 1. MAYON VOLCANO Mayon Volcano rises 2,462 m (8, 189 ft) above the Bicol Region of the Philippines and has a base circumference of 62.8km (40mi). It is a stratovolcano known for its almost perfect symmetrical triangle shape. It is commonly referred to as one of the natural wonders of the world. The name Mayon is derived from the Bicolano word Magayon, which means "beautiful." 2. ATV RIDE & MAYON LAVA WATCHING A nine (9)-kilometer and 45-minute ride going to the Lava Front of Mayon Volcano from the foot of Ligñon Hill crossing small rivers and rocky areas of the galley. Upon reaching the lava front, you will get to see the lava that came out of the volcano during its several eruptions which already turned into volcanic rocks. This is truly a one of a kind adventure that one should never miss when visiting Legazpi. 3. LIGÑON HILL NATURE PARK, Legazpi City, Albay The 156-meter high Ligñon (also spelled Lingñon, pronounced as /li- NYON/) Hill has always been one of Legazpi s most famous landmarks. For years, Ligñon Hill is known only for the PHIVOLCS observatory located in its flanks and an old lighthouse on its summit. Today, it has become one of the city s prime destinations for sightseers, adventurers and even fitness buffs. The new Ligñon Hill Natural Park promises to be the city s best destination offering sights and activities for all types of visitors. For sightseers, a panoramic 360 degree view of Legazpi City, Daraga, Albay Gulf and the Mayon Volcano awaits at the viewdeck. A landscaped promenade as well as restaurants and shops also cater to guests. 4. CAGSAWA RUINS, Daraga, Albay Probably the most photographed man-made structure in the country is the bell tower of the Church of Cagsawa. This is one place where Mayon Volcano appears to be a perfect cone. The Church was built in 1587 and was destroyed by the 1814 eruption of the volcano. It now

2 stands as a monument to the resiliency of the people who survived and continue to enjoy life at its fullest. 5. ALBAY PARKS AND WILDLIFE, Legazpi City, Albay A picnic grove and a park rolled into one, this place is the best way to commune with nature right in the heart of Legazpi City. Have a satisfying get together with your family and friends while roaming the park which houses 347 animals belonging to 75 species. 6. PEÑARANDA PARK, Legazpi City, Albay Crafted as a modern venue for outdoor fun and relaxation, this park is named after Don Jose Ma. Peñaranda, the Governor who built the modern-day Albay. 7. PEÑARANDA MONUMENT, Legazpi City, Albay Also called Freedom Park, it is located in the Old Albay District of legazpi City dedicated to the first Governor of Albay, Jose Maria Peñaranda who served from Following the traditional style of Spansih-type plazas, the park is surrounded by administrative and religious institutions, most notably the Albay Capitol, the Legazpi City Hall, and the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. 8. LIBERTY BELL (PEÑARANDA PARK), Legazpi City, Albay A gift of the United States of America to Albayanos after the WWII, this bronze bell was installed in 1945 by the American liberation forces at the Peñaranda Park in front of Albay Capitol. It is enclosed with a dome-shaped concrete structure with the inscription: Whenever oppression knocks at your order, feel free to ring this bell. 9. LEGAZPI BOULEVARD, Legazpi City, Albay This new boulevard, now almost 5 kilometers long, runs along the Legazpi shoreline from Kapuntukan Hill to Lamba. This beautifully concreted four-lane-road has become a favorite of road runners at sunrise and promenaders at sundown. On one side, one hears the incessant lapping of the waves of Albay Gulf on the seawalls and feels the soft caress of fresh seabreeze; on the other side, are the blinking lights and blaring music from the line of restaurants and night clubs and videoke bars. 10. EMBARCADERO DE LEGAZPI, Legazpi City, Albay Is the premier waterfront lifestyle hub in Legazpi City. Open from 10 in the morning until 12 midnight, it gives both local and foreign tourists an array of lifestyle options whether for dining, shopping or entertainment. It is the perfect place to unwind, relax and have fun. 11. THE COLONIAL HOUSES OF CAMALIG, Camalig, Albay These are the houses once owned by prominent families which to the present stand in nostalgic majesty, monuments to Camalig's history. The houses stand as well as living testimony to the artistry of artisans who built these houses during the time when the province was experiencing prosperity due to the boom in abaka and coconut

