This paper aims to present the Calabanga Dialect in comparision to

other dialects found in the Bicol Region. It also aims to present the aesthetic

and cultural factors on the difference of the said dialect to other dialect in

the region.

Calabanga was formerly a barrio of Quipayo. It became a separate

municipality on July 15, 1749 by virtue of the approval of Don Fray Joan de

Arechera, Bishop Elect of Nueva Segovia of the Commissary of the King. The

town's name was derived from the Bicol word ‘calabangan’, the plural term

of labang or litag, a kind of snare for catching wild animals. Another legend

states that it originated from the word ‘calagbangan’ meaning a “wide, long,

and straight street running east to west from the church through the

poblacion (locally as calabaan or calacbangan). Calabanga is a one of the

biggest towns in Camarines Sur composed of 48 barangays. The geographic

component of the place is basically composed of two features – coastal

planes and mountainous areas. Therefore, Calabanga is indeed a place

where the beauty of nature flourishes. Being situated in the foothold of the

great Mt. Isarog (a dormant volcano), the place is dominated by its

overwhelming view as one approaches the town.

Calabanga is also known for the week-long observance of Bicolanos

unique religiosity and a pilgrimage to "Amang Hinulid"

Amang Hinulid, as popularly called by his devotees and beneficiaries, is

an image of the Lord Jesus in repose in his tomb. Thousands of pilgrims

coming from far flung localities would flock in Barangay Sta. Salud in

Calabanga town only to plant kiss to the image. To fulfill a promised

"pagsongko", one must devote himself into walking a twelve-kilometer road

stretch, if he comes from Naga, in the late night of Maundy Thursday or in

the early hours of Good Friday. As mentioned earlier, this place, being one of

the earliest settlements of Catholicism here in Bicol, has been nurtured by its

teaching and eventually became one of the social drivers that form the

culture of the place. As of now there are six parochial parishes in the town –

Immaculate Concepcion of Quipayo, Holy Cross of Manguiring, La Porteria of

San Francisco, Divine Mercy of Paolbo, St. Peregrine of Sto. Domingo, and

Saint Francis of Assisi of Concepcion Pequeña (arranged chronologically).

With the presence of the these churches, people of Calabanga are indeed

religious in nature. Aside from colorful celebrations of every fiesta The

ambiance of the place is too mournful due to the preparation for the Holy

Week which is highlighted by the Passion of Christ demonstration called

“Cenaculo” in the various streets of Calabanga. The second one is the

devotion to Sto. Ettiero which is commonly known as the image of Hinulid.

The said image was faithful venerated by thousands of people coming from

different from the provinces of the country. It is believed that the image has

the power to fulfill one’s wish when one devote to him with the purity of his

heart, there are two main event that the people of Calabanga (and even non

Calabangueños) flocked to witness. The first one is during Lenten Season.