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 1st 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 1st 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
january 