Bicol Escapades…the Tour day (Jovellar Underground River and Sigpit Falls)

The Jovellar Underground River is yet to be discovered by tourists in Albay Bicol. It’s almost an hour of drive from Camalig Albay. Although the place is almost an end of a road...I would say that this is a real find!

We eat first our delicious adobo lunch inside “Salvacion”. Salvacion is the jeepney owned by Kuya Mike and it is been our constant companion throughout our travel. I would say that I have underestimated my travel this day as I only brought an extra shirt and a short. I have assumed that I will just dip my feet into the water and enjoy the view. 

A registration is required before you enter the underground river plus a fee for the underground river tour as you will be going inside the cave thru bamboo raft “balsa”. They will also not allow your group without a tour guide so better get one. We have a short trek first before the entrance of the cave. At the entrance of the cave, there is already a swimming area where people jump from a cliff. It is very exhilarating to watch them jump off the cliff and splash deep into the water. 

At first, I am hesitant to get inside the cave as the tour guide told us that we will definitely get wet. In addition, I am afraid to get in the boat to cross the cave. Who’s not afraid of going inside the dark unknown? Ate Fei’s just remind me that this is a once in a lifetime experience and besides I was the one who introduce them the place. And yes, I should be excited to experience it myself…setting beside all the fears…disregarding of what I have not, but of what I have at the moment…and be expectant that the view after the rafting is awesome.

We went down through this squeaky bamboo stairs, and got into the bamboo balsa. For just less than five minutes, we cross a 100 meter long quiet river, it as if I am experiencing the famous Palawan underground river. We can see the formation inside the cave through a flashlight of our tour guide. As we get closer, we heard this loud sound of water fall. Slowly as we made our way in, a light started to appear and made us too excited upon seeing this beautiful water cascading towards us. We are so mesmerized by numerous rock formations and just want to immediately play with the cold water. The exit point, as they call it, is actually a meeting place for the river, the cave and the waterfalls.

In order to get across, we also have to go through the water current. With a proper guide, we safely cross and climb rocks just to get to the other side. I would say that this adventure is not really very ideal for unprepared children and senior citizens. You must have that “real adventurer” guts to take the challenges but I can assure that the experience is so worth it. I am just so glad that I have immersed myself into this kind of place. 

I am already soaking wet but more prepared to get into the next water falls…Sigpit Falls. We have not used the Balsa anymore but instead we climb up a hill back to the cave entrance to meet Phine who is waiting with our slippers and towels. Mae also experience jumping off the cliff with the tour guide. I have realized that when you trust that at least "One" will be there to watch over you and rescue you when something goes wrong, you will be brave enough to do it. Did I say that there is my "One" that will convince me to jump off the cliff to the river? Whooah...I would dare not. I have to start from the basic first.

Sigpit Falls is about 350m from the underground river and is across the other side where we left Salvacion. This time, its children play time as the place is much safer. I remember that one kid who does not know how to swim, with his vest on, enjoys jumping from the rock to the river with much joy and giggles. At last, those kids that did not join the underground river tour for safety reasons, now enjoys the Sigpit falls.

I will always treasure these “water adventure” moments. I am still amazed by how nature could produce such a wonder! Indeed, God never fails to amaze His people. 

The day tour never ends here as we still have one more place to go.

Next…Kawa Kawa Hill at Ligao City  ;D

Bicol Escapades…the Tour day (Hoyop-hoyopan Cave and Camalig Greenhills)

This day will be a Tour day…a day to tour what I have been planning to visit. A day before this, I have given Ate Fei my list so her husband, Kuya Mike, our ever patient tour driver, can check if he knows the way. Can google, map our way? Well, I have no intention to push what’s all in my paper as long as I enjoy the tour with the whole family.

