Akrostiks

B-ayang tinitirhan, Bikol ang pangalan

I-to'y lupang puno ng saya at yaman

K-ahit anong mangyari akin itong ipagmamalaki

O-ragon kung tawagin,taong dito'y nananatili

L-agi sa puso't isip ko, bayang itinatangi.

Home is where...

" I should have known it from the very start. This is where my heart belongs."

Ever since Elyza was a child, she has this unfulfilled dream to go abroad especially in Paris to have a visit there, and hopefully, to stay there for good. She keeps on collecting photos of Paris and post them to her wall, that because of so many pictures, it almost filled her room.Among all countries and cities round the globe, it is Paris who captured her heart because she sees it as a very romantic place. Elyza and her family resides in Albay. Being born to a rich family, Elyza's dream was definitely not beyond her reach. She could have gone to Paris all by herself if she would want, but because of her very "nationalistic" parents, she was not allowed to go to other countries.She really thinks that her parents are "Killjoy". She cannot understand them. Many people are dying to go to other countries but lack of money forbade them to do so. While their family have all the money needed for one to be able to travel abroad, but then her parents are not interested, not even a little.

When she was just a little child, she was fascinated by the different sceneries and tourist attractions in our country, but as time passed by, she grew tired of it. She began dreaming and wishing to go abroad. Without her knowing and realizing that her parents do such thing to plant and develop in her heart the love for the native land. Her parents actually wanted her to patronize their own culture but it turned out to be on the contrary. She imitate the fashion and lifestyle of the Western countries. She adores and admires imported products and international stars. In short, she hates to be nationalistic. In fact, she sees it as "Kabaduyan".

When Elyza  was already in college, her desire to travel abroad grow more intense, to the point that  she quarrels her parents to allow her to leave, but then, her parents would not succumbed to her wish. They can see how negative is the effect of foreign culture on their child, and they know for sure that it would be worse if they would grant her request.

The moment which Elyza has long been waiting for ,finally arrives when she was in her junior year in college. The opportunity to go to Paris came to her like a dream. 

"Class, I have a good news for you. Our school will be sending one student to be a foreign exchange student at the University of Paris, in France.After series of deliberation, we have come up with the decision of whom should be the lucky one. I'm proud to announce that it is Ms. Elyza dela Fuente."

Yes, she was chosen to be a foreign exchange student for a month and she was to go to Paris. You could have just expected how happy she was when their teacher broke to her the news.

Excitedly, Elyza approached her parents and told them the matter. At first, they were really against the idea but because it has something to do with Elyza's studies, which they know she really gives much importance, at last, they granted their daughter's wish and allowed her to go to Paris.

Two weeks after Elyza had receive the news, here she is, riding the airplane. In just a few minutes, they will be ready for take off. Elyza felt her heart throbbing in much excitement and happiness.

When Elyza arrived there, she couldn't explained how she exactly feels. She was in total heaven. All her life, she dreamed to go to this place, and now that dream finally turned into reality. During her arrival and the succeeding days, she had spent her time visiting the different beautiful and famous spots in Paris. Every night, she would while away the time by staying and roaming around the Eiffel Tower.She would go to the mall every time she wanted to.  She thought that she lives in perfect bliss.

But as much as she would like to convince herself that she really was happy to be there, she realized that she was getting homesick. She miss her parents. She miss her friends, her classmates. And she never thought, even for the slightest chance, that she would actually miss the Philippines.

In Paris, she get to mingle and associate with different races and kinds of people. She could enjoy and live life happily at her heart's desire, but as the days continue to pass, she realized she was no longer happy. The folks there are not as kind, as sweet and as cordial as the Filipinos were. The culture there was totally different to the culture she had been used into. 

During that time, Elyza remember what her parents usually told her" There's no place like home. Even though you go to other places, you'll end up craving for your own." Elyza couldn't help but cry. She realized how stupid she had been, wishing all her life to go to this very unfriendly place. 

Though she really would like to go home already, she withstand the loneliness and suffering. She was there for her studies and she must finish her task there, whether she like it or not. She know this is the prize she has to pay for being so ambitious.

After a month, Elyza was already at the airport, finally going back to the Philippines. She felt more excited this time around than when she was leaving the Philippines for Paris. Though it had been a mixture of happy and lonely experiences, she would bring with her in the Philippines the lesson she have learned while she's away, that indeed, we should have love for our native land.

When Elyza arrived in the Philippines, she excitedly hugged her parents who were there in the airport to fetch her. She has many things to tell them. She has lots of stories. She actually want to say that she had enjoy the experience, but to her amazement, the very first thing she has said to her parents is "" I should have known it from the very start. This is where my heart belongs."

Bikol Korido

An Dagang Ineerokan
Bicol An Saiyang Ngaran
Intirong Orgulyo ko man
An saiyang Kagayonan.

