Salingoy

MINALABAC

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SALINGOY A JOURNEY THROUGH MINALABAC

UNVEILING THE INHERENT BEAUTY AND HISTORY OF THE PLACE WITHIN THE WHITE PEBBLED SHORES OF CAMARINES SUR

WONDERS Feel the subtleness and tranquility in the seashores of Minalabac. Become a travel bug and enjoy the naturally polished white pebbles brought by time in Bagolatao, Hamoramon and Salingogon. Share the experience with locals.

FOOD The municipality of Minalabac offers a diverse culinary experience. You can see an excellent sampling of native dishes and desserts prepared by the locals that can surely be a mouth watering experience for all.

SECRETS There is a thrilling experience of exploring the unknown. Stories, myths and gossips that you should really know. Open your mind and senses on this journey with us.

We welcome you to Minalabac!

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CONTENtS 3 Information 5 Mode of Transportation 6 Tradition 7 History and Culture 9 Beliefs 10 Myths 11 Farming and Fishing 12 Feast by the Beach 14 Local Products 16 Places of Interest 19 Independence Day 21 Salba Istorya Salba Buhay 23 Barangays with Abundant Tourism Attractions 27 Minalabac and the Locals 29 Minalabac as an alternative Getaway 32 Minalabac a Place of Nature and Passion 27 Basic Travel Tips 28 Acknowledgement, Contacts

SALINGOY is a bikol word which means looking back through the old times.

This magazine will take you back to history and discover its abundant culture and virgin beaches that you will surely enjoy!

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A bowl of hot and Savory Concoction Discover a hearty taste of Minalabac through its yummy noodle soup, Kinalas!

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Native Products and the Likes

Discover the weaving industry in Minalabac. Check out how weaving plays its role in this municipality.

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A Glimpse from the Past

See a different story about independence day as we look into history and make a search about this unique hero Minalabac has to tell.

About the Cover The cover depicts a glimpse of the independence day celebration in Minalabac. The man in the cover (middle) is portraying the role of Ludovico Arejola, a local hero of Minalabac who fought for the independence of Bicol. Minalabac bears a rich history within the place and its people.

Photo courtesy of Ron Beriso and Municipality of Minalabac for Philippine Independence Day 2017

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CONtRIBUTORS

Nicol James Cervantes

Maria Emmanuelle de Hitta

Nicks love for history and culture gave him enthusiasm to explore more about Minalabac. From the beliefs and festivals which he was amazed, he believes that it should be nurtured and given more attention and love. He realizes that we must know the culture of our place before knowing the culture of others because how can we be able to identify the difference between and among cultures if we do not know ours. He believes that through this magazine it will be a great avenue for Minalabac to be recognize not just in Bicol but in the whole country.

As her friends call her, Bea writes about the Food, Native products and the Agricultural Livelihood of the town Minalabac. She finds beauty in the simplest things, finds comfort and relaxation in staying at simple communities. Growing up in an agricultural town made her connection with Minalabac effortlessly. Her photography skills were also tested when interviewing the locals. She hopes that their collective effort can help Minalabac in the future.

Ranz Christopher Obenia

Ericka Therese Brazal

Ranz made use of his knowledge in discussing the coastal barangay of Hamoraon, and his innate love for beaches was evident. Ranz interest for history was awakened when he discovered more about how independence was attained against the oppressors. Ranz loves to travel which was satisfied by his numerous rides back and forth to Minalabac. Growing up in the city made him appreciate deeply the little things and the simple lifestyle in Minalabac. His simple views in life matched the generosity and hospitality of the residents.

Named by her friends as “Kai” which has several cosmic translations from a Hawaiian word which means “ocean” to Wayu language meaning “sun”.

Maybe her love for sunrise and sunsets by the beach explains her efforts to continue exploring the wonders of Minalabac. Kai would always spend all the time in full swing. No adventure is too big nor too small for her. Her enthusiastic discoveries in every place were put into writing or a beautifully captured image that would always speak for itself. This project challenged her skills were she aims to have interesting audiences and convey artistic concepts to her future endeavors.

MINALABAC IS POLItI SUBDIVIDED INTO 25 BAR

ICALLY RANGAYS

INFORMATION by: Nicol James Cervantes

15 kilometers away from the city of Naga, is the Municipality of Minalabac, a third-class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur. It has a total area of 126.1 km2 (48.7 sq. mi) and is home to a total population of 52,390 people, according to the 2015 census. The place is subdivided into 25 barangays, and is known for the different places of interests, the local events and products made and sold by the locals.

HOW TO GET THERE? by: Ranz Christopher Obenia

If your point of origin is Naga City, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the LCC Transport Terminal. This is the terminal beside the LCC mall.

From there, you will see jeeps and vans going to different municipalities south of Naga. Jeep conductors will direct you to the jeep that you need to find.

Tell them you need to go to Minalabac.

The ride will generally be smooth and will only cost 10 pesos and would take you around 30 to 40 minutesto reach you destination. If you have your own mode of transportation, it will take you about 20 minutes from Naga to Minalabac.

