Sightseeing, Food Trippin’ and Adventure packed day in Albay

Naga and Caramoan, checked! We are down to our last stop for this Bicolandia Exploration: Legaspi!  After our CWC Experience we headed to SM City to check for the Van that will take us to Ligao where we will be spending overnight before heading to Legaspi City. Thanks to Cholo and her Aunt’s hospitality.

It was a fine Saturday morning when we started exploring this side of town.  While riding towards Legaspi, I am praying that I will be able to see Mt Mayon in its perfect shape. It has been my dream since I started travelling, to see the beauty and grandeur of this majestic volcano.  If you are in Bicol, you will see Mayon all over the place, different views and angles. People here are so lucky to have this sight on a daily basis. 

First stop: The Cagsawa Ruins. The Cagsawa Ruins (also spelled as Kagsawa or Cagsaua) are the remnants of an 18th-century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa church, built in 1724 and destroyed by the 1814 eruption of the Mayon Volcano.The ruins, currently protected in a park overseen by the municipal government of Daraga and the National Museum of the Philippines, are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. They are considered symbolic of the dangers of living in close proximity with the Mayon Volcano. The ruins are roughly 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) away from the summit of the Mayon Volcano (Wiki)

From Legaspi proper, you can ride a jeepney to Cagsawa Crossing and then walk or ride a tricycle to the entrance of the park. Aside from sight seeing, buying souvenir items, eating, you can also be more adventurous and take the ATV Adventure to the foot of Mt Mayon.

MAJESTIC MAYON VOLCANO

CAGSAWA RUINS

 

After a short sight seeing at Cagsawa Ruins, we went back to Legaspi and this time we’re heading to one famous spots in the area: Embarcadero de Legaspi. A world-class waterfront lifestyle hub at the Legazpi City harbor. We had lunch at one of the buffet restaurant, and of course I got Bicol Express! Yes, I am in Bicol so what more can I expect? There Bicol express have more Chili than Pork. lol!

 

After having lunch, yay we got sleepy so we need something to perk us up! We went to Bigg’s Diner to have Coffee. Bigg’s Diner is one famous fast food chain in Bicol. They serve foods similar to Jollibee and McDonalds plus pastries. Unfortunately the cake that Boss Jaymee wanted me to try was out of stock.

 

We are heading back to Ligao to check Kawa-Kawa Hill Way of the Cross and ATV Ride (supposedly). We ride a jeepney bound to Ligao and it took us almost 2 hours to get to our destination. Lesson learned, take the bus instead if you opted for faster way.

JEEPNEY RIDE TO KAWA KAWA HILL (yeah, we own the entire ride)

SILI WAITING SHED (sign that we are near Kawa Kawa Hill)

COLORFUL JEEPNEY IN ALBAY

There were a lot of people in Kawa Kawa Hill when we arrived. We didn't know that there’s a way of the cross procession going on so it’s a bit inconvenient to transfer from one station to another. Gladly, i was able to find way to take pictures on some of them. Unfortunately, the ATV ride is not available on that day because of the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With sad faces and heavy heart out of disappointment, we went down the hill, rested a bit and decided to have the ATV adventure at Cagasawa Ruins instead. This Bicol trip will never be complete without experiencing it. So we hop on the bus this time for faster ride to Cagsawa.

In the interest of time, and for the sake of experiencing the ATV adventure, we took the Cagsawa Short Trail at Php 699.00/person. This trail will take a maximum of one hour. This is my first time to experience riding, actually driving the ATV and I enjoyed it. It’s not easy for first few minutes but once you get the hang of it, easy breezy. It’s like your riding an automatic motorcycle less the fear of falling because it four-wheeled. If you need further details on the trails and rates: BICOL ATV ADVENTURES

A briefing was conducted by an ATV staff when we got on the site. Briefing included trail preview, safety precautions, tips on smooth maneuvering of ATV unit, signing of waiver and paying of fee for the chosen trail. A guide was provided and taught us the how-to’s of ATV driving . Enough time was also provided for us to practice at the site before finally hitting the trail. Guide was the one who led our queue. He’s also the one responsible for documentation, so no worries for pictures to be shared and uploaded online.

 

 

 

 

 

Basically, the trail was rough, the kind of trail for a worthy ATV adventure. Trail included grassland, rocky terrain, and my favorite: a number of streams! Accelerating on the streams awesomely made the ride splashy wet! The rocky terrain will require your arms to be vigorous for rocks tend to make the unit get out of the path and maneuvering it back needs some strength.

 

 

 

It was getting dark when we headed back to the base but it was one hell of a ride. Of course, we are going back for more and we are taking that course/trail that will take us to the foot of Mt Mayon.

Indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines and the fun is doubled when you experience the beauty and adventure your own country is offering to the world.

Now it’s time to satisfy the cravings for THE FLAVORS OF BICOL

BuzzNet Tags: Cagsawa Ruins,Kawa Kawa Hill,Embarcadero de Legaspi,Mt. Mayon,Bicol ATV Adventure

First Step in Southern Luzon

Recalling the days when i got worried as I haven't stepped in to any towns or cities in the Southern Part of Luzon, I couldn't help myself but asked, why am i not shading the map down there? When I know that there are great spots to see and amazing culture to experience. At last, the long wait is over, i finally realized and landed in Bicol region.

Thanks to Cholo for inviting me and to my ever accommodating Boss for being our tour guide.  Finally, I am taking the road leading to South Luzon, specifically Bicol region. March 5, Wednesday, Cholo and I headed to Pasay Terminal to catch the bus going to Naga. Yes, I am taking the bus for a butt-numbing 10 hour bus ride all the way to Naga. I don’t really care coz I know I can sleep and rest the entire duration of the trip if I want to. We paid Php 570.00 for an air-conditioned bus (Philtranco). The ride we took is  bound for Tacloban but of course it’s going to pass by Naga. As I remembered there were 2 stop over along the way. First was in Quezon where the driver and most of the passengers took their lunch. The next stop over , i honestly dont remember as I just woke up because I felt that the bus is not moving. hehehe

So there, this Discovering Bicol will start in Naga City and then Caramoan and will commence in Legaspi City for me to see the Majestic Mayon and to taste authentic Bicolandia dishes.

A Gastronomic Trip in Naga City

Cast-Aways of Caramoan Islands

Legaspi Adventures and more…

BuzzNet Tags: Bicol,Naga,Caramoan Island,Legaspi

Baler is more than just Surfing

We all know that Baler is one of the surfing sites in the Philippines but of course there’s more to it than just getting stoked at the beach.  So after that tiring and exhausting one hour of playing with the waves of Sabang Beach we got hungry of course and one of our trainers told us about this great resto: Kusina Luntian. Its a very simple restaurant beside the road and not like fancy ones that you will notice right away. I think only the local surfers only knows this place. We were lucky enough that our instructors pointed us to this one. This one will really prove that we shouldn't judge the book by its cover.

 Our trainers were right, the food is simply awesome. The prices are very reasonable too. They have creative presentations as well. To top the list, you will see right in front of you how they prepare your food. The restaurant is set up to give a surfer ambiance.

Wapang Wapang na Liempo

Wang Patawad na Tapa

Daing na Pusit

All smiles for a great lunch 

After feasting ourselves on the great lunch offered by  Kusina Luntian we headed back to Mahdox Backdoor to change and get ready for another sight seeing trip. We were so craving for something sweet so we headed the town proper and check what’s in store for us.

Taking a Pose on the Souvenir Shop

We headed to Gerry Shan’s place to check out something sweet. So we ended getting Halo-Halo. Gerry Shan’s Place is a restaurant popular for its Eat and Drink all-you-can for only PhP 185. Locals and tourists alike troop to this place to satisfy their bottomless stomachs with over 20 viands. They serve both Filipino and Chinese food, from Sinigang na baboy and paksiw to sweet and sour fish. There were also fruits and veggies to choose from.

 

After the refreshing Halo Halo feast we found ourselves heading towards spotting some of the famous hostorical spots in Baler. First stop is Museo de Baler. It houses several historical artifacts that link it closely to the Philippines’ first and longest colonizer, Spain. Inaugurated in 2002, the museum’s historical mural, a cold cast that covers the façade, was created by sculptor Toym Imao, son of National Artist for the Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao. Ilovita Mesina, Baler’s local historian, said the museum was put up partly to commemorate the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and relive the Siege of Baler.

 

Entrance and Facade of Museo de Baler

 

The PhotoBooth

Museum Exhibit Area

   

Right across Museo de Baler is the House of Maria Aurora

Simbahan ng Baler

After this short sight seeing tour, we head back to Sabang Beach to look for the famous suman of Baler and we got them at Aliya Surf Camp.  Suman is a native treat made of steamed sticky rice wrapped in either banana or coconut leaves. It is perfect partner for hot coffee or native chocolate and it can be eaten "as is" or dipped on a refined sugar. Suman in Baler is so famous that most of them are gone by late mornings and were so glad we still got some. I paired mine with brewed coffee plus the ocean breeze and crashing waves. Oh life!

After that short stay at the seaside we head back to Mahdox Backdoor to grab some rest before dinner. Unfortunately that power nap turned to be a deep slumber and we woke up realizing its a brand new day.