Naga City

Naga City is an independent component city in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Naga is nicknamed as the "Heart of Bicol" for its geographical location near the center of the Bicol Peninsula. It is the second largest city in the Bicol Region (Region V) in terms of population and the religious, financial, educational, trade,and commercial center of the Bicol Region.

Naga City is the Bicol Region's top tourist destinations not only because of "Peñafrancia Festival". It is located within the province of Camarines Sur in the southeastern tip of Luzon at the near the center of the Bicol Region. 


How to reach Naga City

Naga City is easily accessible by air and land. The city is served by the Naga (WNP) Airport which is located in the barangay of San Jose in the nearby town of Pili. The flight duration from Manila to Naga and vice versa is 35-40 minutes.

By Plane
Cebu Pacific (click here to see the complete flight details)
Manila to Naga City - 4 flights daily (inbound & outbound)

Philippine Airlines (click here to see the complete flight schedule)
 Manila to Naga City - 2 flights daily (inbound & outbound) - operated by Airphil

By land
Naga is a 7 to 8-hour ride from Manila via Quirino & Andaya Highways or 10 hours via the Maharlika Highway. Buses ply to Sorsogon and Tacloban. Manila to Naga buses have terminals and booking offices at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City and EDSA Bus Terminal in Pasay City.

Daily rail services to and from Manila were used to be provided by the Philippine National Railways.The Philippine National Railways leaves the Naga station for Manila at 5 p.m. daily. Naga-bound train service leaves the Tutuban Station in Manila also at 5 p.m. daily. ETT: 8 to 9 hours

By Sea
It is approximately 22 hours from Cebu City with ferry transfers in Sorsogon, the southernmost province of the Bicol peninsula. 


Interesting Places in Naga City

Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Museum
It is located in Elias Angeles Street, Naga City. The museum features local church history where old Church vestiges and sacred objects are displayed. Also the Bicol's pricelss ancient relics and artifacts like burial jars, ancient china wares, rare stones and ritual objects are displayed.

The museum has (4) exhibit areas:

(1)the Marian Room which contains a replica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia - the patroness of the Bicol Region, pictures of the original Our Lady of Peña de Francia - patroness of castile in Salamanca-Spain. The veneration of our Lady of Peñafrancia in Bicol was adopted from the spanish Maddona 300 years ago. The canonical coronation of our Lady Peñafrancia declaring her Patroness of Bikol was held in September 1924 and extant postcards sixes of this occasion are in display at the Marian room.
(2) The Ecclesiastical Collection - consist of liturgical materials such as retablos or silver altars, antique statues of saints, vestments, chalices, monstraces. Also displayed are Episcopal seals of liberal-minded Bishop Francisco Gainza who opposed the unfrocking of Filipino martyred priest,  Father Gomez, Burgos and Zamora; and the hardliner Bishop Arsenio Campo, the last Spanish Bishop to serve in the Bicol who left his Diocese during the Philippine revolution.

(3) The Archives-Gallery - contains the memorabilia of the first Filipino Bishop- Msgr. Jorge Imperial Barlin of Baao Camarines Sur who was vicar and most senior member of the Bikol clergy. On display at the archives are books in Latin and Spanish printed in 1600s, 1700s and 1800s. Also exhibit are baptismal and marriage registries in 1700 and early 1800.
(4) The Archeological Collection - consist of artifacts found in diggings in various parts of the Bikol region as well as Marikina (Rizal), Calatagan (Batangas), Samar and Palawan.  

The museum is open to visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Its is also open on Saturdays and Sundays by appointment.



Penafrañcia Museum

Located at Peñafrancia Avenue near the banks of Naga River a few steps away from the Peñafrancia Shrine, this museum is a fond tribute to the Miraculous Lady. It is a place to get in touch with Bicol’s historico-religious tradition. Its centerpiece is the Diorama, a tri-dimensional presentation of faith and devotion from its roots in San Martin del Castañar, Spain. The museum was declared a national historical landmark on September 9, 1988. From a humble vocation house of the 18th century, it has emerged as a center and well-spring of ecclesiastical education in the Bicol Region.  

Visit this museum and see for yourself the Peñafrancia Diorama, a tri-dimensional presentation of the Bicolano's Pilgrimage of Faith, guided and animated by our intimate devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia.




Basilica Minore
It is located in Balatas Road, Naga City. Thousands of pilgrims flock to this site, home to the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia during the September celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta just to visit and venerate the Virgin.

Established only in 1985, the Traslacion starts here when the image of Peñafrancia is led into procession and brought to the Naga Cathedral. The image of INA is then brought back here after the fluvial procession along the Naga River.



Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Constructed in 1816 to 1831, the Cathedral was the seat of the Archiodecese of Caceres which encompassed the six Bicol provinces, it is the biggest church in the Region. 
 
It is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist and informally as Naga Cathedral) is a prominent Latin Rite Roman Catholic cathedral located in Naga City, Camarines Sur was erected of Padia-an when the Diocese of Nueva Caceres was created by a Papal Bull of August 14, 1595.