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MINALABAC MODES OF TRANSPORTATION A. Jeep If you are going to Minalabac, this is the primary and the most practical land transportation.

Jeeps can even bring you to the coastal parts of Minalabac.

B. Tricycle One of the most common modes of transportation in Minalabac.

You can ride tricycles along with other passengers to destinations that jeeps cannot pass through because tricycles have smaller size compared to a jeep but can only take up to 7 passengers.

C. Padyak

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This is a bicycle with an attached sidecar. This is just like a tricycle without an engine but rather uses human effort to transport passengers.

D. Habal-Habal This is commonly used for special rides to places you want to go a little bit faster compared to a tricycle. The rates differ depending on the distance of the destination and number of passengers.

E. Motorized Boat You can also reach Minalabac through motorized boats. From Pasacao Port, rent a motorized boat and you can reach the coastal areas of Minalabac.

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tradition by: Nicol James Cervantes

Minalabac is an abundant society, and society is a group of people that is bounded by any cultural identity. The rich culture of Minalabac is a great reason why this place is considered to be one of the most prominent municipalities in Camarines Sur. Here are just some of the wellknown traditions in Minalabac:

Dotok

Tarahadi

is celebrated before the fiesta every night for

being done whenever a promise was made to

nine days. Novena is done by elders combine

somebody, such as to sick person, to a birthday

with Santa Cruzan song.

celebrant and that is being done here every year, from August to October for 10 days only.

PATRON

Pagoda the Filipino term for a decorated shrinebarge, usually with more than one tier, used in fluvial procession.

the protecting or guiding saint of a person or place.

Novena

refers to a prayer or devotion offered in nice consecutive days.

fLuviaL procEssioN

a fluvial procession at the end of the novena caps the feast. The image is carried in a Pagoda.

HISTORY AND CULTURE by: Nicol James Cervantes

MINALABAC “PAG-TA-NAW” is a native Bicol term meaning “to view”

or “viewing.” Thereupon, the very purpose of this article is to have a glimpse of the past or simply to have a “view of the past” particularly, the ever abundant history of Minalabac, located in Camarines Sur, the largest among the six provinces of the Bicol Region. Based on popular belief the name Minalabac came from the word “Minabalagbag” meaning “running across” and “Minalabag” meaning “mina” and “labag” or mud build up back then when flooding occurred in the streets of Minalabac. Minalabac is a third class municipality in Camarines Sur, southeast of Naga City. The town has 25 barangays, some of which are coastal, mountain, and riverine.

The municipality is laden with rich history and culture. The different barangays all have their own stories of how their names came to be, and one such story is how the barangay Irayang Solong got its name. According to stories, the first families that came to live in the barangay built their houses, in a line, along the Acan Creek.

When visitors would come and ask where these people lived, they would answer with the phrase “Raya Sa Solong.”

Raya in Bicol means forming a line and Solong was the name of the creek. During the time when the main means of transportation was the banca, people would have to sail along the creek, where the houses were lined up. The lines of houses along the Acan creek would then grow into a barangay, and was later named Irayang Solong, from what people used to call the place.

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One particular belief of people in Minalabac is that if a child were to answer back to his parents, then spirits would be offended, and that the child will be cursed and will be unable to speak, unless the spirit that punished the child forgives him or her for his action. This, and other such traditions and beliefs, only goes to show how deeply embedded family ties, respect and love is to the culture of the people in Minalabac, and to Filipinos, in general.

Minalabac is a place where history is nurtured. It gives people chance to understand and appreciate what their ancestors contributed in the past. As modernization took place some of the important details which are relevant, are being forgotten through tourism. With the help of the patriarch, the researchers can collect the stories and the important events back then.

With that, the locals can be able to share it to the future generations. This study showed the importance of the place’s cultural tourism and the difference it will take if it will be implemented in every municipality in Bicol and the entire Philippines. This study helped the researchers realized how tourism can help the people through employment and business purposes.

Also, the study the researchers gives them a chance to be part of something that would shed light to the municipality on discovering the history, culture and grow tourism with the goal of helping unemployed locals. The study helped the residents fully understand what is tourism and the potential of the community.

Far beyond anything else, the rich and interesting history of Minalabac will always serve as its greatest treasure which makes the municipality even more special.

As with Bicol religiosity, locals from Minalabac also observe their Christian faith regularly, this proven by the presence of several parishes in the municipality, which are religiously visited every Sunday and other days of worship.

The parishes in the locale are the: Saints Philip and James Parish, the Our Lady of Salvation Parish, for the residents of the coastal barangays and Del Socorro, the Our Lady of Peace and Bon Voyage in Barangay Antipolo, and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Mataoroc.

The place also has an array of deep rooted traditions that locals still observe, from pre-Hispanic beliefs of using the incantation “tabi apo”, “maki-agi po” as a means of warning supernatural beings of one’s presence or passing to offering eggs in mass to ensure good weather, to giving thanks for a plentiful harvest, these traditions are observed by adults and children alike.

