By July, with all our stuff packed and excitement level to the max, we joined our group of friends at NAIA. We were actually the last ones to arrive because the Grab driver we booked was not really familiar with where the domestic flights in NAIA takes off. To top it off, he was too much, like too much, of a careful driver that we were probably cruising the highway at 20mph (yes, I am exaggerating).
It was Jem and I's first flight together and we were really, really excited. Unfortunately though, we were not seated together HAHA
Mayon Volcano as seen from the plane :)
We landed in Legazpi airport roughly around 6:30 in the morning. Our flight was delayed for a few minutes due to air traffic, I think. Before heading to our friend's house, France (see Tagaytay Adventure), we had our buffet breakfast at the only restaurant in the vicinity.
HELLO, LEGAZPI!
After sometime, we were picked up by her parents and dropped off at their enormous house AND lot (not exaggerating here) so that we can leave our stuff for the tour we were having.
Our first stop was at Simbahan ng Daraga. Here are some photos we took :)
Daraga Churh as seen from outside
(Artsy Shot lols) Some of the images that can be seen inside Daraga Church
Overlooking the shy Mayon Volcano
Some history of the church: The Daraga Church was built in 1773 by Franciscan priests. By 1814, devote believers of Cagsawa started worshiping here due to the destruction of the Cagsawa Church when Mayon Volcano erupted. The church was also used by the Japaneses army during WWII and was eventually destroyed. By 1971-73, the church was renovated. The church is an example of Baroque Style of building that were built by Filipino workers during the Spanish occupation.
For our second stop, we went to Cagsawa Church Ruins where most tourists go to get a view of the magnificent Mayon Volcano.
The Perfect Cone Shape!
Jem with the Cagsawa Church Ruins
This place is quite popular due to the view it offers. Along with it, you get to see the beauty of destruction. The Cagsawa Church Ruins are the remnants of the 16th century Franciscan Church. Although there are claims that it wasn't really burried when Mayon erupted, it still is the most popular story as to why the bell tower is the only visible part of it.
Next up, we went to check out Sumlang Lake.
Dabarkads at Sumlang Lake
SWEET <3
Shot from inside one of their premium designed cottages
Sumlang Lake is little by little making its name known to tourists. They have some floating balsa all around the lake which you can rent. Most of them have grand designed chairs and huts which are eye-candy!
Before continuing our tour, we had our lunch at one of the restaurants that France's mother is quite familiar with. We didn't get to take a picture of the place because we were really starving HAHA
Continuing our tour, we headed straight to Kawa Kawa Hill. The place is actually a site for pilgrimage and is dotted with the different Stations of the Cross. If you're planning on visiting Bicol during the Holy Week and want to participate, you can head over this place.
The first station that will greet you at Kawa Kawa Hill. You'll be encountering more while walking.
Always the one walking behind the group hehe
SELCA!
View from the higher grounds of Kawa Kawa Hill
Arc of Love (or something). They have ATV Adventure on the lower, flat grounds should you wish to try.
Just a note though, this place is a hill so expect that you will be traversing an uphill way. Wear comfy shoes and bring lots of water :)
Before the day ends, we completed our tour by heading over Mayon Skyline View Deck which offered the greatest scenery of Albay!
THAT VIEW!!!
One of our most memorable trip! (Hello there, JL HAHA)
<3 <3 <3
Jem's signature pose
DABARKADS WITH MAYON!
After getting down from the view deck, we headed back to France's house to clean ourselves up and have our delicious, Bicol dinner! Before tucking ourselves for the night though, we spent some hours doing karaoke and having the night of our lives!
So there you go, our first day of tour in Albay! Since this is already long, I'll be cutting it here and update you guys on the 2nd part of our vacation on my next post. 'Till then!
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Click here for the 2nd part! :D
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