Half-day Date with Mt. Mayon

March 10, 2012

arrival at the airport

It all started when Cebu Pacific launched its P1 fare. I scheduled my mom a trip to Manila from our province in Mindanao. I booked her a flight from Thursday to Sunday. She had an appointment on Friday and making her Saturday available. Since we already roamed almost all attractions in Manila, I checked for an airfare going to Legazpi, Albay and there were available slots.

I booked the earliest flight leaving Manila at 6am and arriving Legazpi City after an hour, with a return flight leaving Legazpi City at 2pm and arriving Manila at 3pm.  It was a same day flight since it’s the only vacant day for my mom.

my mom at the airport

Early morning, we went to NAIA Terminal 3. Have the normal check-in procedures without any baggage and then went inside the departure area. Good thing the flight departed on time so we can have ample time to roam around Legazpi even for just a day only. 

Minutes before 7am, the plane glided towards Legazpi Airport. On the left side of the plane you can see the majestic beauty of Mt. Mayon and on the other side was the aerial view of the city. It was a sunny morning in Legazpi when we arrived at the airport. What surprised us the most was the view of Mt. Mayon showcasing the perfect cone shape without any clouds distracting it.

We didn’t have any checked-in luggage so we went directly to the taxi stand. My initial plan was just to hail a cab going to Cagsaua Ruins and after that, we’ll just kill our time roaming around the city. So I negotiated one taxi cab for the plan. At first, we agreed at a price of Php 500 just a round trip to Cagsaua Ruins.

at Cagsaua Ruins

Without further delays, we drove straight to Cagsaua. It was a 15-30 minutes ride from the airport. Just near the place, there was a portion that the vehicles cannot pass thru since the bridge was destroyed, repair was on-going. So we had to stop there and just take a walk towards the ruins. It was not that far. I love the place, it’s a typical scene in the province, just like in our place.

Near the gate you may find the souvenir shops around. Several displays can really capture your attention and made you think exactly what you want to buy when you come out.  We paid entrance fees and other fees before feasting our eyes on the ruins. I also read a blog that there were tourist assistants around the area offering quick tour guide. They also know how to take the best photos with the ruins and Mt. Mayon with some stunts. So when a guy came near to us and offered to take some photos, I actually asked him his price. He just told us that it is up to us how much we can spare.

With his knowledge on the photo stunts, I and mom now have an instant photographer. I entrusted my camera to him and he began directing our poses. We were told to stand, lean over and even raise our hands. The outcome was nice. It’s like we’re giants leaning on the bell tower. He also took us to the inner ruins of the church itself. I was busy enjoying the beauty of the place. I was stunned on the rocks forming the church and a bit saddened on what happened to the church. We took several pictures in the church and then decided to go out the field where we can have a very nice view of Mt. Mayon.

pose at the ruins

On the outside of the church, we can see the huge volcanic rocks still present. It formed part of the landscape around the area. You can really imagine how these rocks destroy the church. On the other hand, since it’s just morning, Mayon was not yet covered with clouds so you can really see its majestic beauty featuring its perfect cone shape. The sunny morning bring so much beauty on the volcano. We did the ever famous jump shot on the place making Mayon as our background. We really enjoyed our visit to the place.

ever famous jump shot

I gave some tips to our photographer since we were satisfied with what he did. The shots made it remarkable. We went to the souvenir shops to look for some keepsake on the place. I bought a small item, a miniature Mt. Mayon carved on the lava rock. 

We met with our driver just near the shops. Our driver asked us where to go next and I said I don’t know, maybe we’ll just kill our time at the Embarkadero. But the driver offered me a half day service that instead of paying him Php 500, I can add Php 2,000 for the half day service. He will take us to the planetarium, embarkadero, to the boulevard, to Lignon Hill and back to the airport for departure. So I agreed with the plan since we don’t have other destinations after Cagsaua Ruins.

We walked back to our cab and off we drove to Planetarium. It was quite far, we went our way along the Legazpi – Tabaco Rd then we turned left towards the back of Mt. Mayon. It was a road going up the mountain; the location of the planetarium is like halfway up the summit of the volcano. The place was amazing and refreshing. When we reached the place, we were the only visitor that time. It was overlooking the bay. We can see Tabaco City from afar. It was colder since we’re on a higher altitude. I and mom just feasted our eyes on the views around that we decided not to go inside the Planetarium itself. We bought Pili nuts and some snacks since we’re a bit hungry; we only had a light breakfast.