Rev. P. Roque Maravillas outside Minalabac Parish, 1941 * *Photo courtesy Fabie Arejola of Minalabac Cultural Society

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BELIEFS

by: Nicol James Cervantes

There are various churches and religions that are existing in this municipality. Some of which are Iglesia Ni Cristo, Ang Dating Daan, Islam, and other Christian sectors. There is a Catholic church in barangay Antipolo popularly known as Church of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. People believe that this church protects people who are travelling.

Our Lady of Peace and the Good Voyage is the patron of barangay Antipolo similar to its origin in the Mexico, which is the Antipolo Cathedral. Upon entering this sacred place, you will first see the patron in the otherenf of the hall as if she is welcoming you. The warmth inside will make you feel relaxed and a reflection might come to your senses as you pray and wander your eyes. The church is surrounded by paintings depicting the story of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. With its wooden seats, a traditional comfort will make you feel at peace while praying.

The bell and cross above Our Lady of Peace and Bon Voyage Parish in Barangay Antipolo, Minalabac

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Myths by: Nicol James Cervantes

Just like any other place all over the world, the municipality of Minalabac Is bounded by its own beliefs that has endured for a very long time and being observed even up to the present. Some of these beliefs pertain to the existence of supernatural creatures/powers mentioned below:

St. Elmo’s Fire

Kirarayon Bell

it is a ball of fire in fields and swamps.

it was a huge bell and its knell was so loud and resonant that it could be heard kilometers away, even up to Calabanga, the last town along the Bikol River.

Mythical Creatures a monster renowned in folklore and myth. Literary creatures that generated popularity out of literary circulation and story-telling.

White Lady a female ghost dressed in all white reportedly seen in rural areas and associated with some local legend of tragedy.

The Healer’s Snake (Lucia of Baliuag Viejo) there was a healer known as Nana Lucia.

She has a pet snake that came from the river and it helped her in healing the sick.

The Path of Kulakog a huge gaint can still be seen in Minalabac.

One foot was in Minalabac and the other in Bula, a neighboring town in south. A huge shell midden was found in the area between the two places, and it is said to be where Kulakog ate and left the shells.

Eel at San Felipe and Santiago when people were bad, the saint raised his foot and the eel turned into a giant monster to drown the barangay.

Cult a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.

Faith Healing it is a ritual where a healer used aluminum plate and candle to interpret the form produce in a plate from a lighted candle.

Ghost is the soul of a dead person that returned to the mortal world. It may want to finish an incomplete task promise, or take revenge, it may return because of improper burial or an unusual death.

Manananggal (Self-segmenting flying viscera sucker of fetuses) is a vampire-like mythical creature of the Philippines, a malevolent, man-eating and blood-sucking monster or witch.

No matter what beliefs you have, as long as you are willing to maintain peace and order, you are very welcome to visit Minalabac because it is a people-friendly place.

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FARMING & FISHING by: Maria Emmanuelle de Hitta

Things couldn’t be greener than this! As you walk around the peaceful municipality of Minalabac, you will be greeted by numerous rice fields. You will see farmers busily tending to their crops and you’ll be amazed how dedicated they are to their farming.

Having a total land area of 12,506.2606 hectares, subdivided into 25 barangays with various types of lands and marine ecosystems, which will determine people’s kind of livelihood. Minalabac is one of the main contributors of rice in Camarines Sur. Another example of Minalabac’s main livelihood is fishing.

The abundance of coastal areas is also an asset to the place. You will see fishermen on the wet market selling their freshly catched fish at a reasonable price. One resident said that the demand for fish is higher on summer breaks because of the influx of tourists in the area, they grab this opportunity to sell their fish.

Promoting tourism in Minalabac will really help achieve its prosperity. Minalabac as an agricultural haven produces fresh products that you’ll surely experience when you visit the place. Buying local products and engaging business with local farmers and fishermen will make the residents’ lives more productive. Appreciation and respect for nature will preserve its beauty, that is why, the support for its steward is important.

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FEAST BY THE BEACH by: Maria Emmanuelle de Hitta

After a day of exploring Minalabac, a big growling your stomach will surely remind you of something. Youre eyes we so full after seeing and experiencing this new place, that you might forget that you need to satisfy your tummy too. Going to a destination for the first time will make you feel that you need to see more of the place in order to get your money’s equal worth.

Don’t worry! The food in Minalabac is part of its culture too, so don’t hesitate to try it. Everyone wants to try something new in their life from time to time, right? Bicolanos have different version of each popular food wherever you go. So, if you happen to visit Minalabac, do not forget to try their local delicacies for yourself and bring home some to share with your family and friends.

Tiya Lidya holding her delicious homemade Tsokolate.

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First stop is Tiya Linda’s Tsokolate. It is located in baranggay San Juan which happens to be located few meters from the municipal office of Minalabac.

Generously packaged Tsokolate ready for selling and distribution

A bilao full of roasted cocoa beans prepared by Tiya Lidya.

Dried Cocoa beans that are ready for roasting

Tiya Linda has been making tsokolate since she was still young.

In fact, she has adopted her technique from her mother, which has been a family business for a long time. The first procedure in making is roasting the dried cocoa beans first. Tiya Linda buys dried cocoa beans from Naga city market. She then would remove the skin and grind the beans in a manually operated grinder. She adds little amount of sugar to the mixture in order to lessen its natural bitterness.

