goto Bicol part 2

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

 

 

 

goto Bicol part 1

February kita kits, Valentine’s Day at Crosswinds.

Another February kita kits during Arlene’s advance birthday celebration. 

I thought I was over it and even thought I’m too old now to say yes to new adventures but not recently. Tho it wasn’t really an impromptu getaway with my GOTO Klab family (planned it in February during our several meet ups) there were still uncertainties up until the last minute. First, the dates were moved a week earlier than the original schedule. Second, there were clashes of schedule because of the rearrangements. And lastly, the car we’re supposed to use was still in the shop for maintenance and repair. With all the challenges we’re up to we thought of just considering the original schedule. But heavens must be on our side because we’re able to fix everything and sort out all the necessities in 3 days.😅 Kaya, let’s go!

We left hometown at 1am of Apr 21, thank you for the holiday! Dennis was driving during the first leg, his partner, Marie on the passenger seat. Backseat was Estre, Renzy and me while Henry and Greg took the rear backseats. This sitting arrangement was even planned a day before.😁 I prepared the itinerary, essentials and budget 2 days prior and sent it to everyone. I also booked homestays in Daraga and Naga, respectively. I like things in order, even the smallest details of marking my clothes with the day I’m scheduled to wear it. I noticed that as I aged I became more and more OC, which I don’t know if it’s bringing me relief or stress at the end of the day.

Breakfast at a side road eatery, medyo nahiya kami nyang ilabas ang bug-ong namin 😅

Anyhow, the itinerary I prepared wasn’t so strict after all. I told the group that we can skip other activities and go freely, it’s just that it helps if we have something to follow to avoid time wasters. At around 3am we were already in Pagbilao, there was traffic build up despite that early because of road constructions. Before 6am we were already in Antimonan and stopped to a small eatery beside the road to have coffee and eat the Tapsilog I prepared for everyone. You see, I’m really a packer and a girl scout at the same time. I also baked banana bread so we have something sweet to eat later that day.

After a few stretching and toilet break, we’re back on the road. This time I took the passenger seat and Henry was driving. I don’t know but I feel safer when Henry was driving because he’s used to drive with VIPs and I feel he’s more cautious. Si Dennis kasi the typical driver you’ll meet, kaskasero although very alert. I like passenger seat syempre because I can see the whole road and I like navigating and giving directions (minsan pde ko ng palitan si Waze). At 8am, we were already at the gateway of Bicolandia, we stopped to take photos because it’s a must for first timers and to help me documents this trip easily. From the arc, we travelled another 3 more hours to reach Naga. But before reaching Naga, we stopped in Gainza, the town before Naga to have lunch at the house of Dennis’ colleague. It was an eat and run event, although nakakahiya because the family was very welcoming. They have beautiful Alaskan Malamutes and lunch was super cool. Thank you po. 🥰

We passed by Naga and continued our way to Legazpi City. Mayon Volcano was so visible from the road, although its peak was covered with thick clouds the excitement was ramping up. I couldn’t contain it and was so happy to reach this far even if I get an unsolicited advice that going to Bicol just to see Mayon was so ordinary now. Mind you, it’s majestic for me because it’s my first time to see it in the flesh. And even if some of my friends have seen it before, it’s memorable this time because we’re all together now witnessing this God’s masterpiece.

We arrived in our Daraga homestay just 5 mins behind from our supposed checked in time. After a breeze checked in, we were ushered to our room. Mayon Lodging House was actually not my first choice, I initially made booking at Casa Bicolandia Suites because of it’s location, amenities and good reviews but we were cancelled in the morning of Apr 20 because of a COVID-19 outbreak according to Agoda. Imagine the hassle, buti na lang Mayon Lodging House was so easy to book. I just called them and inquired and paid the 50% down payment only. I got us a family room so we could save, besides for trips like this we only need a space to keep our things and a bed to sleep at night. And a decent bathroom of course. Mayon Lodging House actually offers more, they have an open kitchen complete with utensils, dining and grilling area, drinking water plus free wifi and parking. It is also conveniently located along the highway and the best part, Mayon was so visible from the rooftop. I highly recommend this homestay not just because of its amenities and location, staffs are super friendly too, so it’s a plus, plus, point! 🤍

Mayon from our homestay (Mayon Lodging House)

Mayon from Quituinan Hills

After an hour of rest and snacks we decided to go out and explore the city. But we didn’t miss the opportunity to capture Mayon on the roof top of the lodging house. I don’t know with your but it’s so magical, nakaka-happy ng sobra. Our first stop that afternoon was Quituinan Hills, I read that you get the best view of Mayon here during the afternoon and it didn’t disappoint. Mayon was so clear and picturesque. Entrance is P50 and parking is P30 only. Truth is, we’re supposed to go to Lingnon Hill but Waze was not working right and kept giving us a different ending. 😩

We get to enjoy the rest of the afternoon here; the place is actually perfect for picnics kaya lang we’re not ready because we didn’t bring food except for the lone pack of Mr. Chips which Henry slipped before we went out. We were supposed to check the Japanese Tunnel too but it wasn’t available that time. We stayed for an hour I think and head after to Daraga Church. The mass just ended when we arrived and the church was closed already so we were not able to peek inside. It’s quite getting dark then and getting a good photo was a challenge.

Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church commonly known as Daraga Church

From Daraga Church, Mayon was so visible and it’s quite a view. If we made it earlier we could have a beautiful frame of the old church and the volcano. After we lit candles, we went our way to look for a pharmacy because everyone was feeling down, I guess we’re all tired from the 12-hr trip and even before we travelled I was already nursing a bad flu (except that I never had fever). We ended at LCC Mall in Legazpi and had dinner there before we went back to our homestay.

clockwise: pansit bato, pangat, tinutungang manok & laing

I actually scouted 1^st Colonial Grill because they serve authentic Bicol recipes according to reviews apart from they have the famed sili ice cream. So, our first encounter of the authentic Bicol express, laing and pangat was a hit, everything was really flavorful. And to break the rich flavors of Bicol we also ordered the Colonial Liempo (grilled liempo). Another dish very new to us was the Tinutungang Manok, it’s a native chicken dish cooked in coconut cream. It’s flavorful but I’m more focused to eating Bicol express and Pansit Bato. 😋

And that this dinner at 1^st Colonial Grill wouldn’t be complete without trying the sili ice cream. We got a single order because we just want to experience it. When you order the sili ice cream you get to choose what level of spiciness from Level 1-3 and the Volcano.  We got Level 3 and a scoop is enough, anghang! The ice cream was very creamy pero un flavors talaga it was explosive! 🥵

We also dropped by the Embarcadero de Legazpi but there was nothing to see there. I think we spotted two resto from the entrance and that’s it. Maybe at day time it’s ok to go here because the place offers one of the best views of Mayon from the bay.

Roof deck of Mayon Lodging House enjoying 3-1 coffee paired with my banana bread 

Right after dinner we head back to our homestay, even if we wanted some drinks outside we felt that our energies were too low, must be the lack of sleep and the humid Bicol weather. Anyhow, we’re packed the next day so we need our sore bodies to heal and recharge.

The next day (Apr 22), Marie was already up by 5am and had taken her bath. Because we share one shower area only, we needed to double time so we can leave by 7am and start our adventure. While we were taking turns in the shower, our maasikaso drayber made coffee for everyone. How thoughtful eh ☺ Kaya I love these friends because no one is boss, no one is tamad, everyone always does his part.

Our first stop that day was Sumlang Lake, said to be one of the places with pristine view of Mayon. We’re actually one of the first visitors that day so we were able to explore the area untangle. You can go on balsa rides here or just stay at the cottages near the lake. The atmosphere here was so relaxing, and despite the warm Bicol weather we were able to walk around. I read somewhere that there’s a cultural demo here but we didn’t catch one. There’s also a café and a souvenir shop inside but the items here are quite pricey. We didn’t really stay too long at this site so after taking too many photos we left and head to Cagsawa Ruins. For reference, entrance fee at Sumlang Lake is P100 per pax, parking fee is P30.

If you’re not in a hurry, getting around Sumlang Lake is recommended. It’s pretty peaceful in here but there isn’t much to do. 

From Camalig, Albay it was a 15- minute drive to Cagsawa Ruins so it’s basically close by. It was nearly 9am when we reach the ruins and Mayon was very shy, hiding from the clouds.

bago ang lahat, nag-group photo muna kami. it feels surreal to be here! 😍

A lot of tourist was also around so I thought it will be difficult for us to have a decent photo with the remnants of the old church. But we were approached right away by a freelance photographer who later on took all our pictures, trick shots and snap shots that we all wowed. The freelance photog did not give us his or any rate for the services, instead he only requested for a donation fee. Since we enjoyed the shots and shoot itself we gave him P500 for the services. Actually, we weren’t able to explore the ruins ground that far because it was too hot already. We also skipped the ATV ride because my party think it’s unsafe. So right after our photo op, we looked for a resto to sit down and have brunch. I included Gotohan sa Cagsawa in our itinerary but later on found out that its name was changed to Zekie’s Gotohan.

clockwise: Bicol express crispy, grilled salmon, pansit bato, pinangat, adobong pusit sa gata 

Because it was really humid at their dining area, we requested a set-up under a shaded tree, a little distant from their kitchen. We ordered Bicol express, Special Pinangat, Grilled Salmon, adobong pusit sa gata and Pansit Bato. Probably one of the best meals we had in Bicol. 🤍

i don’t know if we really got these bags on super bargain price. heniway, it’s prettier than it looks. 

Of course, we didn’t the skip the pasalubong shopping before leaving Cagsawa. We bought from the shops outside the gate because we felt it’s cheaper compared to the shops inside the ruins. We got pili nuts, pili tarts, native fans (pay-pay), house slippers made from abacca, souvenir shirts, key chains, ref magnets, wallets, matching bags and panghilod na bato. I just realized that Tatang Greg was really looking forward to this pasalubong shopping, maybe more than we do. 😂

Since we’re schedule to check out by 12nn, we went back to our homestay by 11:30am to freshen up and pack our things so we can leave for Naga in time. To be continued…

1st Colonial Grill

Ayala Mall Legazpi

Zekies Gotohan sa Cagsawa

Busay, Daraga, Albay Legazpi

Mayon Lodging House

KM3172, B National Road, Daraga, Legazpi City, 4105 Albay

Tel. +63 919 991 4561