Bicolanos from all walks of life gather in Naga City to pay homage to the Virgin and at the same time visit their relatives,friends,and loved ones.

Notwithstanding the distances and high cost of transportation,all Bicolanos will be in Naga on September 21 or earlier. The rich,the powerful,the privileged,the poor,the young,the old,and even the sick will trek to Naga on that memorable day.

Bicolanos from all walks of life will be in Naga City to meet their relatives and partidarios,share food,drinks,and prayers with them,and most of all,to pay homage and render thanksgiving to the Virgin of Peñafrancia,whom the Bicolanos fondly call Ina. Viva la Virgen as they will shout to the heavens.

The Peñafrancia festival is not only an occasion for family reunions and much awaited visits. It is above all,a fiesta of faith,a spectacle of the Bicolanos' strong faith in their Ina.

It is strong and endless faith that binds and unites all Bicolanos,irrespective of color and creed,through the years; through three centuries of foreign domination; through four years of Japanese imperial rule; through 20 years of the infamous Marcos regime; and through hard,difficult times,sky high prices,and economic crises.

The miraculous Virgin of Peñafrancia has been part and parcel of Bicolano lore and legend through all these years. The Bicol saga would be incomplete and insignificant without a mention of the Virgin or Ina.

How to get there:

By Air: The Manila-Naga route is served by Domestic Airlines. Airline flies daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays. For Naga Airport ticketing,call 473-2277. Estimated Travel Time (ETT): 1 hour

By Land: Manila to Naga buses has terminals and booking offices at the Araneta Center in Cubao,Quezon City and EDSA Bus Terminal in Pasay City. ETT: 7 to 8 hours