Once it is mixed finely, she will shape the dark brown paste into small flat circles and let it dry overnight in order to harden it for packaging purposes. This chocolate is great for making hot cocoa or champorado to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It’s also a good idea to buy it for “pasalubong” and for sure, everyone will love it.Minalabac offers a variety of food like sampaloc, candy, peanut butter, kutsinta, mushroom, cassava cake, and many more. So, if your stomach suddenly growls in this beautiful town, you already know what to look for.

In the afternoon, you can indulge in a hot bowl of Kinalas in Cho Amon’s in Hobo. You might have heard of Naga City annually holding a popular noodle dish festival, which is Kinalas Festival, but you should also try Minalabac’s version.

The manually operated mill used by Tiya Lidya in making her tsokolate which was handed to her from generations.

Cho Amon with a scrumptious bowl of Kinalas

Isn’t it amazing to know that 40 pesos has the power to quench your hunger? Yes, that’s right! Kinalas is a hot savory noodle dish that is prepared by boiling a cow’s skinned head. Boiling continues until the meat falls off making its broth.

A hearty bowl Kinalas topped with special chicharon, onion chives and a boiled egg at Cho Amon’s.

After doing so, noodles are now added to the broth. You can also add boiled egg and chicharon to enhance its flavor. This is one of the must-try dishes when you visit Minalabac.

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LOCAL PRODUCTS by: Maria Emmanuelle de Hitta

The ingenuity of the people in Minalabac is reflected in their native products. On our visit in Minalabac, we were able to come across a few of their handmade products. They manufacture this inside their homes so making this can be a hobby for them. The Philippines is known for its climate, being warm and humid, that is why, Filipinos devised a way of sleeping in a cooler way, thus, the birth of banigs. Banig weaving is also present in Minalabac.

Thanks to Kuya Gracing Marcial in Antipolo, Minalabac. He and his wife would weave this mat at home. This product is made from Karagumoy leaves that are abundantly seen in Minalabac’s forest. They can weave the banig into bigger or smaller sizes depending on the preferred size of their customer. Hats made from the same leaves are also made by them. These hats are the once used by farmers on a typical hot sunny day in shielding themselves from intense heat.

The finished product is then sold in the market and they also accept product orders.

A close up shot of the Banig made from Karagumoy

Kuya Gracing trying on his very own weaved hat.

Kuya Gracing and his wife holding their hand-made Banig

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MINALABAC The products; hat, pot holder, rugs and floor mats are made

by Aling Feliza Santiago in Barangay Irayang Solong in Minalabac. She buys pieces of clothes from thrift stores and recycles them into useful things. She cuts the clothes into strips and weaves them into her desired creation. She also saw pieces of fabrics into hats that can surely protect you from the heat of the sun. Aling Feliza has her own sewing kit so she can make her products at home. This is a great way of upcycling things, which you might think of being of no use but you will surely make a profit out of it.

Hat which can surely shield you from the sun made by Tiya Feliza

Some of the colorful potholder Tiya Feliza handwove .

Smoked Fish locally called as Tinapa and Dried Fish or Tuyo are also prepared in the shores of Minalabac. Commonly done in Minalabac by fishermen with what they have caught. They then resell their products to resellers. You can taste the difference with the taste of the dried fish because it is freshly prepared by fishermen and is one of their primary livelihood.

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pLACES OF INTErest by: Nicol James Cervantes

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PLACES OF INTEREST

by: Nicol James Cervantes

Tourists can enjoy a multitude of things to do when in Minalabac, from learning about the municipality’s heritage and culture, to exploring the natural wonders and wildlife that thrive in the locale, to sampling the finest delicacies, to enjoying the beautiful coastlines, Minalabac has a lot to offer.

VISIT BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

GO CLIMBING AND EXPLORING

Minalabac has two well-known summer getaways where you can enjoy an amazing view of the white-pebbled beach.

The number of resorts which offer different services like rest houses, food houses, cottages and the like are increasing steadily, and as more and more people flood in every year, the local government is putting in a lot of effort to continuously improve amenities such as roads and stores, to ensure that tourists enjoy their stay.

Hiking enthusiasts and explorers at heart would also have a great time climbing and entering the mountain, the cave, as well as the rock outcrops that line the coast of Minalabac. With breath-taking views of the Mayon volcano and the Burias islands, one can surely get their money’s worth spending the day hiking and trekking the area. You can also go snorkeling and check out a small natural spring at the other part of the beach.

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Traditional lamp used by fishermen when fishing at dusk*

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Salakab, a traditional tool used for fishing in shallow waters*

BRING OUT THE BIOLOGIST IN YOU

VISIT MUSEUMS

Tourists can also rent boats to see the coastline and explore the underwater flora and fauna in Minalabac. The area is protected, so extreme forms of fishing and dealing of corals and shells is prohibited, so one can expect that the corals, fishes and sea shells are in abundance here.

