Bicolanos | Total population | 5.9 million
(6.9% of the Philippine population) | Regions with significant populations | Philippines
(Bicolandia, Metro Manila)elsewhere | Languages | English, Bikol languages, Masbateño, Waray,Filipino | Religion | Predominantly Roman Catholic with someProtestants | Related ethnic groups | other Filipinos |

The Bicolanos are the fifth-largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group
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Area
Bicolanos live in the southeastern peninsula of Luzon, now containing the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur,Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. Many Bicolanos also live near in the province of Quezon.
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Demographics
The Bicolanos number about 5,907,000.[citation needed] They are descended from the Austronesian-speaking immigrants who came from Southern China during the Iron Age. many of Bicolanos also haveChinese, Arab, and Spanish admixtures. most of the townsfolk have Spanish Mixtures and Their language is referred to as Bicol or Bicolano. The Bicolano language is very fragmented, and its dialects are mutually incomprehensible to speakers of other Bicolano dialects. The majority of the Bicolano people are devout Roman Catholics due to the Spanish conquering the country and converting them to their religion. Catholic Mass is celebrated daily in many churches in the Bicol Region.
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Culture & Traits
The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata (coconut milk) in its food. A classic example is the gulay na lada, known outside the region as Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata.
Like their other neighboring regions Filipinas are also expected to lend a hand in household work. They are even anticipated to offer assistance after being married. On the other hand, Filipino men are expected to assume the role of becoming the primary source of income and financial support of his family.
Bicolanos are also known for being very religious, the place is known for Senora De Penafrancia, Bicolanos are often sweet, regionalistic, friendly, adventurous, puts high importance on education and social status. Bicolanos talk a lot also. Contrary to what is believed, not all Bicolanos are fond of chili. Men often knows how to cook and are usually " under the saya".

REGIONAL PROFILE

Bicol Region is situated at the southernmost tip of Luzon landmass. It is straddled between 11-30’ to 14-20’ North latitude and 122-20’ to 124-30’ East longitude.
Generally, the Bicol land is wild and lush. Its abundant vegetation and fertile valleys merge with numerous rivers and teeming seacoasts.

The region’s economy is basically agriculture with close to 50 percent of its workforce on the industry. Abaca and copra is exported to many parts of the world. Owing to its location, the region has 13 major fishing grounds supplying fish markets as far as Metro Manila. Mining is also one of the contributors to the region’s economy. There is an abundant supply of gold, copper and iron in the area.

It is also the site of two major geothermal fields-the Tiwi Geothermal Plant and the BACMAN Geothermal Plant which contributes to the Luzon Power Grid.
The region covers an area of 18,130.4 square kilometers or six percent of the country’s total land area. It is politically subdivided into six provinces, one chartered city, six component cities, 107 municipalities and 3,471 barangays. At present it has 14 congressional districts.

The province of Albay which is strategically located in the center of the region is the home to the world famous Mayon Volcano. Legazpi City, also in Albay and is called the Gateway City of Bicol, is the Regional Center. On the northernmost part of the region Is the province of Camarines Norte whose capital Daet, holds the distinction of being the first town to erect the monument of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Naga City in the province of Camarines Sur is host to Colegio de Sta. Isabel, the first known normal school for girls in the Orient. The province of Catanduanes which boasts of white beaches and resorts, is an island paradise in the Pacific. The province of Masbate, which lies exactly at the center of the Philippine Archipelago, is known for its mining and cattle industry while Sorsogon, the provinceknown for its historic and panoramic places, shelters the world’s largest fish-the whale shark locally known as “Butanding.”
Regional Profile…

The Bicol Region has the distinct advantage in terms of tourism because of the presence of Mt. Mayon as the world’s most perfect natural cone. Add to this are beaches, natural parks and other historical, religious and archeological sites, which are favorite tourist destinations. The warmth and hospitality of Bicolanos are among the other tourism assets of the region.

