Why Tourists Are Crazy Over Albay (and Why You Should Be Too)

July 22, 2016 admin 1 Comment

There is no denying that Albay is becoming one of the country’s most popular provinces for local and international tourism. With its new International Airport opening sometime in 2017 and the continuing promotion of the local government and the Department of Tourism, Albay is bound to receive more visitors in the coming years. But what is the Albay “craze” really all about? Read on and convince yourself that your next trip would be here.

That Mayon view

There is just something about Mayon that makes this heap of rock extra special. It is its perfect cone shape, its sheer size, and how it is laid upon the land that makes it unforgettable. Almost everywhere you are in Albay Mayon is there reminding you of its majesty and beauty.

Mt. Mayon in all its splendor. One good reason to come over to Albay. Photo credits PhilippineLifestyle.com

Even to locals Mayon never ceases to amaze them. They take pictures of it, post it online, and praise its hundred-and-one qualities. Only when you see it in person you will understand why many are dying to go to Albay.

When you are around town make sure to stay in a hotel that has a view of Mayon or at least near a place where you have a vantage point of the volcano. And yes, pray for clear skies.

mayon_volcano_tom_falcon — There is somehting about Mayon that you never tire looking at it. Photo credits Tom Falcon

Amazing gastronomic offerings

Bicolandia is a foodie’s paradise and Albay inherits this quality to the brim. It is in this province where the famed Pinangat has its origins. Bicol express is also a staple food around here so even the small carenderias around town has this in their stalls.

1-img_20140420_095917 — The famed Pinangat. It’s flavorful, its local, and it is the perfect appetizer. Try it when in Albay! Credits to the owner of the photo.

It is also in Legazpi City, the capital city of the Province of Albay where the popular Sili Ice Cream came from thanks to the creativity of the 1st Colonial Grill, one of the most successful restaurants in the region.

The Albay food scene is very exciting to the delight of tourists. Ginataang Santol, Laing Pasta, Laing Pizza, and Volcano Fire Pizza are only some of the few gastronomic treats this place is known for. So if you feel like having new food experiences then this is the place to go.

13508989_10207036770223724_7407141939444779637_n — The Volcanic Fire Pizza from the Lava Restobar. This is not just good food, it is also an interesting experience.

Picturesque churches

There are a lot of picturesque churches in Albay. Daraga Church and the Albay Church in Legazpi City have innate architectural beauty that will surely impress you. Then there is the Nuestra Señora De Salvacion Shrine in Tiwi, St. John the Baptist Church in Camalig, and the St. Peter and Paul Church in Polangui.

Cathedral-of-San-Gregorio-Magno-Right-side — The Albay Church right at the center of Old Albay District. There are many hotels near this picturesque church, one of which is the Emerald Boutique Hotel. Credits to the owner of the photo.

All these churches you can visit in just a few hours as these places are not too far from each other. If you have a private car to drive around the better it is for your church hopping adventure. Just don’t forget to bring your camera with you.

Polangui Church in Polangui, Albay — The colorful Polangui Church in Albay. The contrast and the earth colors makes this church picture perfect. Credits to the owner of the photo.

Interesting people and culture

Albayanos are a friendly bunch and are really warm in accepting visitors to their province. Everybody here can communicate in Tagalog (Filipino) so it is not that hard to go around the city even if you do not speak the local dialect.

Albayanos are also very accommodating and hospitable so it is not unusual to be offered a seat in their dining table or have an engaging conversation with them.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things of the culture in this area is the myriad of derivatives of the Bicol language. Legaspeños’ Bicol would sound different from the dialect of people from Daraga even if the two territories are just a few kilometers away from each other. The language would have another “version” in Camalig or in the other side of Albay, like in Tabaco or Tiwi.

Mt. Mayon - Legazpi Boulevard - Legazpi City — The Legazpi Boulevard. A great place to meet and talk with some locals. Come here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Photo by Glen Thaddeus Isip

Nevertheless, the cultural mix and roots of Albayanos are both complex and interesting so learn as much as you can and strike some conversations with locals. You will be glad you did.