3 products. These included the houses of the families of Nuyda, Nolasco, Anzon, Moyo and Gonzales. Walking the street lined with these houses is like walking back to a glorious past, so like the old streets of Villa Fernandina in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 12. THE POET S STONE HOUSE OF TABACO, Tabaco City, Albay What used to be the home office of Smith, Bell & Co., one of the country s leading trading companies of the 18th century was bought by the family of the poetess Angela Manalang-Gloria and turned into a house of stone with all its idiosyncratic designs. The brilliant poetess herself stamped her eccentricity in the literary world by introducing feminism into her poetry in the 1940s. Today the house stands as a nostalgic monument to a glorious past as well as to a literary genius who was so much ahead of her time. 13. OUR LADY OF THE GATE CHURCH, Daraga, Albay Built in 1773 on a top of a hill by Franciscan Missionaries, the church is a priceless relic for art enthusiasts because of its rich baroque architectural designs carefully carved on volcanic rocks, and its façade gives the church its special distinction from the other churches in the country. It contains archeological relics of santos and rare religious seals ingeniously carved throughout the entire face of the church, even up to the belfry. 14. SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT CATHEDRAL, Legazpi City, Albay Known as one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the Philippines, the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral features itself as one of the tourist attractions and one the most prominent landmarks in the Old Albay District of Legazpi. It is located nearby Peñaranda Park, Legazpi City Hall and Provincial Capitol in the province of Albay. 15. NUESTRA SEÑORA DE SALVACION CHURCH, Tiwi, Albay Our Lady of Salvation (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Salvación), also known as Our Lady of Light, is a special title attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Co-Redemptrix of mankind. The Marian devotion to the Lady of Salvation is based on a wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin originally from the small town of Joroan in Tiwi, Albay. On August 25, 1976, the image was canonically crowned by the Roman Catholic Church as the heavenly patroness of the province of Albay, Philippines. 16. MISIBIS BAY RESORT, Bacacay, Bacay, Albay Misibis Resorts is a 20-hectare beachfront within a prime endive, nestling close to the Pacific Ocean. It boasts of a wide stretch of white clean beach, easily reached in 45 minutes from Legazpi City Airport through a scenic ride through the serene waters of Sula Channel. 17. CAGRARAY ECO-ENERGY PARK, Misibis Bay, Bacacay, Albay The Eco-Energy Park boasts various interesting facilities of Misibis Bay. The site is accessible via cart of ATV from Misibis Bay Resort.

4 The zip-line (200 and 450m long) may be found here as well as faciliies for teambuilding activities like wall climbing, paint ball, highrope and low-rope. There is an ampitheater, in the shape of the ancient Greek amphitheaters, which offers unobstructed view of the Albay Gulf and the Pacific Ocean. The ampitheater is a perfect venue for concerts, all kinds of dramatic & theatrical presentations, fellowship nights, cocktails, even private dinners. There are venues for video games and for movie viewing for kids who miss their home entertainments. There is even a chapel here for meditation of those who seek a retreat from mundane activities. 18. VERA FALLS, Malinao, Albay Located in a secluded nook at the southern base of Mt. Malinao is Vera Falls: a paradise of forest and clear cascading water, a little over an hour away from Legazpi. It is a natural treasure to behold, and easily accessible ecotourism site with a big reward. An exotic 1,200m (1,000 yards) foot trail through lush vegetation awaits trekkers before arriving at the crystal blue lagoon covered under a forest canopy. The sound of the cascading water and native birds heightens the sense of tropical paradise. 19. BUSAY FALLS, Malilipot, Albay Tucked-away deep inside the barrios of Malilipot, Albay is Busay Falls, a favorite gathering place for the locals, especially during the hot summer months (March - June). The water plunges approximately 91 meters from its highest point, and the last 40m cascade is visible from a clear shallow pool at the bottom. 20. HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVE, Camalig, Albay A multi-level cavern of natural limestone in the village of Cotmon, Camalig, Albay. Its name comes from the Bikol word hoyop which means to blow and aptly describes the cool, soft, murmuring winds that blow thorough its labyrinthine passageways inside. There are stories about the cathedral of stalactites and stalacmites where ancient natives worship their gods. Whisper in the wind and listen as it echoes your love sounds into sighs of longing. 21. SAN MIGUEL ISLAND MARINE FISHERY RESERVE, Tabaco City, Albay Awarded as the 2nd Best-Managed Reefs in the Philippines in 2001 by PhilReefs, the San Miguel Marine Fishery Reserve is an area where fish and the reef are protected from damaging fishing practices, and fish populations are allowed to prosper. This is also a good site for snorkeling. 22. BLACK SAND BEACHES, Albay Black sand beaches are rare and very fascinating. The distinct black sand is created from the natural erosion of volcanic rock and which evolved from ground lava. The Big Island in Hawaii is famous for this attraction. But one need not go to Hawaii for this, as black volcanic sand beaches are also plentiful in Albay. Located mostly on the