After a while of roaming around, we were surprised that several tour buses came to visit the place. It’s a wow that even it was far from the city, several educational tours were also making planetarium their destination. We decided to leave the place since there were lots of students coming out and also we are making most of our time for our half-day visit. 

lunch at Sibid-Sibid

From the planetarium, we decided to have our early lunch first before going to embarkadero and boulevard. We had a stop at Sibid-Sibid Restaurant. On the Tripadvisor, this restaurant was highly recommended diner in Legazpi. So to have a taste of it, we didn’t miss the opportunity for our lunch. It was a nice, cozy place. With hardwood table and native decors, the ambiance was really great. We arrived early enough for us to choose which place are we going to eat, we also enjoyed the beauty of their displays. We immediately ordered our food. I never missed to order my ever favorite kinilaw na tangigue. It was so delicious that we really enjoyed our food. We were satisfied with their serving size that we need to take out the leftovers, I let the driver bring to his family anyway he knew it was clean and safe since we ate together.

tissue holder at Sibid-sibid

So we proceed to Embarkadero then to the boulevard. We were hoping to get a good sight of Mt. Mayon at the boulevard but was shy that there were clouds all over the tip. If it was early in the morning, I bet Mayon would be very attractive at the boulevard. The boulevard was great; it was newly paved right along the coast. Fresh sea breeze with the gushing waves really greeted us as we came out of the cab.

at the Boulevard

We didn’t waste our time since we need to visit Lignon Hills first and it’s already mid-day. So we rushed to the Hill to catch the beauty of Legazpi. It was overlooking the airport and the city itself. There were nice facilities and activities up the hill. They have the famous Zip Line adventure going to the other part of the hill. It was sunny and it’s so hot so we decided to go back and be dropped at the airport directly since our flight will be at 2pm. For sure, since it’s already 1pm, the check-in counter is already open.

Overall, our Legazpi trip was spectacular. The half-day we spent was worth it but I am looking forward to spend more time and explore the beautiful city of Legazpi. Maybe that time, I’m going to take the train from Manila to Bicol.

Once Upon a Night at Catanauan Cove

November 27, 2013

at the entrance gate

I frequently said that unplanned trips came out successful and this is one great proof. 

I and my friend, Edwin, just came about this plan when we went to PRC on November 26, 2013 to have our license renewed. We talked about a friend of ours whom he wanted to visit. I asked him if he knew the place, he didn’t have any idea. That made it interesting!

I told him to ask a friend if they have any idea on the exact  address yet nobody does. Just that we have been told on which Barangay we will be going and we’ll just ask there.

poolside

I thought that this will be a great escape from Manila. I began searching the town and I discovered that it’ll take 6 hours to drive to Catanauan, Quezon Province. We planned to leave early morning the next day so we can arrive there before lunch. Both of us had no idea to where we were going, thanks to my GPS who’s always with me in this kind of situation.

I searched for a hotel or lodging houses in case we cannot go back to Manila that same day. I came across this resort, the Catanauan Cove. We then decided to have a stop there if in case we’ll get tired to drive back to the city.

a walk at the beach

We left my place in Cainta at 5 am, November 27, 2013. Gas up full tank and queued my GPS to Catanauan, Quezon Province. We took C-5 road towards SLEX and we exit at Sto. Tomas exit. We had a quick stop at Mc Donalds Villa Escudero for breakfast. We followed the normal way to Bicol but before reaching the so-called Bitukang Manok Highway, we turned right going to Padre Burgos. Cruising along the Padre Burgos rd, it was a very smooth ride as it was well-paved. There were few cars passing and road signages are well-maintained.

After 6 hours, we reached the town of Catanauan, Quezon Province. Along the way, Edwin was busy communicating to some friends who can tell us the exact place of our common friend. No specific address was given yet we managed to locate the place. We asked a lot of people along the way.  

breakfast cottage

We spent 2-3 hours to our friend’s house and finally we decided to leave. At 4pm, I browsed the number of Catanauan Cove to call the resort for directions and availability. My first and second attempts failed, nobody was answering my call. On the third, a lady answered and I started inquiring for directions. The cove was far from the town center itself. It’s like 10 kilometers passing the highway and another 5 kilometers of rough road from the highway. 

our food

We drove to the given directions and when we reached the rough road, we slowed down to observe the place. It was like a road to nowhere. Coconut trees on both sides, some houses, up and down terrains and a narrow road like it’s only a  one-way grass-paved street. We were worried like its getting dark already and we were in the middle of a farm where we can see a Carabao along the way, banana plants, coconut trees and the normally cultivated farmlands. Our fate told us to continue driving, until we reached the main gate of the resort.  

let's eat!

