Camalig Church

It will be another colorful celebration of culture, craft and cuisine as the province of Albay marks the 14th Magayon Festival from April 5-30 in Legazpi City.

According to Albay governor Joey Salceda, the month-long festival will focus on the rediscovery of the province’s history and cultural heritage, promotion of tourism assets and products, showcasing people’s skills.

He said that under the slogan “Albay Rising”, the Albay provincial government is investing R12 million for tourism-oriented events and another R3 million for promotion to transform the province into a world-class destination.

Festivities kick off on April 5 with an opening mass, trade fair and exhibits, photo contest and exhibit, float parade, drum and bugle competition, brass band performances, to be capped by an evening concert featuring K. Brosas and Rico Blanco.

Trade fairs and exhibits will showcase the best of the best products of local crafts and souvenir items of the province’s 15 towns and the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco.

The province will also launch the book titled “Albay: Winding Down the Historic Abaca Trade” authored by historian Dr. Danilo Gerona which chronicles the progress of Albay through the centuries. The province is noted for its export-quality abaca crafts, pili sweets and spicy delicacies.

The festival’s highlight is on April 29 with the Legend Showdown street dancing tilt, the Namit Bikol cooking competition, and a musical play on the legend of Daragang Magayon.

Other activities are beauty pageants, entertainment shows, sporting tournaments, fashion shows, livelihood seminars, and the Rocklakan sa Magayon nightly food plaza around Peñaranda Park.

The festival draws to a close with a concert featuring Erik Santos and a fireworks display on April 30.

Incepted in 1997, the festival is inspired by the legend of “Daragang Magayon” (literally meaning “beautiful maiden”) where Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect cone originated. According to folklore, Mayon, Bicol’s iconic tourist landmark, arose from her when she was killed by a spurned suitor.

Strategically located in the center of the Bicol peninsula, Albay is considered the gateway to the region. It can be reached by land or a 55-minute flight from Manila or Cebu via the Legazpi City airport.

The province takes pride in its postcard-pretty Spanish-era churches, majestic mountains, enchanting waterfalls, breath-taking viewpoints, and long stretches of fine sand beaches, the most notable of which is located in Cagraray Island in Bacacay town.

For details, log on to www.magayonfestival.albay.gov.ph or call.