5 eastern and northern part of Mayon volcano, black sand beaches can be found along the coasts of Bacacay, Sto. Domingo and Tiwi. The black sand is usually a little grainy but it is easy to walk on, if not too hot. Local folks believe that it has therapeutic benefits. 23. ALBAY AGRO-ETHNO ECO VILLAGE, Camalig, Albay This seven-hectare development, which is soon to be fully operational this year, will be the one-stop place showcasing the indigenous products and crafts of the province. 24. SUMLANG LAKE, Camalig, Albay A tourist-friendly man-made lake designed for fishing and boating activities. 25. DANAO LAKE, Polangui, Albay About 20 kilometers away from the town of Polangui is Danao Lake, home of one of the smallest commercially available fishes in the world, scientifically called Mistichthys Luzonensis. The fish is usually wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or cooked in coconut milk. 26. BUTANDING WHALE SHARK INTERACTION Albay serves as the port of entry for tourists who are interested to visit and interact with the world famous Whale Shark called Butanding, the world s largest fish. Albay's neighboring province to the south, Sorsogon, is host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. Most recently, there are frequent sightings of these gentle creatures in Albay Gulf specifically near Tabaco City waters. 27. DARAGANG MAGAYON FESTIVAL, Month of April, Albay It relives the origin of Mayon Volcano. The festival features sports and cultural events and trade fairs. The focus of the event is the stage reenactment of the tragic love story of the legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron whose fatal deaths gave birth to the volcano. Legend has it that Magayon s grave became Mayon while the cloud kissing her is Panganoron. 28. SHOPPING Shop and take home with you our fine products. Here are our recommended spots for the shopaholics. A. PASALUBONG (souvenir) SHOPPING at the SATELLITE MARKET: The Satellite Market is a one-stop shop for souvenir items. It offers a wide selection of pasalubong such as abaca native bags, home decors, decorative boxes made of handmade paper, abaca rugs, household items made of indigenous materials, souvenir shirts and key chains, pili nut confections and many others. B. PASALUBONG SHOPPING AT CAGSAWA PARK:

6 Right outside the ruins of the Cagsawa Church is a chain of souvenir shops offering various pasalubong items. Like all the others, this shopping hub offers locally produced products from bags, ceramics, cutleries and delectable goodies. Furniture items like wicker chairs, sala and dining sets and other unique pieces are also available. C. PHILIPPINE CERAMICS, Tiwi, Albay The red and dark clay soil in Brgy Putsan, Tiwi makes for a perfect element for stoneware potteries in terra cotta or glazed finish. From clay cooking pots the potters have added new designs like ceramic chimes, candleholders, decorative jars and others. This is also a good stop for souvenir shopping. D. PINANGAT & BICOL EXPRESS IN CAMALIG, Camalig, Albay Pinangat and Bicol Express are popular Bicolano dishes which use gata or coconut milk, a staple ingredient of the local cuisine. Pinangat is made of shredded young gabi or taro leaves, shrimps, pork and ginger, wrapped in whole taro leaf and cooked in coconut milk until done. E. LONGGANISA DE GUINOBATAN, Guinobatan, Albay Longganisa (sausages) of Guinobatan has a distinctive taste, a little sour and salty. Dipped in vinegar or any condiment of choice, it is best served for breakfast but it s just as good to eat on any mealtime. It also comes very cheap. F. PINUKPOK: BICOL S GOLDEN FIBER Pinukpok is a smooth, fine and silky fabric produced by manual hammering of abaca fibers, hence the name pinukpok (hammered). This fabric is hand-woven as pure abaca fiber or blended with silk, cotton, sinamay or polyester. It is said to last longer and three times stronger compared to cotton and silk fiber. 1. Information about the site visits- the locations, description of sites, description of tour itinerary Sample Tour Itinerary TIME ACTIVITY 0630 H Lv Hotel Pick Up 0715 H Ar Legazpi City Boulevard: - Rolling tour with photo opportunity at Miguel Lopez de Legazpi bust, Kapuntukan Hill and Legazpi City marker

7 0845 H Lv Legazpi City Boulevard via Bonot-Bogtong 0915 H Ar Cagsawa Ruins Park Pasalubong Shopping at Cagsawa Ruins Park 1045 H Lv Cagsawa Ruins Park 1100 H Ar Daraga Church 1120 H Lv Daraga Church 1200 H LUNCH 1300 H Lv Restaurant 1315 H Ar ATV Station: Pawa, Legazpi City - Registration - Orientation 1335 ATV Station: Start of ATV Ride 1635 ATV Station: End of ATV Ride - Logout - Prepare for departure 1700 Lv ATV Station 1720 Ar Lignon Hill 1745 Lv Lignon Hill 1800 Ar Hotel Wash up Note: 1. Entrance fee for Cagsawa Ruins Park is Php 10.00/pax 2. Entrance fee for Lignon Hill is Php 20.00/pax 3. ATV ride fees ranges from Php 1,800.00/ 150cc unit Php 3,000/350cc unit 4. Environmental fee of Php for trekking up the Lava Wall 5. Recommended restaurants are: Balay Cena Una, 1 st Colonial Grill, Small Talk Café and Ysabelle s.

BICOL EXPRESS Program

BICOL EXPRESS Program 23 JAN ARRIVAL IN LEGAZPI [-/L/D] 0500H Pick up at the hotels going to airport for flight to Legazpi City. Meet & greet with Intas representative and English-speaking guide Welcome