PROUD KA BA BILANG BICOLANO?
December 11, 2011 at 2:43pm
Today, you may want to travel Bicol in a day. And that is TODAY. Welcome and be engaged. Oragon is a Bicol word which simply means 'the best.' And Bicolanos are known for it. Bicol Region in the Philippines is the land of pili and sili, of gata and tabios or sinarapan, of abaca and copra, of typhoons and whale sharks. People remember the place because of the majestic Mayon Volcano and melodiou...s Sarong Banggui, of the fabled Magayon and Ibalon, of the festive Penafrancia, Tinagba and Kasanggayahan. Others remember Bicol because of Nora Aunor, Elizabeth Oropesa and Imelda Papin, Eddie Garcia and Roderick Paulate, Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa, Bugoy Drilon and Enchong Dee. They admire Bicol because of Joker Arroyo and Raul Roco, of Jessie Robredo and Chiz Escudero, of Harriet Demetriou, Liwayway Vinzons-Chato and Leila de Lima. And now, 'major, major' Miss Universe runner-up Ma. Venus Raj. The Bicol peninsula makes up the southeastern tip of Luzon dotted by Isarog, Asog, Malinao, Mayon and Bulusan, all mountains and volcanoes dressed by streaming rivers and verdant forests, surrounded by waters teeming with marine products and adorned by golden rice fields that feed the Bicolanos. It has diverse culture and dialects observed in six key provinces and seven cities, namely Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon, with the cities of Iriga, Legazpi, Ligao, Masbate, Naga, Sorsogon, and Tabaco. It is a convergence of colorful and animated pageantry of festivals such as the Pinyasan and Bantayog of Camarines Norte, Boa-boahan and Kaogma of Camarines Sur, Kamundagan and Penafrancia of Naga City, Tinagba of Iriga City, Magayon of Albay, Ibalong of Legazpi City, Tabak of Tabaco City, Kasanggayahan of Sorsogon, Sosogon of Sorsogon City and Rodeo of Masbate. Reverred by most Bicolanos is 'Ina,' the Lady of Penafrancia in Naga City which attracts throngs of believers and devotees from all over the country, even from the global community. Ina unifies the Bicolanos who for long years now have survived the wrath of strong typhoons that devastated its rich farmlands and tourism destinations. CAMARINES NORTE Camarines Norte mountains greet and usher tourists from the north to the Bicolandia. The 2,112.5 square kilometer-stretch planted to coconut, abaca and pineapple is also a home to endangered trees and wildlife in the sanctuary called Bicol National Park. Paracale and Jose Panganiban towns are noted mines of gold, silver and other precious metals like cobalt, uranium and iron, aside from its long stretch of tempting beaches inviting water buffs to surf. CAMARINES SUR Camarines Sur, Bicol's biggest province, makes twin mountains Isarog and Asog shield its people from strong typhoons. Isarog gives Naga City and nearby towns abundant water supply and flows some of Bicol's beautiful waterfalls from its shoulders, aside from being a home to the nomadic 'cimarones' and Agta tribes. Its wide farmland provides the biggest supply of agricultural produce to the region as it is known to be its rice granary. Naga City in Camarines Sur, now dubbed as 'An Maogmang Lugar,' is the heart of Bicolandia and the home of our Lady of Penafrancia. Mount Asog in Iriga City which lies between Baao and Buhi lakes is a favorite trekking destination. Buhi Lake, being the home of the smallest fish in the world, also teems with tilapia and other fishes. This premier province collects three lakes that teems with life for its people's livelihood: Buhi Lake, Bato Lake and Baao Lake, all found in the fifth congressional district. Caramoan, its farthest town mainly accessible by motorboat passing Lagonoy Gulf for two hours, is now dubbed Philippines' Secret Paradise with its powdery white beaches surrounding several panoramic islands that are comparatively competitive to Boracay. ALBAY Albay province boasts of Mayon Volcano occupying 7,946 ft. of its total 2,533 square kilometer land area. Afoot Mayon is Tiwi Geothermal Plant, Luzon's biggest supplier of electric power. Volcanic pool of sulfur called Naglagbong Lake can be found in the area. Rapu-rapo and Batan islands are known coal mines. The fabled caves of Hoyop-hoyopan and Calabidong are strong attractions for tourists situated just several kilometers away from the Cagsawa Ruins of Daraga where abaca products showcase Bicol's craftmanship. Three cities are found in this province: Ligao, Legazpi and Tabaco. Ligao City, one of the emerging cities, blends rural and urban culture in merrymaking in Christmas as a form of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest from its rice fields and fishing grounds. Legazpi City is Bicol's charming port city, accessible by land, air and water transportation, and plays host to fast moving business, educational and recreational centers. Tabaco City, the 'City of Love,' is the 'tabak' and cutlery central of the region. SORSOGON Sorsogon rests on a 2,141.4 square kilometer-land area in the southermost part of Luzon that links seafarers from mainland Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao islands, being the ancient harbor of the Spanish galleons. It is known for the lush Bulusan Volcano and its lake along with the white sands of Magallanes where the first Christian mass in Luzon was held in 1570. Donsol town wakes the tourism potential up of the province with the constant visit of congregating whale sharks locally called 'butanding'.. The province is the gateway to the island province of Masbate with its Bulan and Pilar ports and other parts of the Visayan regions. Sorsogon City is the only city in the province. MASBATE Masbate, tagged as the Cattle Province of the Philippines, comprises three islands, namely Burias, Ticao and Mainland Masbate, with a total 4.047.7 square kilometer land area. It is rich in mineral deposits, coconut plantaion and fertile fishing groundsits, coconut plantation and fertile fishing grounds. Lying between the Bicol and Visayan islands, Masbatenos speak Bicol, Ilongo, Cebuano, Waray and Tagalog. Masbate owns one of the busiest ports in Bicol. CATANDUANES Catanduanes, called as the isle of howling winds, survives the rage of Pacific Ocean especially during typhoons. Catandungans have long been tempered with faith in the face of visiting angry weather disturbances and blessed by its rich terrain with farm and forest, poultry and livestock, including marine products for livelihood. Bicol is a cradle of peace-loving people who have made great leaps from its booming and bustling region to reckon in terms of agro-industrial development. Its rich natural resources and tourism potentials often devastated by typhoons now put Bicol in the map of the must-see destinations. The land of Ibalon symbolized by the panoramic Mayon, of Magayon, and Oragon welcomes all visitors and promenaders. "Maogmang pag-abot asin dagos tabi kamo"