Beautiful beaches

If you are a beach person then Albay is a prime destination for you. It has a collection of white and black sand beaches, some are in uninhabited islands while others have resorts on them. This gives you a lot of options as far as beach fun is concerned.

maxresdefault — The beautiful Pinamuntugan Beach. Who would not like to come here? Credits to the owner of the photo.

The good thing about these beaches is that they are not that far from urban centers like Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, and Legazpi City. You can stay for example in Legazpi and get to the nearest beach in 30 minutes.

Muladbucad-White-Beach-photo-from-FB-Page — Muladbucad Beach in Manito, Albay. The water is simply inviting! Credits to the owner of the photo.

If you want to have a more exclusive experience in a resort setting then you can check out Misibis Bay Resort and Casino in Bacacay. 45 minutes from your Legazpi Hotel and you are there sipping fresh lemonade or having fun with water sports.

Grandiose festivals

Albay is known for two grand festivals, some are month-long celebrations that put the city in a very festive mood. May 1-31 is the time for the Magayon Festival. In the heart of the city you can find stalls that sell local food, varied services like tattoo and body piercings, booths that sell popular Bicol pasalubong items and memorabilia plus there is a stage for nightly band entertainment.

Magayon-Festival-Street-Dancers — The cultural parade for the Magayon Festival is one of the most popular activities in this month long celebration. Credits to the owner of the photo.

During the second week of October is the Ibalong Festival. This one is just a week-long celebration but its scale is as grand as the Magayon Festival. You can expect cultural parades and coordinated activities around the city. Prepare yourself for the throngs of crowd everywhere you go.

2U5rCgMnDXE9RnAHXmeKpjl72eJkfbmt4t8yenImKBXEejxNn4ZJNZ2ss5Ku7Cxt — The Ibalong Parade is colorful and grand. This is one good reason to come and visit Albay. Credits to the owner of the photo.

Other festivals happening around the province is the Tabak Festival in Tabaco City celebrated on the last week of March. You also have the Sarung Banggi Festival in Sto. Domingo happening every May 18-25. The Coron Festival happens every year in Tiwi during the 3^rd week of August.

Tribu Himag-Ulaw 2014 Gayon Bicol Festival of Festivals champion (3) — The Magayon Festival is seen to be one of the grandest festivities in the country. Schedule your visit in Albay during Magayon. Just book your flight and accommodation early. Credits to the owner of the photo.

Other Festivals include Kadagatan Festival of Bacacay, Pagsuwak Festival of Guinobatan, Salingoy Festival of Bacacay, and Tinagbuan Festival of Ligao City just to name a few.

Book your flight in advance and reserve a room weeks before your trip during these festivities.

Mayon Volcano Eruption 2014 - Legazpi City, Albay — Legazpi City at night. Visit Albay and sleep with this view. Credits to the owner of the photo.

Is Albay worth visiting? You bet! So do your planning, research on what Albay has for you (this list is not at all complete as far the province’s offerings are concerned) and call up some friends to join you on your trip. Vacations are way better when you share it with someone.

How To Enjoy Legazpi City Like A Local

July 11, 2016 admin Leave a comment

So you are planning to visit Legaspi City. But then you ask yourself, where to go, what to do? Sure you can Google your way around town, eat here and there, do what other tourists do. But an authentic vacation can only be achieved when you experience a city like a local, like a true blood Legaspeño. How to do it? Even if you only have one day you can experience Legaspi fully with this itinerary.

Touchdown at Legaspi Airport. Mt. Mayon is peeking through the clouds. Get your cameras ready! Credits to the photo owner.

Let’s say you had the second flight in from Manila. You arrive in LGP at exactly 11:30am.

11:30 AM – Hotel check -in

By now if you are lucky enough to have clear skies you must be raping that camera button at the direction of Mt. Mayon. She is a sight to behold and you can already witness her majesty the moment you get out from your plane.

IMG_9410 copy copy — Check in to your hotel quickly and get your Legaspi adventure started! Choose a hotel that is near to everywhere for ease and convenience while in the city.

Locate your hotel’s shuttle service, leave your bags in your room, and get your Legaspi adventure started, but first…

12:00 Noon – Grab some lunch!

