Daet, Philippines
Region: Camarines Norte
Geographic Coordinates: 14.114200, 122.956000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal tropical climate with high humidity and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (May to October) and dry season from November to April. Average temperature ranges from 25-32°C.
Population: 111700
Language: Tagalog
Daet is a municipality located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, Known for its strategic location as the Gateway to Bicolandia. It has an area of 46.10 square kilometers and a population of approximately 110, 000 people. One of Daet’s main attractions is Bagasbas Beach, Famous for its long stretch of white sand and clear blue waters. It’s also one of the best surfing spots in the country, Attracting surfers from all over. Visitors can enjoy other water activities such as swimming, Kayaking, And jet skiing.
Mount Labo Natural Park is another popular tourist spot in Daet that covers an area of more than 6, 000 hectares. The park offers various outdoor activities such as hiking and camping while enjoying scenic views of nature’s beauty. For those interested in history and culture, There are several landmarks worth visiting such as St John The Baptist Church built during Spanish colonial times with Baroque architecture influence; Vinzons Ancestral House Museum showcasing artifacts from former Philippine President Jose P Laurel’s family; and Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol Building boasting neoclassical architecture style.
Food enthusiasts will surely enjoy exploring local delicacies unique to Daet such as Pancit Habhab or locally called pancit ng mga taga-Bundok made with stir-fried noodles served on banana leaves without utensils; Kakanin or rice cakes made from glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk; Inipit or custard-filled sandwich pastry that originated from nearby town Bulacan but became popularized in Daet. Daet is also known for its colorful festivals such as Pinyasan Festival celebrating abundant pineapple harvest featuring a parade of floats adorned with pineapples and street dancers wearing pineapple-inspired costumes.
Another notable festival is Kaogma Festival showcasing Bicolano culture through various activities like street dancing competitions and beauty pageants. Daet offers a wide range of attractions and activities catering to different interests. From surfing to hiking, Exploring caves to learning about history and culture, Enjoying local delicacies to joining colorful festivals – there’s something for everyone in this charming town that serves as a gateway to the beautiful Bicol region.
- Bagasbas Beach
- Calaguas Islands
- Parroquia de San Juan Bautista Church
- Daet Museum and Library
- Pineapple Island Resort
- Mount Labo Eco-Tourism Park
- Basilica Minore of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
- Mercedita’s Garden and Restaurant
- Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol Complex
- Siete Pecados Marine Sanctuary
- The major industries and businesses in Daet, Philippines include:
- Agriculture
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Retail trade
- Services
- Specific businesses that operate in Daet include:
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants and cafes
- Souvenir shops
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Banks and financial institutions
- The town is also known for its production of abaca fiber which is used for making rope or twine.
- Additionally, there are several small-scale manufacturing industries such as:
- Furniture making
- Handicrafts production
- The Battle of Daet occurred on September 14, 1898, during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Filipino revolutionaries led by General Vicente Lukban emerged victorious over the Spanish forces in Daet.
- Wenceslao Q. Vinzons was a prominent political figure and leader of the resistance movement against Japanese occupation during World War II. He served as Governor of Camarines Norte and was also a delegate to the Commonwealth Constitutional Convention.
- Jose Maria Panganiban was a writer and revolutionary who fought for Philippine independence from Spain in the late 19th century. He is known for his works that promote nationalism and patriotism.
- The First Philippine Republic was established by Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898 with Daet as its temporary capital until it was later transferred to Malolos, Bulacan.
- The Bicol Express Train Disaster occurred on August 13, 1945, when a train carrying passengers from Manila to Legazpi derailed in Daet due to heavy rains caused by Typhoon Yolanda (not related to the typhoon that hit in November 2013). Over two hundred people were killed or injured in one of the worst train disasters in Philippine history.
- Tomas Mateo Claudio Memorial College was founded on June 18, 1947, and is named after Tomas Mateo Claudio who was executed by Japanese soldiers during World War II for refusing to disclose information about fellow guerrillas.
- Every June 24th people celebrate Saint John’s feast day with parades featuring colorful costumes and traditional dances such as tinikling (a dance involving bamboo poles).
- Manuel L Quezon served as president of Commonwealth Philippines from1935 until his death at Saranac Lake New York in 1944.He is remembered for his quote “I prefer a government run like hell by Filipinos to a government run like heaven by Americans.”
- Jose Rizal was a national hero of the Philippines, writer, and revolutionary who fought against Spanish colonialism. He was born in Calamba, Laguna but was exiled to Dapitan where he continued his writing and medical practice.
