Legazpi, Albay: Home of Natural Perfect Cone Beauty

Daragang Magayon!

Daragang Magayon!

Amidst the weather, this natural beauty stands still. May it be covered with clouds or letting itself shines like the sun, No one can deny how magnificent it is to see Mt. Mayon in different Angels and conditions. 
Been to Lagaspi for about 3 days and Mt. Mayon never fails to let herself reveal how beautiful she is. Locals would often ask me, did the Mayon lets you see her already? If yes, then she probably likes you. As we're done attending the conference we immediately make most of our remaining time chase the Mother Volacano in different locations. It was just a 4 hours City tour and luckily, the weather seems to be good to us that the sun showed up even warnings of LPA and isolated rainfalls.
1st stop would be Ligñon Hill, It was like viewing Mayon in another mountain when it was just a hill actually. This place also offers view of Albay Gulf as well as the whole City, they also have zip line for some adrenaline rush, And if you are a History enthusiast you may check out their Japanese Tunnel for a short walk.

2nd stop would be the Famous Daraga Church. They said that Daraga church was built after the Mayon erupted and only the Cagsawa Bell tower was left visible. The Original Church where People go every sunday is the one that we always saw in postcards which is Bell Tower alone. Today, Daraga church standing for a long time and still facing the beautiful Mayon Volcano. On the side of the church there is a restaurant that offers view deck where you can take a picture of the Mayon.

Restaurant beside the Church

3rd stop would be none other than the Famous Landmark of Albay. Cagsawa Ruins. We commonly see a postcard of Mayon with a tower on its side but nothing compares seeing it through our naked eyes. For a regular tourist attraction this is the closest you can be at the Mayon not unless you take an ATV ride to it. The feeling was picture perfect just like postcards do, but the Mother Volcano seems to be shy that afternoon that she used to hide with thick clouds while we were at Cagsawa Ruins. Nevertheless We're still in awe to finally looking to it not only in Papers.

Awesome!

4th stop would be Legazpi Boulevard. They said this spot will never fail your expectations especially in the afternoon and Yes, This actually gives a good feeling after a tiring day. Seeing the Perfect Cone shape with waters in front and the landscape of sleeping Lion lies on it. It was a perfectly fine dawn with a cool breeze adds to a wonderful experience of being here.

Spot the sleeping Lion

5th and Last stop would be the Pasalubong center. Some of our friends will leave the City by 6pm so there's no other thing to do but get some of Bicol's products. Pasalubong center was just across the Bus terminal and that's what makes it more convenient.

Last day in Legaspi: Extending a day in Albay seems to be worth a while. Some of us needed to get back in Manila sunday evening, while some choose to stay for another day. What could be more interesting to do when you just had a day? We've come to push through with our plan which is to get an ATV ride up to the Black Lava wall of Mayon Trail. It is Your Brother Mayon ATV that we chose to get the ride. Before going through the trail there will be an orientation and quick tutorial on how to handle atv, do's and dont's. As we started the trail, it was just a fine road and green grass way, but as we go on river bed trail starts to dawn on us as well as different kind of slopes. What makes more challenging is the downpour of the rain, starts from drizzle up until heavy raindrops. Special thanks to our guides that's alert when one needs assistance. there were times that some of us stranded to river rocks, technical problem with Atv and even getting thru with the difficult trails. Everything in this experience was one for the books, we were driving to different trails from smooth to rough, from flat surface to down/uphill with the Mayon Volcano on our side or even front. The harder the trail the closer we get to the dearest Volcano. Upon arriving at foot of black lava front we had to trek up to the what they so-called helipad or the main black lava wall. for about 10-15 min we walk through trail with pine trees, Yes there are pine tress at the foot of the Mt. Mayon, then starts to climb the black rocks and finally when we reached the Helipad, that's also where our trail will end. some of adventure seekers when they have more time, they go to advance trail but that's more recommended for experienced atv riders and they go up until 1/4 of the Mayon. What we did was never ending picture taking to this beautiful landscape before going back to another long atv ride. Going back was a bit harder for our arms and legs were tired but still we are more confident to drive since we got familiarize with the trail. Going on an atv ride is highly recommended to take a closer and different view of the Mayon, there are shorter trail and less expensive, if in doubt. But I can say that one should go up to the black lava wall for different experience. Before I forgot, we go to a buffet lunch at 7 degrees restaurant to fulfill our hungry stomach after tiring activity.

I admit, I never want to go home yet. There's more to Albay aside from Mayon and most of us want to explore what is there in Camalig, Bacacay and other town but we don't have enough of time. Hence, we are thankful for one great weekend Legaspi have given us. Indeed, getting close to nature  makes your mind at peace for a while. While everyone of us striving hard to combat the stress from our jobs, we always look forward to this kind of refrain from a fast paced environment. It was refreshing and re-energizing weekend; we might felt tired from a long bus ride and adventure activities but our hearts and mind were at peace and have been to rest from a loud environment.

P.S. I'll make a good comeback for another challenge!

