DiscoverBombon
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Bombon.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Bombon
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Bombon
- Should you be fantasising about a peaceful vacation that is like a lull in your day to day life, your holidays to Bombon, Camarines Sur will be providing it to you, a beautiful relaxing, quiet place, hidden behind the day to day bustle of Naga City.
- Imagine walking around a green landscape of rice paddies so far that you cannot see the end of it and that every ridge is a tribute to the industrious spirit of the local farmers.
- The little, landlocked nature of the town will ensure that you do not have to venture through broad highways and through traffic jams; instead, you will be driving in peaceful streets and passing by plain houses with smiling faces.
- Here, concealed in the serene setting is an old church that is the centre of the community, its stone walls and wooden pulpit speak of the centuries of faith and worship.
- The place of Bombon in every street appears to echo the recollections of the past, of the early Spanish missionaries up to the contemporary farmers who make the land hectic and healthy.
- And since the town is only a few minutes away to the metropolitan centre of Naga, it is easy to spend a day in the city and get back to the slower pace of the countryside of Bombon.
- Capital (of the province): Pili
- International airport: No international airport in Bombon
- Nearest commonly used:
- Naga Airport (Pili) – domestic flights
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – for international flights
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Central Bikol, Tagalog, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The architectural masterpiece of colonial architecture is the St. Joseph the Arch Worker Parish Church, which welcomes its guests by the high bell tower and other murals, which describe the life of saints and heroes.
- They are not only the large rice fields that fulfil the local subsistence needs but also a living canvas of the green colour, particularly at the rainy season.
- The Bicol River Basin which is a natural channel that feeds the fields provides a picture of the strong forces of nature that determine the agriculture here.
- Holidays to Bombon is located within the vicinity of the Naga City whereby the visitors can find it simple to pay a visit to the shopping malls, restaurants and the cultural festivals without having to undertake long walks to reach the heart of the town.
- Each day each morning the farmers put up irrigation canals, a ceremony that shows the community has close attachment to the land.
- Even the most basic stands of street vendors selling fresh goods and regional snacks become a part of the portrait of daily life which charms visitors.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- This is best during the dry season, which takes place between November and May because it is the most comfortable season in the area and the weather is clear with a slight wind that makes walking enjoyable.
- The green season lasts from July to September, and the paddies are in full bloom to create a green, unbelievably beautiful stretch, particularly on the soft afternoon light.
- Tropical climate is common to the Bicol region, so it is characterised by lots of heat and humidity, however the low land plains have drainage systems that guarantee that they do not flood easily in times of downpours.
- The twilight after a shower will be especially pleasant to those who like cool evenings, because the fields are covered with dew and the atmosphere smells of moist soil.
- To people who are interested in the planting cycle, you could visit on the late summer to see the rice seedlings being planted, which is a very crucial time that would indicate the amount of harvest in a particular season.
- Conversely, the late autumn months when harvest is near gives a gala mood where the farmers rejoice in their laborious harvest with bare and yet happy feasts.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Agricultural Sightseeing
- See how large rice and corn plantations have taken over the Bicol plains and the rows of crops seem to be stretching as far as the eyes can see.
- Visiting the elaborate irrigation systems is also worthwhile to see the centuries of agricultural creativity and collaboration among communities.
- Go on a guided tour on how varieties of rice are grown and harvested and have an understanding of how it is done locally.
- Get to know the seasonal cycles that determine the time of planting, farmers work, and harvest and how they relate to the natural climate of the area.
- Have the smell of freshly-cut rice stalks and the humid paddies and this is something that the sense cannot forget.
- Take pictures of the sweeping vistas, which turn colour throughout the day, as the golden dawn and a muted dusk with an unending photography potential.
Historical Sightseeing
- Explore the history by visiting the church that was built during the times of colonisation, and you can hear tales of faith and perseverance of early Spanish missionaries with stone walls.
- Visit the little museum where artefacts and photos of how the town grew out of a mission centre to a prosperous municipality are on display.
- Stroll through the stone paved roads which maintain the ancient pattern, and watch the footsteps followed by thousands of townspeople.
- Visit a local storytelling event that takes place in the church courtyard and the seniors share the legends that contributed to the formation of the cultural identity of Bombon.