The guard immediately approached us as we drove near the gate. We told him that we already had called the reception informing them that we’ll be arriving. After getting our information, the guard let us in and guided us to the parking space. They also told us the way to the reception.

I parked the car and we walked towards the reception area. We were entertained and being shown the tariff of the resort. We checked-in at the cheapest villa described as a studio type villa with complete furnishings. We then have to opt for a cable TV signal or none, at a price. Yet we just want a room to rest and not to watch TV.

We were hungry since we didn’t eat lunch so we asked if they will be serving dinner. Lucky for us, they will cater according to our preferences. We checked their menu and pre-ordered pinakbet and a fried fish (I forgot the name of the fish but as they have described, it’s a fresh catch from the seas of Catanauan). We told them to serve our dinner at 7pm.

the playground

the beach

After finalizing the check-in process, we were guided to our villa just near the parking area. It is also walking distance to the restaurant and pool. We were told that Jacuzzi and pool can be used up to 9pm but we decided to take a rest, set our alarm to 7pm.

An hour of nap regained back our energy for the whole day of travelling. We fixed ourselves and headed to the restaurant. Our dinner was ready. They served it hot also. We were very happy and satisfied with our food. To rate the taste can be as high as 10/10. It was so delicious and served enough for the price. When we finished our food, we were asked for our breakfast. So they can prepare our food ahead and we were given a choice on where are we going to eat our breakfast, is it at the beachfront or just at the restaurant. That sounds great for us, we have enjoyed living the luxury.

I ordered my beer and we stayed at one of the Kubo near the pool for a Yosi break. More chit chat, laughed with every topics we had, we decided to take a plunge at the Jacuzzi. I asked somebody at the restaurant to turn on the Jacuzzi for just an hour for us to refresh. I finished my bottle of Red Horse and went to our room to change to swimming gears.

the cottages

It’s a nice feeling that after the whole day stress, we found a good massage with the bubbles. With the hot water, we never felt the cold evening. We spent almost an hour in the Jacuzzi then we decided to finally take a rest and call it a day. 

I woke up early in the morning. While Ed was still sleeping, I went out of our villa and savor the cold morning breeze of the place. I brought my camera and took shots. I headed out on the beach and walked on the pebbles. I feast my eyes on the refreshing views of the coconut trees lined up along the beach. The clear blue sky really showcased the early morning sunrise.

our villa

Breakfast was served at a cottage just right in front of the beach. This cottage will also be used for a massage on the beach. Since we were the only guest at the resort that time, we were given the privilege to enjoy every amenity they were offering. The night before, we were asked as to what choice of breakfast meal we want so they can prepare it by what preferred time we want to eat. We told them to serve our breakfast at 8am, just in time for us to wake up.

I went back to our villa and lay back to bed until my alarm rang before 8am for breakfast. We went out of our room and walked straight to the beach. We were surprised on the preparation. It was really a special one. They had set up a table and chairs for a breakfast for two. The place was so clean and fresh. When we arrived there, our food was delivered also. It was delicious, a typical breakfast meal but you’ll get satisfied for the servings.

the jacuzzi

After eating, we roamed around the area, checked the resorts other amenities. We also went to other villas, it was a nice getaway, you can really feel the freedom and freshness of the place since there were lots of flowers and trees. They have playground for children also, lots of things to enjoy while staying there.

the front desk

Enough of the place and it’s getting hot, we decided to take a plunge at their swimming pool. It was almost 11am then, we ask the front desk if they can give us an hour extension on which they also agreed for a 1pm checkout. So we hurriedly dive at the pool. We also asked the maintenance to switch on the Jacuzzi, we’ll just have to take pictures since we didn’t have one at night. It was a nice dip on the water. We enjoyed the pool and the Jacuzzi.

After swimming, we rinsed and freshen up in our room. We’re preparing for our checkout, put our things in the car and went to the front desk for final settlement of our bills. Since were also hungry, we opt to eat first before leaving the place. With our sumptuous lunch, we drove back to Manila at 3pm.

We’re supposed to be arriving early in Manila, but we were stuck in the traffic at Sariaya, Quezon for almost 2 hours. Finally, we arrived at my place at 9:30pm. I felt so tired but reminiscing the moments we had, all the tiredness seemed to be forgotten.