To learn more about Minalabaceño culture, one can opt to visit the two museums in the Municipality: the Tumatarok Museum, and the Bicol Shell Museum. The Tumatarok Museum has a collection of documents, tools and other historical artifacts from the vintage years of the municipality, while the Bicol Shell museum has an amazing collection of over 4,000 shells, all painstakingly classified and labeled by name. Both museums are open for public viewing.

During the low tide, a lot of people scour the shores to examine unique species of sea grass, sea shells and other sea life that are left behind by the sea.

*Photo courtesy of Ireno Alcala of “Minalabac and its Vintage Years” facebook page

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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN MINALABAC by: Ranz Christopher Obenia

A poster for Independence day in tribute to General Arejola

Independence Day is one of the most significant days that is being celebrated in every nation, especially in the Philippines. This helps us develop the sense of nationalism and love for our country. Special days, like Independence Day, reflect the importance of certain personality or relationship, and by celebrating a day people acknowledge the significance of these subjects.

MINALABAC Local Residents from Minalabac reenacting the Independence of their municipality led by General Ludivico Arejola

This day, on one hand, demonstrates the significance of freedom and reminds us of the sacrifices of our ancestors, and on the other hand, it unites the whole Filipino nation under one flag. This reminds us of our freedom from the colony of Spain and we recall all our local and national heroes who freed us from the colonizers.A celebration of Independence Day in Minalabac focuses more on paying tribute to their local hero, General Ludovico Arejola, a farmer who fed the rebels for free.

Together with Manuel Guevarra, a runaway, they spearheaded the revolt during the American war in Pawing Baao. This is considered as their first major fight with the Americans. Fighting with the Americans was not easy because they have to retreat on their first fight but after the Americans burned the farm of Arejola, the people were dismayed and that triggered another fight with the invaders. On their second fight, the Americans were left with no choice to surrender all thanks to the tactics of the natives at that point in time. This is a special day, in which the locals gathered in the municipal grounds to celebrate alongside with the teachers, students, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Mayor and the Governor of Camarines Sur in their traditional Filipino clothing.

Photo courtesy of Ron Beriso and Municipality of Minalabac for Philippine Independence Day 2017

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saLBA ISTORYA , SALBA BUHAY by: Nicol James Cervantes

The call for modernization and industrialization initiated the construction of buildings, roads, and other means of making human life easier. Unfortunately, this has brought a very detrimental effect to the environment in Camarines Sur, particularly, the Bikol River and its banks which eventually resulted in the scarcity of marine resources.

During the conduct of 2017 National Literature Month Project of Sumaro sa Salog, Inc. (SULOG), some of the senior citizens who participated in the Salba Istorya stated conclusions about the issues in Camaligan, Canaman, and Magarao.

According to Bikol historian Danilo M. Gerona, these towns were busy and prosperous because they were on the old ‘highway,’ the Bikol River.

There were no concrete roads in the early to mid 1900s, and people used the boat as a means of transportation and

business, to trade their products such as nipa, vegetables, rice, and other goods needed by the people.

The population rapidly grew. Unfortunately, progress brought with it a very alarming consequence to the environment. Tons and tons of garbage were produced by every household. There was a need to cut more trees to build more houses for the shelter of a great number of families.

People stared to abuse the environment. The national and local government did not have long-term plans for an ecological safety net.

Eventually, the need to protect the low-lying areas along the river called for attention. To control the flood, a cutoff channel was built at a bend of the Bikol River. A dam in Canaman became a very helpful artificial structure in preventing the salt from San Miguel Bay to enter the Bikol River. In the end however, this dam did not work, and salty water has since intruded into the farm lands in the three river towns.

According to the senior residents, the cut-off channel was the main cause of the destruction of farms. The stronger current during high tide made fishing more difficult and

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caused the erosion of the river banks. Tons of garbage in the water made it toxic and caused floods. These are just some of the other problems faced by the people who rely for their food and means of living on the Bikol river and surrounding farmlands.

In addition, transportation became more expensive for the riverine villages to transfer their products from one place to another. During the time of Marcos’ martial law, “golden kuhol” was introduced as a source of livelihood, but instead of helping and contributing to the rural economy, it destroyed more farms.

Instead of nurturing the environment, people have exploited it mercilessly to fulfill not only their needs, but also their wants. Because of wanting too much to the point of greed, they did not think of other living things aside from themselves; they also did not think about the future of their children and grandchildren. Now, they and the future generations are facing nature’s karma. - (With input from PVMSantos, SULOG, Inc.)

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barangays with abundant tourism attractions

MINALABAC BARANGAY HAMORAON When talking about popular tourist destinations in Camarines Sur, Minalabac is seldom mentioned. Only a few know that Minalabac has a lot of hidden pieces of paradise in its area. It is also home to a variety of pebbled beaches along its coast. These pebbled beaches can be found in the towns of Bagolatao, Salingogon, Hamoraon, and San Antonio. Resting on the coast of Hamoraon lies an exquisite combination of stunning tropic landscapes and clear waters.

