The municipality of Daet in Camarines Norte is a first class municipality and is the capalital municipality of the province. The town is 350 kilometres from Manila and can be reach seven to eight hours of land travel. Camarines Norte is also the first Bicol province to be reach after the long trip in the Quezon Province.
Daet has a rich cultural heritage, relevant historical landmarks and vast tourism potential. The town is the home of the Formosa Pineapple, also known as the Queen Pineapple, the sweetest pineapple species in the world which is also the sweet pride of the province.
Daet has a rich cultural heritage, relevant historical landmarks and vast tourism potential. The town is the home of the Formosa Pineapple, also known as the Queen Pineapple, the sweetest pineapple species in the world which is also the sweet pride of the province.
In 1571, Juan de Salcedo and party came to Bicol Region in quest for gold found in Camarines Norte. They discovered that Daet was already a thriving settlement and noted that the houses were clustered together for reason of safety and protection. The name of Daet was derived from Bikol word “dai-daitan” which meant “close to each other”. Daet also originated from ancient Bikol term “daet” which according to the First-Bicol Spanish Dictionary “Vocabolariodela Lengua Vicol” authored by Fray Marcos de Lisboa would mean “to make friend” or “to be reconciled”. In June 1583, through a Franciscan Order confirmed the founding of Doctrinas including DAET.
The First Rizal Monument in the Country
The 20-feet stone pylon is bereft of intricate design but in every way special because it is a monument of Bicol’s libertarian aspirations. On the banks of Daet River, construction of the Rizal Monument started on December 30, 1898, in compliance with the 1898 decree of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippine Republic, to observe December 30 as a national holiday in Free Philippines. It was completed in February 1899, antedating by 14 years the monument in Luneta which was inaugurated only in 1912. By virtue of this act, Camarines Norte became the first province to celebrate Rizal Day.
The monument was built through the financial contributions of the townfolks of Camarines Norte and the Bicol Region, with Lt. Colonels Antonio Sanz and Ildefonso Alegre of the Republican Army leading the undertaking.
The monument was designed by Sanz, a Mason, it is composed of a three-tiered stone pylon, its square base surmounted by a two-level triangle, the last one tapering off to a point. The front face cointains black metal slab from the National Historical Commission when it was declared as a national historical landmark in 1961.
Inscribed on the podium are Rizal’s populat novels “Noli Me Tangere,” “El Filibusterismo,” and “Morga” a tribute to Antionio de Morga, author of “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” in 1609, an important book on the Spanish colonization of the archipelago which Rizal annotated.
There is an eight-ray sun on both sides of the top most triangles, a five pointed star and the phase “A Jose Rizal” (To José Rizal). Unlike other Rizal monuments, it does not have his sculptured image. Oral accounts say that the base contains a time capsule containing the list of contributors to the project. Some quarters and treasure hunters ever believe there were.
The 20-feet stone pylon is bereft of intricate design but in every way special because it is a monument of Bicol’s libertarian aspirations. On the banks of Daet River, construction of the Rizal Monument started on December 30, 1898, in compliance with the 1898 decree of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippine Republic, to observe December 30 as a national holiday in Free Philippines. It was completed in February 1899, antedating by 14 years the monument in Luneta which was inaugurated only in 1912. By virtue of this act, Camarines Norte became the first province to celebrate Rizal Day.
The monument was built through the financial contributions of the townfolks of Camarines Norte and the Bicol Region, with Lt. Colonels Antonio Sanz and Ildefonso Alegre of the Republican Army leading the undertaking.
The monument was designed by Sanz, a Mason, it is composed of a three-tiered stone pylon, its square base surmounted by a two-level triangle, the last one tapering off to a point. The front face cointains black metal slab from the National Historical Commission when it was declared as a national historical landmark in 1961.
Inscribed on the podium are Rizal’s populat novels “Noli Me Tangere,” “El Filibusterismo,” and “Morga” a tribute to Antionio de Morga, author of “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas” in 1609, an important book on the Spanish colonization of the archipelago which Rizal annotated.
There is an eight-ray sun on both sides of the top most triangles, a five pointed star and the phase “A Jose Rizal” (To José Rizal). Unlike other Rizal monuments, it does not have his sculptured image. Oral accounts say that the base contains a time capsule containing the list of contributors to the project. Some quarters and treasure hunters ever believe there were.
Add to this the fact that Rizal, Aguinaldo, Sanz and many financial contributors were Masons. Reminder for governance Masonic historian Reynold Fajardo wrote in the periodical Cabletow: “The monument is unquestionably masonic. The base is a square and is surmounted by a triangle. On the sides of the triangle may be seen the five-pointed star and at the top used to be the all-seeing eye.” While Rizal has never set foot in Daet, the First Rizal Monument is a source of pride not only for the townsfolk but also ofr all Bicolanos, attesting to the peoples reverence for Rizal and his ideals.
Rizal’s life and ideals inspired Daet’s political leaders and citizenry in declaring the municipality as a Character Town in 2002, which upholds universal values as guiding principles in governance and public life.