Hoyop hoyopan cave

Caving…the third that I will get through…first in Sagada, second in Bohol…now in Bicol. Hoyop hoyopan cave is located in Camalig Albay and is privately maintained. Its name was derived from the word “hoyop” which means “blowing of air or wind” in Bicolano. An entrance fee of P50/pax is needed to enter the cave with the cave tour guide. We are just lucky that all of the children are free of the entrance fee as we are almost a dozen.

Tourists are expected to observe the rules inside the cave to maintain its natural form and avoid untoward accidents i.e no touching of stones. The cave is really different from all other caves that I have been through. A claustrophobic person might enjoy this as we surely enjoy the cool, fresh air as the wind passes freely through the different opening in the cave. Of course, nobody else is the perfect man to capture our moments inside the cave than our tour guide as he knows where the “perfect spots” are. 

The Cave Rules

At the Cave Entrance

see the concrete stairs?

imagine what this is?

just one angle of a shot

another angle of a shot

Concrete steps are mounted at the rear of the main entrance and incandescent light bulbs are strategically placed around the cave, making it easy for the visitors to navigate the area. Though, the passageways will test your skill in squeezing, crawling, and kneeling to get through in order to reach the different chambers, including a mini-pond and a dance floor. Inside the cave are wonderful formations of stalagmites and stalactites, as well as hidden sacred knowledge of the life of our ancestors — the early inhabitants of the area. I remember, manong tour guide would relate the dance floor as where parties are held inside the cave as curfew were strictly imposed during the martial law era.   

Camalig Greehills (Solong Eco Adventure Park)

Just a few minutes travel away from Hoyop hoyopan cave, we visit the greenhills of Camalig. It is just like the chocolate hills of Bohol. A few hundred steps up the mountain, you can see the numerous hills mountain formation. 

the view down from atop

the Solong cave...a seat beside the entrance

The Solong cave was explored for a few minutes by some of our brave companions with just a flashlight, not to mention that most of them are just teens. (",) Perhaps, if you are a real cave explorer, you will enjoy the challenge as they told us that it will take you more than hours to explore the whole part of the cave.

Next…Jovellar Underground River ;D

The Beautiful “Magayon” … Bicol Escapades

This is Mount Mayon view as I arrived at Legazpi City Airport

Mount Mayon or Mayon Volcano. The Local folklore refers to the volcano being named after the legendary princess-heroine Daragang Mayon (English: Beautiful Lady). The cone is considered the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetry, which was formed through layers of lava flows and pyroclastic surges from past eruptions and erosion erupting over 49 times in the past 400 years. It stands majestically at 2,462 meters and is geographically shared by the eight cities and mucipalities of Legazpi, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot and Santo Domingo. 

Astonished by its majestic shape, will fear conquer me by just being alone in this trip? Nope! In fact I was just alone in my airplane trip but not my whole time in Bicol. I planned this trip since last year and of course with all the must “see”, must “experience”, must “eat”, must “buy”, and must “do”. I can never imagine doing all these just by being alone but at least with my long lost best friend, who is now residing in Bicol together with her family and almost near to her sister.

Excitement overflows as it is my first time to be in Bicol area also knowing that I will be with Phine and family for almost a week of stay. It will also be my first to personally meet all of her children and Ate Fei’s children too…well, except my god children with them. It will also be a different “holy week” as this will also be my first to observe and join lenten activities in a province.

They picked me up at Legazpi airport by 7am. We hugged as if time nor distance has never passed between us. We have so many stories to tell and I know that a day is never enough to compensate the lost time. They have already in mind where they would tour me that day but I just have one wish that I would not let pass…to visit the a church in Legazpi before any tour of the day.

St Rafael Church is only three (3) kilometers east of Legazpi Airport in front of Plaza Rizal, Legazpi City. Just a short visit to thank God for the safe trip and wonderful memories and meaningful holy week that will be set me on this province.  

This what struck me in this church...with a message of comfort...

 After our church visit, we then went straight to Cagsawa Church Ruins.  

