It’s a
It’s long weekend (August 25 – 27, 2012) and this means one thing: laag again sa mga suok-suok! To where this time? Sa bayan ng Mayon Volcano, Legaspi – Albay. Promo na naman ang CebuPac, ang mga wak-wak nangatol nasad. For a roundtrip fare of P2,190 for both me and Coleen *The SEO Traveller, ay wala na talagang atrasan to!
Meet my Travel Buddy:
The truth is: Na-byaan mi sa flight, pastilan Dolores, Colores! I couldn’t miss this chance to go, I was excited and I couldn’t disappoint Coleen. And since it was an unintentional fault, I re-booked the flight right then and there sa halagang – SECRET! And Yes, dayun mi but waited 5 hours for the next available flight!
I’ve seen Mayon Volcano around several magazines, it was also all over our grade school books. It became a popular representation of Albay province due to its perfect cone shape.
I have my cousin in Legaspi, Ate Marilou who gladly welcomed us! We were pampered and secured with her and her family’s presence all throughout our stay in Legaspi. Thank you so much ate Mar – kuya Roy – beautiful Lila and playful Gab!
So here are the things we tried and experienced in Bicol:
1. Albay Park and Wildlife
The park is open from 6:00am to 8:00pm daily except Monday. Entrance Fee: P20 for adults and P10 sa mga bulilits. Kids will surely enjoy the spacious playgrounds, mini-zoo and biking areas.
Meet my cousin’s smart son: Gab-Gab
Ate Pam: Gab oh, my peacock! Ba’t kelangan ng peacock uminom ng tubig?
Gab: Para di po sila tumanda! O.O
Pwedi.
2. Cagsawa Ruins
The Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of an 18th century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa church. It was built in 1724 and destroyed by the 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano.
3. The Mayon Valcano
We missed to get a clearer and nicer snap of the volcano when we were there. Both its base and peak were covered with thick clouds though weather was fair. But its beauty was still extraordinary, you would really wonder how nature was able to shape it so perfect. At all points of Albay, you will see this giant landscape standing firm and strong as if it’s guarding the entire place.
4. The Embarcadero Mall
Embarcadero’s special setting makes the place perfect not only for various shoppers but for the entire family and couples. Facing the fascinating Legaspi harbor, you have the options to either listen to a live band, indulge yourself to great cuisines, relax inside the first-class accommodations or just freely stroll the area.
Embarcadero Mall is owned by the same person who owns the luxurious Misibis Bay – Zaldy Co!
And who would dare miss the famous Bicol Express? Bicol region is known for their spicy foods. Almost all forms of dishes in the area are flavored with SILI – katakot-takot na amount ng sili!
The Original Bicol Express fresh from 1st Colonial Grill in Legaspi !
Kainan na!
Bicol isn’t just blessed with wonderful sights but also with warm and very friendly locals. In every corner are souvenir shops in full colors. The pasalubong shops are situated just right at the entrance of Mayon Volcano.
Our very friendly and nice tour guide:
You have all the time to shop for every possible crafts you have in mind in Bicol. Apart from Sili, they also have a bunch of Pili. They also produce statues out from volcano’s ashes – something you couldn’t find anywhere else in the Philippines.
HIGHLIGHT of the TRIP?
The ATV RIDE at the Base of Mayon Volcano
It wasn’t too long ago when the ATV ride was made available to the guests so my assumption was we were among the first few privileged to try it. For P2,500 per person, you’ll get the chance to marvel the ma-rocky, ma-river, ma-bumpy yet ma-exciting na trail going to the base of Mayon. *Hay naku – ma-arte lang!
I’m glad to be able to come with Coleen, she is always on the go to try new adventures.
You will quickly learn the ATV controls – no need to worry about pressing different buttons.
The ride going to the base of Mayon was for about an hour. We were sweating like crazy but the view from the top of Mayon has made it all worth it.
The climb-climb session- para ingnun climber (murag unsa kataas sa gikat-kat!)
Would you believe that these hard rocks were once those hot lava released from the last massive eruption of Mayon Volcano in 2006? Yes na lang, mao may ingun ni tour guide.
The view was out of this world. I couldn’t believe to how close I was to Mayon. He was so huge and mighty. It would be hard to believe that this sleeping giant has killed thousands of locals due to eruption.
On the otherside is the view of Albay, an extremely laid-back, peaceful and clean town.
So much memories to keep with my encounter with Mt. Mayon! I was reminded again of why traveling is a must for me.
Legaspi is an interesting and beautiful spot and would surely not doubt visiting it again. If mahitabo, mu-hapit kog Sorsogon, hadlukun naku si Whale Shark a.k.a Butanding, rar!
Stayed at: Sampaguita Tourist Inn
Days: 3D/2N
Transportation: Plane and Jeepney
Expense: P11,000 (due to re-booked ticket)
Enjoyed most: the ATV ride
Missed: clear and clean sight of Mayon Volcano
Overall Impression: 8 Stars
Travel and Tell 
Would give anything to hike this base – looks so relaxing on top! too
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