This is my photo taken at Viga, Catanduanes. I was watching the scenic view in the Pacific while the sun is still rising.
Catanduanes is one of the most beautiful place in the Philippines due to its reach marine ecosystem and nice beaches. It is located at the eastermost part of of Bicol peninsula, separated from the mainland Bicol by the Maqueda Channel and the Lagonoy Gulf. Nearest mainland from it is Caramoan, Camarines Norte which is only few miles away and can be crossed by an ordinary boat in 30 minutes. But the main barge transporting people from the mainland to Catanduanes is through Tabaco City which will debanked at San Vicente, San Andres Catanduanes or in Legaspi City which will arrive in Virac, each with rough estimate travel of 3 hours (I used to sleep in the ride, you won't really would love the rough travel and the nausea). It is composed of 11 municipalities namely: San Andres, Virac, Pandan, Bagamanoc, Bato, Gigmoto, Baras, Panganiban, Caramoran and San Miguel. It is the nearest place in the Pacific for the Philippines soil making it the pathways for typhoon and tropical cyclones. It is also its near-Pacific location that made its weather unnatural and unpredictable, creating pockets of raindrops in some areas, fair weather in its near towns. Still it is one of the nicest place to stay for its calmness and serene environment.
Etymology
“Isla de Cobos” was Catanduanes' first adopted name. It was earned as such during the early part of 1573 when Spanish conquistadores came upon several tribes living in the thatched huts called cobos. Catanduanes, is a hispanized term derived from the word tandu, a native beetle and the samdong tree, which were both found in abundance throughout the island. Common reference to “katanduan” or “kasamdongan”, meaning a place where the tandu or the samdong tree thrives in abundance, led to the coining of the word Catanduanes.
History
The scions of the then Bornean Datus who had moved on the island of Panay and then, spread out throughout the archipelago were the first settlers to have set foot in Catanduanes. The island wasn't spared from the adventurous raids of the Moros who came from the island of Mindanao. Because of these destructive raids, many records of the past were destroyed and lost. Juan de Salcedo arrived in this island in 1573, hunting for pirates, and conquered the natives. Three years later, a galleon expedition from Acapulco was shipwrecked near the island and the survivors were either killed or made servants. The Batalay Church in Bato, just several kilometers from the capital town of Virac, marks that historical event. The Christianization of the island started some twenty years later. The conquistadores, after subjugating the Bicol mainland, came back to the island with Franciscan missionaries. From 1600 to 1857, the colonizers were able to put up nine centers of local governments through the establishment of parishes. During the American regime, the local insurgents refused to recognize the sovereignty of the United States. Most of them fled to the mountains. The American occupation did not last long. In 1934, the Americans had ceased control of the island. During World War II, Catanduanes wasn't from Japanse invasion. The Japanese erected garrisons were in different parts of the island. The guerilla movement was intensely active during this time of crisis. On February 8, 1945, the liberation of the island province was proclaimed. In its place, a municipal building at Virac was constructed and also the town's Parish church. The Allied Philippine Commonwealth ground troops and the recognized guerrilla resistance forces controlled the barracks vacated by the Japanese forces was liberated in Catanduanes. On October 26, 1946, three months after the Philippine independence from the Americans, the island was finally recognized as a separate and independent province. Commonwealth Act No. 687 was enacted to create the island of Catanduanes as one of the six provinces of the Bicol Region. Commonwealth Act No. 687 established Catanduanes as a province independent from Albay. It was approved by Congress on September 26, 1945, signed into law by President Sergio Osmena, Sr. on October 24, 1945, and took effect on October 16, 1945.
