As the first province that welcomes travelers to Bicolandia, Camarines Norte unveils glimpses of what guests can expect to find around the whole region. Natural wonders, a rich vein of culture and history, spicy delicacies, plus a certain warmth of the people entice every visitor to go forward and explore, for there is something that beckons for everyone at every turn.
At first view, Camarines Norte looks like how a province located some 342 kilometers southeast of Manila should appear – still a little rustic in some parts, with hints of urbanization at the poblacion or town center, and with loads of natural wonders that today’s neration may simply take for granted.
For the more “mature” crowd, the pastoral scenes remind them of their childhood memories in the suburbs – when youngsters can freely run around on the wide roads or the grass fields, climb trees and pluck fruits, swim in the river or the vast blue sea, and explore caves and mountains with wild abandon.
The municipal capital of Daet is linked to Manila via a seven-hour land trip, but such distance may as well span the disparity between two different worlds: One that is raring to go global and uber-cosmopolitan; and another that is contented to enjoy the convenience of modernity while tempering it with the bucolic vibe of the province.
Laid-back vibe
Around Camarines Norte, the afternoon breeze lulls you to sleep the way siesta time should be spent. During the day, the sun’s rays sting like hell, but that is a given for a tropical country (something balikbayans conveniently forget). Strolling along the boulevard of popular Bagasbas Beach, some five minutes from the town proper, you also see trees that seem greener and livelier, while the waves howl with a fierce song that taunts you to try and jump in.
The sand is not Boracay-white – it’s actually gray, but very fine for bare feet to tread on. And the waves are just magnificent, reason enough for locals to start a surfing and skimboarding camp that trains youngsters to ride the water with ease.
The province is rich in such laid-back offerings. It’s so easy to just sit back on a lounging chair or hammock and paint or write prose with Nature as your muse. This is the same reason why some foreigners discreetly visit the place. The same group is veering away from the crowds of the more popular and vibrant beaches in other regions. Here, they can contemplate in peace, explore the rich diversity of the towns, and enjoy their stay in an exotic location just the way they imagined a dream holiday should be.
Surfing destination
The same travelers have also come to expect very modest accommodations at the available hotels and resorts around the province, which is actually the one area that the local government admits as requiring attention. In order to compete with their sister-provinces around Bicol, Camarines Norte needs to add more rooms, clean and furnish them well, and put in some refinements for that extra touch Pinoys are so capable of.
That is what they need to do if they plan to pursue their reputation as the “61st surfing destination in the world.” The province plays host to international surfing competitions held annually from August to October, but surfing enthusiasts from all over frequently visit the place to try out the majestic waves churned all the way from the Pacific Ocean.
Aside from Bagasbas, Camarines Norte also offers the Calaguas Islands as a potential crowd-drawer. This group of islands is now a not-so-secret destination among island hoppers and campers who like to rough it out in the wild. With white, powdery fine sand beaches, the islands are getting rave reviews even without having resort facilities (read: no toilet, no running water, no electricity). As ideal island-hopping stops, Calaguas is suitable for water-based activities such as swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing and even trekking. It is located two hours via motorboat from the Vinzons town proper (Daet’s neighboring town).
Another popular group of islands called Mercedes can meanwhile be reached via 30-45 minute boat rides from the town of the same name. There, tourists can go beach combing on the white sand beaches, go snorkeling, and trekking, and even bird-watching.
Haven for heroism
Nature junkies aren’t the only fans Camarines Norte can attract. The province can also be considered as a haven for heroes, most notably for one very significant monument.
The First Rizal Monument is literally, the first shrine erected in honor of the country’s National Hero, Jose Rizal. Built in December 1898, it is characterized as “a three-tiered stone pylon with a square base supporting a triangle in two stages, the last one tapering off to a point.”
Located at the foot of a bridge across the Old Daet Municipal Hall, the white pylon’s foundation is believed to have been constructed from mortars and boulders collected from the demolished Old Spanish Jail in Daet, where many patriots died. Now, it stands proudly (though not as conspicuously) within the Rizal Mini Park, sharing the spotlight with the Monument of the Martyrs of Camarines Norte.
As another ode to Rizal, the province installed what is said to be the tallest statue of the hero outside Metro Manila, at Kalayaan Park. Located in front of the Provincial Capitol of Daet, Kalayaan Park is dubbed as one of the most beautiful parks in the Bicol region. There, the bronze statue of Rizal shares twin billing with another popular hero of the province, the great Wenceslao Q. Vinzons.
As a son of Camarines Norte, Vinzons also has a shrine dedicated to his memory. The two-storey house located in the town proper of Vinzons (formerly Indan) is the ancestral home of the brave hero who led the armed resistance against the Japanese in Bicol during World War II. It contains a public library and museum that displays Vinzon’s books, photos, publications, and other memorabilia.
Other noteworthy side trips in a historical tour include the Provincial Capitol, the Elevated Town Plaza, People’s Park, Laniton Landmark, St. Peter the Apostle Church, Jose Panganiban Monument, and Capalonga Shrine of the Black Nazarene.
Before going home though, make sure to try another treasure of the province: pineapples. Camarines Norte is renowned for its pineapple industry, which has spurred the Pineapple Festival held every May. Travelers can easily purchase these delectable fruit variety sold on stalls along the highway before entering Daet. You’re sure to bring home nothing but sweet memories of a worthwhile journey.
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Tags: blue sea, siesta time, tropical country