The week-long celebration of the Ibalong Festival in Albay, Legaspi is held every 2nd week of October. The festivities depict the historical evolution of Bicol from a rich land called Ibalong. This is highlighted by a colorful parade with people donning masks and costumes to look like the heroes and villains of their epic Ibalong (This is the story of the beginning of Bicol). They dance, sing and play music. They hold procession in beautifully prepared floats. Through their presentations, the locals relive the classic battles and heroic adventures of their mythical heroes namely, Baltog, Handyong and Bantong against foes and wild beasts.
Only recently, did the organizers of the festival offered prizes to the most outstanding performers. So, with competition in the air, tourists and locals alike are witnesses to a more lively and colorful celebration every year thereafter.
Other attractions include street parties, band concerts in the evening, flea markets in the streets, drag races and fireworks display, among others.
In 2005, the festival was held from October 25 - 31. It was rainy on the day of the culmination of the festivities. However, the weather did not dampen the spirit of the revelers. It was even broadcasted in the local media so people who cannot join the celebration in the streets just stayed glued to their TV sets. They even waited until the winners of the competition were announced.
Recently, local news featured the smallest whale shark in the world and it was found in the Philippine seas. The whale shark is the biggest known fish in the world, measuring 15-60 feet in length. It was only discovered in 1998.
So where is this place in the Philippines which is popular for whale shark watching?
Located at the southern part of Luzon, Donsol of Sorsogon is named as the whale shark capital of the world. To local folks, whale sharks are called butanding. They are huge creatures but gentle in nature, just like dolphins.
The town has built a place mainly for butanding watching to give tourists the best opportunity to spot one. It was said that the butanding swims to our seas during a particular season. However, recently, upon the discovery of the smallest whale shark, experts think that these fishes have taken up residence here and are now propagating. And the smallest whale shark that they discovered is actually a baby whale shark.
Near the whale shark watching facility, there are resorts. The resort we have checked into was homely. The cottages, which were built side by side, were clean. The beach, however, was located meters away. The sand was gray in color but the shoreline was properly maintained. So you will still enjoy basking in the sun and dipping into its waters.
If you are looking for a place to visit this coming summer then you should consider Albay. This province has an active volcano, clear waterfalls, meandering rivers, spectacular ancient cave network and lush underwater world that are worth to see. Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. It is about 538 kilometers southeast of Manila. Its capital is Legazpi City. You can travel by bus or airplane. Driving your own car is also great because you can have stopovers and view sights as long as you please. However, you have to endure long hours of travel by land.
The slopes of Mount Mayon dominate the province of Albay at the southern tip of Luzon. The name Mayon was derived from the Bikol word “Magayon” which means beautiful. Considered the world’s most perfectly shaped volcanic cone, Mount Mayon rises 7,946 feet above sea level and it is believed to be at least 10,000 years old. Its first recorded eruption took place in 1616 and there have since been more than fifty fiery torrents. The worst of these occurred in 1814, when rock, lava, and volcanic ash from Mount Mayon completely buried Cagsawa, leaving only a church tower as a reminder of what once a town.
Mount Mayon and Cagsawa ruins are the top tourist spots of Albay but there are still more in this province. One of the best caves of the Philippines can also be found in Albay, the Hoyop Hoyopan Cave. It has five openings. There is an opening where you have to crawl into. There is a section that has been made to look like a dance floor. The locals said that this dance floor was built during the time of the martial law because they can celebrate, party or hold town meetings in this cave freely and without fear of being discovered. Foods that are inherent in this province are also excellent. Some of these are Pinangat, Bicol Express, and Pili (which is prepared in several different ways).
Aside from the whale shark watching in Donsol, Sorsogon is also known for Lake Bulusan. The lake is 635 meters above sea level and earlier considered as the Switzerland of the Orient. Encircling the lake is a densely forested national park with a trail which you can easily follow and have a grand view of the lake on its every angle.
Adjacent to it is the active Bulusan Volcano. It has an elevation of 1,565 metres above sea level and a base diameter of 15 km. At its base is the Masacrot Hot Spring. Its heated waters naturally flow from the mountain and it is said that it is good for the body (as all natural hot springs are). It has 3 other hot springs namely San Benon Springs, Mapaso Springs and San Vicente Springs.
As the 4th most active volcano in the Philippines, The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded seismic activity on March 2006 that led to big ash explosions and earthquakes up to October 2007. Nearby countryside were evacuated. The volcano originally has 4 craters, but due to these volcanic activities new ones were created and 2 of the original seemed to have merged.
Only recently, did the organizers of the festival offered prizes to the most outstanding performers. So, with competition in the air, tourists and locals alike are witnesses to a more lively and colorful celebration every year thereafter. 
