After Christmas of 2012 we head off to Bicol – the host province of the magnificent MAYON Volcano.
The name Mayon is derived from the Bicolano word Magayon, which means "beautiful." Seeing Mayon at its fullest is very rare in our 4 days in Bicol. Most of the days are cloudy or a little drizzle thus the site of Mayon is most of the time cloudy. We actually only saw the entire Beauty of Mayon one time, I woke up early at 5:30 am and on the bleak of dawn.. There she is.. the MAGAYON MAYON (“the beautiful Mayon).. I woke up the bratz and we all rushed to our window and we are all amazed of its beauty..
Our Bicol trip really excite the bratz since Mayon as we know was popularized by our lectures in school. We all know Mayon with its perfect cone and beauty (of course with several devastating eruption comes with it being the most active volacano in the Philippines) from our lessons in grade school. So seeing it at its natural beauty is something the myself and the kids are really looking forward to.
We booked out flights via Zest Air, our flight that was originally 12noon was pushed to 1220 to 1 pm and we boarded at 2:15 and finally with the runway traffic finally departed at 3:15. We arrived in Legazpi at 4pm .. Our airport pick-up from Casa Blanca Suites was there patiently waiting for us. I told Manong Driver that we will just get our luggage..
You can reach Legazpi via several local airlines and just a short 45 minutes flight from Manila. You may also opt for a 8-10 hours bus ride and enjoy the country side.
Casa Blanca Suites is just barely 5-10 mins. from the airport. We were greeted warmly by their Front Desk staff and we were checked-in instantly. No lengthy form to fill-out. That was really good since we are very hungry. Our room was with 2 queen beds, perfect for us!
Casa Blanca Suites is just barely 5-10 mins. from the airport. We were greeted warmly by their Front Desk staff and we were checked-in instantly. No lengthy form to fill-out. That was really good since we are very hungry. Our room was with 2 queen beds, perfect for us!
Casablanca Suites: Benny Imperial St. (Alternate Road), Legazpi CityTel: (052) 481-0788; Fax No: (052) 481-0789
To read my review on Casablanca Suites, click here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g317122-d2165226-r148774565-Casablanca_Suites-Legaspi_Bicol_Region_Luzon.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT
Bicol Express
We drop our luggage and headed to eat late lunch/early dinner; across the road nearby the Hotel is Layag Restaurant and Grill.. our first meal in Bicol.. Sisig, Laing and Bicol Express! Bicol is famous for its delicacies, spicy delicacies. We love the food and finished it off (or we are just really hungry)..no kidding.. you should really try all the local bicolano foods- everything is delicioso!
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| Laing |
Then we are off to Embarcadero… don’t keep you hopes up (there are so many review over rating this place).. embarcadero is a small bay walk area with a few designer boutiques and some restaurants.. the view of the Mayon is not really that great either.. your sight will be thru old boats by the pier. Embarcadero is nearby a fishing/ cargo port .. We went upstairs and walked on a few stalls and most of it are empty.. the sight of the lighthouse is nice with its changing color against a dark sky. You can only see Mayon of course until sunset, when it’s dark.. its dark.... We were not enticed to eat here either. We went back to the Hotel, bought some drinks and chips and relax on our comfortable bed, watching TV and kids on FB.. Wifi is also free and fast!
Casa Blanca has nearby restaurants and convenient stores. Just walk towards left and pass by St. Aquinas Hospital and you can buy whatever you need.
The next day, we did the usual Tour and went to Cagsawa Ruins but Mayon is still shy that morning. We took some photos and just hang out in the area in case the clouds disappear and will show us the beauty of Mayon from this area. We chat to some local folks in the area and we were told that when the Mayon erupts, they can see the fierce lava from that area.
Cagsawa is 11 kms from Mayon as mentioned by Kuya , one of the store owners. He also have some cool pictures of Mayon on his shop that they took during the past years including some while it was erupting. I asked if they are asked to evacuate when it erupts, they said that warning are given and mostly those at 8km radius from Mayon are mostly asked to evacuate. They are spared on most occasion. There a lot of shops within the Cagsawa Ruins where you can buy Bicol made goods to bring home.