CAGSAWA CHURCH RUINS 

For almost two centuries the Cagsawa Ruins has stood as a symbol of Bicol region’s impressive landscape, rich history and the people’s strength and resiliency to face and to rise from the ravages of Mother Nature. The 1814 eruption was recorded to be worst eruption of Mt. Mayon. Some 1,200 people who took refuge and sought the sanctuary of the church during the eruption all died when the church was engulfed by the flowing lava.

I will never forget the great shots we have here with my friend. We are playing with the camera phone thru the great hands of the tourist photographer in Cagsawa. He instructed us a lot of poses that will capture the moment and of course, the beauty of Mt Mayon and the Church.  For just a minimal tip for taking our pictures thru my camera…we already have these historical shots.

the wonder woman jumpshot!

what a great camera trick! amazing shots!

We also briefly visit Daraga Church just before we went to Ate Fei’s home, where I will stay for the rest of my holy week vacation. Thanks to you and your family goodness ate Fei!

More stories of Bicol in next blog…"Bicol Escapades...the Tour Day" ;D

Bacolod City Tour and Silay City

During my Bacolod stay, I always made sure that I attend the morning mass or just visit the Carmelites monastery. It is my way of being grateful for each day that passed and a new bright morning to attend to. It always works to be grateful always..why would not I? A granted prayer request just happened that very early morning! Thank God!

The Garden of the Carmelites monastery - Bacolod City

I was left alone on the fourth and last day. Arnie decided to just change her flight to early in the AM to catch up with her birthday celebration with her family. I decided to just continue on the journey as the original flight back to Manila is still 7pm. It is just making the most of what you already have! 

After the mass at Carmelites, I immediately proceeded to the remaining itineraries...small walk to the park and municipal hall. 

The Capitol Lagoon Park is located at the very heart of the central business district of Bacolod City. The Lagoon is a quick sanctuary to breathe fresh air. They say that the Lagoon is simply at its best in the morning.

That same morning, people of different ages have their physical activities like tai chi and jogging. I also have some small chat with the gardener in charge who happens to once lived in manila. 

After breakfast near the park, I went back to the hotel to check out at exactly 10am. It doesn't end there as I still have  one courageous act to do...for the first time...going to place I have never been alone...in a city I rarely know. What makes me continue to do so? A big smile and a confident answer from a hotel receptionist made me decide to proceed with joy and peace in my heart...to Silay City!

Thanks to blogs and google map that made it easy for me to travel to Silay City alone without the hassle. Even if I do not understand the Bacolod dialect,, there is just one thing that is common that makes you feel at ease around each other...the Smile! 

I arrived in Silay City at 11AM after a 30 minute bus ride from Bacolod city bus terminal. My purpose is to visit the ancestral houses in Silay City and eat a special dessert in the famous El Ideal Bakery. 

My first stop is the church of Silay City as I am still thinking where to go first. I have no ancestral houses map and according to the blog I need to go to the tourism office to get the map. There is no signage of the tourism office but I immediately saw the Silay City Hall. I went inside the City Hall to ask for a map of the ancestral houses that I can visit. The City hall personnel was so generous and welcoming enough to accompany me to the tourism office at the other side of the road. The welcome was so warm with their big smiles that radiates thru the heart. I can really feel that I am indeed a special tourist deserving to have a special attention! Thank you Genevieve! It was indeed  a pleasure to have met you.

After my Silay City tourism office historical tour, I then proceeded to the only open ancestral house for inside tour...the Balay Negrense. Balay Negrense is the 1897 ancestral house of the Gaston family, one of Negros' pioneering sugar plantation owners. There is a entrance fee for the inside house tour but it is just a minimal fee considering that there is a tour guide that shares a story behind each room and corner of the house.

