Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Albay

Cagsawa Church belfry is the most popular structure in the entire Bicol Region.It 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.

Folklore states that originally Kagsawa was derived from the word “KAG” meaning owner and “SAWA” meaning python. Kagsawa could also mean excesses or too much. The February 1, 1814 Mayon 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.

In 2006,super typhoon Reming reminisce the fate of our ancestors causing massive loss of life when mudslides from the Mayon Volcano buried many villages in Daraga Albay including this historic site.Now,back on its feet again,I was completely in awe of her.

At the entrance of the park visitors will find a wide variety of souvenir shops and stalls which showcase native products and handicrafts. A wide selection of T-shirts with native scenes and designs are also available.

Daet Camarines Norte

February 22, 2010 - One can never miss to visit this monument in Daet Camarines Norte because it holds the distinction of being the first monument erected in honor of the National Hero Jose P. Rizal way back in 1898. It is also known as "Unang Bantayog ni Jose Rizal" were Bantayog Festival coined its name to celebrates the founding of Camarines Norte. As of 2009, it has been 89 years since the province has become independent, since March 3, 1919, when Ambos Camarines (at that time Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur were one province) was split into two.

Before,Daet is known as the first surfing spot in the country especially its long stretch of beach in Bagasbas.But due to lack of government supports it was outdone by Surigao and other surfing sites in the country.Great that just recently, the 2nd Kiteboarding competition was a success drawing back again tourists to visit this province which has so much to offer other than surfing.

Tinagba Festival

February 11, 2010 - Tinagba Festival is an ancient Bicol first harvest offering that features a caravan of gaily-decorated bull carts/motorized floats which usually coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.This year highlights the character float parade and the 2010 Tinagba Gayon Bicol Festival of Festivals Showdown (moving choreography) where nine contingents will participate from Bicol’s famed festivals like The Palong Festival of Camarines Norte, Lapay Bantigue Festival of Masbate, Pinili Festival of Pili, Camarines Sur, Paraw Festival (Province of Sorsogon), Catandungan Festival (Catanduanes), Tabak Festival of Tabaco City, Sosogon Festival (Sorsogon City), Ibalong Festival (Legazpi City) and Pulang-Angui Festival of Albay.

The character float parade starts at around 10:30 a.m.,It was awesome to see fruits and crops perfectly decorated and arranged as floats.

Bicol Festival of Festivals Showdown starts at 1:00 p.m.,It was fun,I have not seen some of them like the Lapay Bantigue Festival of Masbate and Catandungan Festival of Catanduanes even if I am a Bicolano because it was far from the main land.Great its all here in one place.

We also have a chance to pray at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto where the traditional culminating point of Tinagba Festival.On top,you will see the entire city proper.

Tinagba as a tradition reminds us that,what ever fruits we harvest from our labors no matter how big or small.We must offer it first to God and surely He will payback a thousandfold.

Cebu City Tour

November 14-15,2009 -From Bohol,our next stop is the oldest city in the Philippines - The City of Cebu.We arrived at Pier 1 via Ocean Jet Ferry at around 9 a.m.It was a disgusting experience when somebody approach us and pretend to help us look for a taxi then afterward ask for a fee.The cab driver said that they are Badjao (Sea Gypsies).But what was equally frustrating is the taxi ride from port to La Guardia Hotel.We are charged P200.00.Its just three blocks away from the port.But then again,this is a do-it-yourself tour its all part of the experience.

First stop is the Basilica del Sto.Niño.I feel reunited with Señor Sto.Niño since my last visit here was in 1996 when I am an exchange student for a year at University of Cebu.I don't have relatives in Cebu and this church is my favorite breathing space whenever I am home sick.

Just beside the Cathedral is the Magellan Cross planted by Portuguese, and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on April 21, 1521.One can never miss to drop by on this site because the Magellan's Cross and the chapel in Magallanes St. just in front of the City Hall is a prominent symbol of Cebu.

Then we walk towards Port San Pedro just few blocks away from Magellan's Cross. Port San Pedro is one of the oldest spanish port in the Philippines. It was first started in May 8, 1965.The work of colonization had just begun and due to the hostility of the natives, the Spaniards were compelled to build the port.The port is triangular in shape with two sides facing the sea and the third side facing the land. The two sides facing the sea were defended with artillery, and the third side with palisade made of wood. The port serves as a nucleus of the first established settlement in the Philippines.

Cebu is also known for its variety of dried fish, we were told that the best place to buy them is in Tres de Abril St., Taboan Market a few minutes away from the cathedral.We just ride a jeep to get there.

Then we went to the provincial capitol of Cebu to have some pictures. Along the way we pass by Crown Regency Hotel which caters the famous extreme edge coaster ride and sky walking adventure. From Capitol we go back to downtown and buy Cebu made guitar at the Freedom Park.

Having a do- it- yourself city tour in Cebu is not that complicated. All you have to bring is a lot of guts coupled by thorough research of the place in the internet. I tell you the experience is great! See you on our coming DIY tour in Puerto Princesa ( June 2010) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( July 2010 ).