Next time would be level 3

CEBU escapade back to back

2nd time in Cebu
Jan 21-25, 2017

Wasn't long enough but here I am again making my way back to the Queen City of the South together with my Family and closest friends we're about to explore for 3 days.
For this trip, it would be a semi DIY. We have contacted Island Trek tours for the main attractions which is twin city tour and for Simala Pilgrimage tour with Hidden beach sidetrip. And for other attractions would depend upon our remaining time.
Our flights scheduled Jan. 21, 2017 but in different time, there's 7am, 10am and even 10pm so we have decided to make our activities starts when we're complete. What we did for our first day in the City is to make some rest and hunt for some recommended restaurants. When in Cebu, Lechon should not be taken off the list that's why we tried to look for CnT for our dinner but to our dismay they run out of stock so next thing to go is the famous Cafe Laguna located at ayala terraces cebu. It is a fine dining restaurant that offers not just cebu dishes but also other filipino best cuisine. when dining in Cafe Laguna, better be early or you'll wait for a long while to be seated, but it was worth it. Servings are good for sharing and that would be good if you come in big group just like us. With so much for the day we get rest as we will have to be early for the next day twin city tour. 

As early as 6am we leave the pension house and to start the tour we got PARIAN and Yap-San Diego Ancestral house on our first destination. The Ancestral house will remind you of the houses in Laguna more specifically Rizal's Ancestral house and others, with it's preserve antique collections inside this will take you back in time. Just across the ancestral house is the PARIAN. It is a monument that depicts the history of Cebu more likely it is somehow reminds me of history subjects in elementary.  

Next thing on our list is the Fort San Pedro which happen to be the Intramuros of Cebu. Spanish structures with walled city feels and of course museum inside. ticking off our next destination is the famous Magellan's Cross along with Sto. Nino de Menore Basilica and Cebu Cathedral. though Sinulog was a week ago, tourist and devotees flocks the church and visiting the Señor Sto. Nino. Magellans cross is also another busiest area in the city. Never will I imagine that this site would be empty of visitor. What makes me feel good is the Cebu Cathedral which is just few meters away from the Basilica. It is a more quiet and more serene place than the later. You can pray without thinking of people to flocked behind you. And half day is over we have to get some good lunch before proceeding to our few more destinations. For a better Cebu Lechon tasting we had our lunch at Rico's Lechon restaurant and it was indeed a good choice.

for the afternoon schedule we'll be travelling to Alegre Guitar factory, Taoist Temple and TOPS. We can no longer set our foot on Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower farm since the road still under clearing due to landslide occured 2 days before we arrived. We just enjoy the remaining hours to the Temple and TOPS where you can feel a different breeze than of what is in the City. So our day tour has ended. We all go back to the pension house and had our dinner and we'll be preparing for another adventure before the day ends.

For another adventure must try in the City is the sky walk adventure. Getting our way to the highest skyscraper in Cebu we brace ourselves as we try to conquer the fear of heights and walk around to the glass and metal platform where one can view the whole city lights. And so we call it a day.

third day in the queen city and what we have prepared for the day is a Pilgrimage tour. Waking up early in morning we make our way to Sibonga; First destination is the St. Katherine Church. Good thing about this, we came too early that we were the first visitor of the church. Just had a quick prayer and sight seeing then we proceed to Simala Church or what they call the Castle of south Cebu. It was such a great feeling that even it is raining we managed to see the majestic miraculous church. It is still under construction but the view got me captured most specially knowing that this church has testify to many miracles happen in one's life.

Next on our list is the shoe expo. for us, it is a usual place for selling. Nothing special but for those who loves shoes might be in a rush to be there. Proceeding on our next destination which is Hidden Beach in aloguinsan, it has been a long long drive that you might feel like travelling to Quezon Province all the way from Manila. It was a tiring trip since the road has not been developed and as if you're going nowhere until we got to our destination. Unfortunately, Rain starts to fall and our concern were the kids with us might get sick if we push with it. We aborted the mission and regretting the experience to touch the fine sand and explore the simplicity of the area. We traveled once again and had our lunch somewhere in between. It's getting late already and we've just decided to spend most of our time in the newly built Church just right beside SM by the Bay which is no other than Pedro Calungsod Church. There's a different vibes in this area. Feeling classy, walled City and a place for serenity. But of course the main reason for getting there was giving thanks for another one good memory for a family trip. After that we make our way to the famous Pasalubong center for dried fish and that's how our third day tour ends.

After assuming that our day has ended, we came upon to go to what they called French restaurant that makes you feel like being there actually. It is none other than "La Vie Perissienne" They offer bread and wines that satisfy ones soul for French experience. But what's more interesting? It is their ambiance; There's this Wine Cellar, Bohemian themed area, Classy french villa and others. That's a must try experience. 


This is my second time in Cebu and like what I said before there are many reasons to go back. It may not be favorable like what it's planned but the journey was always worth it. I've got to see what is there in the City, next time I wanted to explore more of the south as well as northern Cebu. Until our next meeting Cebu! Daghang Salamat!

