Guinobatan is a municipality of culture, grace and pride!
The town is a valley cradled by mountains and rolling hills dominated by the grandeurs of two magnificent volcanoes-the near perfect Mt. Mayon, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines towering at 8,000 feet above the sea level, in the east side and Mt. Masaraga, a legendary dormant volcano in the northeast.
Its land area stretches southwards of the Albay province at 123º31’ and 123º15’ east longitude and between 13º10’ and 13º15’ north latitude. It stretches from southwest of themunicipality ofCamalig, and is bounded by the municipalities of Pio Duran and Jovellar in the south and by Ligao in the northwest.
The town is a valley cradled by mountains and rolling hills dominated by the grandeurs of two magnificent volcanoes-the near perfect Mt. Mayon, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines towering at 8,000 feet above the sea level, in the east side and Mt. Masaraga, a legendary dormant volcano in the northeast.
Its land area stretches southwards of the Albay province at 123º31’ and 123º15’ east longitude and between 13º10’ and 13º15’ north latitude. It stretches from southwest of themunicipality ofCamalig, and is bounded by the municipalities of Pio Duran and Jovellar in the south and by Ligao in the northwest.
Guinobatan was once upon a time a thick, forested area. At the edge of the forest was a small village whose people lived peacefully and prosperously. This village was known far and wide for its GOLDEN BELL, which served to warn the villagers of plundering Muslims.
One day, a man saw a group of Muslims approaching the village. The man raced through the village to spread the news of the coming enemies. Knowing that the objective of the plunderers was the GOLDEN BELL, the villagers quickly ran to the forest and hid the GOLDEN BELL under the “LANGATONG” tree (the leaves of this tree causes an itching pain and irritations when in contact with human skin). Then, all the villagers fled. When the Muslims arrived, they found only the old lame man who was not able to flee with the villagers.
The Muslims searched for the GOLDEN BELL in the chapel but failed to find it. So, they forced the old lame man to tell them where it was hidden and the old man could not do otherwise but to tell the truth. The Muslims searched went to the forest and uprooted almost all the trees in the area, until they reached the side where “LANGATONG” trees grew abundantly. The leader of the Muslims by chance touched the “LANGATONG” leaves and eventually suffered the ensuing uncomfortable itching pain and ran wildly like a mad man.
One day, a man saw a group of Muslims approaching the village. The man raced through the village to spread the news of the coming enemies. Knowing that the objective of the plunderers was the GOLDEN BELL, the villagers quickly ran to the forest and hid the GOLDEN BELL under the “LANGATONG” tree (the leaves of this tree causes an itching pain and irritations when in contact with human skin). Then, all the villagers fled. When the Muslims arrived, they found only the old lame man who was not able to flee with the villagers.
The Muslims searched for the GOLDEN BELL in the chapel but failed to find it. So, they forced the old lame man to tell them where it was hidden and the old man could not do otherwise but to tell the truth. The Muslims searched went to the forest and uprooted almost all the trees in the area, until they reached the side where “LANGATONG” trees grew abundantly. The leader of the Muslims by chance touched the “LANGATONG” leaves and eventually suffered the ensuing uncomfortable itching pain and ran wildly like a mad man.
While running, he met a wild sow with litters. The sow, with an instinct to protect her young broad of pigs, made advances to bite the Muslim leader. He was so frightened and ran again and unknowingly hid behind an anthill (home of a colony of large black or red ants). The ants bit him to the extent that he fled shouting for his companions to go away, who were likewise frightened and also ran who accidentally bumped a hanging beehive. The bees bit most of them. The group of Muslims finally fled and never came back.
They believed and spread the news that in the village even the trees, pigs, and insects were brave enough and fought back the people. The GOLDEN BELL was saved and the invading Muslims never conquered the place. When the people returned to the village and saw that most of the trees were uprooted, they began to call the village “GUINABUTAN”, meaning a place where something had been uprooted and that area where the “LANGATONG”. Trees were left untouched as sitio “MALANGATONG” with the passing of time, “GUINABUTAN” became “GUINOBATAN” with twin meaning of either a forested area or a place of armed resistance or combat.