Bicolanos Culture, Customs And Traditions * * * Category: Culture And Tradition * Hits: 14825
The Bicolanos observe an annual festival in honor of the Virgin of Penafrancia every third Sunday of September. The towns of Naga comes alive. During the celebration, a jostling crowd of all-male devotees carries the image of the Virgin on their shoulders to the cathedral, while shouting Viva La Virgin! For the next seven days people, mostly Bicolanos, come for an annual visit light candles and kisses the image of the Virgin. To the Bicolanos, this affair is religious and cultural, as well. Every night, shows are held at the plaza the year's biggest cockfights take place, bicycle races are held and the river, a lively boat race precedes the fluvial procession.

At noon of the third Saturday of the month, the devotees carry the Image on their shoulders preceded to the packed waterfront. The image is boarded onto the barge and the procession begins. With much splashing back to the old chapel until next year's celebration.
ABOUT THE ART....

Bicolano art is shown in their love songs such as Sarong Bangul, Burac na Magayon and others. Among the young songs about nature are popular. To the Bicolanos, the Ibalon, a story of heroism, is an impotant epic.

THE BICOL REGION....

The Bicolanos live in the provinces south of Luzon Community namely Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Albay and Sorsogon. With large tracts of land, farming has become the chief occupation of the people. They also engaged in fishing, logging, cattle-raising and handicraft.

The Bicolano is conservative. They believe it is safe to stick to the old than take a risk in the new. To some extent however, the educated Bicolano has begun to change gradually.

His way of life resembles those of the other people of Luzon. He loves songs and dances. In them, he expresses his feeling and sentiments. He spends his leisure time dancing, singing, playing musical instrument like the guitar, and in cockfighting. He also plays game similar to those played by Tagalogs.

Historian Mr. Teodoro A. Agoncillo said that the Bicolano is know for their religiosity.