- Learn about the architecture that incorporated Spanish elements combined with the local artisanship and see how the cultures mingled in this area.
- Enjoy the way the historical sites can remind the community of the eternal spirit and belief.
Local Life
- Cheque out the primitive rhythm of a Bicolano agricultural community, in which day after day is spent in planting, farming and harvesting.
- Relax in a town square where the villagers hang to celebrate fresh fruits, storeys and organise celebrations.
- Visit a small event in a family home where simple dishes and vigorous chatting will give a warm and inviting feel.
- See communal work at planting and harvest times, when the neighbours come to the assistance of one another, cementing the ties of solidarity.
- Participate in a simple, authentic dinner which consists of freshly milled rice, domestic fish and a selection of Bicolano special dishes, and demonstrates culinary heritage.
- Learn about how the river is the immediate environment of the community and how it influences their lives in various ways including fishing and irrigation repairs.
Natural Beauty
- Visit the open fields where it is ideal to be on any leisurely walk, where one can savour the clean, floral air of the country.
- Restore the Bicol River Basin, which is a natural wonder that sustains local biodiversity and supports farm agriculture with the necessary water.
- See how the light plays softly upon bare areas of rice and makes patterns that change with every hour.
- Let the play of shadows and sun on the green leaf fall upon the eye, an aesthetic feast to both nature-lovers and photographers.
- Find little creeks and streams that dribble across the fields and find peaceful places to rest and ponder.
- Learn to live in the calmness of enjoying a spot where nature and humanity are in perfect harmony.
Reason 05
Discover More
Economy
- Research the local economy of rice production, where farmers create cooperatives to control seeds and fertilisers and their market.
- Understand that there are various other agricultural practises that complement rice like corn, vegetable farming and fish farming that diversify the economic base.
- Witness how the rice is milled in the town and see how the mills in town are used to turn the grains into the food that is consumed in the homes.
- Understand the market forces, as the prices change depending on the season and the national policies affect the local farmers.
- Conversation on how the community is intertwined with regional networks of trade exchanging produce with other towns and cities.
- Be thankful about the contribution of all these practises in maintaining livelihoods and cultural identity of Bombon.
Historical Name
- Explore the history of the town, named after the local term, bombon, or fish trap, to understand how pre-colonial people used to fish on the river.
- Learn about the name of the place recognising the resourcefulness of the early settlers who applied simple, but efficient methods of catching fish to earn their living.
- Discuss how the idea of a fish trap relates to more general ideas of adaptation and resourcefulness that describe the history of Bombon.
- Observe that the name is still recalled in the local folklore with the elders telling tales of the earliest fishermen who made the name of the town.
- value the linguistic heritage which carries the cultural memory of the past livelihoods and ecological relations.
- Appreciate the use of the name as a symbolic reminder of the town as being a river-oriented place in terms of resources.
Transportation
- Transport: It is very easy to move around by land, as tricycles and jeepneys run regularly and at very low costs to Naga City and the surrounding municipalities.
- Travel with ease, local transport is easy because it has no routes, and the drivers know the area.
- Notice the way the transportation roads usually take the natural form of the land, providing beautiful scenery along the expressway.
- It is important to note that since it is a rainy season, some of these paths are likely to be muddy, but the strong spirit of the community guarantees people the ability to move.
- Understand the fact that bicycles can also be used by the travellers to see the surrounding countryside at a slow pace.
- Understand that the availability of Bombon makes the holidays to Bombon, Camarines Sur more enticing to all who want to have a stress-free vacation.
Cultural Insight
- Attend local events that include traditional music, dance and rituals as a way of experiencing the culture in a more immersive way.
- Notice the saturation of religion in everyday life, as the parish church serves as an extension of religion as well as community.
- Pay attention to how traditions like the yearly harvest festivity unite neighbours in collective thanksgiving and happiness.
- Find out how the local festivals incorporate catholic rituals with the local ways as it demonstrates the richness of the cultures in the town.
- Read about the importance of the storytelling in historical preservation, because older villagers narrate miracles and legends that affect the collective memory.
- Get to enjoy the calmness and simultaneously the lively cultural environment where visitors can experience being at home and at the same time, curious about new cultures.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Most residents speak Bicolano that is full of idioms reflecting the warmth and the strength of the community.
