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