CAMNORTE’S MONUMENTAL FESTIVAL
The province of Camarines Norte may not have grand festivities like other destinations in the Philippines, but when it stages its own provincial festival, expect it to put out a celebration of “monumental” proportions – not exactly in terms of glamor but in the essence and sense of patriotism it conveys.
Dubbed Bantayog Festival, the month-long celebration is named after the first Rizal Monument which was built in honor of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal by local revolutionary leaders in 1898. Located in the capital town of Daet, the bantayog is an iconic 20-foot stone obelisk which was erected 13 years earlier than Rizal’s monument in Luneta.
Now on its 14th edition, the fest themed “Nagkakaisang CamNorteño sa Pagsulong ng Turismo” marked Camnorte’s 98th founding anniversary and highlighted its rich cultural heritage, natural wonders and booming tourism industry.
According to Gov. Jonah Pimentel, the Bantayog Festival is an homage to the libertarian ideals of Rizal, its home-grown heroes, as well as the high aspirations of its people, then and now. In line with this, the celebration also paid tribute to the Katipuneros who took part in the Daet Revolt against Spain in 1898 where some 500 freedom fighters were killed. A memorial pedestal for the Daet Martyrs has been erected beside Rizal’s monument at a river park near the provincial capiThe tol complex.
Also honored in the rites were propaganda movement reformer Jose Ma. Panganiban, revolutionary leaders Gen. Vicente Lukban and Lt. Col. Francisco “Turko” Boayes, Daet Revolt leader Tomas Zaldua and World War II resistance leader Wenceslao Vinzons.
Merry-making kicked off with the “Baile sa Calle” a street parade of native dances by local government employees dressed in Katipunero attire as a tribute to Filipino freedom fighters.
Sporting events were held, such as bankathon in Talisay, climb to Mananap Falls in San Vicente, a bike ride around the province, and the first-ever bicycle Enduro Challenge in Mt. Bagacay, Labo, to position Camnorte as an extreme outdoor adventure.
Complementing Camnorte’s growing food and beverage sector were the Master Chef and Flair Bartending competitions which saw aspiring chefs whip out their latest culinary creations.
locus of the festival was the grand parade and street dancing competition where municipal contingents put their best foot forward to showcase their respective town’s heritage.
Pimentel said that the annual observance is a testament to the local tourism industry which continues to grow exponentially despite its limitations in air access and luxury facilities.
Camarines Norte logged over 561,000 arrivals in 2016 based on data from the Department of Tourism.
Pimentel is also proud of the province’s fine beaches and crystalline water on its Pacific coast which continue to lure even the most seasoned travelers.
Its pride is Calaguas island chain which was named as the top Philippine Tourism Gem in an online poll of Isla Lipana & Co. in 2013, and is considered by many as the “Boracay of 30 years ago”. Situated in Vinzons town, the archipelago is two hours away by pumpboat from the jumpoff point in Paracale.
Just 30 minutes away from Mercedes fishport is Siete Pecados, a cluster of seven uninhabited islands which are ideal for beach combing, snorkeling or kayaking.
A new toast among beach lovers is Jose Ma. Panganiban town, with its best-kept hideaways – the idyllic islands of Parola, Calalayan and Carol, and Bulacacao Beach.
San Lorenzo Ruiz is a virtual waterworld where you can refresh yourself with a hydro-massage at the natural rock pools with icy water rushing down to resorts lining the banks of Mampurog River. An added attraction is the tramline cable car and 700-meter dual zipline which glides over the scenic cliffs, making for an irresistible ride.
With its merry mixture of history, nature and adventure, CAMNORTE may well be the country’s next monumental tourist attraction.