Bicol 2015 Series| Cagsawa Ruins

Don't ever miss this place when you are in Legazpi! This has been an advice for anyone who's visiting.  It's actually the no. 1 tourist destination in Albay.

 

with the shy Mayon Volcano

 from Wikipedia:

 

These are the remnants of an 18th-century Franciscan church.  The Cagsawa church was built in 1724, but was destroyed by the eruption of the Mayon Volcano in 1814.  Cagsawa town was buried under several hundred million cubic meters of tephra and lahar, killing an estimated 1,200 people.  Hundreds of inhabitants of the town of Cagsawa purportedly sought refuge in the church, but were also killed by pyroclastic flows and lahar.  Only the belfry and some parts of the convent survive today, though parts of the crumbling façade were still standing long after the 1814 eruption.

 

it's history

 

Today, it's has been preserved as a tourist spot.  Fortunately, that natural disaster didn't happen again in this area.

 

to go there from the City:  Ride a jeepney bound for Cagsawa, alight in the intersection (with belfry structure) then ride a tricycle going to the ruins

 

It's best to visit here early in the morning, to have a better view of Mayon Volcano.  In the afternoon, it will be mostly covered by clouds. 

 

epic fail!

 Our available time to visit is only in the afternoon, so I don't have a picture that clearly shows the perfect cone of this volcano.  God must really love the Philippines.  He has gifted it with lots of beautiful natural sceneries.

  

 

This place has been improved tremendously from the last time I saw it.  There is now an event place.  Souvenir shops are well organized.  Prices here BTW are almost the same with the shops in the city but I found nicer ref. magnets here.
 



shop, shop, shop!



famous for wedding receptions

So what can you do here? - sight seeing, picture taking and shopping of course!  Recently, they have added another activity - ATV adventure.  Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of time for it.  On my next visit then.

 

A lot of people are trying the funny shots but I still opted for the usual shots.

you have to see this for yourself, how thick the walls are

gigantic boulders... just imagine what will happen to you if you will be hit by one of these

he is almost 6 feet tall, so the belfry maybe more than 30 feet tall?

I marveled how thick the walls are and these are just made of stones and some binding ingredients.  But no matter how sturdy it may look, it can't withstand any nature's wrath.  These ruins always remind me that nothing is really permanent in this world and nothing can really be at par with the forces of nature and that we are only mortals.

 

 

Bicol 2015 Series| Daraga Church (Our Lady of the Gate)

 

my viewpoint

If you have been following this blog site, you already knew that I'm a sucker for antiques, memorabilia and historical tourist spots.  I always have a fascination with old churches - the architecture and how they were preserved and restored.

 

It's also because of my faith that I always make it a point to visit any R. Catholic church wherever I go.  It gives me a secured feeling that offering some prayers will keep me (and the family I left behind) safe.

 

 

Since Philippines has been under the Spanish regime for more than 3 centuries, it's no longer a surprise that most of our culture and religion were influenced by them.  Spreading Christianity is their no. 1 mission in invading our dear country.

 

the facade

 

 

During my first assignment in Legazpi City, I was introduced with this church and it has become one of my favorites ever since.  Since then, whenever I'm in this place, I really make sure to visit it. 

 

to go there from the city:  Ride a jeepney bound for Daraga, alight in the market, hike the hill where the church resides.

 

History:

 

This church was originally built in 1772 by Franciscans.  It was established as settlement by people relocating from Cagsawa which was badly hit my the volcano eruption.  It sits atop a hill in Brgy. Sta. Maria and overlooking the famous Mt. Mayon.

 

 It was destroyed during WWII but was restored after the war.  It depicts Renaissance Gothic and Mexican Baroque architectural styles.  It was redesigned in 1971-1973.  Until now, the local government has been serious in its drive in protecting and preserving this church.

I prefer it not painted at all to see it's real beauty.  But looking at it, it shows that the painting is not compatible with the stones used.  Just look how the paint is naturally being stripped off.  It maybe a way of the church to tell the locals to leave it as it is.  Oh! how I love you even more Daraga (for being a rebel like me haha).

