Albay TV

MERCEDES, CAMARINES NORTE — In an extraordinary feat of endurance, curiosity, and patriotism, Joey Angolo, a proud native of Barangay San Roque, Mercedes, Camarines Norte, officially completed his historic journey across all 82 provinces of the Philippines on June 17, 2026. With this remarkable milestone, Angolo cements his place in local travel history as the 344th recorded finisher to successfully navigate the entire country and the 11th-fastest individual ever to achieve the feat, wrapping up the massive undertaking in exactly two years. Angolo’s epic quest originally commenced on June 11, 2024, during a trip to the surfing haven of Siargao. While exploring the island, he crossed paths with seasoned travelers who had either completed the 82-province challenge or were on the verge of doing so. Deeply inspired by their narratives and shared experiences, Angolo made the decision to pursue the exact same dream. What started as pure curiosity soon transformed into a profound personal mis...

A look back into the archival records of the early American period offers a fascinating glimpse into the demographic foundations of the country. Data from the landmark 1903 Census of the Philippine Islands (officially published in Washington, D.C. in 1905) highlights the early population distribution of the municipality of San Fernando. According to the historical document, San Fernando recorded a total "civilized population" of 3,542 residents at the turn of the 20th century. The Barrio Breakdown The census archival image provides a precise breakdown of how the population was distributed across the municipality's various barrios during the early 1900s: Población: 924 (The largest local center) Grijalvo: 540 Balogo: 377 San Joaquín: 371 Alianza: 310 Maranghi: 305 Biberhon: 220 Lupi: 180 Pamuquid: 169 Cotmo: 94 San Luis: 26 Santa Cruz: 26 Historical Context The 1903 Census was the first comprehensive enumeration of the Philippine population conducted under the United State...

SIPOCOT, CAMARINES SUR — With hearts united in faith and gratitude, the people of Sipocot gathered once again to celebrate Barasaan 2026, one of the municipality's most cherished and vibrant religious traditions honoring its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. The grand celebration, which serves as a major highlight of the town's 225th Founding Anniversary and Sipocot Town Fiesta 2026, beautifully reflected the enduring devotion of the faithful and the unbreakable spirit of the community. A Symbol of Renewal and Unity Through the traditional and symbolic sharing of water, participants enthusiastically commemorated the life, baptismal mission, and teachings of Saint John the Baptist. For Sipocoteños, the water symbolizes more than just festivity; it is a profound expression of: Humility and spiritual cleansing. Renewal of faith and purpose. Unity and thanksgiving as one community. As the community looks forward to a year of grace, the shared prayer remains that the blessings a...

Santa Elena, officially the Municipality of Santa Elena, serves as the vital "Gateway to Bicol." Nestled in the province of Camarines Norte, this third-class municipality has evolved from a remote forest sitio into a thriving secondary growth center. As of 2024, the municipality is home to 42,585 residents who balance a rich agricultural heritage with a burgeoning strategic importance along the Maharlika Highway. From Ilayang Santol to Independent Barrio Long before it earned its current name, the area was known as Ilayang Santol, a small and isolated sitio belonging to Barrio Pulongguit-guit in the municipality of Capalonga. In these early days, the settlement was so sparse that residents relied on the Tambuli (a conch shell horn) to summon one another during emergencies. The landscape began to shift during the Japanese occupation. Paradoxically, the era brought development through the construction of the first access roads and bridges connecting Camarines Norte to Manila an...

GUBAT, SORSOGON — To the casual traveler, the coastal town of Gubat in Sorsogon might seem like just another peaceful paradise on the southern tip of Luzon. Its clear shores and laid-back streets whisper stories of an uncomplicated life. Yet, scratch beneath the surface of this vibrant municipality, and you will find a history forged in fire, built from the literal stones of the sea, and defined by a relentless spirit of survival. From its humble beginnings as a dense hunting ground to becoming a prime destination for modern scientific expeditions, Gubat is a town that refuses to be forgotten. Born in the Wilderness, Named in Battle Long before it was a bustling town, Gubat was merely a massive, unnamed barrio under the jurisdiction of Bulusan. It was a rugged wilderness populated by a handful of adventurous Tagalogs, Visayans, and Albayanons. These early pioneers traveled on foot, navigating thick foliage to hunt wild animals. Seeking the comfort of the ocean breeze, they eventually b...

GUBAT, SORSOGON — Every year on the thirteenth of June, the coastal breeze of Gubat carries more than just the scent of the Pacific Ocean. It carries the thumping rhythm of drums, the passionate cheers of thousands, and the striking visual spectacle of a town refusing to let its history fade. This is the Ginubat Festival—a grand cultural celebration that transforms the streets of Gubat, Sorsogon, into a living, breathing theater of resilience. While many Philippine festivals focus purely on harvest or religious piety, Ginubat is unique. It is a festival born from the literal definition of its name: "raid," "attack," or "war." It is a celebration of a community that survived. The Crucible of 1764: Faith and Fortitude To understand the energy that fuels the festival, one must look back to June 13, 1764. On this day, Spanish conquistadores officially established Gubat as a pueblo (town). However, townhood brought no immediate peace. Positioned vulnerably alon...