Naga City, Philippines
Region: Camarines Sur
Geographic Coordinates: 13.624400, 123.186000
Temperature Range: 22.0°C to 34.0°C (72°F to 93°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and wet from May to October.
Population: 209170
Language: Bicolano
Naga City is a bustling urban center situated in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It has a population of over 200, 000 people and is considered to be the heart of Bicol region. The city is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city’s history dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by Spanish colonizers. Today, Visitors can still see remnants of this colonial past through its well-preserved churches and architecture.
One such example is the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral which stands tall as a symbol of faith for locals. Apart from its historical landmarks, Naga City also boasts stunning natural attractions such as Mount Isarog National Park which offers hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, Hot springs and panoramic views overlooking the city. Another popular destination is Panicuason Hot Spring Resort where visitors can soak in warm mineral waters while surrounded by lush greenery. One thing that sets Naga City apart from other urban centers in the Philippines is its commitment to sustainability.
The city has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives such as banning single-use plastics and promoting renewable energy sources like solar power. This dedication to preserving their environment has earned them recognition both locally and internationally. Naga City also prides itself on being a hub for education with several prestigious universities like Ateneo de Naga University and Universidad de Sta Isabel calling it home. This has led to a thriving student culture with plenty of cafes, Bars and restaurants catering to this demographic.
Foodies will also find themselves at home in Naga City with its diverse culinary scene offering everything from traditional Bicolano dishes like laing (taro leaves cooked in coconut milk) to international cuisine like Korean barbecue or Japanese ramen. Overall, Naga City offers something for everyone whether you’re interested in history or nature, Sustainability or education, Food or adventure. It’s a city that truly embodies the spirit of the Philippines and is definitely worth a visit.
- Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Penafrancia
- Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
- Mount Isarog National Park
- Panicuason Hot Spring Resort
- Peñafrancia Museum and Library
- Porta Mariae Arch
- Museo ni Jesse Robredo
- Plaza Quince Martires
- San Francisco Church and Convent
- Lake Buhi
- Agriculture
- Rice
- Corn
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Tourism
- Historical landmarks
- Natural wonders
- BPO (Business Process Outsourcing)
- Call centers
- Outsourcing companies
- Education
- Universities
- Colleges
- Retail and wholesale trade
- Manufacturing
- Food processing plants
- Garment factories
- Furniture makers
- Healthcare services
- Hospitals
- Real estate development projects
- Residential areas
- Commercial spaces
- Financial services
- Banks
- The Battle of Naga (1575) – This was a battle between the Spanish conquistadors and the native Bicolanos that resulted in the establishment of a Spanish settlement in what is now known as Naga City.
- The founding of Universidad de Santa Isabel (1868) – This is one of the oldest universities in Asia founded by the Daughters of Charity in Naga City.
- The birthplace of Jesse Robredo (1958-2012) – He was a former mayor of Naga City and served as Secretary for Interior and Local Government under President Benigno Aquino III.
- The Peñafrancia Festival – This is an annual religious festival held every September in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, patroness of Bicolandia, celebrated in Naga City.
- The martyrdom of Fr. Gabriel Prieto (1872) – He was a Spanish missionary who was executed by Filipino revolutionaries during the Philippine Revolution against Spain.
- The establishment Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (1940) – It is now known as Camarines Sur State Agricultural College offering courses on agriculture, engineering, education among others.
- Leon SA Aureus Jr.- A prominent businessman who owned several companies that operated within Bicol Region such as Radio stations DWVN-FM and DZGE-AM/FM; he also served as president for various organizations including Rotary Club International – Metro Naga Chapter.
These events and people have contributed significantly to shaping not only the history but also culture throughout Bicolandia region.
- Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is a historic Catholic cathedral that was built in the 16th century.
- Peñafrancia Basilica Minore is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics and it’s home to the Our Lady of Peñafrancia statue.
- Naga City Museum showcases the city’s history and culture through exhibits and artifacts.
- Jesse M. Robredo Museum is dedicated to the late Secretary of Interior and Local Government, who was also a former mayor of Naga City.
- Plaza Quince Martires is a park that honors 15 martyrs who fought against Spanish colonialism.
- Mt. Isarog National Park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views of Mount Isarog.
