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DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN THE PHILIPPNES |
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REGION V The Bicolanos are the fifth-largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group. Bicolanos live in the southeastern peninsula of Luzon, now containing the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes. Many Bicolanos also live in the provinces of Masbate, Camarines Norte, and Quezon. The Bicolanos number about 5,907,000. They are descended from the Austronesian-speaking immigrants who came from South China during the Iron Age. Some Bicolanos also have Chinese, Arab, and Spanish admixtures. Their language is referred to as Bikol or Bicolano. The Bicolano language is very fragmented, and its dialects are mutually incomprehensible to speakers of other Bicolano dialects. Majority of the Bicolano people are devout Roman Catholics. Catholic Mass is celebrated weekly in several municipal halls, with the request and approval of the local authorities. The Bicolano culture is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata (coconut milk) in its food. A classic example is the Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata. |