Catanduanes Beckons

Little is known of Catanduanes except when it takes centerstage during the typhoon season.  The island province is situated at the direct path of typhoons thus the moniker “Land of the Howling Winds”.  This province of hilly and rugged terrain is the smallest among the six Bicol provinces in terms of land area.  It is composed of eleven towns with Virac as the capital town.

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I haven’t gone to Catanduanes and what I know of it is what majority know of:  a land perennially ravaged by typhoons.  Though the seas could be tempestuous at times, they are a major source of livelihood to many through fishing.  Another industry that has the potential to pluck Catanduganons from poverty is surfing. Catanduanes being one of the two island provinces of the Bicol region, has a varied sea landscape.  Some beaches are ideal for family outings like the Amenia Beach and a lot are ideal as surfing areas of which Puraran “Majestic” Beach Resort is foremost.  Surfing competitions are held during the months of August to November.

Amenia Beach Resort

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The waves of Puraran

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Aside from the beaches, Catanduanes boasts of waterfalls, caves, and historic churches.  There are several feasts and festivals that are celebrated all year round.  Catandungan Festival is celebrated on the third week of October to commemorate the province independence from Albay.  Kagharong is a reenactment of the plight of Mary and Joseph in their search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.  Kalbaryo is celebrated during Holy Week, depicting the sufferings of Christ.  These are but a few of the festivals being observed in the province.  It is not surprising that these festivals and feasts are very similar to those of other Bicol provinces.  Like its neighboring provinces, Catanduanes shares a common history from the pre-Spanish era to the Japanese time.

How does one reach Catanduanes?  Catanduanes is accessible through air, land and water.  There are several airlines operating the Manila-Virac route and vice versa.  If one opts to go by land, he has to take a bus in Quezon City up to Tabaco, Albay and take the ferry service up to Virac.  Once in Virac, there are several hotels that one can go to like the Catanduanes Midtown Inn and Monte Karlo Waterfront Tourist Inn.  The several beach resorts that dot the province are also ideal places to stay in.  Communications is not a problem in the province as internet, satellite and cellular services are all available.

Explore the wonders and unspoilt beauty of Catanduanes!