- Panicuason Hot Spring Resort features natural hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.
- Haciendas de Naga Adventure Park offers various outdoor activities such as ziplining, wall climbing, and ATV rides.
- Bicol Science Centrum & Planetarium is an interactive science museum that promotes STEM education.
- Centro Square is a vibrant street art haven with murals depicting Bicolano culture and traditions.
- Naga City Football Club was established in 2008 and competes in the United Football League (UFL). They have won numerous regional championships.
- The NCFC volleyball team represents the Naga College Foundation and is well-known for their participation in local and national competitions.
- Bicol United Football Club, founded in 2016, is located in Naga City and competes in the Philippines Football League (PFL). It has gained a strong following among local football fans.
- Ateneo de Naga University’s basketball team consistently contends for top spots within various collegiate basketball leagues. Many notable players have gone on to play professionally after playing for this team.
- The Camarines Sur Ironman Triathlon attracts athletes from around the world who compete across three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. This event takes place every August at Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) near Pili, Camarines Sur which is part of Naga City’s metropolitan area.
- San Beda College Alabang Red Lions are not originally from Naga City but have used facilities here for training camps or exhibition games before competing within NCAA or other collegiate leagues around Luzon Island including Bicol Region where it’s located as well as Visayas & Mindanao regions too!
- Peñafrancia Festival is a religious festival that honors Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol Region.
- Kaogma Festival is a week-long celebration that showcases the culture and traditions of Naga City and Camarines Sur.
- Pili Festival celebrates the pili nut, which is abundant in Bicol Region.
- Feast Day of St. Jude Thaddeus is celebrated every October 28th and dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, who is believed to be the patron saint of hopeless cases.
- Naga City Trade Fair and Food Expo is an annual event where local businesses showcase their products and services.
- Bantayog Festival commemorates Naga City’s historical landmarks and cultural heritage sites.
- Tinagba Festival is a harvest festival celebrated every February to give thanks for bountiful harvests.
- Bikol Pastores Festival is a Christmas tradition in Camarines Sur where people dress up as shepherds or angels performing dance rituals on the streets while singing carols in Bikol language.
- Kinalas is a well-known noodle soup that’s usually made with either pork or beef broth and is topped with pork meat and chicharon.
- Bicol Express is a spicy dish that contains coconut milk, chili peppers, and either pork or seafood.
- Pinangat is a dish made by stuffing taro leaves with fish or shrimp before cooking them in coconut milk.
- Laing is another popular Bicolano dish that’s prepared using taro leaves cooked in coconut milk along with various spices.
- Bob Marlin Restaurant has gained popularity for its seafood dishes, including grilled tuna belly and crispy squid.
- Geewan Restaurant is known for its specialty Bicolano dishes such as laing and pinangat.
- Bigg’s Diner serves American-style fast food like burgers, fries, hot dogs but also offers local cuisine like pancit bato (noodle dish) and sili ice cream (spicy ice cream).
- Casa Moderna provides comfort Filipino food such as adobo flakes pasta and crispy pata (deep-fried pig knuckles).
- Red Platter offers classic Filipino dishes such as sinigang na baboy (pork sour soup) and lechon kawali (deep-fried pork belly).
- Chef Doy’s Gourmet Restaurant focuses on fusion cuisine utilizing local ingredients like bicol express pizza and tinapa carbonara pasta.
- Naga City People’s Hall Grounds is a public park located in the heart of the city. It features a large open space for jogging, walking, and other recreational activities.
- Plaza Quince Martires is another public park situated in downtown Naga City. It is known for its beautiful landscaped gardens and monuments.
- Mount Isarog National Park is a protected area that offers hiking trails and camping sites for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Malabsay Falls is a popular tourist destination located within the Mount Isarog National Park. It features cascading waterfalls and natural pools for swimming.
- Panicuason Hot Spring Resort is an eco-tourism resort that offers hot spring baths and various outdoor activities such as zip-lining, trekking, and kayaking.
- Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia is a historical landmark that serves as the center of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, patroness of Bicolandia.
- CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) is an internationally renowned wakeboarding facility that also offers other water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Naga City Boardwalk is located along the banks of Bicol River, this scenic walkway perfect for leisurely strolls or bike rides while enjoying views of the riverfront scenery.
