By AMADÍS MA. GUERRERO
THE TALL tale is that the men of Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo
were pursuing pirates operating in the Bicol Peninsula in 1573, whereupon they
came to the dwelling place of a Datu and his family living in a place filled
with flowers.
The flowers were called burac, subsequently changed to birac. And
that is how the area became Virac, the capital town of Catanduanes.
Wind-swept, captivating Catanduanes, a big island province known for
its frequent storms emanating from the Pacific Ocean and Puraran Beach, a
byword among Filipino and foreign surfers, is easily among the most scenic
provinces in Bicolandia, a region known for its natural beauty.
The province is a three-hour ride via Ro-Ro vessel from the Bicol
mainland, entry point being the Port of Tabaco City, Albay.
All around are greenery, cloud-draped mountains, a long coastline, rock
formations, beach resorts (check out TwinRock), two historical churches (the
Virac Cathedral and the enchanting St. John the Baptizer Church in Báto, near
Virac, circa 1883); and caves, including Luyang Cave in San Andres, “where
natives were choked to death by Moro pirates in the 17th century".
Places to stay in Virac include Rakdell Inn, Marem Pension House,
Midtown Inn and Rhaj Inn Apartelle.
The provincial Governor is Joseph C Cua, and Vice-Governor is Jose
Teves Jr.
Representing the lone district of Catanduanes is Rep. Cesar Sarmiento.
Rocks formations
Catanduanes recently put its best foot forward with the month-long
Catandungan Festival 2012, its 67th Foundation Anniversary. The slogan was Sulong Catandungan sa Matanos ng Dalan, a takeoff on President Aquino’s
“daang tuwid” (Forward Catandungan on the Straight Path).
Highlights were a Kundiman Fiesta, streetdancing by schoolteachers and
students capped by a “Festival of Festivals/Showdown.”
To the strains of a traditional Bicolano song, the men and women
teachers from the different towns of the province danced the Pantomina, a
traditional marriage and courtship dance.
There was graceful movement of the
hands, the women demure, and the men forceful when the choreography demanded
it. There were chants, elaborate bows and mock chases.
In a real wedding reception, the guests were expected to shower money
on the happy, dancing couple.
The street dancing of the students was understandably more energetic-
frenzied at times—and served as an appetizer for the “showdown".
With giant props, full costume regalia, drums and bugles, and icons of
Mother Mary and the patron saints, the seven contingents showcased their
dancing skills as well as the produce of their town (as in abaca, rice or
crabs).
They performed key and lively segments from their respective town
festivals.
Two contingents -- from Viga, the defending champion, and Gigmoto -- were
nothing short of spectacular. As a judge, I gave slightly more points to the
contingent from Gigmoto, if only because of the skill of their dancers and
gymnasts.
The other jurors, however, gave the nod to the team from Viga.
My first-ever trip to the off-the-beaten track province of Catanduanes
was arranged by the Provincial Tourism Office headed by Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia
(0929-3998437).
Email tourism_catanduanes@yahoo.com. Bicol Isarog (call Robert,
0917-5939811) has daily trips from Metro Manila (Cubao and Alabang) direct to
Virac. Cebu Pacific flies three times a week to Virac. - Inquirer
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