Magayon Mount Mayon

When the plane was approaching Legaspi city, I saw on my right window the enormous and gigantic mound of land that protrudes from the otherwise relatively flatlands. I then said, “oooohhh, aaahhhh, aaamaaaziiinggg!!!” and my seatmate looked at me with asking eyes.

He looked like a local there so he’s unfazed with the sight. But for me, it was like meeting a giant for the first time. Well, I’ve never met a giant before and so do you.

When the plane landed, I couldn’t wait to get out and be inundated by the rushing scene before me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a camera so I only got to take photos with my cellphone. (That’s why I bought a cam!) I had this stubborn attitude that all the places I’ll go to will be preserved in my memory, not on some kind of caricature that is devoid of meaning and experience. Well I was wrong. Definitely you can associate your memories with the pictures you took, like this one above. I couldn’t help it but take pictures right away while I was still on the plane!

The Trip

This was a solo flight. I purchased a roundtrip ticket of Cebu Pacific for Php 60.00. Yes you read it right, sixty Philippine pesos pesoses. This was because Cebu Pacific had a 0 fare and I chanced on one of those seats. Actually this was one of the three tickets I bought for that ridiculous amount. The other two were for Ilo-ilo and Siargao. Can you imagine an airplane ticket of sixty pesos? Probably more than what costs you to get a taxi from your place to the airport?

Armed with nothing but a Lonely Planet guide book lent to me by a friend, I toured Legaspi on my own. On foot, in jeepneys, and in tricycles. I rented a place suggested in the book, and upon seeing the book the frontdesk lady spoke to me in English. I told her I am a Filipino (I look like a Filipino dude, I’m no foreigner with blue eyes or blond hair) and that I need a room to stay. She was surprised because all her guests before bringing that book was a foreigner. I chuckled and I said nah, and then started the declamation I Am a Filipino by Carlos P. Romulo…

Mount Mayon

The volcano itself is named Mount Mayon or Magayon, which is the local term for beautiful. The term is very apt for the beauty of the volcano is akin to a morena Bicolana, which I found Legaspi having lots of them. For some reason, its grandeur is inexplicably beyond words. You would have to be there to experience what it is.

It’s perfect and symmetrical shape is what makes it very attractive to locals and foreigners alike. It’s lone figure in the horizon adds the drama of any late afternoon sunsets. No wonder it was regarded as a deity before, with its commanding yet gentle presence.

Ligñon Hill

It was a twenty to thirty minute climb uphill starting from the base. It is an easy ascent as the road upwards though winding, is asphalted. On top, you would see a really wonderful view of the perfect coned volcano. To cap it off, you get to do a zip line slide and rappelling. I tried both and it was cool. The rappelling was pretty much easy as the slope is earth and it’s not that 90 degrees, it’s about 89.1. Lol.

Daraga Church and Cagsawa Ruins

The Daraga Church or Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria is on top of a small hill. I visited there and it has a good view of Mount Mayon too. I went around to inspect the church as it was very interesting. It says that it has been made purely of volcanic rocks. I tried to remember my Biology (or was it Natural Sciences?) class if it’s igneous or sedimentary.

The other church was in Cagsawa and I went there by riding a jeep and walking the rest of the way as no public vehicles going to the exact place. It was a short walk though.

As I was walking towards the destination, I noticed that there were a lot of houses buried halfway the ground, and some of them with only roofs showing. It must have been a terrible time when the volcano erupted or spewed lava and lahar. I could hear the people running about in the place as the huge cement dikes couldn’t hold the brimming lahar.

When I reached the Cagsawa ruins and the Church itself, I was amazed at the belltower that was half-buried. Locals there told me that this is the most photographed place in the whole country. I wouldn’t be surprised. Unfortunately the battery of my phone died so I didn’t get to take pictures there. Pity me.

Conclusion (Is this a Science experiment paper?)

Going around Legaspi was fun. I knew nobody and nobody knew me. I went to their plaza and ate there like a local. I also went to dine in Small Talk, a comfy medium sized restaurant, and tried out their Bicol Express pasta. I found it weird but it was delicious though. I also went to eat lunch in Waway Restaurant that featured their seafood ladened with gata or coconut milk. I didn’t get to take a picture of the tasteful huge crabs which I feasted on. All I remember was I ate a lot of those as they were sweet and fresh, apart from me being hungry.

I had a great adventure. I went to places without fear of getting lost, and I explored whatever I could in those three days without hesitation. I guarantee that even if you’ll have a short trip, you would leave the place still dazed and mesmerized.