Backpacking Bicolandia

Two months ago, my best buddy Abs booked a ticket for me which brought me to surprise. The initial plan is to join a major badminton tournament in Manila. At first, it didn't matter. It had never occurred to me that we'll be spending 10 days away from our comfort zones and there was no planned itinerary of where to go after the tournament. Think. Think. Think. Bicol just popped in my head and hey, I want to travel here, go to Camsur, visit Mayon, etc. Excited with the thoughts of backpacking Bicol, I told Abs about my plans and told me, "you do all the planning, bessy" Hmmm.. I did some researching and voila.. we're off to Bicolandia.

The start of our 36-hour Odyssey in Bicol (Heading off to DBLB Pasay Bus Terminal)

We left the Pasay Terminal at around 9Pm, Sunday, 22nd of May and head off to Naga City. We're supposed to stay there for a night but plans changed. Actually, we're planning to go to Caramoan Peninsula but Zandra, my CS contact from Naga told me that it would be hard for us to catch a jeep going to a certain barangay - a jump off to Caramoan, plus, two islands were closed because of Survivor America, so we decided not to do it. We strolled around the streets of Naga and ate a hearty breakfast at the bus terminal. We took a bus again from the Naga City Terminal and head off to Pili, Camarines Sur about 14 km. to take a glimpse of the famous Camsur Water Sports Complex (CWC). Honestly, the view was not that spectacular but I am impressed with Gov. L-Ray's idea of designing such unique watersports park that brought prestige to his beloved Camsur. And since I am not  into wakeboarding, wakeskating or wakeskiing and so with Abs, we decided to just roam around, take pictures and watch tourists eating breakfast at the table. We were not entertained by the CWC Staff since we were dressed up like nomads that haven't taken a bath for centuries. I was even a bit disappointed to a lady staff who passed through me at the lounge, threw me a blank stare and didn't even bother to ask if we're going to check in, order food or ask for assistance to try wakeboarding or something. tsktsktsk. Maybe, she's not that friendly. And since we were already there, we took shots from all angles and decided to head off to Legaspi City.

At the Camsur Watersports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur

I thought it was Zanju Marudo na pagala-gala lang only to find out, si Abs lang pala. haha

Abs kidding around with the tricycle drivers in Iriga City.

From Pili, Camarines Sur, we hailed a bus going to Legaspi City and paid P220 each. We were seated comfortably and enjoyed the scenery along the way. My CS contact Al from Polangui happens to be in Legaspi that day so we decided for a meet up later. We had a stop over at Iriga City Terminal to pick up passengers going to Legaspi so we were given the chance to empty our bladders and chat with the locals - from where we're standing, we had a nice view of Mt. Isarog in Naga and this scene made me more excited to see the famous Mt. Mayon.


Upon reaching Polangui, we transferred from bus to jeep and had a real butt-aching ride trip to Legaspi City. We arrived in Legaspi around 12 noon, hungry, perspiring and exhausted. We're about to check in at Dreams Inn Cafe just across the Pacific Mall but Al arrived and so, plans changed again. I just loved the element of surprise and the spontaneity of things. Al, Abs and I decided to eat our lunch at First Colonial Grill and Restaurant since we're all starving and ordered Bicol express, grilled liempo, binagoongan rice and halaan soup. I had the best lunch ever. haha Al implied not to leave the restaurant without ordering sili icecream and it was indeed great.

The Famous Sili Ice Cream, Malunggay Ice Cream and Tinutungan Ice cream at First Colonial Grill Restaurant in Legaspi City

Al graciously offered his place to us in Polangui so before we head home, we bought some groceries, had jet-speed ride with Renee (his mom's car) and toured us around Albay:

That's Al and his mom's car, Renee

First Stop:
CAGSAWA RUINS in Daraga, Albay


Cagsawa Ruins is a symbol of Bicolanos rich history. A reminder of Mt. Mayon's fury where the church belfry was left upon its eruption. The whole church was covered with lava and the only thing left was its belfry. I can't imagine how tragic it was for the townspeople during its worst eruption and I felt sad for those who did not survived. Cagsawa Ruins is the most visited place here in Bicol. From here, you can take a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Mayon Volcano known for its almost perfect cone. Too bad, we didn't had a clear view of Mt. Mayon because it was all covered with clouds.

At Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay

Mt. Mayon in a blanket of clouds.

Second Stop:
LIGNON HILL AND NATURE PARK  in Daraga, Albay
(Pronounced as Li-nyon)

From Cagsawa, Al took us to Lignon Hill and told us that it's best to go here early in the morning or late afternoon for the sunset and have a great 360 degrees view of Mt. Mayon's pristine beauty and bright lights of Daraga and Legaspi. Lignon Hill has a lot to offer especially to those who are adventure-seekers for they offer a wide variety of outdoor activity such as rapelling, zipline and trekking. For us who happens to be chasing time, we only settled taking pictures and be mesmerized by its majestic sight - a beauty to behold.

At Lignon View point overlooking the airport and a 360 degrees view of Daraga and Legaspi. ISPEKTAKYULAR!

Al and Abs - you think they're brothers,huh?

Al and I with the brightest smiles ;)

Third Stop:
LETTY'S PASALUBONG CENTER in Camalig, Albay 


Before heading off to Mayon Resthouse and Planetarium, we had a quick stop at Letty's to buy its famous crispy Pili Nut Candy and Pinangat. It's really a must so don't go home without bringing those candy jars with you.

The famous "Pinangat" in Bicol (Kung iya katon sa Aklan hay "Linapay" medyo mabahoe eang anda idto) :)

Fourth Stop:
MAYON RESTHOUSE in Tabaco City, Albay


There is no public transport that will take you here so Abs and I were so lucky to have met Al through the CS community. Because of him and Renee(his mom's car), we were able to reach the top and dance beyond the sea of clouds. The journey to the top is scenic. I thought I was going through Baguio City which reminded me of my trip to Sagada. The weather is so cold here. Just across the park's hall lies the Mayon Planetarium and Science Park where you can see photo exhibits and documentaries. Entrance Fee is at Php10.

The Majestic Mt. Mayon Volcano - So beautiful yet so dangerous.

Al and Abs interacting with the local who makes pots for his Bonsai Plants

Test shot without a tripod. How is it possible? hmmmmm.. I really like this photo! ;)

After our roadtripping and conversation in between, we head home to Al's place in Polangui and met his Lolo Carling, Mich and Pau - their househelpers. He prepared a sumptous Tuna Casserole for us and had the best dinner ever at the lawn. (I will talk about them in the next episode) ;) haha 

For now, I'll leave you guys with a thought that it's always fun to try new things and be surprised with what's gonna happen. This whole thing just happened for a day and who knows what might happen the next day. Don't kill the element of surprise. Sail with spontaneity. Live as if it's your last.