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Naga City, Camarines Sur’s largest city, is also the Bicol Region’s economic, cultural, educational, and religious center. They city pre-dates Spanish Colonization and has been the seat of the Catholic Church in southern Luzon since late 1500s, proof of which are its massive churches like the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and the Peñafrancia Basilica. For more than 300 years, at least a million devotees and pilgrims flock to Naga every September for the Peñafrancia Festival.
As the premier tourist service center of Bicol, Naga is home to close to 80 accommodation establishments boasting almost 3,000 rooms, the bustling Magsaysay Avenue entertainment and lifestyle district, wide dining options, and souvenir shops and stores at the Naga City People’s Mall.
Naga City is found within the Province of Camarines Sur in the Southern tip of Luzon at the centermost of the Bicol Peninsula. It is approximately 400 km from Manila, the country’s capital. It covers a land area of 8,448 square hectares and is located around the serpentine and historic Naga River. Included in its territory is the Mountain of Isarog, one of nature’s wonders that has been declared as a national park and sanctuary for various endangered animals.
March to May is hot and dry with temperature ranging from 22 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius, June to October is rainy. November to February is cool; temperature range from 22 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius. Average year-round humidity is 77%
Residents are basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish and Indian blood. It is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.
The city is run by a Mayor. The law-making body is headed by the Vice-Mayor who is the Chairman and Presiding Officer of the 10-man city council (Sangguniang Panlungsod). The city is divided into 27 barangays or villages headed by the barangay captain or Punong Barangay.
The majority of the residents in Naga City are Roman Catholic. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller religious groups like Muslims, Protestants, Iglesia ni Cristo, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other Christian denominations.
The national language is Filipino, which is based on Tagalog dialect. In Naga, the Bikol language is spoken. English is both spoken and understood throughout the Bicol region, especially in business negotiations and in government transactions.
AIRPORT AND FACILITIES | The Naga Airport is located at Pili, Camarines Sur which is a mere 20 minutes from Naga City. It is classified as secondary and feeder airport and has a concrete runway. Traveler facilities such as tourist information and assistance center, hotel and travel agency representatives, and taxicabs are available.
GETTING AROUND | Within the city, the dominant mode of transportation is the Jeepney, a 16 to 22-seater stretched version of the American jeep. Jeepneys suit Naga’s mostly 2-lane roads, particularly within Centro, as do motorized 3-wheeled 3-seater trimobiles. 3-wheeled pedicabs ply mostly in subdivisions. Taxis capable of seating 5 to 7 passengers also service the city’s residents. For more information on intra-city transportation, please visit this page.
CURRENCY | The Peso (P or Php) is the unit of currency with P1=100 centavos. Bank notes come in denomination of P20, P50, P100, P200, P500 and P1, 000. Coins come in 5 centavos, 10 centavos, 25 centavos, P1.00, P5.00, and P10.00.
BUSINESS AND BANKING HOURS | Private and government offices are open either from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Most private offices are open even on Saturdays.
CREDIT CARDS | Visa, MasterCard and other major and and local credit cards are accepted in most establishments in the city.
DINING CHARGES | A government tax ranging from 12-13.5% is charged by most hotels and restaurants. A 10% service charge is also normally included in bills, unless stated otherwise.
LIFESTYLE | Visitors can choose from a selection of great buys in malls and public markets. Export-quality items and novelties are available at reasonable prices.
CLOTHING | Light, casual clothes and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Warmer garments are needed for mountain regions. When visiting churches and temples, propriety dictates that shorts and scanty clothing be avoided. Formal occasion requires business suites or native Barong Tagalog for men and cocktail and formal dresses for women.
COMMUNICATIONS | The city has international direct dial phone and facsimile services, cellular phone sites, internet and email facilities, and worldwide express delivery services. Free wi-fi hotspots are also present at most coffee shops, hotels, and restaurants.
ELECTRICITY | 220 volts. AC 60 cycles. Some hotels have 110 volts outlets. Guests are advised to check their appliances and to bring converters, if necessary.
WATER | Water is potable and safe for drinking. Bottled water is available in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores.
