Camarines Norte – Bicolandia's Goldmine
Camarines Norte serves as the gateway to the Bicol region. The province is gifted with various natural treasures, one of which is gold. The town of Paracale is considered as the 'gold country' of the province. With this, Paracale became the center of jewelry-making industry and is still regarded as a good place to purchase fine gold jewelry. One of the ancient jewels made in Paracale is the 'agrimon', a flat necklace chain of the 19th century.
But Camarines Norte has other ‘golden treasures’. The First Rizal monument was erected in its capital, Daet, only two years after Dr. Jose Rizal was executed in Bagumbayan. Bagasbas Beach, Mercedes and Calaguas Group of Islands are famed white sand beaches and great waves, ideal for surfing enthusiasts.
Demographics
1. Population –
513, 785 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 2,320.1 sq. km
3. Capital – Daet
4. Language/Dialect – Bikol, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (12)
Famous For ...
First Rizal
Monument
Built in 1898, the First Monument of Rizal in the Philippines
is located across the Old Daet Municipal Hall. Its foundation,
it is believed, is made of mortars and boulders from
the demolished Old Spanish Jail in Daet
Bagasbas
Beach
The most popular beach resort in the province is in
Barangay Bagasbas, Daet. During clear but windy days,
the big waves that roll in from the Pacific Ocean make
it a paradise for surfing beginners and afficionados
Delectable
Food
The Bicolano's expertise in the kitchen manifests in
some of Camarines Norte's mouthwatering delicacies and
recipes
Historical
First Rizal
Monument
Location: Magallanes cor. Justo Lukban St., Daet Municipal
Hall, Daet, Camarines Norte
The first monument dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal is a
three-tiered stone pylon with its square base supporting
a triangle in two stages, the last one tapering off
to a point. It was built in 1898, two years after his
death.
Jose Ma.
Panganiban Shrine
Location: Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte
This 9 ft. tall bronze statue was erected in honor of
Jose Maria Panganiban, a Filipino Propagandist in Spain
and hero, dubbed as the “Avenger of Filipino Honor”.
It contains the remains of the martyr which have been
laid below it and inside the center of the monument's
base.
Vinzons
Shrine
Location: Vinzons, Camarines Norte
A two-storey house, the former residence of Wenceslao
Q. Vinzons, Sr., a hero during the Japanese War was
converted into a shrine complete with public library
and museum which stores the memorabilia of the hero.
Laniton
Landmark
Location: Brgy. Laniton, Basud, Camarines Norte
This was the site of the first guerrilla encounter against
the Japanese Imperial Army.
Natural
Bagasbas
Beach
Location: Brgy. Daet, Camarines Norte
The beach is endowed with fine gray sand. During favorable
days, the waves that roll through its shores are ideal
for novice and experienced surfers.
San Jose
Beach
Location: Talisay, Camarines Norte
The beach, like Bagasbas Beach, faces the Pacific Ocean,
making it ideal for wind surfing.
Mampurog
River
Location: Daet, Camarines Norte
This river is wide with clear and deep cold water, a
nice place to wade in and explore. It is a very popular
choice for swimming, excursions, and picnics during
summer
Apuao Grande
Island
Location: Mercedes, Camarines Norte
This white sand beach island has been converted into
a commercial resort with high-class facilities and 9
holes at par¬35 and 2,597 yardage golf course
Mercedes
Group of Island
Location: Mercedes, Camarines Norte
The major attractions in these islands are its clean
white beaches, corrals, underwater sceneries, rock formations,
and fish sanctuary. Additional come-ons are scenic landscapes
and seascapes, the attractive lighthouse in Canimog
Island, unexplored Canton cave, and the different types
of seashells and tropical fishes that abound.
Calaguas
Group of Island
Location: Vinzons, Camarines Norte
This group of islands is suitable for water based activities
such as swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing and island
hopping and land-based activities like trekking and
sunbathing. The islands all have beaches with white,
powdery sand similar to that found in Boracay.
Man-Made
Kalayaan
Park
Location: Daet, Camarines Norte
It is reputed to be one of the most beautiful parks
in the Bicol region. Must-see sights in the park include
a fountain, man-made lagoon, and the tallest bronze
statue of Jose Rizal found in the provincial area.
Religious
Church of
St. Peter the Apostle (Vinzons Catholic Church)
Location: Vinzons, Camarines Norte
Built in 1581, it is pne of the oldest churches in the
Philippines. The statue of St. Peter sitting in a throne
can be found at the alter, instead of the usual large
crucifix.
Palong
Festival (Black Nazarene Festival)
Place: Capalonga, Camarines Norte
Date: May 13 - 14
This two-day religious festivity in honor of the town's
Patron Saint, the Black Nazarene. It is highlighted
by a pilgrimage where people come in thousands to give
in their respect to the miraculous Patron Saint.
Pabirik
Festival
Place: Paracale, Camarines Norte
Date: February 1-2
The celebration is highlighted by various sports, dance
and street dancing competitions, cultural presentations
and the search for Ms. Paracale Beauty Pageant. "Pabirik"
suggests the pan and procedure Paracale folk use in
gold panning.
By land:
Camarines Norte is about six hours drive from
Manila. Different transportation companies have
air-conditioned buses plying the Daet-Manila-Daet
and Daet-Naga-Legazpi-Daet routes.
By Air:
Camarines Norte can be reached through Pili Airport
in Camarines Sur. From the airport, take a bus
or a cab to Daet via Naga City. Local flights
that land on Bagasbas Airport (Daet Domestic Airport)are
also available.