They believed and spread the news that in the village even the trees, pigs, and insects were brave enough and fought back the people. The GOLDEN BELL was saved and the invading Muslims never conquered the place. When the people returned to the village and saw that most of the trees were uprooted, they began to call the village “GUINABUTAN”, meaning a place where something had been uprooted and that area where the “LANGATONG”. Trees were left untouched as sitio “MALANGATONG” with the passing of time, “GUINABUTAN” became “GUINOBATAN” with twin meaning of either a forested area or a place of armed resistance or combat.
Experience Guinobatan
Guinobatan is blessed with natural bounties. The best sand for infrastructure, limestone for cement making, perlite, agricultural crops, ornamental plants, inland springs, and tasty foods. It also has horticultural areas that make it known to be “The Garden Town”.
It is said that Guinobatan really preserves the best of its traditional structures and origin. We can definitely see it from the Our Lady of Assumption Parish and their very own Municipio de Guinobatan. The town seems to be a perfect place for its different tourist spots where everyone can enjoy and relax themselves.
Spots are located in different Barangays of the said municipality where everyone are free to see, visit and experience everything that it has to offer just like the inland spring resort.
Among the six resorts scattered in the city, the most visited and well known is the O La La Paradise Spring Resort located at Muladbucad Grande. O La La is truly a natural spring and a beautiful hidden paradise that lies between the two marvelous volcanoes namely the Mt. Mayon and Mt. Masaraga.
Guinobatan is blessed with natural bounties. The best sand for infrastructure, limestone for cement making, perlite, agricultural crops, ornamental plants, inland springs, and tasty foods. It also has horticultural areas that make it known to be “The Garden Town”.
It is said that Guinobatan really preserves the best of its traditional structures and origin. We can definitely see it from the Our Lady of Assumption Parish and their very own Municipio de Guinobatan. The town seems to be a perfect place for its different tourist spots where everyone can enjoy and relax themselves.
Spots are located in different Barangays of the said municipality where everyone are free to see, visit and experience everything that it has to offer just like the inland spring resort.
Among the six resorts scattered in the city, the most visited and well known is the O La La Paradise Spring Resort located at Muladbucad Grande. O La La is truly a natural spring and a beautiful hidden paradise that lies between the two marvelous volcanoes namely the Mt. Mayon and Mt. Masaraga.
The uniqueness of its name already implies how distinctive this resort is. Indeed, this resort is an astonishing refuge for relaxation and enjoyment for families, friends, couples and business associates as well. Its overwhelmingly well-maintained landscaped grounds and foliage place open for visitors to appreciate that makes this resort truly a beautiful one.
When it comes to facility and service, it has a very fulfilling and sufficient place to idolize. Sporting 22 available rooms, 5 function halls, and 3 large spring-water pools with slides suited for children, teens and adults. And its hunts do have different sizes and shapes free to choose from not to mention the clean and well-kept bathrooms or dressing rooms.
Aside from the accommodations, it has a restaurant on site for you to savor Bicolano cuisines and lots of barbecue pits available to everyone. But if you feel like prepating your own dish, bringing foods inside is strictly not prohibited.
O La La Paradise Spring Resort is a venue for parties, conferences and meetings. In addition, leisure activities are also offered such as basketball, lawn tennis, badminton, table tennis, ping-pong, billiards and a disco on Friday and Saturday Nights, Ballroom Dancing on Sundays.
Another one of the envied get away is the Casa Basilisa to be found along the national road at Barangay San Rafael also in Guinobatan. This resort offers a best place to rest, relax and refresh our mind.
It gives the impression of being ordinary in its facade but its interior is a totally different story which never fails to surprise the people. As one foreign guest enthusiastically stated upon setting foot at the resort, “Honey, come over. I found paradise.”
It has 2 swimming pools with free flowing water with a mini fish pond to form a nature like environment. The cottages are surrounded by coconut trees that generate a refreshing ambience. It has a wonderful garden that definitely stands in par with a paradise. In addition, the resort also has a function hall which can be used as a perfect venue for special occasions like parties, wedding and other activities with rooms for people who want to stay overnight.
On the other side of Casa Basilisa is the Sagurong Mineral Spring Resort which is a one-step tourist destination that offers native food and refreshments sporting full facilities from its natural springs and tourist’s lodging accommodation.