San Francisco Church
Established in 1578, San Francisco Church is the first church in the region built by the Franciscan Friars. The surrender of the Spanish forces to the Bikol revolutionaries took place here.


Originally of bamboo and other light materials, the church was built in this present site on a north-south orientation. Its puerta mayor faced its parish, the pre-colonial pueblo of Naga which lay across the Naga River that at that time curved from its southerly course to a westerly direction before winding southward again alongside present-day Elias Angeles Street.

By the middle of the 17th century, a church of bricks and lime had been constructed. Nearly two centuries later, San Francisco lost a portion of its parish when the river, straightened to its present course to mitigate flooding in Nueva Caceres, established the new boundary between native Naga and the Ciudad de Españoles. The two were connected about a decade afterwards by the new Puente de Naga, but the new boundary later precipitated an ecclesiastical controversy that contributed to the death of Fr. Gabril Prieto and Fr. Severino Diaz.

In the mass arrests of September 1896, the infirmary and basement of the San Francisco parish house were used for the interrogation and torture of some of those arrested from Nueva Caceres to as far as Libmanan. Among the detainees were Mateo Antero, Leon Hernandez (who was transferred to the provincial jail where he died from more torture), Camilo Jacob (transferred to the Casino Español), Eugenio Ocampo, Severo Patrocinio, Pablo Perpetua (later also taken to the provincial jail), Celedonio Reyes, Juan Razonable, and Vicente Ursua.
The infirmary, convento, and the church itself became the refuge of some 500 men, women and children when the Filipino Guardia Civil contingent led by corporals Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo rose up in arms against the colonial government towards midnight of 18 September 1896. Following another attack by the Angeles-Plazo forces the next day, Civil Governor sent a letter from San Francisco offering to surrender the Province of Ambos Camarines to the Filipinos. In the afternoon of 19 September, a delegation of Spaniards signed the protocol of surrender in the Colegio de Santa Isabel, which became the seat of the new Filipino government of the province formed by Elias Angeles that same day.
Reduced to rubble by the heavy bombing of Naga in World War II, the church remained in ruins until the present new edifice was constructed.



Peñafrancia Shrine
Established in 1750, the shrine is the original home of our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Patroness of Bikol. Before the construction of the Basilica Minore, this is where the Traslacion starts when the image of INA is led into procession around the City streets.
The image of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Nuestra Seqora de Peña de Francia and locally called “Ina” (Mother), is not located inside the shrine. It is currently enshrined in the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia several blocks away from the shrine and on the other side the Bicol River. The image used to be housed in the shrine but the growing devotion quickly outgrew the cramped location of the church and this is why the newer Basilica was constructed starting in 1976 (and completed in 1982).


UNC (Naga City) Museum

Located inside the University of Nueva Caceres campus, the UNC museum is one of the oldest museums outside Manila and recognized by the International Association of Museum. It houses historical artifacts of the ancient Bicol, its people and its culture.



Bicol Science and Technology Centrum 
File:Bicol science centrum.JPG
It is science museum established in 1993 in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology to cater to the science and technology education for the young, professionals, teachers andenthusiasts alike. It features an exhibit of interactive gadgets, a skywatch gallery, a sci-cubby hole for the kids, an audio-visual room and a cybercafé for internet users.





Plaza Quince Martirez
This plaza was built in honor of the fifteen Bicol martyrs who were executed by the Spanish authorities on January 4, 1887 at Bagumbayan (now Luneta)

This monument-cum-park ideally located at downtown Naga was built in honor of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. This is known locally as the center for public debates and discussions as well as family picnic gatherings.



Naga City Ecology Park
Naga City in partnership with a local private corporation, the Isarog Garden Society Foundation, Inc., ventured to establish the first-of-its-kind "Eden" in the city (Naga City Ecology Park), a garden park where tourists, students, researchers, garden enthusiasts, picnickers, and the like can take a wonderful view of nature at its best.

The Naga City Ecology Park is a nature park situated in a four-hectare lot owned by city government. Among the prominent features in the ecopark are the Marian Garden, Japanese garden, Plant and Animal Topiaries, Palm Garden, Alphabet Garden, Orchard, White Garden, Maze and Peace Garden. There is also a pavillion, gazebos and childrens play area.





Malabsay Falls Ecology Park
The proposed Malabsay Falls Ecology Park development project is designed to transform Malabsay Falls, tucked within the cool shoulder of Mt. Isarog, into an eco-tourism destination where recreational facilities will be made to meld with nature, complementing, rather than spoiling, its innate beauty.