No, it’s not your typical white-sand beach but rather something extraordinary. The beach is adorned with white pebbles. Hamoraon’s White-Pebbled Beach is surely a sight to see! To get there, you will have to go through a bumpy and sloped road via jeep that is only available during the morning and afternoon. Only those with the strong will to experience such majesty and beauty are up to the challenge. Finding the beach is not that difficult because you can see its bright blue waters on the way. As soon as you get there, you will be welcomed by the lush trees and glaring sun. The locals are also very accommodating and approachable so you don’t have to hesitate to inquire about the place’s legends and history. If you’re looking for warmth and relaxation in the province, Minalabac is your go-to destination.

BARANGAY SALINGOGON Walking barefoot on the smooth white pebbles while gentle waves greet your feet. Gazing on the horizon looking at small boats just making their way about.

This is the typical scenario in one of the coastal areas in Minalabac. This beach is not like anywhere I have been to. Salingogon is one of the 25 barangays in Minalabac. This place holds majestic views and is filled with cheerful and hospitable people. I think one of the enticing factors of the place is being able to confidently mingle with the locals and have an amazing time while doing it. I can imagine myself bringing my own paddle board and trying it out in the gentle ocean. This is the destination where you should be if you’re looking for a place where you can relax outside the buzzing city.

BARANGAY BAGOLATAO The White pebbled beach of Minalabac houses one of its developing barangay named Bagolatao. The name of the barangay came from the Bikol word “bagol” which means coconut shell and “latao” or “lataw” which means to float.

This name was derived because of the huge coral reef that can be seen on the coast that looks like a floating coconut shell whenever it is high tide. The ocean shows a nice way to

say hello to tourists whenever they get there. The 3-kilometer shoreline can be seen with emerald clear saltwater that will make everyone jump into it to try swimming and have fun. The abundance of cottage industries and resorts made Bagolatao an accessible barangay to start within enjoying the pebbled beach. The small cottages are owned by its residents from 300 to 600 pesos. There are 2 resorts which offers much bigger accommodation namely; White Pebbles Beach Resort and Ocean View Resort. The accommodation in Bagolatao is a lot more accessible and is offered at an affordable price.

Bringing your own food is way more comfortable For a greater connection with the culture, tourists may request for the caretakers to bring them freshly picked coconuts from the coconut trees abundant in the shore making your stay more fresh and relaxed.On the other hand, some of the locals make a side line through selling meriendas that tourists can taste. Some of which are Turon and Binatog. These two native meriendas are made of bananas wrapped in egg roll wrappers or cornstarch and fried. On top of each are sprinkled sugar which makes it more decadent. Putting up tents on the shore is also a good idea if you want a more direct interaction with the provincial air that most people in the city miss the most. When you get there, you will be surrounded by white and gray pebbles, coconut trees, and ocean, that will surely look good on pictures that’s why taking a selfie in this serene beach is also one good way to enjoy your stay. To a more exciting experience, you can try snorkeling in the area. In this way, you will be more immersed as to what marine life it will uncover once you get into the water. You can also try boating and rent a boat for 30 pesos. Beach volleyball is also a way to enjoy the island life to show the athlete to you. When the night comes, you can seek help from the caretakers if you want to have a campfire on the shore. It will be a perfect moment to share food, drinks, stories, and memories with your friends and family.

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25 BAGOLATAO OCEAN VIEW RESORT This is one of the resorts in Bagolatao that offers complete amenities. This resort is owned and operated by a foreigner named Rainer Thebus. They offer a beach house with complete amenities. This includes ceiling fans, air-condition in the main living area, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor kitchen and a fridge. The rest house can accommodate up to 8 persons. Additional persons will be charged P150.00 P5,000.00 per day They also offer other services: Seaside cottages – P500 /Day Floating cottages – P500 /Day Canoe – P300 /Hour Jet ski – P2000 /Hour Life Jackets – P25/Day

WHITE PEBBLES BEACH RESORT This resort is only located 45 minutes to 1 hour drive from Naga. There will be lots of open cottages for rent ranging from 300 to 700 pesos but only the White Pebbles Beach Resort offers complete amenities.

This resort has cottages as well as a beach house for their visitors. Also, a basketball and a volleyball court for additional recreational activities. If you are staying overnight, you will be in awe because you will enjoy beautiful sceneries and the view of the sunset across the beach.

MINALABAC BAGAPUSO POINT Going further, you will see the Bagapuso point. It is a large rock formation that when you take a closer look. It has a heart-like shape. It is a living rock based on the statements of the local guide. You can hike it so you can get on the top and see the whole view of the coastline.

This amazing rock formation is similar to those in the other foreign countries that’s why it is amazing to look at. At the top of it, you can see the sunrise or the sunset shared by the waves the ocean creates.

MINI CAVE and MINI FALLS To explore the island a bit more, you can rent a boat for 30 pesos per person so you and your friends or family can visit the mini cave in the other part of the island. It will take you 10 to 15 minutes of boat ride to get to there.

When you reach the cave, It is best to take photographs for there is also a small path of running water which makes you feel the relaxing feeling in the cave. You may also get to go around and find the mini falls that they have on the island. It is just a mini falls but with cold and refreshing water, which will make your bones shiver in a good way.

