Part 2- Albay, Bicol

This is the part 2 of our travel documentation in Albay. Click this link if you've missed the first part.

Our remaining 2 days in Albay was more relaxing.. Less tour but more bonding moment with Jan's family. We woke up early for breakfast and the killer beauty of Mayon from our hotel room started our day with a happy and positive energy.

After breakfast,we headed to Lignon Hill.. A prominent hill in Legazpi City (and has been designated as a nature park) overlooking the entire city of Legazpi and majestic Mayon Volcano. The park has restaurant, souvenir shops, zipline and a 50 foot tunnel constructed by the Japanese soldiers during the WWWII

In just a minute, the shy Mayon is once again covered with clouds.

The heat of the sun was too draining so after we took our lunch at the hotel, we've spent the rest of the afternoon with a loonnng nap. As soon as we had our energy back (we didn't even notice it was almost dinner) we went to Pacific mall to fill our tummies with more Bicol delicacies at Colonial Grill who became popular with their unique ice cream flavors like sili and pili(nut) ice cream. For dessert, we ordered their best-selling sili ice cream and I could say that it tastes deliciously weird. Hehe. It also has a "kick" after taste effect. Good idea Colonial grill!!

I have been bragging about DJC Halo-Halo to Jan's family ever since we've met in Bicol. And since DJC Halo-halo has a branch inside the Pacific mall's foodcourt, I suggested for us to try it. The mall was already closing (Malls/establishments in Albay closes as early as 8pm) the staff still accommodated our order. The price is Php10.00 higher than the original branch in Tiwi but with the same yummy taste! geez, I couldn't still get over of DJC Halo-halo. I hope they would soon open a branch here in Manila.

Sorry for the blurred photo. DJC Halo-Halo in Pacific Mall Branch (Php70.00)

Our 2nd day in Albay ended with a relaxing Thai massage at Chetawan Foot & body massage located just beside the Pacific Mall in Legazpi City. I swear this was by far the best Thai massage I have ever experienced... Their staff are well-trained and friendly. We had a good night sleep after. Too bad I didn't bring my phone so I was not able to take a photo of their Legazpi City branch. I believe Chetawan Foot and Body massage has branches in Las Pinas & Quezon City, too.

------- 

The next day before our flight back to Manila.. We once again stopped by to Cagsawa Ruins. I have seen Mayon many times [Mayon's tip can be seen in our ancestral house in Bacacay and my view as I wash our dishes ) but it still never failed to leave me in awe. Truly, a God's wonderful creation.

So that ends our sweet escape to Albay. I hope next time.. My mom, sister and Xian could also join in our next travel. Thank you Lord for this another opportunity to travel together with our families.. See you again.. Mahal Kong Bicol.

Always be a proud Bicolana,

Rica ♡

Part 1- Albay, Bicol

Our trip to Bicol was short but sweet. It was extra special not only because Bicol is my hometown but also because this trip allowed us to bond with both our families while discovering together what Albay has more to offer. And even though this trip was unplanned (we even had to cancel our flight to Bacolod for this) but there is indeed no better way to travel than to spend it with your family and lovedones. 

We arrived in Legazpi Airport at 10:30am and my uncles immediately greeted us at the arrival area. Coincidentally, one of my uncle (who recently just married) together with his wife went home to Bicol in the exact date of our arrival. And since it's Jan and my uncle's wife first time in Bicol, we rented the jeep of our relative to tour our special guests around Albay. We first headed to the most visited tourist spot in Daraga.. The Cagsawa Ruins which is around 10mins drive from the airport. Aside from its history, the Cagsawa Ruins Park gives a great view of the Majestic Mayon Volcano --but at the time of our arrival, the shy Mayon was already covered with clouds. To see its full beauty, it is best to visit the Park early in the morning.

There were also a lot of souvenir items, abaca handicrafts & calenderia along the park. We decided to have our early lunch in one of the calenderia there and enjoyed the Bicolano's famous spicy and coconut-based dishes such as Bicol express, Gatang Puso ng saging, gatang blue marlin and another gata dish. Sorry I'm literally not good in naming & describing foods. All I can state is whether the food tastes good or not. But with all the dishes we ordered, it was absolutely a thumbs up! Masiramon!!

We also tried (out of curiosity) a fruit shake stall that offers Sili Shake. And well, the seller put too much chili we couldn't stand the spice and throw it after just one sip. The experience costs us Php55.00. Hehe. They also offer Bicol Express Shake. Yay!

After lunch we headed next to the town of Tiwi to experience its famous natural spring pool. My mom would always tell me of her fond childhood memory in Tiwi where they used to boil their saging na saba and eggs thru its steamy holes --and that is why in this trip, I didn't forget to include it in our itinerary. As we ask for direction to the hot spring, the people would always weirdly point us to Tiwi Spring Resort-- only to find out later that the famed hot spring had  already died naturally long time ago. What is left are only a few spring resorts like the ones in Laguna. Gahhh.. How come I didn't even research on this before suggesting an itinerary?! We even travelled a one hour ride for this tapos epic fail pala. What a lame?! But good thing, the DJC Halo-halo saved our day!

DJC Halo-halo is one of the most popular restaurants to try out when in Bicol and has always been tag as one of the yummiest halo-halo in town . The original restaurant is located in Tiwi just a short ride away from the Tiwi Spring Resort. They also have branches in Pacific Mall in Legazpi City and Naga. And my..they are absolutely right. In just a minute, I literally finished my halo-halo. DJC halo-halo is the best halo-halo I've ever tasted.. Much yummier than the other famous halo-halo like Razons & Digman. The ingredients blended well together and the added cheese made the halo-halo creamier. It was definitely worth the one hour jeepney ride and failed hot spring adventure. Hehe.

DJC Halo-halo (Php60.00)

After quenching our thirst with yummy halo-halo of DJC, we took another one hour ride to Bacacay to visit the grave of my maternal grandparents..

I am my grandparents favorite grandchild. Every summer vacation, my Lola would always take me to Bicol. As a young kid, my Lolo and Lola gave me so much love and affection to remember forever. That is why even though it has been years since both of them passed away.. its still hurt me like hell to see their names in their grave stones. I miss you Loli and Lolo.

With my Tito Ike and wife, Tita Harlene

And our last stop for our jeepney tour .. The hi-hello-kamusta po-mano po moment with my relatives in San Pedro and Ilawod. In our town, everybody knows each other and everybody's business.. And one must give respect by "mano" gestures .. Kaya unli mano kami ni Jan. Hehe. I also had the opportunity to bring Jan to my grandparents house . it made me teary eyed to see that the house where I used to live is now empty, lifeless and abandoned. As I look at our house, the memory of my childhood with my grandparents had flashed back. It was fun though to tell these stories with the man I love  the most. Thank you honey for always accompanying me with all my adventures.

After our sumptuous Laing and adobo dinner prepared by my Tito.. We headed back to Legazpi City to be with Jan's family. We've stayed in Magayon Hotel located at Peñaranda St. The hotel is ok for bagpackers and for travelers who are just looking for a descent place to sleep. I'm not literally O.C to hotels but I had to comment about the dead cockroach we found in our sheet. It was really gross .. The hotel should do something about the maintenance and cleanliness of the hotel. Apart from that, the hotel is just fine .. Very accessible location to tourist destinations in Albay by simply riding a tricycle in front of the hotel.

And then we just spent the rest of the night at Embarcadero.. It was a loonnngg, draining but fulfilled first day in Albay.

To be continued..

Always,

Rica ♡