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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.

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!

Chili-Ice-Cream-at-1st-Colonial-Grill-in-Albay — The Sili Ice Cream made popular by 1st Colonial Grill. Credits to the owner of this photo.

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.

13508989_10207036770223724_7407141939444779637_n — The Lava Pizza available only at the Lava Restobar. This is a newly opened hangout but its growing popularity is testament that something good is going on in here. Credits to the owner of the photo.

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.

Mayon Volcano Eruption 2014 - Legazpi City, Albay — Legaspi City at night, Mayon Volcano framing its skyline from afar. Mayon can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Photo credits to the owner

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.

maxresdefault — There is so much going on for Pinamuntugan Island – white, fine, powdery sand, secluded location, clear waters, very minimal visitor traffic.

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.

13512130_1755786638012052_3915308673263270759_n — The offerings of this restaurant is just amazing. It is a fusion of authentic Italian and Mexican food, a must try when in Legazpi.

A New Boutique Hotel Opens In Legazpi

June 23, 2016 admin 2 Comments

There is just something special about Small Hotels or Inns in a quiet street, especially those that strive for the comfort of their guests. This is what boutique hotels are known for – small in size but big in offerings and personality.

Enter the Emerald Boutique Hotel in Legazpi City. It is intimate and charming with nicely furnished rooms. What it lacks in luxurious space, it makes up with its unique style, comfort, and service.

The Rooms

The rooms at Emerald Hotel Legazpi have thick, 5-star quality mattresses with anti-bacterial sheets. The toiletries of this small hotel are also beyond the expectations of many people, considering the published rates of its rooms. The toilet and bath are nice and it is complete with rainshower head showers.

IMG_9523_opt copy — Emerald Boutique Hotel’s Standard Room. The comfy mattress says it all. Quality accommodations is here for the price of a budget hotel.

And if it is any consolation, the water that comes out from the faucets (showers too) is treated by the hotel’s own water purification system. Simply put, the water that you take a bath with is safe to drink, comparable to the bottled water you buy from the store.

IMG_9511_opt copy — This is Emerald’s Twin Deluxe Room. Two beds, generous floor space, elegantly furnished toilet and bath, with Cable TV and 24/7 Internet access.

The rooms are all equipped with cable TV and each floor has its own dedicated Internet line. In fact every part of the hotel has a decent WiFi signal, even the lobby, corridors, and outdoor spaces. Some of the third floor rooms have a Mayon view, while some rooms on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors have access to a veranda.

The Location

Untitled — A 3-minute walk to any direction will get you to the very heart of Legazpi City. Restaurants abound and Jeepneys drive through Rizal St.. These can ferry you through almost all routes in the city.

Emerald Boutique hotel is located right in the heart of Legazpi City. It is just a 3-minute walk to the seat of power of the province of Albay and the local government of Legazpi. Restaurants are also near the hotel. If you fancy roaming around the city the hotel is just a few meters away from one of the of main streets of Legazpi (Rizal St.) where public utility jeepneys pass through driving people in and around the major routes in the city.

Diving-in-Donsol-photo-from-Orpheusdive.com_-600x450 — Swimming with Whale Sharks in Donsol Bay is a feasible adventure if you are staying at the Emerald Boutique Hotel. Photo by Q Phia via Flickr

Do you want to visit the famous Cagsawa Ruins? One jeepney ride from the hotel is all you need. Do you want to hike up to the top of Lignon Hill and witness the majestic beauty of Mayon? It is just another jeepney ride away from Emerald Hotel Legazpi. This is one of the most important features of the Hotel – its accessibility to the many tourist attractions in the city and beyond.

4166455_orig — If you fancy visiting the Cagraray EcoPark then Legazpi City is a convenient jump off point. Photo by Sayson Ballesteros

Emerald is in Legazpi and the city is at the very heart of Albay Province making it a convenient jump-off point to many local attractions like the Vanishing Island in Malilipot, The Mayon Rest House in Tabaco, Vera Falls in Malinao, Kawa-Kawa Hill in Ligao, Danao Lake in Polangui, the Japanese Tunnels in Camalig, and the Cagraray EcoPark, even the Misibis Bay Resort and Casino.

314101307dcafe9c40e14e691a4f5ee7 (1) — The Vera Falls in Malinao. This is just a short drive away from Legazpi City. Photo credits to the owner

Everything is within reach of Emerald Boutique Hotel and this includes Donsol Bay where the whale sharks or Butanding show up during the summer months.

Dining and Entertainment

IMG_9525_opt copy — The Emerald Bistro Cafe. This is open all day to serve sumptuous meals to hotel guests. Coffee is also available here.

Emerald Boutique Hotel has its own Bistro-Café in the ground floor which serves the guests with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. It is open from 6:00AM to 10:00PM. The restaurant also offers mouth-watering Bicol gastronomic treats. Gourmet coffee will also be available soon in the Café.

The Emerald Bistro Café opens up to an outdoor space, to “The Garden” which will soon have live acoustic entertainment on the weekends. With the parasols, the open skies, and the comfortable seating, this area will surely be a new favorite hangout area for guests and Legazpi locals.

IMG_9459_opt copy — The Garden, an outdoor space that connects the indoor dining area to the elements outside. You can dine here if you want to.

For those who love to sing their hearts out there is the Emerald KTV rooms. The sound proof rooms are fully equipped with high quality audio-visual equipment ready to provide music and vocals even for the most demanding and seasoned karaoke singers.