Photo courtesy of Kara Santos from her blog “Travel Up”

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MINALABAC AND THE LOCALS by: Ericka Therese Brazal

The people of Minalabac are one of its gems since the invasion of foreign conquerors. Minalabac is one of those places where these foreign invaders took an interest since the beginning of time. Examples are the story of their local heroes, Ludovico Arejola and Manuel Guevarra .Their efforts were not far from what Jose Rizal and the other heroes have done for their nation. It is a strong point to make the invaders see how Filipinos fight for what belongs to them.

On the other part of history, participating in the Olympic games has just been a great honor since the beginning. One thing that people do not know about is that, an Olympian was born in this municipality. Claro Peliosis, an Olympian of the in Japan and Rome Olympic games since 1960 was from Minalabac.

He was a track and field athlete in 100 - meter dash competitions in the Asian Games. An athlete like Peliosis is a precious memory for the people of Minalabac because his participation in the Olympic games is something that the whole Philippines should be proud of. His efforts to compete in this game with other foreign athletes must have required him a lot of courage to face the competition away from home.

Movies today presents various genres to meet the taste of moviegoers.

In this generation, most of them presents advanced technology equipment like CGI or computergenerated imagery to make shots from green screen studios look like real in the movie. In the 1950s, none of these advanced technologies is known to filmmakers, instead, they

produce a real action movie like Simaron .

Dubbed as the 50s Action queen of the Philippines, Celia Fuentes was known because of her action movies which made her won the spot for the best supporting actress in the FAMAS awards during her time.

Her amazing stunts and dangerous acts made her a remarkable artist of her time. She spent her childhood days in her hometown, Minalabac as Araceli Todores. By the time she discovered her talents, she became Celia Fuentes a woman who dared to do stunts that we thought only men could dare to do. In her other movies, she presented amazing skills such as swordplay, fencing and horseback riding.

MINALABAC “Hospitality in Minalabac is not far from what a typical Filipino family shows in every guest they welcome.”

Stepping into the terminal of jeep, this is where you will witness how friendly they are. A smile will be your response every time you meet with their eyes. A simple smile is what tourists must give to the locals to make their heart appease with their presence. The burning passion for agriculture and fisheries makes the locals similar to their local heroes back then. This is because they do not give up on what life might give them.

1950s Action Queen of the Philippines, Celia Fuentes of Minalabac, Camarines Sur*

The love for the family and neighbors makes them what they are, just like the people who saved them. The simple things they do does not mean they are simple people with simple dreams. Tourists must look deep into their eyes because their passion to work and search for more livelihood opportunities like the makers of Tablea, Pinangat, Mushroom atchara. This innovation makes them soar for more in life and so they are considered as the gems Minalabac.

*Photo courtesy of Ireno Alcala of “Minalabac and its Vintage Years” facebook page

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MINALABAC AS AN ALTERNATIVE GATEWAY by: Ericka Therese Brazal During the Galleon trade, Minalabac is one of those coastal municipalities that contributed to the economy the region. According to Dr. Danilo Gerona, a well-acclaimed Filipino historian, Minalabac is one of the richest places in Bicol because it was one of the docks for the galleon trade. However, as time passed by, goods was transported through land thus, the development of roads was a big fuss after the end of the Galleon trade.

The development of transportation through land became another trend to make vehicles that make goods go to local markets. The use of horses and older transportation like carriages became a requirement for the barter of goods.

Eventually, the trend became the reason to have cars that we have this generation. Riding a car is one of the most hassle things to do in some parts of your life. Living in this kind of life is something that we look forward to if we are thinking to buy ourselves this kind of vehicle. Riding a car or public vehicles are ways to make our lives easier.

For those who work day and night, riding a vehicle is an easy step to make yourself impress your boss and coworkers especially when it makes you early for work. On the other hand, going to school by riding a vehicle is also an impression made good to teachers and students that you come early to class. Getting on time is a way to make our lives better and to do our work with motivation. Traffic is a way to make this motivation come across the other way around.

Being involved in this kind of situation makes a person who has a job become jobless if punctuality does not exist anymore in his career.

Students who were involved in this situation is also at risk of getting good grades for their report cards when the school year ends. Traffic annoys everyone especially to those who were impatient.

To solve this problem, people make alternatives to getting their job Right and on time like getting up early.

However, traffic does not end their instead traffic increases especially on the streets of Naga and some national highways. Minalabac surprisingly is a reroute to avoid traffic coming from Pili and Naga City.

Minalabac is one of the municipalities that have a way to make our lives easier and to keep ourselves from traffic. Instead of going for the usual way in getting to Pili or Naga, you can start heading to Milaor and Minalabac, which has an alternative gateway to get to your desired place.

Taking this route will make your trip easier and less of a hassle. This will make locals go to their work of universities to make a great impact on their studies or work to continue the lives they wanted for themselves.