Nature Adventure at Mt. Isarog National Park
Mt. Isarog is a stratovolcano and is 1,966 meters above sea level. Located in Camarines Sur, Philippines, Mt. Isarog is considered as Southern Luzon’s highest forested peak. This is the site of Mt. Isarog National Park. Six municipalities and a city have territorial jurisdiction of Mt. Isarog National Park. These are Calabanga, Tinambac, Ocampo, Tigaon, Goa, Pili, and Naga City. Mountain climbers and backpackers will enjoy trekking on Mt. Isarog’s slopes for a nature adventure. Mt. Isarog National Park is furnished by nature with many natural waterfalls and springs. 
The Malabsay Waterfalls is located near Mt. Isarog National Park’s entrance. Here, visitors can go swimming and have picnics with friends and family. 
The Nabuntulan Spring is not far from Malabsay Waterfalls.
Magragobrob Waterfalls is found inside Mt. Isarog’s crater on the Goa side of Mt. Isarog National Park. A 40-meter waterfall that emanates sulfuric waters down to Rangas River. Hikers usually rest here. 
The Hiwacloy Sulfur Springs is found here where the warm sulfuric water is locally believed to cure minor ailments and skin diseases. On the Tigaon side of Mt. Isarog National Park, the Bulalacao and Tumaguiti waterfalls and four other smaller waterfalls are situated. 
Mt. Isarog National Park has an entrance fee of P5.00 for Filipinos and 10 USD for foreigners. Staying overnight in Mt. Isarog National Park is allowed within the Protected Area Office. 




Where to stay in Naga City

Villa Caceres Hotel Villa Caceres Hotel is known as the Gem of Bicolandia and located on Magsaysay Avenue in the heart of Naga City. It is one of the finest and luxurious hotel and restaurant in the Bicol Region of the Philippines.
Tel No. +63 (54) 
Avenue Plaza HotelIt is the newest hotel in Naga City Philippines with a 6,000 sq meter full facilities that offers world-class accommodation. You can expect 1st class service and warm Filipino hospitality from the Avenue Plaza staff. The hotel is located on Magsaysay Avenue, Naga Philippines - central community near the fast growing business district surrounded by educational institutions.
Tel No. +63 (54) 
Starview HotelIf you are a star lover, go for Starview Hotel for which it has a place for stargazing and it is one of the decent hotels in the Naga City. The hotel stands at the middle of Jollibee and Cabis Cabana that is in front of the 13 Martires Plaza at #76 Elias Angeles St., City and Quezon Plaza of Naga Philippines.
Tel No. +63 (54) 
Website:
Sampaguita Tourist Inn HotelIf you are in a budget and looking for affordable hotel to check in, try Sampaguita Tourist Inn Hotel. This is one of the few hotels in Naga City. It sits along the Naga River at the Panganiban Drive, Naga City Philippines.
Tel No. +63 (54) 
Website:
Naga City Regent Hotelis Located downtown in the heart of Naga City Philippines. It is one of the nicest hotels in the metropolitan section of the city. If you are looking for a better shoppping area on discounted items (Ukay - Ukay), then this is the best accomodation in Naga.
 Tel No. +63 (54)  472-2626 
Website: http://nagaregenthotel.com
Naga Moraville Hotel -consider staying in the newly Renovated hotel and restaurant located near the downtown area of Naga City Philippines. They offer a wide range of rooms from Luxury to Economy to suit your lodging needs while visiting Naga.
 Tel No. +63 (54) 473-1247  | 473-1248
Moraville Drive in Hotel - Anayan, Pili, Camarines Sur
Tel No. +63 (54) 288-4121
Hotel Moraville Nabua - San Francisco, Nabua, Camarines Sur
Tel No. +63 (54) 631-1523 | 288-4121
Moraville Motor Lodge - Mabolo Drive, Naga City
Tel No. +63 (54) 473-8564 | 811-1093
Moraville Garden - National Road, Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur
Tel No. +63 (54) 477-0048 | 475-0871
Sunny View Hotel  is located at Panganiban Drive, Naga City Philippines. The hotel is directly faced on the east where you can enjoy watching the sunrise early in the morning.  Tel No. +63 (54) 473-9848 | 473-8771.
Website: 
Aristocrat Hotel - located in Elias Angeles Street, Naga City
Tel No. +63 (54)  473-8832 |  473-8836 
Website
Crown Hotel - located in cor. Elias Angeles Street & P Burgos St., Naga City
Tel No. +63 (54) 473-8305 | 473-6940 |  473-1845
Website: 
Golden Leaf Hotel - located in Misericordia St., Naga City
Tel No. +63 (54) 472-6507 | 811-5118 
Website: http://goldenleafhotel.multiply.com
Hotel Mirabella - located in Magsaysay Extension, Liboton, Naga City
Tel No. +63 (54)
Website: 
Hotel Mirabella - located Panganiban Avenue, Naga City (branch)
Tel No. +63 (54)
Website
Nagaland Hotel - Elias Angeles St., Naga City
Tel No. +63 (54) 473-2111 Telfax No. +63 (54) 473-6767
Website:http://nagalandhotel.net

Where to Shop

SM Naga City Mall is one of the largest and best malls in Naga with a Food Court, Movie Cinemas, SM Department Store, SM Supermarket and much more. Located on Ninoy & Cory Ave. in the heart of Naga City
NagaLand E-Mall is part of the Robinsons Corporation with one of the largest Super Markets in Naga City. Located on Elias Angeles St. and Penafrancia Ave.
Pure Gold Naga is one of the newest malls in the Bicol Region and offers Gocery products, Fashion Apparel, Home Essentials at budget prices. Located in ALDP Mall, Traingula.
Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) has Department Stores, Supermarket, Restaurants, and much more. Located on Felix Plazo St.







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