Camarines Norte will always be a gateway to
Bicol Region,
that’s in my mind before this travel happen recently where I witness how
culturally rich and beautiful Camarines Norte is, the home of Bantayog Festival
that unite all its 12 towns for a summerific showcase of talents, fun and
happiness.
The festival that run for almost a month stretching from April
2 to May 6, 2019, is a tribute of the Provincial Government to the first ever
erected monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s National Hero, place in the
municipality of Daet two years after Rizal’s execution, it serve as the
province landmark in many ages, that’s the inspiration of Bantayog Festival is
all about.
Our travel with cooperation from Katooga.ph and the Provincial
Tourism Office of Camarines Norte starts with a coverage of Bangkathon, a boat
race in Mangcamagong in Basud, this race is exclusive for the fishing community
of CamNorte held every festival season, a small boat that can carry two passengers
will race into the sea of course for a grand prize of P40,000.
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| Participants and winners of 1st Bantayog Angling Competition |
Next stop is the Angling (Rod and Line) competition,
another fishing contest intended for local fisherman’s, they were given a
certain time to catch fish in the vicinity of Corazon Aquino Boulevard, the
longest boulevard in the Philippines that stretch more than 8 kilometers long
covering 5 towns of CamNorte.
The winner for the first Angling Competition is based on
the kilos of the catch, the more fish the bigger the chance to win the grand
prize of P5,000.
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| Bagasbas Beach |
Next stop is the Bagasbas beach along Cory Aquino
Boulevard where the beach volley ball competition is happening, it is an ideal
location since its in the beach front where the players can go swimming after,
they have waves here and there are numerous surfing lessons conducted in some
parts of this long beach.
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| World's First Rizal Monument |
Since we are in Daet, a stop by in the Provincial Capitol
is a must, plus a visit to the Bantayog itself, I was fascinated to this
monument on how they honor Rizal, they even include his works that ignite a
revolution versus Spain, that colonize Philippines for many long years.
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| TSUPER SIREYNA 2019 Ginno Quintela, 1st run up- Arsyl John Caramoan, 2nd run up-Marvin Guevarra, 3rd-Genne Florendo and 4th placer is Rommel Manarang |
Bantayog Festival highlights activities include the much
awaited Tsuper Sereyna, a male pageant for drivers where in they dress like girls,
the real Binibining Camarines Norte that glorify the true beauty of
CamNorteans, and of course the colorful Street Dancing competition participated
by many towns annually.
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| Miss Teen Camarines Norte 2019- Jescia Mae Casiano and her court Raniela Cepeda (1st Run Up) and Ysandra Gorobat (2nd Run Up) |
The festival is now celebrating the 99th year of founding anniversary of the Civil Government, but6 the festival is on its 15th year. According to the Provincial Tourism Office they are preparing for a bigger festivity next year 2020, as they celebrate the 100th year.
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| Tacboan Festival of Vinzons, Bantayog 2019 Street Dancing over all champion |
Special Thanks to Ms. Myrna Gobrin for the Bantayog Festival Events photos.
Next blog is about our Exploration tour in Paracale, the Golden Paradise of Bicol
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