Another destination that we should not miss is the Uncle Tom Resort at Brgy. Quibongbongan dubbed as the rolling hills of the highlands hidden in the uplands of Guinobatan. It has 2 big pools, one for the adults and the other one is for the children with a mini store in between the two pools. It is free-flowing water which also comes to the natural resources.
The water is so refreshing here. Aside from the mentioned destinations, there are two more in the vicinity which are considered as one of the oldest resort of the town. These are the Del-Vez at Bgy.Muladbucad Grande and Kenovi Resort at Bgy. Masarawag.
Indeed, all this resorts helps you to rejuvenate and serves as a perfect place for bonding and sharing unforgettable moments with your families, friends and relatives. Truly, a majestic one.
Mouthwatering Delicacies
However, the town’s popularity doesn’t entirely rely on these volcanoes and resorts but also with their delicacies which people really admire. Each delicacy absolutely gives a remarkable taste that will surely make you want to taste again and miss when you leave the place: delicacies that would whet your appetites.
One of which is the Longganisa de Guinobatan. This longganisa is also one of those reasons that make Albay so popular. The municipality produces their own local version of sausages named Longganisa de Guinobatan with the right blend of saltiness and sourness which differs it from the others.
When it comes to facility and service, it has a very fulfilling and sufficient place to idolize. Sporting 22 available rooms, 5 function halls, and 3 large spring-water pools with slides suited for children, teens and adults. And its hunts do have different sizes and shapes free to choose from not to mention the clean and well-kept bathrooms or dressing rooms.
Aside from the accommodations, it has a restaurant on site for you to savor Bicolano cuisines and lots of barbecue pits available to everyone. But if you feel like prepating your own dish, bringing foods inside is strictly not prohibited.
O La La Paradise Spring Resort is a venue for parties, conferences and meetings. In addition, leisure activities are also offered such as basketball, lawn tennis, badminton, table tennis, ping-pong, billiards and a disco on Friday and Saturday Nights, Ballroom Dancing on Sundays.
Another one of the envied get away is the Casa Basilisa to be found along the national road at Barangay San Rafael also in Guinobatan. This resort offers a best place to rest, relax and refresh our mind.
It gives the impression of being ordinary in its facade but its interior is a totally different story which never fails to surprise the people. As one foreign guest enthusiastically stated upon setting foot at the resort, “Honey, come over. I found paradise.”
It has 2 swimming pools with free flowing water with a mini fish pond to form a nature like environment. The cottages are surrounded by coconut trees that generate a refreshing ambience. It has a wonderful garden that definitely stands in par with a paradise. In addition, the resort also has a function hall which can be used as a perfect venue for special occasions like parties, wedding and other activities with rooms for people who want to stay overnight.
On the other side of Casa Basilisa is the Sagurong Mineral Spring Resort which is a one-step tourist destination that offers native food and refreshments sporting full facilities from its natural springs and tourist’s lodging accommodation.
Another destination that we should not miss is the Uncle Tom Resort at Brgy. Quibongbongan dubbed as the rolling hills of the highlands hidden in the uplands of Guinobatan. It has 2 big pools, one for the adults and the other one is for the children with a mini store in between the two pools. It is free-flowing water which also comes to the natural resources.
The water is so refreshing here. Aside from the mentioned destinations, there are two more in the vicinity which are considered as one of the oldest resort of the town. These are the Del-Vez at Bgy.Muladbucad Grande and Kenovi Resort at Bgy. Masarawag.
Indeed, all this resorts helps you to rejuvenate and serves as a perfect place for bonding and sharing unforgettable moments with your families, friends and relatives. Truly, a majestic one.
Mouthwatering Delicacies
However, the town’s popularity doesn’t entirely rely on these volcanoes and resorts but also with their delicacies which people really admire. Each delicacy absolutely gives a remarkable taste that will surely make you want to taste again and miss when you leave the place: delicacies that would whet your appetites.
One of which is the Longganisa de Guinobatan. This longganisa is also one of those reasons that make Albay so popular. The municipality produces their own local version of sausages named Longganisa de Guinobatan with the right blend of saltiness and sourness which differs it from the others.
