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| ready for Sorsogon but... |
Today's supposed to be spent exploring Sorsogon. However, MJ told us that we could just be wasting our time as there are no more dolphins to see at this time of the year. We were kind of skeptical at first so we called the tourism office to confirm. And yes there would really be a major change of plans.
So, instead of the supposed Donsol trip, we rather took a provincial tour of the Province of Albay. It's not just a simple tour as will be touring the whole area surrounding Mt. Mayon!
MJ gave us this rate of 1,800 each for the tour. This already includes the transportation for the day and the entrance fees.
We met at the St. Gregory Cathedral. MJ, with an adventure, fetched us.
So, our first stop was Albay Pili Nut as this was the nearest. This store has been here since 1987 and is best known for being the original.
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| original Albay delicacies |
MJ told us that a Korean wants to join the tour and he is waiting near 1st Colonial Grill.
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| can't wait to eat! |
While MJ was busy negotiating with him, we headed to this restaurant so known for its Sili Ice Cream, Tinutung na Ice Cream and Pili Nut Ice Cream!
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| here they are.. |
Wah! Felt like we're not in the Philippines anymore! How I love the differences though located in one country!
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| a bit of the three.. |
The sili ice cream was really unique, the tinutungan tasted like rice crispies and the pili nut tasted so much like almonds! We really enjoyed it!
We were done with our ice creams when MJ returned together with Cabin, our new Korean friend.
I so envy this man as he gets paid to travel! As in!
He is an article writer for a newspaper and has been visiting the country so many times to feature it in Korea. Wow.
Back to the tour, our next stop is the historical Daraga Church.
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| Daraga Church |
The white painting of the facade is part if the ongoing restoration of the church.
This was so helpful during the eruption of Mt. Mayon centuries ago as this served as the evacuation site of the villagers.
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| oh Mt. Mayon, this should've been a perfect shot! |
As we were in Daraga already, we stopped by Cagsawa ruins again for Cabin. I was really hoping I could see Mt. Mayon clearly but at this time of the day, I knew I needed a miracle. Haha
Then, off we went to Hoyop-hoyopan cave. A very large natural attraction in Camalig, Albay.
This was named as such due to the wind flowing freely to the cave through its big openings and holes.
The guide was really effective, speaking to us in straight English. We toured around the cave as we got a glimpse of how it served as a house of the people of pre-historic times.
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| spelunking! |
Expect to be amazed of the rock formations..
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| used to be a house during the pre-historic times |
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| with our guide |
And the reason this wide dance floor was made.
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| party party! |
We went out in a different opening and walked ourselves back to the entrance. It was at this point I saw a Kaong tree for the first time. Haha
After the cave, we drove to the town of Camalig to have lunch. I was so glad as I would be able to taste Pinangat, Camalig's pride.
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| Pinangat! |
We ordered Sinigang and Bicol Express on top of Pinangat.
Bicol express is really superb anywhere in Bicol Region. I couldn't forget Cabin' face when he tried Sinigang saying it was really sour. And I just knew Pinangat is made of Taro/Gabi leaves. It was yummy but not the kind that I would really crave for. Sorry.
Next up was Kawa-Kawa Hill. The best site for Catholic lenten celebration, this place is owned by a congregation. Complete with 14 stations, going up the hill would not be easy but you get to thank Jesus more for all his sacrifices.
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| The Last Supper |
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| Kawa-Kawa |
We headed to Mayon Skyline after lunch. If you have no idea where this is, then I would say it's at the Mayon Volcano. It's the closest you could ever see the crater itself.
Man, I was really thrilled when I saw a white building halfway from the foot of Mt. Mayon and MJ pointed it out to be our next destination.
It wasn't easy going up Mt. Mayon. I saw no public vehicles driving up and down the area which really made me thankful to book a tour with MJ.
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meanwhile, the view
When we arrived, Mayon was a bit shy. So, we ate ice cream as she slowly unfolded her beauty. I was in awe and in fear! Gosh, the crater was so visible we would really be burned to the last bones if it decides to erupt at that very moment.
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| sooo near! |
The feeling of personally experiencing Mt. Mayon was truly unforgettable. It's one of those moments I am really proud to share.
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I know this pic says it all
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Though we were not yet used to the beauty of Mayon ( and I know we can never really be), we have to go. There are 2 more spots we needed to see.
Then to the Busay falls we went. The falls was high and the water so inviting after a very humid day. There was even a pipe where fresh water from the mountain flows freely and you can drink it!
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| Busay falls! |
However, we were behind our schedule already and went to our last stop already, the famous black sand beach of Bacacay!
Well, this natural beauty was caused by very huge eruption of Mt. Mayon way way back. My cam was drained I wasn't able to take some pics but it looked so much like this:
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| from Lakwatsera Diaries |
If you can see it in your own eyes, you would really be amazed and frightened. The black fine sand, clear waters and very clean shore will leave you at awe. But still, the eruption would linger on your mind seeing the effect it has caused.
We would have stayed there as we planned but we found the resort sooo retreat house-like (sorry!) that we couldn't just let a night pass without doing anything (plus it would be jason's bday 2mrw!) So, we went back to the hostel. Haha
We rested after a day of adventure ubder the scorching heat of Mr. Sun. But after an hour or two, we managed to get up and headed to Robinson's supermarket to buy some food and drinks for later.
Then , to Small Talk cafe for pizza and pasta. We didn't have dinner as we planned to eat later at the hostel - a little surprise for Jason.
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| they have one of the best pizzas in Bicol |
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| nice interiors! |
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| al fresco |
So, everything's set! We invaded the balcony of the hostel. We brought our videoke prowess from Cebu to the quiet neighborhood of Albay. We only have until 12 mn though and we need to keep the volume at the minimum. Haha
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| let's eat!!! |
The place may have been new but our friendship's so deep we never minded it.
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| just good times! |
It was super duper fun when MJ finally let out the surprise cupcakes and joined us.
I just couldn't imagine how this night would have been had we decided to stay in Bacacay. I'm just glad.it turned out to be much more.memorable! :)
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| Happy Birthday! :) |
Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 1)
Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 2)
Albay Summer Adventure! (Part 4)