To emphasize this point, the first public officials of the province of Camarines Norte and the municipality of Daet have incorporated the image of the first Rizal Monuument in the provincial and municipal insignias. This will remind elected officials, now and in the future, to govern in accordance with the virtues espoused by Rizal.
The National Historical Institute in Manila has recently elevated the status of the First-ever Rizal Monument in a Resolution No. 12 series of 2008 entitled “Resolution Declaring The Jose Rizal Monument in the Municipality of Daet, Camarines Norte as a National Monument.” The announcement regarding the said declaration was made by the NHI Board Chairman Ambeth R. Ocampo to Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion when the latter paid a visit at the NHI on October 9, 2008.
Today, this historic monument is a reminder of the heroism and martyrdom of the Great Malayan, the resiliency of the Bicolanos.
Pinyasan Festival
Celebrating in their 23rd year this 2015, Pinyasan Festival is a nine day festivity coinciding with the town’s founding anniversary and the quadricentennial observance of the Parish of St John the Baptist.
The festival is geared to create a tourism leap to boost the local industry to provide the incentive for investment with the emphasis to the development of local pineapple industry and potential tourist destinations and activities.
Rizal’s life and ideals inspired Daet’s political leaders and citizenry in declaring the municipality as a Character Town in 2002, which upholds universal values as guiding principles in governance and public life.
To emphasize this point, the first public officials of the province of Camarines Norte and the municipality of Daet have incorporated the image of the first Rizal Monuument in the provincial and municipal insignias. This will remind elected officials, now and in the future, to govern in accordance with the virtues espoused by Rizal.
The National Historical Institute in Manila has recently elevated the status of the First-ever Rizal Monument in a Resolution No. 12 series of 2008 entitled “Resolution Declaring The Jose Rizal Monument in the Municipality of Daet, Camarines Norte as a National Monument.” The announcement regarding the said declaration was made by the NHI Board Chairman Ambeth R. Ocampo to Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion when the latter paid a visit at the NHI on October 9, 2008.
Today, this historic monument is a reminder of the heroism and martyrdom of the Great Malayan, the resiliency of the Bicolanos.
Pinyasan Festival
Celebrating in their 23rd year this 2015, Pinyasan Festival is a nine day festivity coinciding with the town’s founding anniversary and the quadricentennial observance of the Parish of St John the Baptist.
The festival is geared to create a tourism leap to boost the local industry to provide the incentive for investment with the emphasis to the development of local pineapple industry and potential tourist destinations and activities.
Their much awaited street parade participated in by barangays and schools in the municipality is truly a highlight to watch with various contingents in their most creative and colourful costumes dancing all their way along the major streets of Daet and the highlight presentation where they are demonstrating exceptionally choreographed dances in a theatrical presentation.
Innovations and creativity are expected to show in the float competition. New designs, picturesque craftsmanship and fascinating visual effects merged with culture that reflects the barangay and school’s identities with the pineapple as the pertinent substance arrange in bits chunks, slices and strips from leaves, crown and fruit await the crowd. The search for Miss Daet and the Miss Pinyasan is another event to watch as it showcases the true beauty of a Daeteña inside and out.
Bagasbas Beach
Now known to be the next kiteboarding capital of the Philippines, it is the most popular beach in the province of Camarines Norte. A haven for swimmers and beach party enthusiasts for its fine gray sand and cool waters, it has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Innovations and creativity are expected to show in the float competition. New designs, picturesque craftsmanship and fascinating visual effects merged with culture that reflects the barangay and school’s identities with the pineapple as the pertinent substance arrange in bits chunks, slices and strips from leaves, crown and fruit await the crowd. The search for Miss Daet and the Miss Pinyasan is another event to watch as it showcases the true beauty of a Daeteña inside and out.
Bagasbas Beach
Now known to be the next kiteboarding capital of the Philippines, it is the most popular beach in the province of Camarines Norte. A haven for swimmers and beach party enthusiasts for its fine gray sand and cool waters, it has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
A wide-long stretch beach in Brgy. Bagasbas is one of the growing popular sites among surfers. Considered as the 61st surfing destination in the world, it is an ideal venue for beginners. Its fine beach compliments with the beautiful sunrise in the morning is an ideal sight for relaxation. Bagasbas beach is also known as the kiteboarding haven of the Philippines and the newest paragliding destination in the country.
From the month of September to January waves are big and wild that make it ideal for surfing. By its shore stood the provincial Resthouse, the Aquamarine Park and the Open Pavilion where one can get the panoramic view of the blue Pacific and off-shore islands. It is also the home of Bagasbas Beach International Eco Arts Festival. The beach could be reached within a ten minute ride on any type of motor vehicle.
From the month of September to January waves are big and wild that make it ideal for surfing. By its shore stood the provincial Resthouse, the Aquamarine Park and the Open Pavilion where one can get the panoramic view of the blue Pacific and off-shore islands. It is also the home of Bagasbas Beach International Eco Arts Festival. The beach could be reached within a ten minute ride on any type of motor vehicle.