- The Daet Pineapple Festival is celebrated every year during the month of May to showcase the town’s abundant pineapple production. The festival features street dancing, beauty pageants, and food stalls selling various pineapple-based dishes.
- Daet Museum: a museum that showcases the history and culture of Daet and its people.
- Bagasbas Beach: a popular beach destination known for its long stretch of white sand, perfect for swimming, surfing, and other water activities.
- Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church: a historic church built in the 1700s that features Baroque-style architecture.
- Calaguas Islands: an island group with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation ideal for camping, hiking, and snorkeling.
- Mt. Labo Adventure Park: an eco-tourism park that offers various outdoor activities such as zip-lining, trekking, rappelling, wall climbing and more.
- Jose Rizal Monument: a monument dedicated to the national hero of the Philippines located at the town plaza.
- Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol Complex: a government complex which houses different offices including the provincial capitol building with its beautiful landscape garden.
- Parola Island Lighthouse – one of the oldest lighthouses in Bicol region built in 1890s still standing today on top of Parola Island overlooking San Miguel Bay
- Bantayog ng mga Bayani sa Daet- A monument dedicated to local heroes who fought against Spanish colonizers during Philippine Revolution
- Panuto Festival- A cultural festival celebrated every February showcasing traditional dances , music , food & crafts from different barangays (villages) in Daet
- Pinyasan Festival is a celebration of the town’s abundance of pineapples, featuring street dancing, parades, and food fairs.
- Bagasbas Summer Surf Festival is a surfing competition held annually in Bagasbas Beach.
- Kaogma Festival is a week-long celebration that showcases the culture and traditions of Camarines Norte province.
- Bantayog Festival commemorates the town’s history and heroes through street dancing and cultural presentations.
- Feast of San Isidro Labrador is an annual religious festival honoring the patron saint of farmers with processions and masses.
- Daet Town Fiesta is celebrated every 24th day of June in honor of St John the Baptist with parades, beauty pageants, food fairs, and cultural shows.
- Binirayan Festival is a cultural festival that celebrates Daet’s rich history through dance performances, music events, and other activities showcasing their heritage.
- Penafrancia Fluvial Procession is a religious event held every second Friday before September where thousands gather to witness an image being transported down Bicol River on its way to Naga City for its annual feast day celebration.
- Pinangat – a local dish made of taro leaves, coconut milk, and fish or shrimp.
- Bicol Express – a spicy stew made with pork, coconut milk, and chili peppers.
- Adobo – a classic Filipino dish made with chicken or pork marinated in vinegar and soy sauce.
- Kamayan sa Palaisdaan – a seafood restaurant located on the banks of the Bicol River that serves fresh fish dishes like sinigang na isda (fish soup) and grilled tilapia.
- Kusina ni Ana – a home-style restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes like kare-kare (oxtail stew) and lechon kawali (crispy fried pork belly).
- Cafe Federico – a cozy cafe that offers coffee drinks and light meals like sandwiches and pasta dishes.
- Chef Mama’s Kitchenette – an Asian fusion restaurant that serves dishes like Thai green curry chicken and Korean bibimbap.
- Gerry’s Grill Daet Branch- A popular chain of restaurants known for their grilled seafood specialties such as inihaw na pusit (grilled squid) or sinuglaw which is grilled tuna meat mixed with kinilaw na tangigue.
- Jollibee- A fast food chain serving Filipino style burgers, spaghetti, fried chicken etc.
- Bagasbas Beach is a popular destination for surfing and other beach activities.
- Daet Eco Park is a nature park that boasts trails, picnic areas, and even a butterfly garden.
- Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol Complex is a public park with playgrounds, gardens, and an amphitheater.
- St. John the Baptist Parish Church Plaza is a historic plaza that offers gardens and benches perfect for relaxation.
- Mt. Labo Adventure Park provides visitors with thrilling experiences such as zip lining, wall climbing, and hiking trails.
- Calaguas Island consists of several islands known for their white sand beaches.
- Parola Island is a small island ideal for camping or picnicking with family or friends.
- Pineapple Island Resort located in Basud offers water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding to its guests.
- Bagumbayan Eco-Park in Labo features trekking trails, campsite areas, picnic spots among other things- all while being eco-friendly!
- Minalabac Hot Springs resort located in Minalabac provides natural hot springs to help visitors relax their muscles after long hours of travel or work!