Cagsawa is 11 kms from Mayon as mentioned by Kuya , one of the store owners. He also have some cool pictures of Mayon on his shop that they took during the past years including some while it was erupting. I asked if they are asked to evacuate when it erupts, they said that warning are given and mostly those at 8km radius from Mayon are mostly asked to evacuate. They are spared on most occasion. There a lot of shops within the Cagsawa Ruins where you can buy Bicol made goods to bring home.
"From the road sign, its a short walk to the Cagsawa Ruins, it was a nice morning and enjoying the greenery."
Next stop – Daraga Church.. From Cagsawa we took a trycle to Daraga church fee is P20.00 or $5.00, it’s just a short ride and we were going up a hill towards the church.. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) is the crowning glory of religious architecture in the province of Albay. Nestled majestically on top of a hill above the bustling town, the Daraga Church. The Daraga Church was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773 when the present town of Daraga was but a barrio of the older town of Cagsawa.
Daraga Church is famous for its architectural origins. The design of the Daraga Church can be described as a blend of architectural styles: Renaissance Gothic and Mexican baroque. An indigenous baroque style that distinguishes it from other colonial churches in the Philippines. The facade was carefully carved from volcanic stones. Distinct features of the Daraga Church facade include the four spiral columns with medallions at the center of each column bearing images of the four Evangelists. Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-daraga-church/
Daraga Church is famous for its architectural origins. The design of the Daraga Church can be described as a blend of architectural styles: Renaissance Gothic and Mexican baroque. An indigenous baroque style that distinguishes it from other colonial churches in the Philippines. The facade was carefully carved from volcanic stones. Distinct features of the Daraga Church facade include the four spiral columns with medallions at the center of each column bearing images of the four Evangelists. Source: http://wowlegazpi.com/visita-iglesia-daraga-church/
Mayon could be seen here on its grand form on better clear days, during our visit we were not that given the chance for a glimpse.
From Daraga we were off to another famous town in Legazpi, Camalig . Camalig is famous for it’s local dish Pinangat.
Pinangat is one of Bicol’s trademark food other than the pili nut and its various incarnations and Bicol express, to name a few. Made from gabi leaves mixed with gata (coconut extract). Camalig in Albay is known for this delectable dish. It comes in hot and not so hot versions.
We had our lunch there with Pinangat and another version of Bicol express. This time with mostly chili! Whheeww!! The food was great and the 30 minutes travel time from Daraga is worth it. Pinagat is one of the local dish you can bring home- they have it frozen.
While in Camalig, you should also visit the Church of St. John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista); another imposing religious structure in the province of Albay. The church is built entirely out of solid blocks of volcanic rock from Mount Mayon.
If you want to do some caving, head off to Hoyop-hoyopan Cave. Located in Cotmon Village. Located in Camalig, Albay, the cave is about 16 kilometers from Cagsawa Ruins, and can be reached in about 20 to 30 minutes from the town proper. One of the cave's openings is a grand window, through which travelers can enjoy a splendid view of Mayon Volcano.
The numerous entrances and exits vary from two to 10 meters in diameter. These passageways will test your skill in squeezing, crawling, and kneeling to get through in order to reach the different chambers, including a mini-pond and a dance floor.
The kids are not apt for caving so we headed back to Legazpi.
Pili Tree
Legazpi Market – for local souvenirs go to the market where you can buy anything without the rip off prices from the Pasalubong Centers. Here you can buy a variety of abaca made products, abaca is a local plant that looks like a banana which is abundant in Bicol. Some of the common abaca products are sold all over the world are bags, table runners, place mats, wallets, slippers, wall decors, among others. There a lot of local industries producing these items and the prices are way cheaper in the market. If you want pasalubong that is authentic from Bicol or from the Philippines- buy some abaca made products from Legazpi Market. Pili nuts and candies can also be bought in the market in better prices.
