DiscoverMagarao, Camarines Sur

• The term holidays to Magarao invites the tourists to visit a serene municipality located at the centre of Camarines Sur, with fertile plains, vibrant agricultural rhythm, and a friendly rural vibe.
• Magarao is nestled on a flat terrain on the Bicol River system that expands into expansive rice fields that shimmer under the tropical sun, which generates a beautiful scenery changing according to the seasons of the year.
• The location near the Naga City regional hub will be a good access point to bigger markets and cultural sites, without losing the charm of simplicity of the small town farming lifestyle.
• When travelling, one of the best ideas to make the trip comfortable is to make the reservation with world pinoy flights so that the traveller would arrive in the town quickly and begin the adventure without being stressed by having to travel long distances by land.
• The serene nature of the municipality treats the tourists to take a seat and enjoy the rhythm of the daily farming where farmers grow rice, corn, and coconut with patience and pride.
• Citizens are welcoming and might share knowledge about the local traditions and visit the places that are not in the top attractions of the plains.
• Capital (of the province): Pili
• International airport: None in Magarao
• Nearest commonly used airports:
  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – primary international gateway
  • Bicol International Airport (Daraga, Albay) – main domestic airport for the Bicol Region (~2–3 hours by land from Magarao)
• 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: Rinconada Bikol, Filipino, English
• Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic

• The term holidays to Magarao summarises the nature of the most popular aspect of the town the wide and fertile Bicol River Plain where a large-scale rice business operates.
• Rice paddies in Magarao create a mosaic of green which varies in colour as the planting, growing and harvesting periods advance and this provides inexhaustible possibilities to photography.
• The tributaries of the Bicol River flank the town and supply the much needed irrigation as well as making the town well known as an important agricultural centre.
• Good links to the Naga City enable one to experience the combination of rural peace and the convenience of the city, and one can easily access shopping and dining areas, as well as cultural events.
• The serene countryside of Magarao is a true experience of the life of agriculture wherein the people of the country maintain their farms with both traditional knowledge and new technologies.
• Seasonal festivals and market days are part of the harvest of the land, both locals and tourists enjoy common celebrations during which the rich heritage of the town is demonstrated.

• The term holidays to Magarao comes in particularly handy during dry season (March - May) when the weather is fine, there is no traffic, and the rice fields are onto the showcase of their rich green or golden harvests.
• Travellers can also use the time to walk or ride around the town without experiencing rain disruption since there is no hilly terrain that would break the otherwise beautiful scenery of the town.
• The tropical weather maintains warm and humid temperatures throughout the year, yet during the wet season (June - October) rains are necessary to provide necessary nourishment to the rice fields and a natural and earthy smell to the atmosphere.
• Due to the heavy rains, the natural drainage system tends to reduce the waterlogging in the low-lying lands that are close to the river, although there may be occasional floods.
• Visiting during wet season also gives a special opportunity of seeing the rice paddies in full bloom besides getting a chance to see how the town has endured in practising agriculture.
• But, in the end, it is up to the traveller to decide between the sunny, clear days of the dry season and the green, moist landscape of the wet, but in either case, the holidays to Magarao are an experience not to forget.

• The drive along the back roads brings sweeps of rice paddies that are stretched out to the horizon and this poses a serene landscape that is expansive and intimate at the same time.
• The whole green field is a reflection of the blue sky, which creates an impression of a living canvas, which changes with the weather and time of day.
• These lands are cultivated by hardworking farmers who move around fields with an experienced level of ease in which each crop is given the adequate amount of irrigation and attention.
• As the season goes on, the paddies transform into golden grain, which is a symbol of agricultural heartbeat of the town and its rebirth.
• The visitor can take a moment and look at the tiny waterways that run across the fields, and wonder how they spread the much-needed moisture over the land.
• The murmur of far water and the rustling of rice stalks create a relaxing background tune that allows one to think and unwind.

• The old Catholic church sits proudly in the town proper and the facade of the building reflects the architectural styles that are a combination of colonial influence and the local artistry.
• Within, the nave is filled with stained-glass windows, which project colourful designs on the wooden pews, which is a calming effect to reflect on.
• The tower of the church bells has been ringing with the years and centuries passing and has been inviting the faithful to the communal worship and celebration.
• The artefacts in the chapel such as the old hymnals and religious icons provide an insight into the spiritual life of the community that has been influencing the community.
• Both pilgrims and tourists will be able to attend the daily Mass and feel the warmth of the congregation and the beats of their faith.
• The immediate lawn, interspersed with flowers of sweet smell, gives it a serene area of silent meditation and an opportunity to enjoy the rural beauty of the town.

