Wow! Legazpi.

Still feeling groggy with 2 - 3 hours of sleep and slightly exhausted from the previous day's road trip, we managed to stay awake as we headed towards the NAIA for our early morning flight bound for Legazpi. 

As soon as we got on the aircraft, we all tried to catch some more sleep. Few minutes had passed the speaker in the airplane announced a heartbreaking news. The captain just declared signs of poor visibility in the cloudy skies nearing Legazpi. In addition to that, he said that the Legazpi airport was closed. I was like WTF! My heart just sank and all I did at that moment was I prayed hard that everything would fall into place.   

A few moments later, the speaker alarm went on again and everybody seemed to be attentive as to what the captain might have to declare. 

" We are now on our final descent. The airport is now open."

God. That must have been the greatest news I have ever heard in my entire life so far! Thank God!

Wohoo! Hello

Legazpi City is a small urban center kind of similar to that of Dumaguete City. Available transportations include v-hires, tricycles, taxis and rent a vans. The city is relatively small so I doubt you could get lost here. 

As much as we wanted Mr. Sun to show up, the weather did not cooperate. Legazpi's climate was really moody. First thing you know it rains hard, after a few minutes Mr. Sun shows up again. Then again, rain showers come pouring again. Yet despite all that, we pursued our tour around the city. 

First Stop

I. Daraga Church, Albay 

(March 27, 2011)

An 18th century flamboyant church that stands on hill with splendid views of the sea and Mayon Volcano. Its stone structured build is adorned with statuary, carvings and alcoves at varied heights. This church was said to be built after Mayon Volcano erupted which covered the original church in the town of Cagsawa.

II. Cagsawa Ruins
(p10 per head)

The Cagsawa Ruins Park is one of the most visited spots in the area. From here, the tourists are allowed to witness the majestic view of Mt. Mayon and appreciate it's world renowned perfect cone. 

The Cagsawa bell tower is the only one that remains today. It is a formidable reminder of events that took place during 1814 eruption wherein it was recorded as the worst eruption of Mt. Mayon. A number of people sought refuge in the church during the eruption but they all died as the church was buried by the flowing lava. 

  Despite the awful story behind the park's history and the continuous rain showers, we still enjoyed taking photos which were choreographed by our new friend whom we met in the place. Credits to 'Sam Milby' as what we fondly called him, for giving us directions and for taking our cool pictures!

III. Embarcadero 
The Embarcadero is Legazpi's lifestyle hub and entertainment center. The place offers bars, retail shops, bowling alley, karaoke house, a Celebration plaza and a lot more. It is similar to that of I.T. Park here in Cebu however it is situated in a coastal area. 

IV. Lignon Hill

(March 28,2011)
(p15 per head)

Lignon Hill is another brilliant landmark in the city behind the Legazpi Airport and beside Albay Wildlife Park. We ascended towards it's peak in the evening and we were awed with the magnificent view of the sparkling city lights and enjoyed the chilly breeze from the ocean. 

The friendly locals advised that it is best to walk up the hill early in the morning just before sunrise when the air is cool. Tourists would have the chance to appreciate Mt. Mayon all in its naked glory. 

But in our case, we just arrived from Donsol late in the afternoon, so we went for the alternative and explored the hill in the evening which was amusing as well. 

Aside from taking pleasure of the spectacular site of the city lights, we gathered around as Daut treated us for dinner. We enjoyed reminiscing the moments we had our whaleshark encounter earlier that day. 

(Donsol, Sorsogon blog update still to follow, so stay tuned!)

V. Mt. Mayon
(March 29, 2011)
(p1,800/pax/ATV; 
as you'd notice, we are two persons riding on an ATV, well, go figure! *wink*)


What better way to witness the majestic view of the elusive Mount Mayon than a hardcore ATV ride on rough and muddy trails towards the lava formation.

Rough riding along the uneven paths.\m/.

 

Along the way, we were able to appreciate the culture and the livelihood of the locals residing within the area. 
What made me even smile more was when kids extended their arms out and gave us high fives whenever we passed by.

As we reached our destination, we made our way up a towering wall to the lava formation through a 5 - 10 minute trek. Climbed up the jagged edged boulders and large rocks that were loosely piled on top of each other. 

 It was quite exhausting and we had to stop for a while to catch our breath. But the moment we took a glimpse of the foot of the volcano, we knew we just had to keep going.

And then behold, Mount Mayon, all in it's naked glory. 

Regardless of the cumulus clouds suspended proudly on its tip, the scenery sent us chills and goosebumps all over our body.

What more could we do to cherish this awesome moment? 

Here we go again with our choreographed pictures! 

HAHA.

Big thanks to the friendly and considerate tour guides and staffs of the astounding ATV ride! 

VI. Albay Wildlife Park

(p20 per head)

This was our last stop before we bade goodbye to Legazpi City. Since the park was just accessible from the airport, we stopped by to take a brief tour around Legazpi's picnic grove and park rolled into one.

 

Say hello to my dream pet! If I were crazy enough, I would steal you in the middle of the night and take you with me in the morning flight! 

hahaha.;)

So that ends my Legazpi adventure. 

Fun.

Fulfilling.

