Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office - Albay

𝙇𝘾𝘾 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙆𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝘿𝙖𝙮 culminated with the highly anticipated 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧-𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, bringing together nine exceptional contestants who showcased their culinary artistry, creativity, and passion through the rich and authentic flavors of Bicolano cuisine. The competition served not only as a celebration of gastronomy, but also as a platform to recognize the remarkable talent and dedication of aspiring culinary professionals in the region.

We extend our sincerest congratulations to LCC Supermarket, together with the participating culinary schools, organizers, partners, and stakeholders, for the successful conduct of this meaningful event. Through initiatives such as this, the passion, innovation, and skill of our young culinary students are continuously nurtured, further strengthening Albay’s identity as a province celebrated for its vibrant culture and distinct culinary heritage.

Beyond the breathtaking beauty of Mayon Volcano lies the fire, excellence, and creativity of Albayanos in crafting dishes that create memorable dining experiences and leave lasting impressions on every guest we serve.

𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇 𝙒𝙄𝙉𝙉𝙀𝙍𝙎
With great pride and admiration, we honor and congratulate the schools who emerged victorious in this year’s competition:

GRAND CHAMPION – ₱20,000

Apicius Culinary School – Legazpi City
1st RUNNER-UP – ₱15,000
Academy of Career Education Philippines (ACE Philippines) – Naga City

2nd RUNNER-UP – ₱10,000
Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF) – Legazpi City

We likewise commend all participating institutions for their invaluable contribution, unwavering dedication, and exemplary sportsmanship that truly contributed to the success of this event:
*Bicol College, Inc. – Daraga
*Infotech Development Systems Colleges Inc. (IDSC) – Ligao City
*Naga College Foundation (NCF) – Naga City
*PTC TESDA Malilipot – Basud Training Center
*San Francisco Institute of Science and Technology (SFIST) – Malilipot
*South Luzon Technological College Foundation Inc. (SLTCFI) – Legazpi City

May this celebration continue to inspire excellence, camaraderie, and a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions and innovations that proudly represent the heart of Bicol. Congratulations to all participants, mentors, and organizers for a truly successful and memorable event! 🎉

𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑰𝑲𝑨𝑵𝑨𝑵: 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒂𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗽𝗶 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁

🌋 The port of Legazpi City was opened to world trade by virtue of Royal Decree made by King Amadeo I of Spain on May 18, 1872 and its formal promulgation by Governor General Juan Alaminos y Vivar on December 3, 1874.

🌋 Legazpi was one of only seven Philippine ports opened for international shipping during the Spanish period, the others being Manila in 1834, Sual, Iloilo, and Zamboanga in 1855, Cebu in 1860, and Tacloban in 1872.

🌋 The export of abaca (𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴), which was harvested in the partidos of Iraya and Cordillera de Tabaco stimulated the opening of Legazpi Port. Russel Sturgis & Co., Peele Hubbel & Co., and Endicott Co. Ltd. were British abaca companies operating the the Legazpi port around the time of opening.

🌋 The opening of Legazpi Port led to the proliferation of shophouses (𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢)--each with distinct architectural style--that still define the urban landscape of Legazpi Port District today. Some of these are the Stilianopoulos Building, the PVLB Buildings, the De la Sierra Building, and the Old Legazpi College Building.

Source: Kurt Randy S. Zepeda (Local Historian)

𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑰𝑲𝑨𝑵𝑨𝑵: 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒂𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆

𝗣𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗸𝗽𝗼𝗸: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

🌋 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘬 is considered the finest fabric made from the abaca (𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘴) fiber, distinguished by its lustrous and luxurious appearance.

🌋 The production of 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘬 involves a blend of traditional manual and modern mechanical methods where it undergoes the following processes:
🔸 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘺 - the abaca stalks are manually pounded (pukpok) to make the fiber smooth and soft;
🔸 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘱𝘰𝘯 - the abaca strands are manually joined;
🔸 𝘗𝘢𝘨-𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘭 - the abaca strands are woven on handlooms;
🔸 𝘗𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘢 - the woven fiber is pressed on a four-roller rotary press, which is an improvement made by a Bicolano mechanical engineer upon a prototype two-roller press designed by DOST.

🌋 With the help of DOLE's Poverty Free Zone (PFZ) program in 2001, the industry of 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘬 was pioneered by a community of weavers in Brgy. Banquerohan, Legazpi City who were evacuees of the 1992 Mayon Volcano eruption.

🌋 Today, 𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘬 is a growing industry due to its high demand in fashion and creative design, with local designers like Jean Alta and Jaq Hernandez, as well national ones like Renee Salud, Ditta Sandico, Rajo Laurel, Rian Fernandez, and Hanvi Kim featuring it in their creations.

Source: Kurt Randy S. Zepeda (Local Historian)

𝑺𝑨𝑹𝑼𝑵𝑮 𝑩𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑮𝑰 𝑭𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑽𝑨𝑳 2026 - 𝑩𝑨𝒀𝑳𝑬 𝑵𝑰𝑵 𝑺𝑨𝑹𝑼𝑵𝑮 𝑩𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑮𝑰 “ 𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏”

𝑺𝑨𝑹𝑼𝑵𝑮 𝑩𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑮𝑰 𝑭𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑽𝑨𝑳 2026 - 𝑩𝑨𝒀𝑳𝑬 𝑵𝑰𝑵 𝑺𝑨𝑹𝑼𝑵𝑮 𝑩𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑮𝑰 “𝑪𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏”

Colors danced through the streets as five talented participants from different barangays of the municipality showcased their creativity, passion, and cultural pride in the “Creative Dance Interpretation Competition.” Each performance beautifully interpreted the timeless melody of Sarung Banggi, the iconic masterpiece composed by the great Potenciano V. Gregorio Sr., bringing the spirit of Bicolano heritage alive through graceful movements, vibrant costumes, and heartfelt storytelling.

This one-day festive celebration became a powerful tribute to culture, unity, and artistry — where every beat, every step, and every smile reflected the enduring legacy of Sarung Banggi in the hearts of the people. Truly, the streets were filled with rhythm, tradition, and the colorful spirit of community pride.

𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗚𝗜 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 2026
“𝙎𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖, 𝙎𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙬𝙖”

The Municipality of Santo Domingo, headed by Mayor Nomar “Bong” V. Banda, proudly initiates the celebration of the Sarung Banggi Festival 2026 — a meaningful gathering that showcases unity, culture, music, and the rich heritage of the people of Santo Domingo.

The Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (PTCAO) extends its full support in the opening of this significant celebration, honoring the legacy of Potenciano V. Gregorio Sr., the brilliant composer of the timeless Bicolano classic “Sarung Banggi,” a song that continues to inspire pride and identity among Bicolanos through generations.

Today’s festival opening was highlighted by inspiring messages from distinguished guests, cultural presentations, musical performances, and community participation that truly reflected the spirit of “Sarung Kanta, Sarung Banwa.”

More exciting events await throughout the festival celebration including cultural showcases, local talent competitions, street performances, food fairs, tourism exhibits, and nightly entertainment activities that aim to strengthen camaraderie and promote the vibrant culture and tourism of Santo Domingo.

The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA), through the Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Office (PTCAO), successfully facilitated a vibrant Cultural Night for visiting Chinese Investors at The Oriental Hotel.

This special event showcased the rich heritage, warm hospitality, and cultural pride of Albay, strengthening bonds and opening doors for future collaborations.

𝑮𝑰𝑵𝑰𝑲𝑨𝑵𝑨𝑵: 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒍𝒃𝒂𝒚 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆

The Albay Capitol was constructed in 1907 to establish the presence of the American Government and was the first provincial building built in the Philippines. Designed by consulting architect William Parsons, it incorporated Renaissance elements that included arcades of semicircular arches in the front portico and balustrade used to camouflage the roof at the facade. It was renovated in 1980 and again from 1995 to 2001, which added an imposing front arcade of two-story columns that deemphasized the old portico.

Source: Kurt Randy S. Zepeda (Local Historian)

2nd Quarter Albay Culture and Arts Council (ACAC) Meeting

The Province of Albay continues to strengthen its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and empowering the local arts community through the successful conduct of the 2nd Quarter Albay Culture and Arts Council (ACAC) Meeting held on May 18, 2026 at the Emerald Boutique Hotel, Legazpi City.

The gathering served as an important platform for cultural leaders, stakeholders, artists, and partner agencies to discuss programs and initiatives that promote Albay’s rich identity, traditions, and artistic excellence. The meeting highlighted the shared vision of sustaining cultural preservation while embracing innovative arts development programs for future generations.

📌 Agenda Highlights:
• Presentation of PTCAO Mid-Year Accomplishments under the Cultural Preservation and Arts Development Program
• Discussion and planning of the Annual Cultural Development Plan for 2027
• Deliberation of other important matters concerning culture, tourism, heritage conservation, and arts promotion in the province

Through collaboration and meaningful discussions, the council continues to pave the way for stronger cultural programs that celebrate the creativity, history, and identity of every Albayanon