• The network of streams and canals winds around the municipality creating a natural irrigation system to support fertile plains.
• As one walks along the banks, it is possible to hear the little running water trickle, a constant reminder of the force of life which underlies the rice fields.
• These tributaries sustain the local biodiversity, fish, amphibians, and birds also flourish in the riverine areas along the waterways.
• There are clear water bodies reflecting the sky, which present magnificent scenes when it comes to taking pictures and simply walking around.
• Traditional irrigation methods can be seen by farmers flooding their farms using the canals during the time of planting.
• The peaceful atmosphere will encourage the visitor to take his/her time, relax and enjoy the balance of nature and the farms.

• The administrative core of the town is the municipal hall, which is centrally based and the local leaders organise community activities and services provided to the community.
• The main courtyard that is dotted with banyan trees of colonial times serves as a social centre where people come to hold markets, festivals, and talk on a daily basis.
• Fresh produce, homemade delicacies and handmade crafts are being sold by street vendors, which turn the plaza into a feast of sensations of colours, smells, and textures.
• Local craftsmen showcase their work, be it in woven fabrics or stone carvings, and this way enable them to feel the culture of creativity of this area.
• There are frequent cultural events and announcements about them in the plaza, which allows to observe the rich socio-cultural life of the town.
• Visitors may enjoy the hospitality of the people by staying in the core of Magarao and getting to know more about the identity of the town for holidays to Magarao.

• The crowded marketplace is filled with freshly grown rice, fresh vegetables, and sweet herbs and reflects the harvest of all the fields around.
• The customers are received with customer smiles, where the vendors provide them with samples of local produce, and how it is best cooked and preserved.
• The open air design of the marketplace enables the sun to bring the vibrant environment with sellers screaming prices and negotiating with clients.
• Exploring the colourful stalls, visitors get to taste small portions of classic delicacies, including fresh mangoes and sweet cassava.
• There are also regional spices, coconuts products and homemade sauces available in the market which are critical ingredients in Bicolano cuisine.
• Through the interaction with the shopkeepers, the travellers discover the economy of the local community and the related interdependence that is supporting the agricultural cycle in the town.

• Magarao lays along the main provincial routes and provides the tourist with picturesque rides around hilly plains and at times groups of coconut trees.
• The roads are well signified and offer safe routes with panoramic sceneries of the rice paddies which extend all over.
• As one walks down these streets, the odour of damp soil and newly mown grass is combined with the far-away sounds of local musicians.
• The roads are well maintained and people can easily travel by vehicle as there is ease in visiting the neighbouring towns and sites of interest.
• The activities that travellers can undertake include visitation of lookouts where they can capture images of the vast unending green horizon which depict the agricultural history of the town.
• The accessibility of the network allows the visiting tourists to take the day trips and explore the rest of the cultural and natural marvels of Camarines sur.

• The streets are filled with small, authentic restaurants, where Bicolano home-cooked food is served, which underscores the fact that the region adores coconut milk and chilli.
• Diners can enjoy hot bowls of Bicol Express, which simmers its savoury pork in spicy coconut milk and hot chilies that spice things up.
• Taro leaves cooked to a silky perfection in traditional dishes like pinangat and laing also partake in the ingenuity of the cuisine in the region.
• Vendors offer fresh bowls of rice, and grilled fish, fresh vegetables along with a drizzle of vinegar which is an ideal match to the flavour.
• The relaxed, social atmosphere is promoting interaction between the locals and visitors promoting cultural exchange and unforgettable experiences of dining.

Trying the dishes, the travellers evaluate the original taste of the meal pattern which is considered distinctive of Bicolano cuisine and admire the art of local chefs.

• These specialised centres are busy with people as farmers with their harvests such as rice, corn and coconuts are bought and sold to buyers and distributors.
• Traders will share goods and knowledge where they talk about best practises to use during planting and the market trends to enhance quality and profitability.
• The trading centres have become an important connexion between producers in the area and regional markets, which makes the town economically vital.
• The exchanges can be observed to have a glimpse of the way agriculture determines the daily life and development of the community in Magarao.
• Farmers display their finest products and interested customers have an opportunity to taste or buy the high-quality items at the source.
• These centres are a manifestation of interdependence of rural economies, with cultivation, trade, and community living together in a symbiotic association.