Blessed.

Radness.

Majestic.

Splendid.

Hardcore.

And all divine synonyms of AWESOMENESS!!!

More exciting escapades to come in our Donsol, Sorsogon trip till my next blogger update!

Luzon Road Trip

Bade adiós to rain showers and embraced radiant sun rays on the first few weeks of March as it marked the kickoff of my favorite season of the year, SUMMER!

And to perfectly commence summer time, my friends and I set off to an adventure and experience of a lifetime.. .

I.Road Trip
(march 26, 2011)

Straight from the airport, we journeyed back in time and explored Philippine history at Intramuros. It is situated along the southern bank of the Pasig river and was built by the Spaniards during the 16th century. Intramuros, which is nicknamed "The Walled City" is actually the oldest district of Manila, the capital of our country, Philippines.  Its name, in Spanish literally means "within the walls" which describes the place to be actually surrounded by thick, towering walls and ditch. 

 What better way to tour around the location than a kalesa ride with Petra "the kabayo" and with a loquacious and comical horse man!

Except for the fact that he was so demanding in terms of providing him a huge tip. Kuya talaga! Tourista nga kami, pro ang laki kayang nabayad namin sayo and you wanted more! tsk3x. 

But other than that, we definitely enjoyed our brief trip for almost an hour that cost us only p100 per head.

As one of our friends, Daut, arrived with wheels, we persisted on and drove along the long way to Batangas. Still drowsy due to lack of sleep, we still managed to stay awake because we just could not afford to miss any sightings along our expedition.
Daut, being our tour guide as well, took us to Caleruega at Brgy., Nasugbu, Batangas.
There stood rising tall and exalted Transfiguration Chapel. From here, one can feast their eyes on the extensive scenery of the gorgeous sky, trees and distant hills. 

Caleruega is a house of prayer and renewal. It is open to activities like retreats, recollections, prayer, and renewal workshop, study, research, youth camps, marriage and family encounter celebrations, skills training, leadership seminars, art, music, and liturgy workshops, and environment and agriculture-related activities.

www.dominicans.ph/caleruega 

Caleruega, Philippines.

Close to Nature. Close to God. 

This was my second time in Tagaytay and I just could not get enough of this place. Ideal spot for nature lovers like me, Tagaytay offers a spectacular view of the Taal Lake, a lake within an island with a lake. In addition to that, I loved the climate since the place is characterized by a relatively low temperature. The City is blessed with rejuvenating climate with an average temperature of 22.7 °C. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagaytay

Aside from admiring the marvelous landscapes of the City, we went on

a food trip to satisfy our hungry stomachs.  

Rowena's houses the best tasting mini tarts I have ever consumed. 

Their tarts come in a variety of flavors; buko, apple, mango, 

pineapple, ube, chocolate, strawberry cheescake and blueberry cheesecake.

The latter has become my favorite ever since.

Other than the tarts, the gourmet house also offers variety of delicious 

home-made items. 

Nearing dinner time, Daut mentioned that he had some friends 

back from work who prepared dinner for a small gathering and we were 

invited as well. But before pursuing there, we stopped by at Bag of Beans

wherein our friend recommended palatable eats for a reasonable cost.

We just ordered a few just to tease our appetite before digging in the main course in a little while.

Our friend, Loura a.k.a Askal, testified that their mashed potatoes is one of the 

best tasting so far. So we did not hesitate and judged it ourselves.

and OMG. It was indeed 'muy bien'. As in really good. Not to mention their garlic and mushroom pasta was uber divine too!

It was like a heavenly celebration of good tasting dishes in our taste buds!

We fell in l♥ve with Bag of Beans! 

Hoping we could come back for more someday. ..

Hungry for more, we proceeded to Daut's friend's creative and humble abode which was located just at the heart of the city. We were greeted with a warm welcome from his friends despite from the freezing breeze in the cool night. 

Bon appetit! 

Salad. 

Bulalo.

Adobong manok.

Danggit.

Fresh fruits.

Sweet adorable cupcakes.

Dried mangoes. 

Om nom nom! Nothing beats lutong bahay! ;)

 

The rest of the gang shared a few drinks and laughter after a superb supper.

F.Y.I The slanted frame behind us is actually tilted in purpose to create an artistic feel in their charming home. 

(Motha and Jeric frying the danggits!) The couple, Milet and Rodel (not the ones in the picture), who owns the adorable house hand painted themselves the walls of their kitchen. Neat huh? ;)

 After everyone were slightly intoxicated with alcohol, we called it a night as we still have to catch an early flight the following day. We drove home safely and dropped off some Daut's friends along the way in Bacoor. We exchanged farewells and we continued towards Daut's place to catch some shut eye. ..

Feeling drowsy and gastronomically satisfied at the same time, we dozed off exhaustingly as another adventure awaits as soon as we awake .. . 

Dread Meat!

A

diet could help add years to my life. 

I seriously need to dread meat. 

Self control.

Self discipline.

Life starts at 40.

I may not be able to attain that far.

If I would, my kidneys have to be replaced. 

If it happens, I may not make it another year 

because rejection is a high possibility.

What about kids?

What about family?

What about globe trotting?

...