Legazpi City underlined its beautiful people when a parade of lovely ladies emerged on the main streets during its city night last April 23 at Peñaranda Park.

    The outskirts of Legazpi City gleamed with glam under an impending threat of Mayon Volcano as it slowly spewed red flames trickling down its slopes captured by Roldano Amaranto last December 16.

    The endeavor to revive Albayanos’ ardent interest in photography was as hot as the sili. The art of photography took the center stage as it appeared a paramount event when the Mayon Photography Club Inc (MPCI) launched Spicy Albay 2 Photography Convention with Magayon Festival last April 22 at People’s Hall, Albay Provincial Capitol.

    Gaining popularity not only nationwide but worldwide, the Bicolanos are famous for their high tolerance in eating extremely spicy cuisines. Last April 22, 20 Albayanos proved it again as they masticated each serving of Laing and Bicol Express at the Magayon Festival’s Hot-aw sa Kaonan (Sili-Viand Eating Contest)held at Peñaranda Park.

    “Equalympics is a game for students measuring their intelligence and it’s also a game of chance where you can’t predict who’s going to win for it depends on how the group strategize their succeeding moves. It doesn’t solely depend on the student’s mental capacity,” according to Michelle M. Daniel, coach of the Legazpi City High School (LCHS)-the Champion for this year’s 2nd Equalympics held at Albay Astrodome last April 21.

    The scorching heat was neutralized by the regal view of Mayon Volcano viewed from Embarcadero de Legazpi as the 1st Magayon Beach Volleyball kicked off last April 16 that featured top teams from different parts of Bicol Region.

    After debilitating days from work, the fiery weekend of Magayon on its third week was spent with series of relaxing events and this time, Magayon weekend partnered with Pooh last April 18.

    Joining Magayon Festival, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) spearheaded a two-day Magayon Jobs Fair to primarily facilitate employment opportunities to fresh college graduates last April 15 and 16 at Albay Astrodome.

    Magayon Jobs Fair had prioritized the fresh college graduates from different schools and universities in the province of Albay.

    Magayon Festival granted a day of merriment to the kids coming from the different cities and municipalities of Albay as they celebrated Children’s Day (Bulilit sa Magayon) last April 12 at Albay Astrodome.

    The first part consists of “Bulilit Got Talent” which was patterned from the famous Philippine TV show from ABS-CBN. This portion underscored the various talents of the young Albayanos.

     Emerging out of 20 astute and talented Bicolanos was Micahel Caesar Isip of Iriga City who gave honest answers during the casual and final interviews, capturing in return the judges’ approval to crown him as Ginoo ng Magayon this year held at Albay Astrodome.

    “It was difficult to choose from among them. The semi-finalists were all sagacious gentlemen,” according to Ronn Petitt, Chairman of the Board of Judges.

     Albayanos are musically-inclined folks. Daraga, a municipality of Albay had its explosion of their innate talents which was strongly depicted in their three-hour cultural presentation held at Peñaranda Park last April 7.

    The ebullience of the elderly members of Albay was incessant as they celebrated Senior Citizen Day in connection with Magayon Festival (Si Lolo at Lola sa Magayon) at Albay Astrodome last April 6.

         After furious typhoons and calamities, Albay still withstands the challenges of the present. The official launch of the Magayon Festival this year emphasized the unity of the Albayanos as they are on their way to perfect recovery under the able leadership of Gov. Joey Sarte-Salceda.

         LEGAZPI CITY, Mar.10 – Increase of tourist arrivals in the province of Albay is expected starting last week of March this year in connection with the 2010 Magayon Festival.