- The town is defined by Roman Catholic faith and the parish church is a major assembly point of worship and social sitcoms.
- The cycle of agriculture: planting, taking care of, harvesting- determines the pace of everyday life and the festivals are often associated with important milestones.
- The air is full of traditional music, e.g. the kulintang, the tinikling, making them jingle and dance to their melodies.
- Family values are observed strongly whereby seniors instruct the young on matters affecting the family as well as morality.
- Respect to nature is also shown by the community through rituals that appreciate the bounty of earth as well as practises that are focused on sustainable farming.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Bicolano food is renowned due to its boldness, with coconuts and hot chilli, which form such meals as Bicol Express and Laing.
- Local rice is freshly milled and one of the main dishes usually comes hot with fish or river basin vegetables.
- Basic dishes, like pinakbet (stewed vegetables) and kinilaw (raw fish salad) are examples of the abundance of the nearby fields and waterways.
- Street food suggests isaw (grilled chicken intestines) and taho (sweet tofu drink), which are convenient snacks to the travellers.
- The seasonal delicacies such as pako (crab) in the rainy season enable the visitor to enjoy the foods which represent the harvest of the land.
- Culinary heritage is preserved through the generations, but it is not confined and traditional recipes allow new touches.
Fun
- Photography enthusiasts are able to get panoramic shots of the rice fields in the sunrise, noon and dusk with every colour providing a different picture.
- A trip to the local palengke is a sensory experience: fresh fish, colourful vegetables and the sound of the vendors being talkative, make it an interesting experience.
- Urban adventure could be contrasted with the quick visits to Naga City where one could enjoy shopping, eating, and cultural museums.
- Handmade crafts such as woven baskets and embroidered cloths are on display by local artisans and these make unique souvenirs to the visitors.
- Evenings walking on the riverbank are a quiet place to observe the sunset when it glossifies the sky with the colour of amber and pink.
- To those who want adventure, guided hikes would take them to the nearby hills where they can have a panoramic view of the plains and the river.
Fashion
- One must have light and breathable clothes like cotton and linen which are vital in the region due to the high temperatures and humidity.
- Lightweight clothes such as shorts and sleeveless shirts will enable the tourists to move around the fields and marketplaces easily.
- Sun protection is the order of the day; wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight scarfs can be used to shield the skin against the high sun rays in the daytime.
- Walking shoes or sandals are advisable because the places that will be visited are rice paddies and riverbanks, which are very unequal.
- Modest, modesty-observing clothes, reminiscent of local traditions, are the respectful and appropriate clothing to wear, especially when it is evening.
- Tourists will have an opportunity to test accessories that are a part of the local culture, such as woven bracelets or embroidered headbands.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Holidays to Bombon Bicol River Plain offers a vast and fertile terrain that sustains a net of rice fields, fish ponds, and wildlife ponds.
- Nesting on the riverside, there are local wildlife such as freshwater fish, amphibians and birds which provide the possibilities of wildlife viewing.
- The agricultural surrounding forms an artificial ecosystem in which farmers intertwine with nature as a source of study and analysis of the ecosystem.
- Flooding down the seasonal rainy seasons forms temporary wetland which is used by most species to breed.
- The open fields can be used in kite flying and other recreational activities which glorify the vast clear skies of the region.
- The co-existence of man and nature provides a kind of experience that is rare to both the eco-tourist and the family.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Local pride is demonstrated by the town fiesta held on May $1$ st which celebrates St. Joseph the Arch Worker with processes, feasts, and community dances.
- It is a festival of colours in form of floats, traditional music, display of agricultural produce of the town and so on drawing people very close and far too.
- Bicolano culinary traditions were represented with residents having stalls where they sold homemade delicacies.
- The ceremony ends with a community dinner, where the family members share the dishes made out of the crop, which creates a feeling of togetherness.
- During holidays to Bombon September, the Penafricia Festival in the neighbouring town of Naga City, provides an impressive fluvial procession, giving visitors a chance to experience the local devotion.
- Local and regional celebrations embraced one after another gives the guest a complete cultural experience, both small church gatherings and big processions in the city.