San Lorenzo Ruiz

Welcome to San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte, a peaceful municipality that carries both spiritual devotion and nature’s serenity in its name. Tucked between gentle hills and flowing rivers, this town is not just the smallest in the province, it’s also one of the most soul-refreshing destinations in the Bicol Region.

San Lorenzo Ruiz was formerly known as Imelda, renamed in honor of the first Filipino saint. This charming inland municipality is a nature-rich haven, ideal for slow travel, quiet reflection, and meaningful cultural immersion. It’s a slice of the Philippines where traditions are deeply rooted and the pace of life is beautifully unhurried.

• Tuaca River: Ideal for riverbank picnics, bamboo rafting, and scenic photo ops.
• Mount Cadig: A trekking site for nature lovers and hikers looking for fresh trails and panoramic mountain views.
• San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Church: A spiritual site dedicated to its saintly namesake, offering quiet beauty and a local sense of reverence.
• Sitio Matacong: Known for its clean, calm waters and eco-adventure opportunities like river tubing and trekking.

Locals proudly speak Bicolano and Tagalog, with a warm hospitality that embodies Bicolano kindness. Catholic faith is a vital part of the community, with fiestas celebrated with heartfelt devotion and colorful flair. Tradition is king here, from farming to family, everything is done with heart.

You’ll fall in love with classic Bicolano dishes!

• Laing and Bicol Express pack that signature spicy kick
• Pinangat wrapped in gabi leaves is a must-try
• Sweetened native delicacies like sinapot and kalamay are lovingly prepared and often served during town fiestas

• Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz (September): A spiritually rich event filled with processions, community feasts, and cultural presentations
• Expect Bicol-style parades, local dances, and culinary showcases that celebrate faith, unity, and identity

Traditional kundiman, fiesta drumming, and locally-composed folk music fill the air during town celebrations. Youth dance groups and community choirs often perform during events, keeping local art vibrant and alive.

• Being the only town in the Philippines named after San Lorenzo Ruiz, the country’s first canonized saint
• Its unspoiled eco-tourism potential: rivers, mountains, and trails waiting to be explored
• Its genuine rural charm, where traditions are preserved and modern noise is kept at bay