Monday, January 25, 2016

The Picturesque Mayon Volcano


Travel to Legaspi without any fuss…
        
         How long do you plan before you travel? Maybe the favorable weather served a purpose to let us travel on a whim to Legaspi. So, without any fuss, we made a reservation for 6 people via Penafrancia at 9:00 p.m. to head to Legaspi.
Me, Amel, Ursula, Pareng Oscar and Mareng Lisa heading to Legaspi.
Ferren and I, Amel, Mareng Lisa, and Ursula heading to Legaspi.
With the knowledge that it's going to be a long twelve-hour trip, I preferred to reserve a de luxe bus with a comfort room in consideration to our age especially me, who needs to go to the comfort room often. 

When we thought we were getting nearer, we asked one another how much more time to get to our destination. We opened our eyes widely when the sun was up as we anticipated to view Mayon volcano. A glimpse of the volcano, though its tip is still covered by clouds, already gave an impression of incredible beauty. The mountain followed us all through out the moment we got a glimpse of it.
 A glimpse of Mayon volcano, though its tip is still covered by clouds, already gave us an impression of its incredible beauty.
A peek of Mayon Volcano brings to my memory when my family climbed Taal Volcano. My kids were faster than us to reach the top of the crater. When they were at the top, they breathlessly ran around the crater yelling, “Mom, it’s beautiful up here!” When I was finally at the top of the slim edge of the crater, I was afraid to move or even take a breath. I held my kids tight and calmly uttered, “Yes, indeed. It’s beautiful” as I slowly dragged them down away from the very deep bowl-shape mouth of the volcano. I realized afterwards that they could have fallen down into the deep pit. But, thanks God, I was early enough!

I have also trekked up to the crater of Mount Pinatubo. The sight  beyond description of the Pinatubo crater and the land formations it left from the effects of eruption are still fresh in my mind. Up until now, I somehow cannot reconcile destruction (How many people die due to volcano eruptions?) and magnificence (The splendid land formations formed from volcano eruption.) because these two words are opposites. 

Finally, we arrived Legaspi around 9:00 A.M. at the bus station. And there, our friend, Amor was already waiting for us. His residence is just a stone’s throw away from the bus station.
Amor and Chona welcomed us warmly at their home.
We had a superb accomodation.


Amor and Chona welcomed us warmly at their home.
Friends never forget memories they had together.

Amor : Ayaw akong isama ni Oscar sa panliligaw noon.
Us      : Bakit?
Amor: Kasi pag isinasama niya ako, ako na ang ginugusto ng nililigawan   niya!
Us     : Hahaha. Ibig mong sabihin, hearthrob ka? 

Mayon Volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines. We were very fortunate that its almost perfect cone-shape showed up during the entire time we were in Legaspi. We were able to capture its immensity! 


You can view its magnificence at Chona and Amor’s rooftop. What a beautiful sight! But on the contrary, Chona vented the destruction it bequeaths to the residence when it erupts. It creates fright and sympathy for the people living at the foot of the mountain.
The fiery look of Mount Mayon taken at Amor and Chona's rooftop.
A view of Mount Mayon taken at Amor and Chona's rooftop.
After our sumptuous lunch, Amor and Chona drove us around the beautiful sights. First, to Mayon Skyline. What a picturesque volcano! It seemed so near that you’d want to climb to the top.


Picture Perfect!






After our trip to Mayon Skyline, we drove to Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay. Here, you see the ruins of the church that was destroyed from the eruption of Mount Mayon in 1814. Many parishioners believed to have sought refuge in this church but perished from the falling boulders when it erupted. I was saddened to hear about the tragedy but at the same time pacified once I looked at the majestic beauty of the near perfect-cone volcano. 




"When you're in Bicol, be cool!"

To end the day, Amor and Chona treated us to dinner at Costa Palmera Resort.
We had a perfect dinner - fried chicken, laing, Bicol express, sinigang na tanigue, and pansit. 
The following day was more exciting. We got ready early for a sailboat ride adventure. We traveled through the winding road to the sailboat dockside.
Thank you Amor and Chona for the
sailboat experience. 





There is none to equate the genuine camaraderie among us. We enjoyed the magnificent scenery, fun and adventure!
Ursula has just accepted a long time offer to be the next magazine cover. She was really game! (You can request more photos of her should you desire. hehe)



What is a picnic by the beach without food, food and friends? Totally happy for being together!



We gave in to Amor and Chona's 'persuasion' (hehe). We followed them without regret and ended up tasting the life of the rich!


We passed through the posh Misibis Bay Resort.
What are friends for in times when you need him most?
In front of Amor and Chona's residence. 
"To say thank you and goodbye mean no plans of going back." So, see you again in the near future. 

Philippines is indeed a haven of nature. I wish more visitors would come to see the splendid sights that our country offers. 

Please feel free to give any comment, reaction or feedback.