My BFF's House

I've got to say that I really appreciate my BFF's house when I was on vacation. His house is inspired by Old Spanish Style Era. I stayed here for 4 days and looks like I was back in time. Had so much appreciation how he designed his house and have those antique collections. Antique collections I know is expensive but I am sure it is his passion to collect those things.

Collections in his house also includes his ultimate showbiz idol the only Superstar, Nora Aunor. He is an avid fan of the Superstar. There is even a place where all you can see is pictures of Nora Aunor. There is even a life size painting displayed on the wall.

His rooms was so fantastic. Feels great to sleep on the room with those antique collections and set up of the bedroom. Just felt I was really back in time and experienced a beauty of mesmerizing old times.

It was not complete without me having pictures on the beautiful house of my friend. He just gave me an idea how to design my house in the future. Who will not be inspired by his interior design to a person like me who also admires antique collections? Nahhh I will definitely create one like this.

Mayon Volcano & Cagsawa Ruins

I really had a great time on my first day  in Naga City. After spending time in the Shrine and SM City Naga, I was really excited for the itinerary on my second day. Second day was all about the famous Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins. Going to Bicol Region will never be great without visiting the famous Mayon Volcano. It has been one of my dreams ever since when I was a kid to see that perfect cone volcano.

TRIVIA:

Mayon Volcano is an active strato-volcano located in Legazpi City, Albay which is in the Bicol Region. It is renowned for its "perfect cone" because of it's symmetrical cone shape. Local folklore refers to the volcano as "Bulkang Mayon" after the legendary heroine "Daragang Magayon". Mayon Volcano is one of the most active volcano in the Philippines.

The Majestic Mayon Volcano

We left Naga City at 08:00 through bus bound for Legazpi City, Albay. Fare is Php 100.00 for more or less 3 hours ride passing along the beautiful cities and towns of Camarines Sur: Pili, Baao, Iriga, Nabua, Bato and Albay: Libon, Polangui, Ligao, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga. The trip was cool, great views along the way. The drop off point is along the highway. When we stepped off from the bus, we saw the sign board going to Cagsawa Ruins.

WELCOME

TRIVIA:
Cagsawa Church was destroyed during the eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814. Today, the Cagsawa church, whose bellfry remains standing as a testimony of the disaster caused by the lava flow which buried about 1,200 people inside the church.

After getting off from the bus, we ride on a tricycle going to Cagsawa Ruins. We paid Php30.00 for the fare. It is near along the highway and it is so accessible but due to the heat of the sun we decided to ride. From the gate of the park, we paid Php10.00 each for entrance fee. After paying the entrance fee, we directly look for restaurant and we had our lunch. Energized after having lunch we strolled the place.

The view is magnificent. At last, I was able to see the beauty of the volcano which I admired since when I was young. After taking pictures, we also went to see different stalls outside the park which sells crafts made of the famous abaca. I bought balls with different colors which can be decorated in the living room or in the bedroom.

TRIVIA:

Abaca is a species of banana native to the Philippines. Is also referred to as "BacBac". It is being harvested due to its fibre, which once generally called the Manila hemp, extracted from the leaf sheath around the trunk.

ruins on the background

It was awesome day. We went home around 14:00, tired but with smile in our face. So, when you are in the Bicol region, visiting Mayon Volcano must be included in your itinerary. Otherwise, you will be missing something that is interesting to visit in the region.

Peñafrancia Shrine: Naga City, Camarines Sur

My friend in Bicol has been inviting me since December of last year (2010) to visit him but due to busy schedule during the year end I was not able to go there. I scheduled my trip 2nd week of February so I can prolong my stay until the Valentines Day. Unluckily, he was not free on my posted dates so I suddenly changed my schedule. I had to reset my vacation a week ahead.

Right after my Monday lunch break, I suddenly decided to have my 4-day vacation to Bicol so I filed a vacation leave dated February 2-4, 2011. After filing my leave, I went home directly so I can pack my things for the 4-day vacation. I was in a rush to pack up my things after all, I do not have any plans to go there yet that day. I packed my things as easy as 1, 2, 3 then I headed to Cubao Terminal at the back of Ali Mall. I got my ticket which costs 400 pesos, a cheaper price through Alps Bus bound for Legazpi City, Albay. It was cheaper compared to other bus maybe because it is 3x2 seater without restroom. But the air con is working good and also with television. The bus departed around 19:00.

I arrived in Naga City around 04:00. The city still quiet. Cool breeze of fresh air welcomed me. It made me feel I will enjoy my first time vacation in the region. Sadly, I was dropped off by the conductor at the wrong place, in front of the municipal hall of Pili City, which way too far from the landmark point I should get off from the bus. Bit nervous that time after all it is my first time to visit the place. Good thing there are already tricycle drivers waiting for passengers, I then asked one of the tricycle driver to dropped me at the landmark which I was supposed to be at. After couple of minutes, I arrived safely and walked a block away towards my friend's house. We had a coffee and chat with my friend. Good enough to make myself bit warm. After that, I took a sleep enable me to recharge myself from the long trip and to be ready for vacation.

I woke up around 10:00. After taking shower, my friend asked me then to visit the city. We headed first in SM City Naga, so we can have our lunch before going to visit the shrine. SM City Naga, is just a few blocks away from Naga City Central bus terminal and the Naga Coliseum. I ate Pinangat and the popular Bicol express though I am not a fan of spicy foods, I only made a try. It was mouth-watering lunch.

"our lunch"

Finally in SM City Naga!

The shrine is wonderful and I love the place. It is solemn. My eyes already proved that it can really draws hundreds of devotees on the month of September where the feast is being celebrated. I say a prayer and also I was able to touch the statue at the back. I made a wish as well, it is also a belief that when you make a wish inside a church on the first time you entered to it, possible it may come true.

Penafrancia Shrine Altar

We as well stroll outside the shrine and visit the souvenir shop. Took time to take pictures. The surrounding is lush green.

After an hour of staying at the shrine, we went directly to the wet market. Stroll and I bought some souvenir "pasalubong" to my office mates. We ended up buying foods for the 4-day vacation. First day was awesome.