Tirigsikan

Tigsik ko an kabikolan
Sa gayon asin sa yaman
saiyang dating ngaran, Tierra de Ibalon
An mga tawo Bikolano kun apudon.

Tigsik ko an mga ORAGON
asin Bikolanong magagayon
Sinda intirong mahiguson
Asin mga taong maogmahon.

Tigsik ko an Bulkang Mayon
Orgulyo kan intirong rehiyon
Sa Perfect cone shape kainiyo
Mamangha kang intiro.

 An Bicol Express tigsik ko man
Sa namit na amansiram
mahamis-hamis na maharang-harang
ikinabantog man kan intirong Kabikulan.

Tigsik ko man an mga butanding
Sa Sorsogon mo sinda mahihiling
Tigdarayo nin kadakulon na tawo
Mahiling lamang an mga iniyo.

Tigsik ko an abaka
Saro sa pinagkukunang kabuhayan ta
Dakul na bagay an digdi magigignibo
Asin ini pusog man talagang intiro.

Tigsik ko an Tiwi Hot Springs
Na sa Tiwi, Albay mahihiling
Bulong daa ini sa mga rayuma
Kaya digdi kumarigos ka na.

An Cam. Sur Water Sports Complex tigsik ko man
Kadakulon na turista baga an nagduduman
Kaya turismo sa rehiyon intiro man nabantog
Huli sa  pagpalakad kan gobyernong pusog.

Tigsik ko an Mount Isarog
na an sabi tubig daa an laog
Kaya oras na pumutok iniyo
Sarabi baga katapusan na nin mundo.

An mga Bikolana tigsik ko man
Sa kagayonan dae lamang daogan.
Sa mga beauty contest pirming nanggagana
Hilinga na sana si Venus Raj.

Tigsik ko an puntong ini na ako mapundo na
Ta ining tirigsikan amanlawig na baga
Dumigdi na sana kamo sa samong lugar
Ta nagsasabi ako nin totoo, saindo yan marerealisar.

My Life in Bicol ( A Journal Entry)

Born to a Calabangueño mother and a Rinconada father, I can say that I am, indeed, born of Bicolano blood. But having been born and raised in Manila, I wasn't able to adopt the Bicol Culture at a very young age. I first came here in Bicol when I was four  years old. Since then, we always spent our summer vacation here. Being a child way back, what I only care for is to play and play, and I really find my Bicolano playmates as enjoyable as my playmates in the city. I find the place very beautiful and refreshing.

When we get to transfer here in Bicol when I was 10  yrs. old to stay here for good, it was actually a new and exciting experience. At first, I find it hard to speak and understand the language, though I've been here for several times. I'm not that used to the language yet. But then, with the help of my family and friends, I was able to overcome the difficulty in coping with the language. Actually, it is not only the language, I have some quite of "culture shock" if that's the way to call it. Bicolanos are very friendly. They smile at you even though you don't know them. They have this characteristic of being approachable and you really wouldn't feel uneasiness when you are with them. A much different thing when I was in the city since, there,  people are not that approachable. Yes, they are kind but there's something in  the Bicolanos, which I can not exactly figured out, that makes them more enjoyable than any other folks I've met.

When I was a child, I really don't eat vegetables, with the exception of squash, but when I came here and have  tasted the Bicol express and other vegetable delicacies, I've learned to eat and appreciate vegetables. There' s something in the way Bicolanos cook, that makes the food very delicious and special. Since I am really fond of spicy foods, Bicolano dishes suits me best.

When I get to visit some famous spots and sceneries, I was really amazed and was marvelled by the beauty of the place that it seem to take my breathe away. In the city, what fascinates me are the towering buildings and establishments, but here, the simplicity, the verdant fields and clean bodies of water is enough to make me say that this is really my dream haven. A simple paradise. A place where me and my family can dwell in peace and perfect bliss.

From then on, I was motivated to promote the Bicol Region so that other people will also get to experience what I have experience in this place. I'm really proud to be a Bicolano. Thanks to God And I've become one.

BikoL HaikU..

I. Sa Bicol

Digdi sa Bicol
Mang-ogmang mangistaran
Simple an  buhay.

II. An Lugar

Magayong Lugar
Saimong mahihiling
Kaya Madya na.

III. An Tawo

An Bikolano
Maoorag Kaiba
Magagayon pa.

IV. An Kakanon

Syertong basog ka
Sa mga kakanon mi
Masisiram pati.

V. An Pagbuhay

An pagbuhay mi
Maogma, matuninong
Magian sana.

VI. Pag-agda

Kaya anu pa
Ika dumigdiyo na
Halat ta ka.

Discovering the Wonders Calabanga Has In Store For You

After a day of hard work, everyone of us is looking forward to lay down on our beds, hug our softest pillows and lie under our blankets to rest and regain the energy we have lost in working. After stayinguunder the sun for a long time and being exposed to the humid weather, we actually would want to immerse and plunge our bodies in the cool and refreshing waters. The same thing applies after years or decades of working,. We are all looking forward for our retirement, the times in which we could just relax and enjoy our lives and be free from all the stress and depressions the working environment has to offer.

