The occasional drizzles were not a deterrent to our ATV Adventure. Nor was the absence of Mayon a rain on our exhilarating parade.
ATV Adventure down the slopes of the volcano where all you can see were the black sands washed from the mountain, lush greenery supported by the fertile volcanic soil, traversed by cool streams every here and there, gave us all the excitement we needed for our Sunday Funday.
Of course, the weekend escapade was not enough without sudden side trips decided upon in split seconds. Our adventure was capped by a trek to the lava wall, a zipline ride with the view of the city, a taste of funky dishes for lunchtime, and a reconnaissance of a forgotten but intricate volcanic chapel.
In this blog entry, you will discover that there is more to the volcano's perfect symmetry. Even without a sight of it, a trip to Legazpi City and neighboring places is certainly worthwhile...
The ATV Adventure!
The ATV adventure was fun, fun, fun! We weren't lucky enough to experience it with the full view of Mayon Volcano. Nevertheless, driving the ATVs were enough for us to enjoy the trails. We went from flat terrains and narrow roads to sandy loams, down the cool streams, rocky uphill terrains, amongst the agohoforests...
The diversity of terrains we drove from start to finish gave our escapade a one-of-a-kind experience. The drizzles couldn't stop us. We just went on and on and on!
A dash among the occasional streams with strong splashes of water is a must in an ATV adventure so we made sure that it was going to be part of the trail we chose.
I must admit, I needed even more of these streams. And so, I believe, a second round is possible some time in the future!
The agoho forestwas splendid. I love how it felt so much a different world from the rest of the trails. I wish I had seen more of it. The soft touches of the green and brown were a nice contrast to the rest, which was dominated by the blackness of the volcanic loams.
Streams naturally flow throughout the trails. The rocks, the volcanic loams and the lush greenery made it all fantastic.
A little bit of spice was needed though. Some bright-colored fuchsia flowers appeared amongst the greens, compelling the photographer to take a shot.
The Lava Wall
We were really surprised that the lava wall was indeed a wall. I wonder how it was formed for I didn't ask. But from what I've heard was that it was formed after the 2006 eruption. That it stands as a lofty wall that it is now makes me guess that it ended that way after a hasty cooling of the lava. Hmmm... I could only guess...
After mounting the lava wall, we were astounded by the thousands and thousands of molten rocks piled on top of each other. Amongst them were green molds that were about to support new life forms. It's amazing to think that a paradise can look exactly like this where all you can see were the colors of black and green. You would not expect the beauty of the place until you see it in person!
Beside the molten rocks and molds were the lush rainforest of coconuts and other trees suited for the tropical climate. I wonder what other flora and fauna can be seen amongst them...
Strangely, a helipad with a beautiful view of Legazpi City rises on top of the rocks. On a clear day, the perfect volcano would've been visible. She, however, hid amongst the clouds during our short staycation. We're so much accustomed to its beauty that it almost didn't matter anymore. A tip, however, you must stay for about as long as a week in Legazpi to catch a glimpse of the elusive volcano. Do not worry, there are plenty of activities in and around Legazpi. :)
There was a zipline on top of the lava wall. From there, you can see a view of Legazpi City and the Pacific Ocean.
I did some tricks with my camera. The results somehow fascinated me.
Fancy Foods
from the Tribal Village
After the tour, we were so hungry so we ate lunch at the Tribal Village. We needed to eat as fast as we can so we didn't capture photographs of the place anymore. But if you've been there, you will see the tribal motif of the resort.
Nonetheless, the foods we ordered were remarkable. Let's take a look at what we devoured...
Tinutungang Baka
Lechon Kawali Express
The dishes did not disappoint; they were both scrumptious!
Explosive Burgers
in Tabaco City
We did a side trip to Tabaco City, less than an hour away. A small burger joint in an outskirt had this volcanic motif. If you're in Albay, you will see plenty of establishments with the volcano as its motif. Mayon has grown to be an emblem or trademark of many of the shops in the province.
The burgers were named after the famous volcanos of the Philippines. I ordered Isarog and Ate Larz ordered the Kanlaon.
Stuffed with the freshest ingredients, the burgers had the most tender patties I've ever tasted. I can say that it really was of good quality, if not premium quality.
The Volcanic Mortuary Chapel
of Tabaco City
Often overlooked, even forgotten, is the mortuary chapel of Tabaco City. Passersby of this coastal city do not understand the cultural significance of this chapel.
According to one site, a mortuary chapel is a rarity outside of Iloilo and Cebu. Only very few are scattered in other parts of the Philippines.
One of these rare chapels is Tabaco City's mortuary chapel, whose other characteristics make it even more noteworthy.
Unlike other mortuary chapels, this structure is made of volcanic black sands and stones. Its domed octagonal architecture is also impressive.
Up close, you can see tiny emblems of coconut trees in the middle of the structure, which appears to be a faint attempt of Spanish architects to integrate local elements. Imperceptible as they are, their integration is a glorious addition to the use of volcanic sands.
It is quite common among Spanish-styled infrastructures in the Philippines to integrate local elements that, despite the lack of native architecture, they unwittingly formed a distinctly Filipino architecture.
Even the staircase had to be distinct. Its circular shapes add enigma to the black mortuary chapel.
To break the monotony of the black, bright-colored flowers can be seen growing outside the cemetery. Their vividness is a successful attempt to make the cemetery even more alluring.
The cemetery can be seen from the highway going from Legazpi to Tabaco. The chapel is very visible from the roadside. So many people are familiar of this chapel but only very few appreciate its significance...
Conclusion
As residents of Albay, we find this adventure long overdue. We've been hearing how spectacular it is but we've only tried it now. So to cap our Sunday Funday, we decided on sudden side trips that made our Sunday Funday even more exciting!