Geography
Catanduanes, as an island, is sorrounded by blue waters with balanced marine ecosystem. It also has diverged land ecosystem, covered with tropical rainforest. Known as an "Eco-Adventure Paradise", it is for those who love nature at its best. Most of the soil is untouched, unblemished and unexplored, except for the Army who always hurdled the mountains looking for rebel guerillas. Most of its roads are man-made, bulldozed at the side of the hills, preventing any alternates routes. So when traveling from the other side of the province, it is most probable that you'll end up crossing the same road when going back. It offers a totally laid-back rural attraction, a beautiful natural environment and plenty of easy action at a pace that is always relaxed. The local folks are very generous and kind, with a relaxed, calm way of living. They seemed to be disinterested in developing their area to a more modernized state, and are already satisfied to their current status. It is a place where you could go back to simplicity, search for real serenity and experience a real relaxed environment. When you walk to the houses and areas of the locals, it'll be obvious to find too many abaca plants (or trees? Are they tress?) and to observe that most of their locations are at seashore, manifesting only their major industry: abaca products and marine resources. Native Catanduangon (inhabitants of Catanduanes) usually extract raw material from abaca in the form of fiber and sell them to companies needing them. Most of their craft also are made of abaca fibers like bag, slippers, including souvenirs or "pasalubong". Fishes and other sea edible creatures are distribute to Virac for the consmption of the whole province. But most of the caught marine resources are caught in the channel for its calmness, the other side of the country facing the turbulence of the Pacific. The dialect of the Catanduangon is Bicol, with slight variation from the original Bicol lingo(they say the original is the Bicol-Naga, but other parties say the other, so just try to find it out for yourself which will suffice you), and with various tones and distinctions, mostly with the changing of consonant "r" and "l" to "y" (e.i "saro", they will pronounced it "sayo") But for maximum understanding of all, English and Tagalog are used. If your able to climb the mountains of Catanduanes (which I did), you'll end up inhaling volumes of oxygen for exhaustion but the joy and excitement fully satisfies the latter. Try to discover the wonders of it for your own happiness also.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
Catanduanes is served by Asian Spirit. This airline flies direct from Manila to and from Virac daily.
By Land
Air Conditioned buses (Philtranco and Tawtrasco) travel direct from Manila to Virac daily. Other air-conditioned buses can take you from Manila to the Port of Tabaco where a ferry boat can take you across to Virac, Catanduanes.
Scheduled trips leave the Araneta Center in Cubao and in Pedro Gil St., in Malate, Manila daily.
By Sea
For the more adventurous tourist and sightseeing travelers, Virac is the best reached throuh the sea.
Two shipping lines - San Pablo Shippin Lines and Star Ferry - set asail from the Port of the Tabaco to Viract/San Andres daily.
PMA CHECKPOINT - This is the main entrance of the academy. Guard detained at the gate strictly checked all vehicles entering the realms of the this place. Being a military school, it should also be guarded from the possible plot of the state's enemies and antagonist. During corps roadruns, the checkpoint serves as a turning point for the runner to complete a 5km run from the athletic complex. Its sturdiness and firmness symbolizes the Academy's firm attitude and valor.
AMPHITHEATHER - this place is like a small Colosseum at left side of the Grand Stand, if your facing the parade ground. Inspired by Roman's Colosseum for gladiators, it is built for celebrating symbolic occasions of the alumni of the academy, most especially wedding ceremony. It was also the place where cadets conducts their annual class and company pictures for keepsake of their camaraderie and stay in the academy. But this is also a nice place to visit for people who like to take pictures.
BORROMEO FIELD - this is the parading ground in the Academy. It is one of the most holy place because many cavaliers and alumni already kissed and poured their sweats to the ground. It is where all it had started, their dreams, their hopes and their aspirations. From the Reception Day, Incorporation Day, Pre-recognition rites and Recognition rites, Turn-over ceremony and Graduation Day, these very significant occasions were celebrated to this hollowed ground. As a matter of fact, a cadet cannot pass through this ground directly. He must go around the field, except during special occasions and in sport events. At present,it is usually used for playing sports like soccer, athletics, and golf, and as a parade ground for giving respect and honor to alumni visitors every weekend. It is so cool to watch the cadets marching in cadence in the Borromeo Field!
