COME AGAIN TO CAM NORTE
IN KEEPING WITH THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism’s Visit Philippines Again in 2016, the province of Camarines Norte is rolling out a low-key grassroots campaign to lure travelers back to its loving arms next year.
According to Governor Edgar Tallado, the province has a series of getaways that will make visitors return again and again.
He said that the province offers the irresistible triumvirate of culture, adventure and nature, plus a mouth-watering cuisine which makes it a complete experience.
They invite guests and their family and friends to “come again to Cam Norte” to explore new sites and join new festivals and special events.
Tallado noted that since making tourism one of his flagship programs, CamNorte has been one of the country’s most promising tourism getaways.
Based on statistics from the DOT Bicol regional office, the province registered 211,013 tourist arrivals in 2014.
The province’s iconic tourism destination is Calaguas Islands, named the top Tourism Gem in an online poll of Isla Lipana & Co. The heart of the Calaguas archipelago is Tinaga Island, reputed for its mile-long powdery sand and crystalline waters.
CamNorte is punctuated with fine beaches on its Pacific seaboard – San Jose Beach (Talisay), Pulang Daga (Paracale), Cayucyucan (Mercedes), Mangcamagong (Basud) and Calalanay (Panganiban).
In Mercedes town is Siete Pecados consisting of the islands of Quinapaguian, Canton, Canimog, Apuao Grande, Apuao Pequena, Caringo and Malasugui, each with distinct attractions.
Agile beach lovers can paddle around the islands aboard a kayak, while at the town’s Baybay Beach, you can ride the waves aboard a kayak.
Bagasbas Beach in Daet is a top destination for surfing greenhorns because of its sandy bottom and consistent waves year round. It is recognized as the world’s 62nd spot in the surfing circuit and the first in the country to be included in the circuit.
Go kiteboarding, which combines surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding and wakeboarding with flying a kite. Bagasbas has become a haven of international kiteboarders due to the winds from the Pacific Ocean.
Cam Norte is gifted with enchanting cascades with tall drops – the the 70-foot Colasi waterfalls in Mercedes, Nacali Falls in San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Felipe Twin Falls in Basud. In Labo, three waterfalls stand out – Malatap, Binuang and Maligaya Falls. Mananap Falls in San Vicente is ideal because of its short hike, refreshing sights and cool waters.
Tucked in the bosom of Mt. Cadig in Labo town, Cadig Cave is a showpiece for those who want to be initiated to spelunking. Composed of several dark compartments of stalactites and stalagmites, this cave offers moderate difficulty in trekking and exploration.
Also in Labo are the caves of Mambuaya and Pintong Gubat which can heighten your craving for spelunking with their rich speleological properties.
A must-see historic spot is the First Rizal Monument in Daet, a white stone obelisk which was built in 1898, the first to be constructed in honor of Rizal, antedating the one at the Luneta by 13 years.
Across the park is Daet Heritage Center, the former municipal hall, which serves as the town’s museum and socio-civic center.
Bulawan Museum at the provincial capitol complex showcases Cam Norte’s noble heroes, archaeological finds and a portrait by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo.
Meanwhile, Bicol’s 400-year-old religious heritage is best represented by the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Church in Paracale, founded by Franciscan missionaries in 1581 and which became a parish in 1611.
Other historic churches are St. John the Baptist in Daet, the St. Peter the Apostle in Vinzons and the Capalonga Church, home of the revered Black Nazarene.