--- be a better choice than one that's cheery, impeccable but meaningless? Would a love that's always changing, fluidly dependent on mood, and always moving, be better than one that's stable and sustaining? Should I fall for one that promises a better future, places all around the world, and happy, normal family life than one that's truer than true and promises nothing but romance and forever? Is it a better choice to settle with one who elicits strong emotions especially with music and romantic movie scenes than one that exists but that is? One is sad but meaningful and the other is happy but meaningless. Empty but happy. Sad but true. A world all around the world. A world inspired by emotions and creates a world of its own with poems and music. Happy but uninspiring. Sad but profound. A happy life. A romantic life. Whom would I choose? ---- I would choose a love that seems inconspicuous but is real deep within. Something that's not defined by beauty standards cre
The beauty that still mesmerises us Of the mountain who used to be a lass Every time we set our eyes on her Something makes us wonder For how can Mother Nature be so gracious To give us something which, though, we need not choose Is, nevertheless, spectacular That no other mountain is at par? She’s beyond magnificent Though she explodes every now and then Her many eruptions Conjured rousing captions What would scare us to leave? The magma? The raining of ash? The broken debris? The boulders? Or the lava-fountaining and showers? But these are the same matters That add to the volcano’s wonders Because from a safe distance You would see some other-worldly trance... For tourists and visitors, Even to locals and natives, Its explosion and eruption Are tourist attractions Why are we not afraid then, Do you ever wonder? Because we always see her… As a beautiful lady with the usual temper. But at most times, she’s calm and collected,
A City Beaming with Beauty Photo by Dexter Baldon Who will ever ignore A city beaming with beauty? Who would never recall The locals that are friendly? Who would never want to see The dainty city near the sea? Who would never want to feel The calming wind’s serenity? Legazpi, a city by the Pacific Landscapes are panoramic Ambience quite romantic And delicacies fantastic… So it might be nice to tour The City of Fun and Adventure And if you’re a foodie, savour Its spicy culinary culture For there, you will discover The dishes that sting The volcano that’s stunning The rides so exciting Found on the extreme east of the world Across the wide expanse of an ocean Very far from other places But home to many good surprises Legazpi, a city by the Pacific A place comely in many ways Legazpi, the city which beams with beauty A place of elegance and grace...
You've probably seen white-sand, black-sand, and even pink-sand beaches. But have you seen a beach that transitions to different colors? Source: Ang Bongto ko, Sta. Magdalena FB page The remote coastal town of Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon has so much variety in its hidden beaches and coves. Although neighboring Matnog is more famous due to its pink-sand beaches and islands, Sta. Magdalena still deserves the moniker "Hidden Paradise" for curious reasons. It's not as stunning as the popular pink-sand Subic Beach in Matnog but you will be surprised at the many things you'll see there. Source: Wikipedia Source: Wikipedia Sta. Magdalena is located near the southeasternmost end of the long island of Luzon. It is the smallest town of Sorsogon both in land area and population but it is a treasure trove of geologic wonders that abound its coast. Inside the Residencia Del Hamor , looking over a beach in Sta. Magdalena. Its very name puts a smile on one's face. Asi
Regardless of mood or circumstance, it remains? And when it fades because of a tweak here or there, it is but a mirage? I guess I’ve felt what it’s supposed to be – for ladies I cannot be with. It’s the emotion I feel when I see someone to be perfect or perfectly beautiful despite the flaws because for no reason but love, her allegorical scars – the mistakes of God – are forgiven. The feeling doesn’t change. It's a constancy of company and connection, a perspective that endures day by day, moment by moment, even after years or decades passing by. Because I see her in exactly the same way as the day we met, and the more we get to know each other, I unravel more things I like about her, all justifying the imperfections, and giving me memories that add spice to mundane moments. I may have sought the wrong women, looked love in the wrong places, defined it by wrong standards. Age does not matter, everybody says. But my youth is done; my potentials to develop young, sweet
FotoSearch/Getty Images Image Source Chapter II, Timeless Casanova . Gertrude could not believe she slept with the same man her very own grandmother slept with sixty-four years earlier. “How come?” She wonders. They could not sleep well that night, staring blankly at the ceiling. They slept in the same room as the situation made them feel uneasy to be alone. She wanted to ask, “how was it?” She was very curious, but the mere thought of it made her puke. “Oma, are you sure?” She finally inquired, breaking the long, awkward silence. “Are you really, really sure?” “You ought to stop, Gertrude,” Oma was still awake, who, like her, couldn’t sleep well too. “I tell you, I cannot be mistaken. I remember him vividly. He was the most handsome man I have ever talked to! How can I forget?” “But how come? How has he remained the same all these years? Young all throughout? How is that possible?” “That is what I also want you to know. If you ever happen to see him again, ask him. That
Our next destination was Siena, a medieval city adorned with Gothic structures. During our walking tour, we marveled at the city's beauty and fascinating history and culture. It was a nice start for our Tuscan Country tour, setting the pace and mood for the rest. Though Siena is, by now, reduced into a small city, barely inching up from its 50,000-population during its heyday, it is by no means an ordinary town. It remains grand and special in so many ways. En Route from Florence Mama Sarah and I just behind the Train Station as we waited for our bus. Our Tuscan Country tour began just outside the Santa Maria Novella Train Station in the middle of a huge piazza in Florence. We waited for our bus, which would take us to our next destinations - Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Davide, the tour guide, was punctual even though he lost his voice due to drinking and partying the night before. But beware, Davide was austerely punctual - he gets cranky when somebody arrives late, regardles
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