At this certain point in everyone's life, after all the toil and turmoil, we truly deserve a retirement in such a place where we can find relaxation, enjoyment, real satisfaction and also solace. Some place away from the too much noise of the city, away from the crowded populace, away from all the strife and havoc of urban living, away from the unfriendly and nonchalant people, and definitely away from all the things that may bring us exhaustion and lassitude. In choosing the place to spend the latter part of our lives, we should definitely not settle for anything less. When it comes to places that must be consider in choosing the second homes for our foreign retirees, only one town deserves your choice and preference - the humble and simple, yet peaceful and blissful municipality of Calabanga, here in Camarines Sur, one of the most progressive and engaging provinces in the Philippines.

Aside from being a first-class municipality, Calabanga is also endowed with lots of beautiful spots and tourist attractions that it can truly be proud of. At times when the scorching heat of the sun makes you feel like swimming, just go to the different resorts and quench the thirst of your body. This town has several resorts such as the cates and Sylvanna in Manguiring, Lost Paradise in Binanuaanan , Patio del rosario in Bigaas and LRV Agri-farm in San Bernardino. If you prefer the natural bodies of water, you could just dive into the cool and refreshing lakes and rivers, and if you feel like fishing, you definitely can, because our bodies of water, are no doubt, teeming with fish.  and all the creatures the sea has to offer. This town also have the so-called "Kawit","tanglad" and "Koloy-koloy" where you can enjoy island hopping at your heart's desire.

This town also suits best those nature lover and those who possess the green thumb. You can see or visit our vast farmlands, fruits and coconut plantation, rice fields and corn fields and also mangrove plantation which can be seen almost all over the town. Still feeling strong and capable of hiking? Go all the way to Balombon, Pinada, Quinale, Harubay. Lugsad and many other high0lying and mountainous places in this municipality.

If ever you feel like doing nothing at night,go outside your house and have some  stargazing . You can actually see clearly how the stars shine and twinkle because here, there is no smog that will cover or hinders you from seeing the wonders of the sky. All you can see is the mesmerizing view and all you can breathe in is fresh air.

If you are a religious person, or just looking for a place where you can talk to Him privately, or would want to renew yourself by making your confession, this town is also perfect for you. It has six churches which are the La Porteria Parish, Divine Mercy Parish, St. Peregrine Parish, Parish of the Black Nazarene. Holy Cross Parish and the historic Immaculate Concepcion Parish. Located also in this town, is one of the most famous image of "Santo Intierro" or entombed Christ which is known almost everywhere for being so miraculous- the Amang Hinulid. Go there and see for yourself if it really works.

Not only in these places can you find relaxation and enjoyment. Being able to deal, associate and mingle with the townsfolk will let you feel the real sense of belongingness. Calabangueños are known for their kindness, cordiality in welcoming visitors, sweetness, benignity, being easy to deal with, being happy persons and the ones who will treat you as if you're a real part of the family. When  you are with us, we will always see to it that you're comfortable and are having a good time.Calabangueños are known for their bravery. We will protect all our love ones and we will definitely protect you from all the hazards and dangers that you might encounter, to the best that we can. We are all free people, therefore, we will not in any way, tolerate any forms of opression and slavery in our municipality.

Aside from our kind-hearted and endearing citizens, you can also enjoy our way of living. The way we earn money is just simple. Catch fish, sell it, then you now have money. Plant crops, wait for harvest time, and when it's ready, sell it, then you have money. That's how simple our lives are. If in the city, everything is bought, here, in the province, you can have some very important things for free. Why buy LPG to cook your food when you can just pick some dry woods around and presto! you can already cook your food. Why pay for the water you are consuming, when you can just fetch from the rivers and wells? Why pay for engineers and other man power to build your house, when you can just ask for the help of your neighbors andf the Rabuz Officers of your barangay? Why spent a lot for gasoline to fuel your luxury cars, when you can just ride a carabao to see the beauty of the sceneries? Why pay much for electricity for using electric fans and airconditions when you can just open your windows to feel the cool gentle breeze touching your face or just go to the seashore to feel the misty zephyr. This are just some ways that proved true the saying that indeed simplicity is beauty. Live simply. Live beautifully.

Our municipality can also boast of its rich history and heritage. It is also known as the "Padyak Capital of Camarines Sur" and the "Abo Capital of the Philippines"

These are just some of the millions of reasons why Calabanga deserves your choice and preference as to being the second homes of our dear foreign retirees.

So what are you waiting for. Pack your things up. Settle your accounts. Arrange your documents. Grab your plane tickets. Fasten your seat belts. Wishing you Bon Voyage towards our town. See you!