A Blast From The Past

"A Blast From The Past"

   Majestic, Enigmatic and Stunning : This is how I can initially describe Mt Mayon at first blush.

   Adding to the impressive view and landscape of Mt Mayon is the historic Cagasawa Ruins, the remnant of the Baroque style Cagsawa (Cagsaua) Church. The famous belfry can be located in the Municipality of Daraga.

   The Cagsawa Church was greatly damaged after the massive and most destructive eruption of Mt Mayon on 1 Feb 1814 killing and burying at least 1200 people in the surrounding areas including people who sought refuge in belfry with pyroclastic materials, lahar and tephra.

Despite its resiliency after the ferocious eruption of Mt Mayon in 1814, the church had never stood the test of time because of constant and perennial natural calamities experienced by the Province of Albay. However, the remainder and relics of the church can be seen to date.

   The view of Mayon can be perfectly seen in 8 cities/municipalities surrounding it under the Province of Albay.

A perfect snapshot for an elusive volcano. Mt Mayon is sometimes very elusive to other tourists because of billowing clouds.

Side Trip To Sitio La Presa

       Sitio La Presa has become a household word and has become one of the favorite tourist destinations near Baguio City. Sitio La Presa is a secluded place located in Mt. Cabuyao, Sto. Tomas, Benguet. This is just 30 minutes drive uphill—minus the traffic—from the hustle and bustle of Baguio City. You can access this place via Green Valley route. By touring this place, you will be charged of P25 pesos for the environmental fee except for the drivers and children. Souvenir stores and food stores--including Kentucky Fried Chicken---are available in La Presa.

       Aside from the famous Sitio La Presa, you can also visit the widely seen object in Baguio City: the Cabuyao RADAR station. The RADAR has become the landmark and point of destination of Sitio La Presa.

       Mt Cabuyao is 2,025 meters above sea level or 6,644 feet above sea level (ASL)---that's 1,594 feet (rough order of magnitude)higher than Baguio City. It is one of the highest highway system in the Philippines. 

       The highest point in Philippine highway system is located in Barangay Paoay, Atok, Benguet. This is about 7400 feet ASL. This is located at (52KM) Halsema Highway. Therefrom, you can see the majestic view of the second highest peak (MT PULAG) in the Philippines.

Cagayan Valley Trip 2014

   On August 18, 2014, I, together with my parents, uncle and family friends, travelled to Tuao, Cagayan in Cagayan Valley Region to attend to the invitation of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary. The Municipality of Tuao in Cagayan Province is about 520 Kilometers north from Manila and about 8-10 hours grueling travel time.

   Coincincidentally, on the same day, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III inaugurated a bridge budgeted by means of controversial Development Acceleration Program. The bridge, which is said to link Region I, II, and Cordillera Autonomous Region, is known as “Ninoy Aquino Bridge.” The 360 lineal meter bridge, which is 3 years in the making, is remotely located in San Luis village in Tuao. The bridge serves as a connector between Tuao West and Tuao East which is physically separated by a vast river. The construction of this bridge was already visualized way back 1968. Now, the said bridge materializes and is expected to efficiently shorten traveling time to neighboring provinces from 4 to 5 hours to 2 and a half hours.

   Travel in Cagayan Valley Region will not be completed without tasting local delicacy from province to province. In Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, we had a brief stop-over at “Bites Restaurant” to try out its famous "Kare-Kare" topped with crispy "Bagnet." Adding to order, "Burudibud" and chicken "Sisig" which complemented our lunch. We also dropped by Santiago City in Isabela, through the invitation of a friend, to experience the local specialty known as “Pancit Cabagan.” Pancit Cabagan is a traditional food in the province that is mixed with a sauce and some basil leaf.  

   Cagayan Province is another gateway to Ilocandia Region and its home to other beautiful beaches and islands. In fact, Batanes Province was just a municipality of Cagayan Province before. 

Savoring The Wonder Of Nature: Palawan

A Memoir Of Palawan Trip 2014

Island Of Palawan

Palawan is under the island of Luzon. However, in 2005, by virtue of EO 429, Palawan became one of the islands of Visayas. Currently, this reorganization is held in moratorium maintaining the province to the island of Luzon under Region IV-B while awaiting reconsideration. Palawan is very renowned with regard to white sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. The province is also a haven for immense biodiversity of marine animals and coral reefs which is centrally located in Tubbataha Reef. There are also many world class and major beaches in Palawan, namely: Coron and El Nido. Palawan is dubbed as the city in a forest and one of the wonders of nature. Natives here are called Tagbanwa and Palawan. A trip to Palawan is reasonably affordable. You can avail it on the spot using on line reservation or through budget airfare. Also, you can travel by land using RoRo or by sea. Palawan is best for those travel buddies who want to experience nature at its best.