Fortunately food in Bicol is good, so good that you would not have a hard time finding a good place to eat while in the city. We recommend 1^st Colonial Grill, a local restaurant that offers Bicol delicacies. What to eat here? Bicol Express is a must and make sure to compliment that with their Tinapa Rice. Laing (or Pinangat) is also a must-have in your table.

1458467_10152101052822340_882558273_n — 1st Colonial Grill’s pinangat rice, a must-try while in the city. Credits to the owner of this photo.

Done with your meal? Top it off with a dessert that made 1^st Colonial Grill famous all over the country – the Sili Ice Cream!

1:00 PM – To Cagsawa Ruins!

Cagswa Ruins is a World Heritage Site so NEVER ever leave Legaspi City without visiting this place. This is where one of the most common photos of Mayon is taken (that church bell tower-framed photo of Mayon).

4210687085_b84de11a5d — The Cagsawa Ruins. Nothing beats this iconic view. Credits to the owner of this photo.

There is plenty to do in Cagsawa Ruins. There is of course the picture taking, shopping around Cagsawa’s souvenir stalls, and just enjoying the awesomeness of the perfect cone volcano in its full splendor. It is important to note that the view here of Mayon is much nicer because it can be framed from its very base up to its crater.

3:00 PM – Coffee Break

The coffee culture is alive and well in Legaspi, thanks to the many coffee shops around town. One café is worth your visit – the 528 Ilawod. This coffee hangout is not only popular for its good coffee but also for its artsy, intimate ambiance.

24066858345_f8b323b4ec_k — The paintings of the wall makes 528 Ilawod very unique. Coffee here is very good too! Credits to owner of this photo.

The café also showcase the work of local artist Ann Cadiz in its wall murals. The painting on the walls adds personality to this place and one more reason why you should come and visit it.

23439081734_a38b6e7879_z — This coffee place has a very artsy feel. You should try the food here too. credits to the owner of this photo.

Located in Daraga, this café is undeniably Legaspeño so do not miss it while you are in the city. By the way one corner of the café has a nice view of Mayon.

4:00 PM – Daraga Church

Daraga Church is a very scenic place, a must visit for all the guests of the city. It has an access road near the Daraga public market so getting to this place is easy. Perched on a hill, it has a sweeping view of Mayon. But aside from the nice view, another good reason to come here is the church, a Spanish-era structure that should make a nice background for a selfie.

The Daraga Church with its impressive architecture and its Mayon viewing deck on the far right. This 2 in 1 view combination makes this place a must-visit in Legaspi.

There is a viewing deck in the area so you can enjoy the Mayon view while enjoying the light breeze in this hilltop location. Pray for clear skies because selfies here are awesome with the famous volcano framing your shot.

5:00 PM – Lignon Hill

As the sun is going down you can head out to Lignon Hill, an unmistakable landmark that goes with the Mayon view from many vantage points around the city. This hill is also where PHIVOLCS have its observation outpost for Mayon, a testament of the encompassing view of Lignon over the volcano.

4207214585_e54069ea2d — The road going up to the top of Lignon Hill. This is a tiring hike but the view on the top is worth it! Credits to the owner of this photo.

To better enjoy this next stop, get your walking shoes ready and hike up the hill, a whole kilometer of subtle climbing. What’s nice about this uphill walk is the view that you can have of Legaspi City as you progress to the top.

tumblr_inline_n4udcbMhP91qc4uj7 — At the top of Lignon Hill. The park has a sweeping view of Mayon, Legaspi City, and the Bay of Legaspi. Credits to the owner of this photo.

The best part of the climb is when you reach the park on top of Lignon. You can bask in the view of Mayon and the whole city, even giving you a nice sweeping glimpse of the bay of Legaspi. Sunsets here are nice. Many locals come here just as the sun dips in the horizon.

The hanging bridge on Lignon. There is also a zip line here. Credits to the owner of this photo.

Aside from the nice view you can also enjoy the hanging bridge and the zip line that crosses thru the hill from one side to the other. Another unique experience while in the city.

7:00 PM – Dinner at Small Talk Café

When you are in Legaspi the best place to have some good, Bicol food is at Small Talk Café. This small restaurant in the middle of Old Albay District is a foodie’s paradise. The serving here is filling and the flavor is just top class.

