Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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.