March 21, 2014
On-board a bus bound to Legazpi in Albay, we left Manila at 1900H.
The city is approximately 500 kilometers away from the Capital and at least a 12-hour bus ride. We were six in the team. I got used to this kind of long journey sitting inside a bus as I frequently travel from Manila all the way to the North.
Thinking of Albay, one could immediately recall the majestic "perfect" cone classic stratovolcano - Mayon. Albay, though, is just one of the many popular provinces in the Philippines to tourists - locals and foreigners alike because of its unique beauty that is perfect for every adventure seekers. In fact, I have attempted to climb Mayon twice. My first attempt was via the old lava trail on a rainy season, one of my most unforgettable climbs. My second attempt was via the new trail at Malilipot that brought me up to the crater rim of the volcano.
Our itinerary includes visit to famous Albay heritage churches, lunch at a waterfalls, black sand beacheneering and of course a taste of the deliciously hot Bicol delicacies among others. At 2249H, on our way to Albay, we had a rendezvous at a stopover somewhere in Quezon province for refreshments.
It was past 0700H when we reached the province of Albay and it was a sunny Saturday morning. As there was a clearing, we had a stunning view of the volcano. We had a quick breakfast at DMB's residence and prepared for the whole day activities.
We were deeply grateful of the hospitality that DMB's family extended to us in their place.
At 0915H, on-board a van, we headed on to our first destination, the centuries old church of Tabaco. When I was young, I thought Tabaco in Albay is a place where Tobacco (a plant used for cigarette) grows abundantly, just like a plantation. Many, however, have said that the name Tabaco came from the Bicolano words "Tabak Ko" which means "My Bolo".
According to historians, however, it is not true that Tabaco got its name from "Tabak Ko", but rather from tobacco (in Spanish "Tabaco"), a primary product of the city in the pre-Hispanic period. Learn more about Tabaco.
According to the locals, the present church was built by the seculars in 1864 and completed in 1879. The church, one of the only two declared sites in Bicol Region, was categorized by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure of the country.
The church is built out of dark volcanic soil and stones found in the area. One unusual characteristic of the church is the presence of mason's marks on stones used for the construction of the church building, a rare feature in the Philippines. Its unusual floor plan contains compartments for which there is currently no explanation. It is known for its beautiful and bell tower embedded with rococo designs.
We left Tabaco at 0914H and headed on to Tiwi to see another place of worship, the San Lorenzo Ruiz parish church, another heritage structure in Albay. Tiwi is approximately 13 kilometers away from Tabaco to the north.
By the looks of the structure, the building could have been built in the late 17th century.
Unlike other old church buildings with massive buttresses and decorative facade, Tiwi's house of worship is rather plane and simple. At the church plaza are souvenir shops and several food stalls.
From the church, we headed on to the Vera Falls located in Malinao, one of the popular falls in Albay.
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| Refreshment |
En-route to Malinao is the Tiwi Geothermal Power plant. Inaugurated in 1979 by then President Ferdinand Marcos, this power plant is said to be the third largest Geothermal facility in the Philippines.
Located 30 kilometers away from Tiwi is a tourist-friendly waterfalls nestled at the middle of a lush green forest. Going down the falls means walking through a well maintained concrete trail intended to ensure safety of visitors.
The cool and clear waters and the lush green peaceful forest altogether make the Vera falls truly a paradise.
We headed on to the Mayon Rest House after enjoying the cool waters and having a sumptuous lunch at Vera falls at 1315H.
Also known as "Mayon Planetarium and Science Park", the facility is situated 854 meters above sea level at the foot of the Mayon Volcano within the 6 kilometers permanent danger zone and was opened in March 2006.
From the Rest House, we proceeded to Bacacay and finally checked-in at Viento De Mar Resort and enjoyed the rest of the evening.
We started our activities early in the second day visiting the "Black Sand" beach of Bacacay. It was a gloomy and rainy day. We didn't stay long at the beach as there was a downpour. Nevertheless, I admired the unique beauty of the black sand beach, indeed, "black is beauty".
Travelling west of Bacacay, we headed on to Sto. Domingo to see the St. Dominic De Guzman church. It's a 30-minute van drive.
According to historians, the town of Sto. Domingo was originally named Libog. There were several versions of the origin of the name "Libog" including "Labog", a Bikol word meaning "unclear water". Another has it that the town might have been called after Labog (a jellyfish).
Libod (behind) is yet another version because the town’s position is behind the straight road from Legazpi to Tabaco across Basud to Santa Misericordia. Still another version is from the word "Libot" which means "round about" or "winding way".
Sometimes referred to as the "Twin Belfry Church", the Sto. Domingo church has two dome-shaped belfries attached to the main structure. It is said that the church was built in 1820.
From Sto. Domingo, we headed on to Daraga. Located approximately 17 kilometers away from Sto. Domingo is a place that is probably the most touristic destination in Albay.
A standing Belfry, the remnants of an old church which is said to be destroyed by Mayon's colossal eruption in the early days, commonly known as Cagsawa church.
On summer, this place usually swells with foreign tourists and local visitors from all over the country.
From Cagsawa ruins, we drove 10 kilometers further west to Camalig. It is the home of the vastly popular Hoyop Hoyopan cave.
“Hoyop” in Bicolano means "blowing of air or wind." There are many openings that allows fresh air to blow inside the cave, hence the name Hoyop Hoyopan.
Inside the cave are spectacular display of stalactites and stalagmites. Some structures were built inside the cave including a mini dance floor.
Authorities said, the cave usually serves as shelter for locals during a storm. During the Martial law era when curfew was strictly imposed, this cave also served as a safe haven for partygoers.
Finally, we moved to Daraga again to see the church. According to Wikipedia, the church was built by the Franciscans in 1772 under the patronage of the Our Lady of the Gate. Certain church sections were declared as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines in 2007. Learn more about Daraga Church.
We left Albay past 1900H.
Dios mabalos!
-o0o-