                                                                  The Balay Negrense

The Balay Negrense

Silay City - Ancestral Houses, the Church, and El Ideal

After the Balay Negrense ancestral house tour, I took my lunch for another Inasal meal. Then to El ideal for the Guable pie and pasalubong. I still manage to have a picture of the facade of a few more Silay City ancestral houses. I then proceeded to the airport at 3pm to catch my 7pm flight back to Manila. I still feel ill at ease riding a plane in solo but not that night as God gave me an angel who sat beside me, a mother and a baby.

What a wonderful and meaningful trip! Thank you Lord for an enjoyable and safe trip during our Bacolod stay! 

;Des

Bacolod Day2 - Mambukal Adventure

The end road of Murcia and serves as a gateway to the Mount Kanlaon volcano. Mambukal has many beautiful sites. Calming and refreshing! Imagine that it has a land area of more than 23 hectares…it is really more than a playground to stay. (“,)

Mambukal has a bath house and a spa and not to mention the Mother Nature hot springs with sulfuric soda water. Of course, I experience the bathe in the hot spring…even being just alone and for a 15 minutes whole body dip. Why wouldn’t I if it is known for its therapeutic treatment esp. to people with body fatigue to relieve stress and relax. Indeed...It is truly relaxing!

Mambukal also has seven falls, the natural springs, and it flows through the center of the resort, feeding the swimming pools and boating lagoon. With a guide, I and June managed to see the first three falls as the way to the fourth falls is already closed for fear of falling debris. It just rained that day, but the rain just ensures us that we get the best view of the falls. (“,) I am happy that I’m in my both feet again climbing mountain to witness God’s wonderful creation. Just imagine that instead of rappelling, stairs were already built and carved to climb up to the next higher falls. You can really feel the energy coming from the waterfalls…gushing thru your face. It is really worth the effort! It is an opportunity that you should never missed when going to Bacolod. ;D

Next...the Bacolod city tour and Silay City

;Des

Bacolod Trip - October 2016 Part 1 The Ruins

I have already set my mind that I will be open to the messages that will come my way during my trip to Bacolod. Four days and nights are not that easy knowing that your main purpose of going to Bacolod will not materialize...that is to witness the highlights of the Masskara Festival.

Many times before the scheduled trip, plans and wishes of cancellation came by…Bomb threats in Bacolod during the festival due to the recent event in the Davao Public Market.; Eugene cancelled because of his work trip to Adelaide; our expected date of the event highlights of the Masskara festival were moved which is only after our scheduled Bacolod trip, and Arnie almost change her mind since she must travel to Adelaide the following day after we arrived Manila. Wheeh!

However, I still considered it as a blessing in disguise since there will be no more big crowds on our scheduled trip but only last until Sarah told me about her dream. I got scared and almost feel weak but I wrote the message and reflect on it in a positive way. Then, it seems that it was the beginning of me being open to all the messages, spoken or circumstances, and able to listen and reflect during our Bacolod stay.

So much for the initial emotional reflections…now, it’s time to travel and witness the beauty of Bacolod as it reflects its rich heritage, history, and its nature’s best!

First day - We started the day by a visit to the Carmelites monastery which is just a walking distance from the hotel. We arrived there during the English mass homily. It was a beautiful mass homily reflecting on and knowing that God alone Suffices. After the mass, I met Jun, Arnie’s kababata. June is a professional photographer and works in a call center. Several of his rest hours were allotted just to accompany us during our Bacolod trip.

First stop…The Ruins. A less than 10min drive from Robinson,

The Ruins is owned by the Lacson family. If you just simply look at it, it was really am abandoned building. If not for the restoration and the beautiful garden around it, I wouldn’t consider it an A. Then why is it a landmark of Bacolod? Because of its history, a story that stands the test of time. A story of the family, the wife that is the love of his life and inspiration, of the materials used in building it, and the story of letting it go by sacrificing the house to burn so it will not be used by the Japanese as its headquarter. What is entertaining here is how these were told by PBB Roger. You will remember its story because of him on how he retold the stories. Guess what? Most of the people rented the place for wedding prenuptial photos.😊

Next...Part2 Mambukal Adventure

;Des