Bicolanos live in the southeastern peninsula of Luzon, now containing the provinces
of Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. Many
Bicolanos also live near in the province of Quezon.
The Bicolanos number about 5,907,000.They are descended from the Austronesian-speaking
immigrants who came from Southern China during the Iron Age. Some Bicolanos also have
Chinese, Arab, and Spanish admixtures. Their language is referred to as Bicol or Bicolano.
The Bicolano language is very fragmented, and its dialects are mutually incomprehensible
to speakers of other Bicolano dialects. The majority of the Bicolano people are devout
Roman Catholics. Catholic Mass is celebrated daily in many churches in the Bicol Region.
The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata
(coconut milk) in its food. A classic example is the gulay na lada, known outside the
region as Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling labuyo (native small chillies)
and the aforementioned gata.
As of 2000, the Bicol Region registered a population of about, 4,755,076 which represented
8 percent of the country�s total population.
In terms of the distribution of the region�s population, Albay has the biggest population
followed by Camarines Sur. Catanduanes has the smallest population.
|
