Mt. Tapao on Black Saturday
While the last three years of my life can be described as static, life lately was busy. There were too many activities, day outs and even impromptu trips. Like I mentioned during the first part of our Bicol trip, this trip wasn’t really an overnight idea but still with all the challenges we encountered it’s like we just want this to happen straightaway. Actually, we consider Henry because he’s vacationing for only two weeks and if we delay the trip to another week he can no longer join. So, to everyone’s peace of mind, tara na nga! 😁
Aug 22. After our hearty brunch at Cagsawa Ruins, we rushed back to Mayon Lodging House to just check out. We’re driving to Naga this time, a lot suggested that we drive towards Sorsogon to explore the beach. The problem was we already have a paid homestay in Naga, sayang if we will push a Sorsogon trip. So as not to disrupt our itinerary we went with the original schedules.
The drive from Legazpi to Naga was around two hours, it’s quite boring and very hot. Nakakaantok also. Maybe because we’re not expecting any in Naga, the plan was just to take a nap after we arrive, then attend the anticipated mass, have dinner in a local resto and probably get some night life. Eto un moment na parang we’re just really vacationing to a faraway city.
Our modest homestay in Naga was located in the central, Sleepadz is a hotel-dormitel. The room we got was spacious compared to our homestay in Daraga. There’s also a kitchen inside the room, it’s useful if you’re staying long and plans to cook your meals. Though the place looks old, it’s relatively clean. Maybe they can replace the ac to a bigger capacity so the room gets extra cooler and they can place a television because Tatang G missed his teleseryes.😂
By 5pm we’re all ready to go, we headed to Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Since we arrived early for the 6pm mass, we had the time to offer candles and prayers. We’re still regretful of not pushing the Sorsogon course but still very grateful reaching this far. Malayo layo din ang Bicol sa totoo lang. After the mass, we looked for a dinner place. I suggested Bigg’s Diner because it’s one of Bicol’s homegrown fast-food restaurant. For me it’s a routine to eat at a homegrown restaurant whenever I’m on a trip. Like if you’re in Baguio, one should never miss Don Henrico’s. In LU, you have to try Midway Grill & Halo-Halo de Iloko, if you’re in Ilocos, it’s a must to stop in Plaza Burgos for empanada, okoy and sinanglaw. Same way if you’re in Batangas, lomi and gotong Batangas must be on the list and of course if you’re in Tagaytay, Bag of Beans is a must visit.
Tho Bigg’s Diner have many branches, Waze brought us to the branch just across Porta Mariae. After a quick scan of the menu I know what to get right away. We all had the classic meals —Tenderloin Tips, Tanigue Steak, Tuna Salpicao, Pork Cordon Bleu & Baby Back Ribs. So alam nyo na kung ano order ko syempre.😍
Food looks good but I didn’t really enjoy it because I feel uneasy. My period suddenly got really heavy and I was on regular pads only. I had to take breaks because I already have stains, good thing I was wearing a black pants. I was not really in the mood to take photos, I just want to rush dinner and go back to our dormitel. So, right after dinner we left right away, dropped by Watson to buy diapers, yes, I wear diapers when my period is super heavy because I feel confident that I won’t end up into a big soppy mess.
We decided to cancel our supposed night out, and went back with beers and chips instead. So, we spent the rest of the night just chatting nonsense at syempre ang life choices ng aming Tatang G. Before 12 midnight everyone was in bed already, all excited on the adventure we’re up to in the morning.
It’s Apr 23 and it’s our last day in Bicol, we’re heading home after our short detour. We’ve decided overnight to visit Camarines Norte. Since we missed the Sorsogon route, we thought that we need to make the most out of this trip. Camarines Norte from Naga was another 2-hour drive, good thing that the road was smooth and mostly shaded by big trees so we enjoyed the scenery and even the sharpest curve. Ansaveh ng mga car drifters sa galing ng drayber namin!
We stopped at Daet welcome arc to take photos. Bagasbas beach, our destination was around 10+ more kms from the arc. We passed by The Cory Aquino Boulevard said to be the longest in the country. Oh, di ba me bit of pa-trivia tayo. We’re not actually after the beach here, we’re after the halo-halo said to be one of the best in town.
Catherine’s Restaurant is located inside the Bagasbas Light House Hotel Resort. Since we haven’t had lunch yet, it’s perfect that the restaurant offers more than halo-halo. We ordered Tatay’s Fried Chicken, Bulalo, Lumpiang Shanghai, Laing, Seafood Pinakbet and the famed Halo-Halo Special.
And while waiting for our orders to be ready, we wander around the hotel resort. The place is big and photo worthy. The entrance pathway is covered with colorful umbrellas, there are dining spaces overlooking the ocean, the swimming pool is very inviting and the lighthouse itself is a masterpiece. We regret again staying in Naga, we should have considered staying here and enjoy the sea breeze after our Legazpi tour.
Lunch was another gastronomic adventure, sarap ng Seafood Pinakbet. This was the dish that standout among our orders. Simot up to the last piece!😋 The Halo-Halo Special was creamy, masarap but I can’t really say wow because I can’t eat too much, my cough was acting and my hoarse voice was just recovering. Even before we left for Bicol my voice was already raspy and it became worst to the point that I loss my voice. Imagine how hard it was for me to stay silent.🤐
Yung ramdam na ang pagod pero sige lang 😆
After lunch we walked to the beach which was just across the hotel. The long stretch of beach here and the strong waves are definitely for surfing. Surprisingly even if entrance is free the coastline is clean. The sand is fine, powdery gray and, an afternoon picnic or camping along the shore is very ideal. The best thing about Bagasbas beach is, it looks unspoiled and I hope it will remain this way for long. We stayed for about an hour just walking around and getting sun slapped.
The Pacific breeze was such an experience. We left Bagasbas at around 3pm, we’re headed home, finally. The trip back home took 12 hours or more, we had several stops in Quezon to look for an eatery that serves goto but we failed, some restos were already closed and some do not serve goto.
We were already in Calamba when we spotted a makeshift lugawan, so right away we made the stop and enjoy a piping hot bowl of rice porridge —Goto is life for us, the obvious reason why GOTO Klab was born.💗
This Bicol trip was just a daydream last year when we had our first trip in Baguio. We never thought it will happen soon. We never thought we can totally spin a 360 overnight. Our life choices maybe different including some of our values, our lives aren’t perfect either, we’re all flawed but it’s our flaws that makes us who we are. Honestly, I love this group, everyone is so easy to be with. And everyone always empathizes. These are the friends you want to grow old with.
By the way, the husband wasn’t able to join this trip because he was also on a trip. Sometimes we need to grow separately with other people, we need to go on separate travels to add a new dimension to our married life. April was busy, I’m not really complaining though because I enjoyed every bit of the summer holidays.😘
P.S. Been on a very busy work schedule this June, three more days before our super stressful quarter end close. I want coffee and cake after this, pwede rin namang seafood buffet. 🍤🍣🦪
Sleepadz Naga
Magsaysay Ave, Naga City, Philippines
0927 072 0993
Bigg’s Diner
Barlin St., Corner Paz St., Barangay Santa Cruz, Naga
054 473 3048
Catherine’s
Brgy. Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte
0917 510 1856
january 