 

the watch tower

 

 

Another nice thing about this church is the view of Mt. Mayon.  During clear skies, you can see clearly how magnificent this volcano is.

 

 

 

And for the interiors...

 

simple altar

confession nook

 

There are some eateries, too...

I hope that this church will withstand the test of time and natural disasters for our future generation.  I will always keep coming back for you Daraga Church.

Bicol 2015 Series| Small Talk Cafe

One of the challenges of traveling is finding a good eatery and trying out delectable local dishes.  When I'm on a business trip, I always look for the most recommended eateries since food is my no. 1 on the list to enjoy due to limited sight seeing time.  After a very stressful work, a good food can instantly change one's mood.

 

the small café

Based on my research and blog stalking, this is one of the well recommended restaurants in Legazpi City.  It's a home turn into a Cafe'.  I guess, that the grandma is a good cook which gave them a good idea to venture in a restaurant business and it proves to be a right decision.

 

Fortunately, my hotel is just a few steps away from this place.  I tried this for lunch and return again for afternoon snack together with my colleagues.

 

For the ambiance - they have both indoor and outdoor settings.  Indoor is mostly occupied during day time since it's fully air conditioned and outdoor is for evening gatherings.  This place is jam packed when I visited during lunch.

 

I love this waiting area.  It tells a lot of history.

nice to hang-out in the evenings

 

 

They can also arrange for a closed space for meetings and private gatherings, though from the looks of it, can only accommodate at least 20 persons.

 

the upper portion can be closed for private gatherings

Looking at the menu, prices are affordable. 

 

 

These are our orders:

Laing Pasta for Php130.00

frozen chocolate mousse for Php60.00

their deluxe pizza for Php300++

hamburger set for Php140++

My verdict?  I'll give it 3.5 out of 5.  I liked the Laing Pasta but found the pizza and hamburger just so-so.  The dough of the pizza is not restaurant quality. The hamburger for me is a disappointment as it is not juicy and the patty is not ok.  The frozen cake is also ordinary.  I have to return to try their viands.  They might have other delectable dishes.

Bicol 2015 Series| Ninong's Hotel, Legazpi, Albay

I booked in this hotel due to the good reviews from Agoda and recommendation of my officemate.

the small hotel

It's just a two year old hotel so it's expected to be nice and clean.  One good thing about this hotel is its location - near airport, beside a grocery, walking distance from eateries, accessible through public vehicles and very near the famous tourist spots. Mode of transportation here is via jeepney or tricycle.  Taxis are mostly in airport and big malls.

just a few steps from this plaza

I find the accommodation cost quite high for 2,500.00/night (with breakfast).  I guess the location is a big factor for this.

The lobby:

at the other side is the small cafe

The standard room is spacious enough and with soft mattress and pillows.  I love that it's big enough for me. I find it not well lit since there are only corner lights.  There's a strong Wi-Fi signal in every room and big flat screen TV (plus points!).

The toilet and bath is also spacious enough with rain shower head.  Amenities include slippers, H&C shower, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap.  There's no hair dryer. There are also complimentary mineral water bottles.

There's no pool so this hotel is not great for staycations. You will be forced to go out since there's no interesting activity that can be done here unless you want to surf the net the whole day.

There's a small café that serves meals and with a mini bar.  Breakfast is a choice of daing na bangus, ham, tocino or longganisa, with 2 eggs, juice or coffee and rice or bread.

I got a strong feeling that it's Pampanga's Best tocino

What's best in staying in this hotel?  Aside from the very helpful and friendly staff, this magnificent view from my window.  Now, I understand why the accommodation is not too affordable.  Seeing this scenery upon waking up is simply priceless!

what a perfect cone!

So, if you want to stay in this hotel, request for a room with a view.  For more details, please visit www.ninongshotel.com.ph.