Small Talk Cafe 2 — Small Talk Cafe at the Old Albay District. This place is very well known for local delicacies. Credits to the owner of this photo.

What makes this café (it’s a restaurant actually) unique is its offerings that scream Bicol like the Pinangat Pizza and the Laing Pasta. Pasta here is generally good. Do come early for dinner especially in the weekends because this place is often packed with people.

Utazo at Small Talk Cafe — Some of the celebrated food at Small Talk Cafe. Looks good? Believe us, those taste better. Credits to the owner of the photo.

8:00 PM – Night out

There is no denying that this city sleeps earlier than many urban centers in the country but the good news is, if you know where to go, well, problem solved!

You can choose to go to Lava Resto Bar inside the newly opened Ayala Malls Legaspi. This bar has a nice crowd, it has live music, and there is a wide selection of drinks. While you’re here try out the Lava Pizza while enjoying the young, urban vibe of the place.

If you want a more unique experience you can go to Retazo Diner along Rizal St. Acoustic music is very good here and the ambiance is quite nice and more intimate. Food is good and there is a decent selection of beers. No hard alcoholic drinks though but there’s wine and it is chilled just for you.

12118833_10153664706024793_2925054438213721462_n — Retazo Diner is a nice place for music and food lovers. Photo credits Zalrian Sayat.

If you are more of a party animal and you love dancing the night away with live bands or DJs then Bar 101 is the place for you. It is located inside Bichara Complex in the very heart of the city.

Bar 101 is Legaspi’s longest running bar. This is paradise to those who love loud music, lots of booze, and loads of fun. Credits to the owner of the photo.

We do hope you call it a night early because the first stop for the next day is best enjoyed when you go there before the sun is up.

The following day:

5:00 AM – Legaspi Boulevard

If you love to run in the morning then you will love Legaspi Boulevard – a 1.5 kilometer stretch of beach side development that is perfect for an early morning run. This place is teeming with people especially in the weekends. This is a favorite place of locals to unwind, enjoy the sunrise, and yes, enjoy some coconut water (coconut vendors are all over the place) with the early morning sea breeze.

Legazpi-Boulevard-11 — Legaspi Boulevard is simply a beautiful place to unwind, enjoy the view and breath in some fresh air. Credits to the owner of the photo.

If you just want to walk around then that’s great too. This is also a great place to meet and talk with some locals. There are also some great places for a selfie including the “Legaspi” standee with a nice Mayon view in the background. You need to have a photo taken here!

image (1) — The iconic picture perfect spot in the Boulevard. Credits to the owner of the photo.

Want to eat? There is an interesting local vendor that goes by the name of “Eat n’ Run”. His sandwiches are good and his personal branding is excellent with that charming bike trailer of his. This guy also serves native coffee, so yeah, enjoy! He frequents Legaspi Boulevard early morning.

Eat N’ Run is a local food cart business that has an interesting personal brand. It sells sandwiches and native coffee. Photo by Kim Iqs.

7:00 AM – Breakfast at Bigg’s Diner

tower-burger-4 — Bigg’s Diner Tower Burger is popular here. Bigg’s Diner is a locally grown brand that offers good food all over Bicolandia. Credits to the owner of the photo.

You cannot leave Bicol without eating at Bigg’s Diner, one of Bicol’s most popular brands. This place is not really about fast food, but good food. They have amazing burgers and breakfast specials (the American Slam is not to be missed!). They have charming stores too.

8509822870_8a82e81a9d — This is one of Bigg’s Diner store interior. Bigg’s is known for its charming, vintage-feel outlets. Credits to the owner of the photo.

8:00 AM – Sumlang Lake

If your flight back to Manila is still in the afternoon then you can still visit one more tourist spot in Albay – the Sumlang Lake in Camalig. Camalig is just a 30-minute drive from Legaspi City so this would be a convenient quick stop for you.

3-2 — Sumlang Lake and its one of a kind lakeside view of Mayon. This place is gaining the attention of local and international tourists so might as well visit it while in the city. Credits to the owner of the photo.