13510721_10154270485144793_1460532319_n — People are having so much fun in Emerald’s KTV rooms. This room is sound proof and equipped with top of the line audio visual equipment.

The Videoke rooms can be rented out exclusively for three hours for only Php2500. This rate includes a consumable food package that can fill up the appetite of up to 10 people. Not a bad deal at all.

The Ambiance

IMG_9445_opt copy — Emerald Boutique Hotel’s lobby. This intimate and welcoming space represents the very feel of this charming hotel.

Emerald Boutique Hotel offers intimate accommodation with 30 fully air-conditioned rooms. This gives the hotel a homey feel and with its friendly customer service this hotel delights and delivers. Even with the limitations of its size, the hotel has all the amenities that matter most even to a seasoned traveler.

IMG_9422_opt copy — The hotel’s front desk. That green lighting reflects the emerald standard pursued by this up and coming boutique hotel.

With room rates going for as low as Php1500 per night, the Emerald Boutique Hotel is bound to exceed all your expectations.

Travel Now, Pulubi Later?

June 22, 2016 admin Leave a comment

The millennials are quite familiar with the saying, “travel now, pulubi later”. With the increasing availability and utility of credit cards, travel is becoming a source of debt for many, to the point of begging for food months after a trip. But this does not have to be your reality – if only you travel smart.

Plan your trip in advance

The first sign of trouble for cash-hungry vacations is spur-of-the-moment plans. A good example would be friends in the office are talking about how beautiful Mt. Mayon is. As the conversation unfolds, a raw, “feasible” plan emerge. “Let’s go to Albay next week”! And that my friend is how you travel with huge financial consequences.

If it is possible, go against the trend and book your hotel in the “slow” months.

The problem with spur-of-the-moment travels is that everything costs more from plane tickets to the tours you want to take, even the hotel rooms you need to book. The solution is to plan your trip months before you go. Do your research about your destination, how you can fully enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, find hotels with a view and near to everything you want to experience while in town.

The perfect cone volcano in the Philippines, Mt. Mayon. Majestic, breath-taking, magayon (beautiful in the local dialect). Credits to the owner of this photo.

Know more about the peak season of tourist arrivals in your planned destination. Summer and the Holidays are often when hotels are charging more for their rooms and airlines are cashing in with the influx of vacationers. If it is possible, go against the trend and book your hotel in the “slow” months.

File your leave at work early, start losing weight if you plan to wear that swimsuit, talk about your trip at the office or among your friends, the more the merrier! Plan out your itinerary, book the local tours early, reserve the hotel rooms, and build up the excitement as your departure date draws near!

Nothing beats a well-planned, well-timed vacation.

Book your flights early

Look out for seat sales from budget airlines. You can even call your preferred ticketing office to reserve seats for you as soon as the sale is announced.

Seasoned budget travellers even plan their vacation around the travel dates of their discounted plane tickets. This is also a good way to plot your vacation plans. Seat sales in local airlines are often in harmony with tourist peak seasons.

Wait for seat sales like these. This was a promo by Ceb Pac 2 years ago but you can still secure this low fare in their annual seat promos. — Wait for seat sales like these. This was a promo by Cebu Pacific 2 years ago but you can still secure this low fare in their annual seat promos. Travel period will vary.

There is a huge chance that plane tickets on sale would mean lower local hotel room rates, lower tour fees, lower price of everything plus you get to enjoy your space in the beach more.

Talk to the locals

Vacations are nice when you fully integrate yourself to the local lifestyle. The last thing that you want to happen is to fail to get the real vibe of the city. Do not insulate yourself in the comforts of your hotel room and shuttle service. Get into the local lifestyle.

IslandRunElNido — Engaging locals to small talks often mean a treasure chest of tips on to-do’s and to-eat. (Phot0 by Arnel Banawa)

Talking to locals also give you a deeper experience with your destination.

The best way to do that is to talk to locals. Have short walks around your hotel or ride jeepneys to go anywhere. Engage locals into casual conversations, and perhaps ask them what you can do to really enjoy the city. It is often from these conversations popular local hang outs are revealed, something no amount of online research can give you.

Talking to locals also give you a deeper experience with your destination. This can even give you windows of opportunity to go back to the city, but this time with local friends. Now that’s exciting!

Eat where locals eat

The Sili Ice Cream pioneered by a local restaurant in Legazpi City. This is a must try for visitors of the city.

Tired of the same breakfast at the hotel? Try the local gastronomic treats of your destination city! Eat where locals do! It could be a popular carenderia right on the next corner, or a mamihan or lugawan 50 meters from your hotel. Specialty restaurants are also a good idea to have an authentic food experience.

By eating where locals eat you can have a more accurate feel of the city

In Legazpi City, the sili ice cream is a must-try and only one restaurant offers that. Go there! Then there is the pinangat, a local dish that has charmed local tourists for decades now. Small Talk Café also offers the pinangat pizza, another must-try for tourists.

Laing_Pinangat — Pinangat, a local delicacy in Bicolandia. You need to try this when in Legazpi City. (Photo by Claire Dee Lim)

By eating where locals eat you can have a more accurate feel of the city. It also makes a good story to friends back at home. Yeah, you ate sili ice cream and you can brag all about it.

Do not be fooled with hotel published rates

Do not settle with the rates you see on the hotel’s website and in their other booking outlets. