Every September the Philippine island of Luzon, in the country's Bicol region, hosts a festival for its patron saint, the Virgin of Penafrancia. Held in the province of Caramines Sur, the Penafrancia Festival draws thousands of loyal devotees to the wide and winding streets of Naga City -- making it one of the main religious centers of the region. In addition to a large number of cultural and religious sites, the city is also home to Western-style coffee shops, posh eateries and other spoils of metropolitan life. A university keeps part of the population young, active and curious, although those of all ages, local or tourist, are encouraged to take advantage of Naga City's diverse attractions.
Many of the city's religious sites, unsurprisingly, focus on the Lady of Penafrancia, each offering a further glimpse into the heart of the town. The 1985-built Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia is the newest building devoted to the Bicol Patroness. Designated the patron saint's official home, this is where the procession of the image of Penafrancia begins and ends after its journey through the city and along the Naga River. Also involved in the Penafrancia Festival is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga: After a short procession from the Basilica Minore, the patron saint's image is held in the cathedral for nine days during a series of prayers. For a bit of history, head over to the San Francisco Church where the Bicol revolutionaries received surrender from Spanish forces. Built in 1578 by Franciscan friars, it was the region's first church.
While it may be a bit challenging to reach -- a 45-minute drive from the city center, followed by a 30-minute walk along a steep, rough road with vehicle access wholly dependent on the weather -- determined hikers to Mount Isarog National Park will be rewarded. After paying the gate attendant a varying entrance fee, and a wander through the park's lush greenery, take a detour to Malabsay Falls. Here, the free-spirited can swim in cool waters with a view of the rain-forested folds of Mount Isarog itself. On your way out, give your trekking muscles a treat by visiting the nearby Mount Isarog Hot Springs. You can find these natural hot baths just before Mount Isarog's entrance road, over three-fourths of a mile off the main road.
A mere 14 minutes from the center of Naga City lies a water sports fanatic's dream. Camsur Watersports Complex was specifically designed to bring multiple water sports such as water skiing, wakeskating, wakeboarding, and even snow skiing to the public. While professional athletes from all over the world frequently visit the park, it also encourages beginners to get active. Hours of activities stretch into the night with the help of spotlights, and this place is equipped with so many amenities you may never want to leave. With a selection of restaurants, sand bars, guest viewing stands, spas, shops and more, Camsur Watersports Complex can provide hours of entertainment, even if you don't fancy a sport. See their website for rates.
Naga City is not short on culture, and luckily, there are a few museums to fill you in. Start at the University of Nueva Caceres Museum, which holds historical artifacts related to the Bicol region and people. The UNC is one of the oldest museums outside Manila and is recognized by the International Association of Museums. For ecclesiastical education buffs, head to the central pavilion of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, where you can sift through hundreds of years of Bicolano religious education in the Museo Conciliar del Seminario de Nueva Caceres. Items displayed include scholastic records, archives and memorabilia from important Bicolano bishops. To learn about the Bicol Patroness herself, visit Our lady of Penafrancia Museum. Check out the the 3-D presentation of the Bicolano Pilgrimage of Faith as displayed through the Penafrancia Diorama.