What to do in Sumlang Lake? You can ride the bamboo raft across the lake with Mayon Volcano in the background. It is picture perfect so never forget to bring your camera with you. If you want clear, superb images, do not just rely on your smart phone camera.

11-2 — Kayaking is a newly added water sport activity at Sumlang Lake. Rowing with that view should be nice. Credits to the owner of the photo.

You can also do some kayaking in the lake or just sit around in the lakeside’s many unique seating, all have a majestic view of Mayon.

5-3 — That picture perfect bamboo raft is a must-ride while in Sumlang Lake. Imagine the photos you can have while in that. Just make sure to get your angle right so that Mayon won’t lose its place in your selfie. Credits to the owner of the photo.

It is probably time to get ready for your flight home after the Sumlang Lake adventure.

Remember, a trip is best enjoyed when you throw yourself to the local lifestyle. Get out there, talk to people, learn about the culture, love the food, and do not be afraid to try new things.

See you soon here!

Cover photo credits Ryan Javierto

Pinamuntugan Island: Your Beach Destination When in Albay

July 4, 2016 admin Leave a comment

Is there a beautiful white sand beach in Albay? The answer to that is a big yes! In fact this beach is as beautiful as the more popular beaches in Sorsogon like the Subic Beach and Tinikling Island, or beaches in Camarines Sur like the Caramoan Islands, or beaches in Catanduanes like the Puraran Island, Mamangal Beach, and Twin Rocks Beach Resort.

So where is this “convincingly” white sand beach in Albay? Pinamuntugan Island is just an hour’s boat ride away from Bacacay Port. This is good news to those who are planning to visit Legazpi City sometime soon because Bacacay is just a short drive from the said city.

There are numerous flights every day from Manila to Legazpi. The city is a tourist’s gem in its own right with its majestic views of Mayon Volcano. So if this city is in your travel radar then list Pinamuntugan Island down as a must-go destination.

The good news is even if this island is a private property you do not have to pay a single centavo to have your boat dock in its beaches. You do have to pay for the boat and the boatmen who will navigate the channel from Bacacay to the island. The fee would depend on your haggling skills but typically this would range between P1700 to P2500.

439615660_1280x720 — This is how boatmen in the area park their “bangka” in the beach. For just P2500, the boat is yours for the whole day. Photo Credits JC Co

Pinamuntugan Island is not a resort in itself so do not expect man made cottages around. This is good news especially for travelers who want their beach experience raw and natural. But you need to bring with you a tent, drinking water, and food. There is no store in the island so it is necessary for you to cover all the basics. Consider yourself warned.

pinamuntugan_beach — Busdac Beach in Pinamuntugan Island. Imagine yourself frolicking in that amazing beach! Photo credits Ryan Baliza

The white sand beach is amazing here and thanks to its low volume of visitors (that might soon change though) the water around the island is pristine, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is a picture-perfect beach so don’t forget to bring your camera with you.

pinamuntugan11 — Snorkeling is an ideal activity in the island with its rich marine life and clear waters.

Update your Legazpi itinerary today and look forward to a breath taking beach experience in Albay only at Pinamuntugan Island. No long road trips and excruciating route, just pure fun under the sun!

4 Must-Try Eats In Legazpi City This 2016

July 1, 2016 admin Leave a comment

2016 is a promising year for local and visiting foodies in Legazpi. The food industry in the city is bound to get more interesting as local foodpreneurs are getting bolder in offering their gastronomic creations to the eager public. I am listing 4 new places to eat in Legazpi and I hope you can find the time to visit each one and tell your friends about your experience.

Retazo Diner

This resto-diner-bar watcamacallit is an interesting place to dine. For one its interior is very unique. The owners of the place seem to maximize the physical features of the building they leased for the diner and went ahead with rustic-chic décor.

Owned and managed by musicians, this diner is not only about good food but most especially about good music. If you are into Jazz, Bossa Nova, Pop R&B, with a touch of Pinoy acoustic sound then this is a must-visit place for you.