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Sea shells carefully displayed inside the Bicol Shell Museum

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MINALABAC, A PLACE OF NATURE AND PASSION by: Ericka Therese Brazal

BICOL SHELL MUSEUM

The First Shell Museum in the region The Bicol Shell Museum is privately owned by the family of White Pebbles Beach Resort. It can be found just across the resort in Barangay Bagolatao in Minalabac. Since its public opening in 2014, this museum has been a frequent spot for research headed by students, teachers, and enthusiasts.

The museum provides a wide range of shell types based on its size and structure. The beauty of collecting this sea creature did a great impact to the life of its collector, Leovigildo Basmayor Sr., He is a shell collector who housed and took care of these shells to share the beauty of marine life and showed how he loved these little creatures. It all began when he was a sixyear-old boy during the World War II. Basmayor was not scared to be a subject of the war, instead, he was a brave boy who collected shells even if he knew that escaping from the conquerors is a big deal at that time. He fought for his first shell collection to be kept on his arms when they were leaving away from their house to escape from the Japanese. He put it into his small jar and buried it in their yard before leaving. When they returned, the shells were kept safe and as a young boy, such happiness was so memorable, he built the shells their own home in his hometown, Minalabac.

Basmayor never felt any regrets in saving those little things he loved so much. With his love towards collecting seashells and other sea creatures, he became a Marine Biologist, a perfect career for a passionate person like him. His passion for collecting such things made him a good example of a good father to his kids. His age was not an excuse in his will to build this museum, in fact, he had collected 4,000 seashells in this two-story building coming from all around the Philippines. These seashells came from the different parts of the Philippines some of which are Sorsogon and Palawan. Entering the museum is an overwhelming feeling that uncovers each sight of shells. The sand kept from every beach he visited was also organized inside the museum together with his preserved marine creatures like starfish and seahorse. The museum is open for educators, students, researchers and other guests. The resources built by Basmayor is a perfect destination for tourists who want to gain a more educational experience as they visit the municipality.

The Bicol Shell Museum is one of the first structures to be constructed in the region that presents marine life to tourists who wants to gain knowledge about the precious things we can find in the ocean. In this way, the tourists will not only think of enjoying by swimming in the white pebbled beach but also make themselves know what creatures they can find and protect in the ocean. Science has a lot to search in the world under the water. The museum is just a teaser of what they can find under its majestic waters. We hope for more individuals like the collector to make ourselves be aware of the abuse we give the ocean. No one is an exception to be protective of the land you are living.

Photo courtesy of Kara Santos from her blog “Travel Up�

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basic traveL TIPS by: Nicol James Cervantes

Don’t forget to bring a jacket with you! You don’t wanna suffer from a cold breezy night right?

For things to be more organize always put LABEL on your things.

If you really wanna be part of their daily living you can stay in their house and pay them with a reasonable amount. Pack at your own risk!

Always smile! It will help you to get more friends in the area.

Always say “thank you” (or say it in their local dialect of you can) whenever locals help you.

It’s better to bring food with you.

It’s hard to walk in a dark night in the middle of nowhere.

Don’t forget to talk to the locals.

It’s always been good talking to the people who really know the destination.

Learn the basic language of the place. It will help you understand the directions to where to go to the destination.

If you are asking about where you’re from and what are you doing in their place answer them nicely.

Try something new! Every destination has unique selling point! Knowing their culture and belief helps you to understand them deeply.

If possible TRY THE MUST-TRY FOOD IN THE AREA! Yum! Explore and emerge yourself to the destination. Always remember the #YOLO (You only live once)

ALWAYS WAKE UP EARLY enjoy the sunrise and you’ll have more time to visit different tourist destination in the area.

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Contacts Summary of Minalabac by: Ranz Christopher Obenia LOCATION: Barangay Bagolatao Ocean View Resort (Rainer & Elvira Thebus) Seaside Accommodation, Cottages, Camping Sites and Jetski Hire Western Road, Zone 7 Sibunot Bagolatao, Minalabac, Camarines Sur Contact Number: 09772884478 / 09772377408 LOCATION: Barangay Antipolo Mushroom Cultivator (Concita De Asis) Contact Number: 09278994979 Banig Weaver (Deogracias Marcial) Contact Number: 09284322229 Barangay Sto. Nino

Cochinta Mariss Compas Contact Number: 09551636931 Barangay Balogo Peanut butter/ Coco jam (Carmen Condeca) Barangay Hobo Cassava Cake (Francia Apolinar) Contact number: 09056243547 Alma’s Tablea (Alma Baldesco) Contact number: 09166887256 San Juan Tiya Lidya’s Tsokolate Contact Number: 09126177468

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The success of this magazine would not be possible without the participation and assistance of many people. We would not be able to accomplish all of these on our own.

We, the Team Minalabac would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude particularly to the following: to the Municipality of Minalabac and its officials for guiding us in our journey; to the residents of Minalabac for their unwavering support and participation; to our families and loved ones who dedicated their unending patience, support, and encouragement; to our friends who have willingly helped us with the best of their abilities; and above all, to our God Almighty for the wisdom, strength, peace of mind, and good health He bestowed upon us in order to realize this magazine.

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Ateneo de Naga University College of Business and Accountancy

Municipality of Minalabac Camarines Sur, Philippines

© SALINGOY 2018