Iriga City
Along the national highway between Naga and Legazpi at the foot of Mount Iriga (formerly Mt. Asog) lies the rural city of Iriga. Iriga is a corruption of the original I-Raga which meant where there is land as it was higher than the marshes near Nabua on the Bicol river from which the inhabitants came. In 1578 I-raga was established as a "vista" of Nabua under the Franciscans. In 1683, with a population of 8,909 I-raga was made a separate town. September 3, 1968 Iriga became a city.
The major event of the year in Iriga is a festival called Tinagba, also known as the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, celebrated on February 11. The word 'Tinagba' is derived from the Bicol word 'Tagba' meaning to gather the first harvest and offer it to God. During this festival a colorful caravan of decorated carabao carts, loaded with harvest goods comes in a procession from different barangays to the city in an act of thanksgiving.
Accommodation
Ibalon Hotel (13) - San Francisco St, Tel 352
rm 278-500; for a rural city an unusual luxurious and elegant place, but very quiet with few visitors; rest, disco, swpl
Parkview Hotel (5) - San Roque, Tel 405
rm 85-275; rest, disco; nice, modern, clean
Bayanihan Hotel (10) - Nat'l Hwy, Tel 556
rm 45-165; located in busy area near train tracks
Lemars Hotel (3) - Nat'l Hwy, San Roque
rm 50-70, 110 (ac); simple, basic
Sightseeing
Emerald Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (18)
The grotto is situated on Calvario Hill ad-jacent to the Ibalon Hotel grounds. In early times the hill was considered the habitat of an Asuang (witch), which is why the hill was at times referred to as 'orno' (oven). As a result of the Chris-tianization of the region, the hill became the site for staging 'Pagtanggal' (Passion of Christ), hence, the name Calvario Hill. The first 'ermita' or mission chapel of Iriga was erected here by the Spanish. Opposite the 'ermita', the Casino Espanol was erected, a favorite gathering place for the Spanish elite rulers. When the US came at the turn of the century, the place was converted into a base for cavalry forces. During the Japanese oc-cupation, a Japanese garrison was estab-lished on the hill top and was utilized as a watch tower against guerrillas. Many Filipinos met martyrdom on the hill.
Central City Park & St Anthony Church (14)
Miscellaneous
Post Office (15)
Phil. Nat'l Bank (8) - Nat'l Hwy
Lourdes Hospital (2) - Nat'l Hwy
City Hall (4) - Nat'l Hwy; Annex (16)
Police Station (17) - behind the city park
Public Market (12) - Nat'l Hwy
University of North Eastern Philippines (6)
University of St. Antonio (7)
Transportation
Philtranco Bus Terminal (1) - Nat'l Hwy
Almost all buses running between Manila and Legazpi make a stop in front of the city hall (4) and at the market (11,12)
Sarkies Bus Terminal (3) - Nat'l Hwy
Jeepneys to Buhi (9) - at Alfelor St
Train Station (19) - daily train to Manila
LAKE BUHI & MOUNT IRIGA
The natural attractions near Iriga are scenic Mt Iriga and Lake Buhi. Mt Iriga is an extinct volcano with an elevation of 1196m (3,924ft). The crater became Lake Buhi. It is surrounded by lofty, rugged moun-tains. Previously, Lake Buhi was renown as the home of the smallest fish in the world, the 'tibios' which measured about 3mm (0.12in), but due to careless fishing practices, these fish are extinct.
The area around the lake is inhabited by a small group of Negritos.
Lake Buhi is about 17km (10mi) from Iriga City. Jeepneys take some 30 minutes for the distance..
More on South Luzon:
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/philippines_islands_south_luzon6.htm
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