12144927_10203734368919233_1384256175248195154_n — Cloud Embassy, one of the leading acoustic acts in the city plays regularly in Retazo. The nameplate for the diner and the photos on the wall makes this place interesting to dine in. Photo by Eli Casim

The food here is good and what makes this place more exciting is that they have an ongoing Man Vs. Food challenge – to finish a humungous spicy beef burger in Ciabata bread, fries, and with Retazo’s signature mango-graham shake in 5 minutes. So far no one has been successful in winning the challenge. Maybe that would be you?

13336104_1223690404342097_7636348134536689117_n — The Retazo Burger is one the diner’s most popular entry in its menu. Pounds and pounds of beef in Ciabata bread is more than enough tickle one’s appetite.

What to eat here? The Retazo Burger would be on top of my list and so is their Bicol Express.

Mamay Ferings

Okay so this place has one of the best if not the best pancit in town. Take my word for it! Well there is a good reason why this is so. According to the owners they were just originally looking for a place to rent out for a “pansitan” but as luck would have it, they saw a huge space that they can make into a full restaurant. And the rest as they say is history.

12932758_1727210714157535_8546032089922446552_n — Mamay Fering’s expansive interior makes it a nice place from some intimate events. The food here is top notch and the place is quite classic looking, charming even.

This pansitan-turned-restaurant is located in the heart of the city on the second level of a charming building that borrows its looks from a Filipino ancestral home, complete with the hard wood façade and Capiz shell-laden windows. The restaurant has a spacious interior with a sizable covered veranda that opens up to the hustle and bustle of the city below.

12670884_1725595694319037_5828118991667334969_n (1) — Mamay Fering’s Porchetta is a must try. The spices in the meat and its tenderness is mouth watering.

12920355_1726571067554833_5641052823741473594_n — The mixed sea foods in Mamay Ferings is unforgettable. This is one filling dish that should leave a nice memory of your Legazpi visit.

What to eat here? The Pancit Canton is a must try of course. The mixed seafoods is also a great choice and so is the legendary Porchetta.

Koron

Koron is another restaurant that is worth your try when in Legaspi City. This place boasts of native cuisines, although not exclusively Bicolano. Located in Yashano Mall this restaurant is bound to give you an authentic experience with Filipino food.

13227624_377247455732599_6859548261914997793_o — The Koron offering is authentic Pinoy food. When you eat in this restaurant, the experience is as nice as the food.

Everything here is “native” from the food presentation, to the interior décor, to the plates and cutlery. When you eat here bring your camera with you because you would be having fun taking photos of the Koron’s unique way of giving you a taste of Pinoy staple food.

Everything in Koron has a native Pinoy touch. The spoon and fork says it all!

What to eat here? There is the boneless crispy pata, the Kosidong Lapu-lapu, and pancit buko just to name a few.

El Mundo Pequeño

Are you in the mood for some pizza, pasta, or tacos? Then you do not have to go far. In the heart of the Old Albay District of Legazpi City is El Mundo Pequeño, a small restaurant that is big in taste and flavour.

13329361_1742648962659153_8057303865394997533_o — El Mundo Pequeño just opened its doors last month but this restaurant is bound to increase its avid diners thanks to its amazingly good food.

The Pepperoni Pizza here is oh-so-amazing that I am tempted to say it is the best in the city. It is authentic, thin crusted, with just the right amount of everything. This resto is located in the very same building where the Locsin Pili Nut was in the past few decades.

13392172_1747198295537553_8446146640596464424_o — This Pepperoni Pizza is the best in town. Try it to believe it.

The restaurant is deceivingly simple from the outside with just a few chairs and tables. But for this resto it is the not the store front that matters, it is the food.

13350338_1747198865537496_7822646330694737894_o — Care for some Tacos? This place should be your destination if you are into this Mexican staple food.

What to eat here? The meatballs spaghetti is a must-try and also the beef burritos. If you are into authentic Italian pizza and pasta then this is the place to dine to your heart’s content.

Fly Me To Mayon!

Monthly Archives: July 2016

Why Tourists Are Crazy Over Albay (and Why You Should Be Too)

How To Enjoy Legazpi City Like A Local

Pinamuntugan Island: Your Beach Destination When in Albay

4 Must-Try Eats In Legazpi City This 2016

Experience Legazpi, Cherish Albay, Love Bicol