Its primary ingredients are pork, salt, pepper, sugar, paprika, garlic, oregano, dry leaf, onion, white vinegar and cold water. Plus, the dry large intestine of the pig is used it for wrapping that added a great and delicious taste of the longganisa. The longanissa is one of its kind because it was sun dried, that adds a unique flavour to the product.
Another one is the Bikol express; this dish is really the best and well-known dish n the Bikol region. One must be brave enough even to try to eat this as its sizzling appeal can be truly overwhelming for the unaware eater. This dish serves also as a pasalubong. Truly, it was very delicious that anyone fortunate enough to taste it will want to come back for more.
Another one is the Bikol express; this dish is really the best and well-known dish n the Bikol region. One must be brave enough even to try to eat this as its sizzling appeal can be truly overwhelming for the unaware eater. This dish serves also as a pasalubong. Truly, it was very delicious that anyone fortunate enough to taste it will want to come back for more.
Its main ingredients are pork, cubed, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang), red chili pepper (siling labuyo)whole, green jalapeno pepper (siling berde)chopped, coconut milk, garlic, minced, onion, chopped and cooking oil. And it was cooked in a frying pan heat the oil until hot.
Then, sautee garlic, onion, and shrimp paste. Add the pork and half of the coconut milk. After, cover and simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Next put in the remaining coconut milk, chili pepper, and green pepper. Lastly cook for another 10 minutes. After, ready to eat, a perfect dish combined with rice.
More on, is the Kinunot that also uses coconut milk like Bikol express. It is a stew recipe of sting ray with ginger, coconut cream and malunggay (horseradish).this is how the dish is prepared: Wash stingray by rubbing skin using salt, cut into quarter and boil for 1-2 minute. Drain to cool and flaked, set aside meat with cartilage.
Then, sautee garlic, onion, and shrimp paste. Add the pork and half of the coconut milk. After, cover and simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Next put in the remaining coconut milk, chili pepper, and green pepper. Lastly cook for another 10 minutes. After, ready to eat, a perfect dish combined with rice.
More on, is the Kinunot that also uses coconut milk like Bikol express. It is a stew recipe of sting ray with ginger, coconut cream and malunggay (horseradish).this is how the dish is prepared: Wash stingray by rubbing skin using salt, cut into quarter and boil for 1-2 minute. Drain to cool and flaked, set aside meat with cartilage.
In a pot, sautee garlic, onion, gingers. Pour in coconut milk and mix slowly but continously until it boil to avoid coconut cream from curdling. Add stingray and stir from time to time, simmer until the sauces almost dry.
Pour in coconut cream (kakang gata) and simmer until sauce dry and start to render oil, add vetsin, siling labuyo and salt to taste. Lastly add malungay leaves and simmer for 1-2 minute or until malungay is done. Then serve it with rice. These 3 dishes produced in the town of Guinobatan are really mouthwatering and so very yummy.
Aside from these dishes, the meals will not be completed without the dessert or the sweets made from the said municipality that will eventually fulfill your cravings. Guinobatan also produces sweets which are prime factors of the municipality’s fame like the pili sweets, macapuno preserves, mulido and baraquillos.
There are still plenty of delicacies made by Guinobateño that only shows how good they are when it comes in cooking. This delicacy truly gives a great name, extra-ordinary experience and memorable moments that everyone will surely keep in their heart.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/PadresLongganizaDeGuinobatan
https://www.facebook.com/Guinobatantambayan
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Pour in coconut cream (kakang gata) and simmer until sauce dry and start to render oil, add vetsin, siling labuyo and salt to taste. Lastly add malungay leaves and simmer for 1-2 minute or until malungay is done. Then serve it with rice. These 3 dishes produced in the town of Guinobatan are really mouthwatering and so very yummy.
Aside from these dishes, the meals will not be completed without the dessert or the sweets made from the said municipality that will eventually fulfill your cravings. Guinobatan also produces sweets which are prime factors of the municipality’s fame like the pili sweets, macapuno preserves, mulido and baraquillos.
There are still plenty of delicacies made by Guinobateño that only shows how good they are when it comes in cooking. This delicacy truly gives a great name, extra-ordinary experience and memorable moments that everyone will surely keep in their heart.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/PadresLongganizaDeGuinobatan
https://www.facebook.com/Guinobatantambayan
TOPLOAD Magazine of Journalism Class Batch '14