Calaguas group of Island (treasures of Camarines Norte)

July 23-24

It was an unplanned trip for this year but definitely we are truly blessed to finally be in Paradise of Camarines Norte. My fellow SFC Brothers and Sisters planned this getaway less than a month where typhoons has been busy going around the country. We are taking a risk to push this activity even having the knowledge that waves might be unfriendly as we sail in the open seas to this Paradise called Calaguas group of Islands. It was Calaguas atbp. who provide the whole package for us. From Van transport (Manila - Daet); Boart ride (Vinzons port - Calaguas); Island food; Tents for camping and Island Hopping.
We leave the metro July 22 in the evening and arrive in Daet 6:00am. We had our quick breakfast first to the nearest fastfood in Vinzons port then meet our Boatmen and guides until 8am. It was a smooth boat ride at first when suddenly the waves starts to get rough as we approach near the Island, Rain starts to fall and everyone gets wet from raindrops and splashing waves but it was still manageable since we're almost near the destination. Upon arriving at Mahabang Buhangin, God must have hear our prayers for the rains stops and sun starts to shine. As soon as I soak my feet on the clear waters and fine sand of the beach I couldn't resists the invitation to leave my things and dip first in the turquoise clear sea water. It was a perfect timing that while everyone thinks it's too risky to get there during rainy season we almost own this secluded pristine paradise and do everything we want here.
As we settled down our coordinators called us to have a sumptuous lunch. Almost perfect but not quite;they served terribly spicy foods that some of us who are not used to eating spicy dishes cannot eat not even a single spoon of super spicy chicken and laing, good thing there is ginataang tambakol that is not soaked in any hot spices. The food was good and delicious but not everyone can enjoy it due to its spicy characteristics. We just advised them that the next meal should be friendly for all kind of taste buds.

Now, for a moment we own the island, we take advantage of the time we had. We swim and explore the crystal blue waters, do some kayak and explore the vast coral reef from the most shallow part we could be. After spending some time for quality bonding with the sea it is now the best time to do Island hopping. First destination would be Balagbag Island or what they sometimes call "Pulang Lupa Island". Upon docking at the shore we notice the beautiful different varieties of Bonsai plants that welcomes the visitors of the Island however, this island takes a good spot for snorkeling. It also takes a good time for relax trekking. You can trek on both sides of island since the trails were pretty much friendly even for not into hiking. Both edge has this cliff that's perfect for photo ops and for "Buwis Buhay shots" just standing at the edge of the stone while birds eye view of the group of Island takes a good background. This is a touristy area during summer but during this time of the year you can really enjoy the serenity in this island.  Next would the best snorkeling site; out from nowhere we found our boat in the middle of the sea that looks like a sanctuary and no doubt it is a sanctuary. Most of us didn't have the energy to swim in this area because of scorching heat and maybe we just felt were too sleepy and tired. We just enjoy the rock formation that lies here and soak our body in that clear water just beside our boat. What's more exciting and interesting is how are going back to Mahabang buhangin by sitting beside the boat (Balance wings of the boat) where we will welcomed by the splash of waves and fight its strong current so as not to be blown away in the middle of the sea. Upon arriving back at the campsite it was now the best time to just chill and wait for the sunset. A lazy afternoon to describe it, but what we did is something pretty amazing that brings out the child in our mature minds; We played patintero to ease the boredom of just waiting for the sun to get down while some of us took advantage of the time to get some sleep. As we play some epic mandatory shots, our coordinators were busy preparing our sumptuous dinner and some pica-pica for socials. It was a long and tiring day indeed but a great island experience. As we got inside our tent I thought I'll get some good sleep since we're tired but I think it was also the longest night I've had. We all had a hard time to get some sleep because there was no wind at all to blow and when we try open the tent mosquitoes will feast in our feet. We all woke up too early and get some fresh air at the beach and after an hour it was our time to trek and explore the birds eye view of the island. It was just an easy trek with a very relaxing view; We took mandatory shots then leave immediately for our breakfast. I just can't believe that we're about to go in a few hours, We just had a good time for swimming less than an hour and bid goodbye to the island that once became our cradle to our weary heart.

Enjoying the beach before going home

Snorkeling site

getting ready to fight the waves

arriving at Balagbag Island

Patintero while the sun is settling down

Highest point of Balagbag Island

Dropping by the Church somewhere along the road

Squad goals

Arriving at Mahabang Buhangin

footprints in that fine sand

Panoramic shot of the Island

Jump shot over the Island eye view

I just can't believe that this Island will soon be like Boracay. It's still less crowded from other famous beach destination in the country but as people come and go changes will occur like what they said that when it's peak season there's this what they call "party"wherein they built make-shift bar with all the party people are in and liquors are present just like what's happening in Boracay. I just hope that this island will preserve its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The one that you can turn to if you want a place for serenity and tranquility. I hope that the locals will also continue to take good care of the cleanliness in the group of Island. I just can't describe how happy I was that the Lord let us experience everything good in this lovely place called Calaguas. This one of the best travel for this year.