Their views on the life with studied calmness and seldom shows their rough edges. Their preference for spicy food is such that no food is good for them without red pepper and coconut milk. Can this the be the reason why he is brave?
BICOL CANDIED PILI NUTS - DELICACIES
With pili nuts being endemic to Bicol, whenever someone speaks of BICOL, image of pili nuts comes into mind especially when the talk is about sweets. Pili trees are usually grown in the Bicol forests. Unless you are a Bicolano, you will not recognize which of those trees that you see around you are Pili. The color of a "ready to harvest" pili nut is more like magenta in shade. These nuts come in clusters. The way pili nuts are harvested is similar to that of harvesting coconuts. In Bicol, they call the tree bearing pili nuts as simply, PILI.

After harvesting these pili nuts, locals blanch them in lukewarm water for a few minutes and once the external covering of these nuts softens, they are ready for serving (TINOLANG PILI). The dark magenta-colored skin is then peeled off until the cream colored meat-like part is exposed. This part is then- dipped in fish sauce "patis" to give it a more delightful taste.

Once the outer layer is removed, the pili nut shell is then exposed. Pili nut shells are as slippery as lemon and orange seeds when they are wet, that is why- locals have to dry them first before they start the cracking process for easy extraction of pilinuts embedded within those shells. But, aside from the meaty outer layer enveloping a pili nut shell the pili nut itself has also its own thin wrapping, which is colored like that of an old red brick.

After they are done extracting these nuts from their respective shells, locals boil them for several minutes until done. The next step is- peel off those nuts skin- after which, they would start cooking these raw pili nuts into sweet luscious candies.

► BICOL EXPRESS

Add zest to your short stay in Bicol with the taste of the authentic fiery Bicol express invading your tongues. If I were you, I would not leave Bicol behind without tasting this spicy treat especially prepared for you by the very people who originally concocted it many decades ago. Obviously, it is the name that easily identified Bicol Express as another Bicolano dish. However, it is the exquisitely unique blended flavors of thick coconut milk, shrimp paste, pork, garlic, onions, and a handful of really hot green and red chili peppers(labuyo) that made Bicol express all the more popular not only domestically but internationally as well.

How it is prepared? Very easy☺. Mince a handful of garlic, chop several pieces of onions, chop thinly sliced pork into very small pieces, cut those small labuyo into two and get a pint of fresh thick coconut milk from the market. Once you have all the ingredients ready, set aside coconut milk and sauté all the ingredients in 2~ tablespoons of good oil in the following order. Garlic→onions→chopped pork meat→shrimp paste(washed to lessen saltiness)→labuyo. Add coconut milk and put salt or whatever taste enhancers you'd prefer to add in. Stir occasionally until it's cooked. Done

ABACA AND OTHER PRODUCTS OF BICOL
► CHECK ON OTHER BICOL PRODUCTS
Bicol is not only proud of its natural wonders and good food but has been also noted to be the major producer of abaca products even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines.

Abaca is grown almost everywhere in Bicol. Volcanic area like the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon, are best suited for abaca cultivation. The Philippines' tropical climate, high to moderate rain fall, and rich in volcanic soil are particularly important in the growing of these plants.

Some of the common abaca products now being sold all over the world are: Bags, Table Runners, Place Mats, Wallets, Belts, Slippers, Carpets, Hammocks, Wall Decors and even ropes.

Americans has been the largest importer of abaca since 1830s , followed by Japan, and Australia.... The American navy uses abaca rope because it has a remarkable strength and more resistant to salt water decomposition than other known fibers. In fact, it was and still is the strongest of all natural fibers. Such qualities that were also appreciated by other foreign shipping companies all over the world.

By 1925, the US Department of Agriculture officials attempted to grow abaca in the Central American countries but despite experimental planting in their willingness to expand the industry in several other central American countries, efforts came out to be futile. However, at the end of World War 2 they have finally succeeded cultivating Abaca somewhere in Equador.
The abaca plant is a restricted material and government regulated. So, while Abaca's seeds and flowers are freely shared among countries, Thus, if a country other than the Philippines claims to grow abaca, DNA testing will always trace its origin to the Philippines, especifically Bicol.