Travelling has always been my oasis. Exploring and visiting new destinations enriches ones perception and gives you a different perspective in life. That is why I make it a point for my family to schedule at least two to three vacations per year. This is also helpful as our travels gives us all the recharge we need from our stressful but satisfying work as PR practitioners.
And following this mantra, last year, as our Christmas getaway, I planned a visit to my mom’s hometown. The province of Albay in Bicol. Home of the majestic and beautiful Mayon Volcano.
WACKY SHOT. Our family’s usual phot opt before boarding the plane.
The province of Albay recounts a history of more than 2000 years. While initial settlement of Albay is mythically attributed to the Ibalong epic hero Baltog, archeological findings by the National Museum documented a Neolithic culture around Albay Gulf that dates from around 100 BC to 200 AD, showing the oldest known settlement in Bicol Peninsula.
Curiosity about Mayon Volcano made me decide to bring my family to Bicol. But Mayon is just one of the many reasons. Truth be told, when we visited the province last year, our timing was off as the province just experienced the wrath of Typhoon Nina. There where no electricity when we arrived and we experienced a very gloomy weather, making it impossible for us to see the beautiful Mayon in full view.
GIVING A DIFFERENT MEANING. Air Urquiola doing his famous AIRQUIOLA sign, this time simulating the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano.
We stayed in Villa Caceres Hotel. Thankfully, the hotel’s generator is working properly and the hotel’s strategic location made it easy for us to attend to our planned city and destination tours.
I wanted to enjoy the Bicol atmosphere that is why first on my agenda is for me to run and experience first hand what this lovely town has to offer.
PACMAN SIGHTING? Nope, this is not Manny Pacquaio running in the streets of Naga.
Our trip is only scheduled for three days that is why we decided to choose what we think should be a trip that the family will enjoy.
Creative shots in Cagsawa Ruins.
Kawa Kawa Hills has become a popular tourist destination because of it’s life-size statues depicting the stations of the cross.
SIGHT TO BEHOLD. Legazpi boasts of amazing tourist landmarks that includes mountain hills, parks and churches.
And of course, when in Bicol, you “try” to eat their dishes. Try is an operative word as me and Lhara are not fond of eating spicy food. But hey, it’s worth the try and the experience right?
DISHES YOU MUST TRY. Bicol is know for its spicy and delicious foods that each tourist must savor; Pinangat, Bicol Express, Ginataang Lubi-Lubi.
One of the highlight of our vacation was the Misibis Bay trip. Our hotel had packaged trips going to the resort and we feel that it should be part of our trip. And it did not disappoint us. We had fun and we enjoyed every minute of Misibis.
EXPERIENCE MISIBIS. Misibis Bay is just an hour’s drive from Legazpi airport. The resort is ready for all those looking to balance tranquility and to discover a world-class resort that is now becoming popular to both local and international tourists.
NOT MOANA. My 4-year old daughter Adrielle having fun in the sun and enjoying the cool waters of Misibis.
WITH ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: What to Do In Albay
