Libotero – Philippine Travel Photo Blog

Part 13 of a series.

DAY 2.

After our tour of the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay, we continued travelling northward. But before leaving the town, mom and dad got a taste of their famous pinangat, made from gabi leaves mixed with gata (coconut extract). It comes in hot and not-so-hot variations. It has the great creamy flavor of coconut milk, vegetables, and seafood in each bite. And ofcourse, it has the spicy flavor that would emphasize the rest of the flavors in your mouth (that is if it doesn’t send you running for water!)

Anyway, it was already past noon time when we passed through the town of Guinobatan, still in Albay, and our stomachs began grumbling and making funny sounds so we agreed to eat lunch at the first local/home-grown restaurant (we were not looking forward to the common fastfood outlets since we wanted to make our dining experience as authentic Bicolano as possible) we will encounter along the way. But to our dismay, it was already 2pm and we were not able to find a Bicolano dining outlet so a few minutes later we were amused upon seeing a road sign telling us that the nearest Jollibee outlet, in Ligao City, was just a kilometer away. So, in the end, we ate lunch at Jollibee – Ligao City. LOL! Kami na ang naligaw sa Ligao!

Kudos to Ligao City for their efforts in making their community friendly to persons with disabilities

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Part 12 of a series.

DAY 2.

I assumed that we’d be going straight to the Camsur Watersports Complex already after our visit to the Cagsawa Ruins, but I was surprised and in turn, was very excited when dad told us that we’d be visiting a cave. A cave? Yes, a cave! The Hoyop Hoyopan Cave.

The Hoyop Hoyopan Cave is a cave-system in Camalig, Albay. It is the most popular destination in the town. (I only knew about this after our visit to the cave). It got its name from ‘hoyop’, a Bicolano word for ‘blow’. It’s not that you’ll feel strong winds inside the cave but it’s cool in there. It could be reached by any type of motor vehicles.

The short trek to the entrace of the cave.
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Part 11 of a series.

DAY 2.

After a quick tour of Legazpi City, we bought pasalubong and souvenirs and without holding back, we exited the city. We then headed to the next town, Daraga, which is famous for the Cagsawa Ruins.

The Cagsawa Ruins (shot from the direction of the Mayon Volcano)
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Part 10 of a series.

DAY 2.

After conquering Lignon Hill, we treated ourselves to breakfast at where else but Jollibee, LOL.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi City with the Mayon Volcano as its backdrop

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Part 9 of a series.

DAY 2.

Even on empty stomachs, we headed to Lignon Hill. Lignon (pronounced as lin-yon) Hill is one of the best vantage points, if not the best, for viewing the Mayon Volcano and Legazpi City. Supposedly, one can get to the summit of the hill by car but we weren’t aware that the road to the summit is closed from 5am-9am to make way for the local joggers and adventurous people who want to walk all the way up the hill. We arrived at the vicinity at 7:30am but we couldn’t wait an hour and a half more or else the clear view of the volcano could be covered by clouds already.

So, we parked our car at the foot of the hill, and then started the trek.

My family and our househelp are all geared up for the tough climb.
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Part 8 of a series.

DAY 2.

On the second day of our roadtrip in Bicolandia, we woke up so early, 6:20am, because we were told by the locals that the best and clearest view of the Mayon Volcano can be seen during early morning. The first thing I did when I got out from bed was to check out my window, and here’s what I saw.

Mayon Volcano standing mighty and proud at the back of Pacific Mall
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