• Bicolano is the prevailing language used in Magarao that promotes togetherness and community amongst the locals.
• The major source of livelihood is agriculture with rice, corn and coconut taking up the major part of the land and local economy.
• The cultural practises are based on the cycles of rice-planting and harvest, and it is possible to observe the strong attachment of people to the land.
• The local tradition is very hospitable, and the visitor is accepted with open arms, a rich table, and warmly welcomed for holidays to Magarao.
• Celebrations are accompanied by music and dance and villagers sing folk songs which talk of harvest and hope.
• Community events usually involve common meals and narrations of storeys, which makes the traditions being handed over to another generation.

• Bicol Express, a delicious Bicolano meal is a pork dish that is cooked in coconut milk and hot chilies, which gives it a very spicy taste that is scrumptious to the mouth.
• Pinangat and Laing emphasise the taro leaves cooked in coconut milk, which would provide smoothness and slightly sweet taste peculiar to the area.
• Fresh local rice which grows in the fertile plains are a common ingredient in nearly every meal and offer a familiar and warm flavour.
• Kinalas A local noodle dish is popular around Naga City and is a heartening savoury accompaniment to most meals.
• The local fish and seafood is caught in the neighbouring rivers and either grilled or steamed using citrus and herbs which retain the natural freshness.
• Local fruits like mangoes and bananas are used as finishing touch to lunches and teas and are a sweet touch to the local food experience.

• Farming sightseeing is another special opportunity to observe rice paddies, which are very flourishing and document the process of farming in images or by taking walks.
• Rural immersion makes the visitors explore the real-life style of Bicolan farming community and it makes their trip more interesting.
• Culinary tours will enable tourists to experience the spicy and creamy taste of Bicolano food, which will encourage them to appreciate the regional food culture.
• There are festivals and gatherings of the local people which offer a vibrant backdrop to the entertainment where local dancing, music and displays of their culture are featured.
• Visiting the river tributaries and the plains that are rich in soils will bring adventure to nature lovers and also the photographers.
• Comfort of living in Magarao can be considered a heartening change of the city life as the people are able to enjoy peace and tranquilly during their visits there.

• Breathable and lightweight garments are a necessity that makes the traveller adapt to the hot and humid tropical environment, as well as be comfortable during outdoor events.
• In walking around the town and into the rice paddies, casual clothes are appropriate, i.e. cotton shirts and shorts.
• Comfortable shoes or sandals should be used as practical footwear to be safe in rugged areas and when walking to the market.
• Wearing conservative attire is a show of respect in this area particularly visiting churches and attending traditional ceremonies.
• Local clothes will be bright and florophobic, as they represent the colourful culture and the natural environment.
• It is better to wear in the mornings and evenings at the time when it is colder to get used to temperature changes.

• The Bicol River Plains contain a significant area of the lowland terrain that can be utilised as a living laboratory to study the working agricultural activities and ecology.
• River systems with the help of tributaries and canals, sustain a complex ecosystem, which gives fish, amphibians, and birds a home.
• The soft sound of water being poured over the paddies provides a relaxing atmosphere to the mind and makes the experience more enjoyable to the senses as well.
• Seasonal changes in the floods educate tourists about natural water management and the durability of the local farming methods.
• Greenery is present through the coconut palms and banana trees located around the area which adds tropical look to the region.
• Birdwatching and nature photography Wildlife Wildlife evidence, including waterbirds nesting in the banks, is also available.

• On November 30th, the Magarao Town Fiesta is observed in honour of St. Andrew the Apostle (San Andres), which includes processions and celebrations of the community.
• Harvest celebrations are the successful collection of rice and other harvests, which express the collective wealth and communal appreciation.
• The town hosts local festivals which usually involve street parades, drumming and fireworks which contribute to the festive spirit in the town.
• By attending such events, the travellers will be able to taste the spirit of cultural life and long-standing traditions of the community for holidays to Magarao.
• Delicacies and food stands are also widespread at fiestas, offering food and food flavour of the local taste.
• The festivals strengthen social connexions, creating a feeling of unity, sense of togetherness and community pride that is felt all over town.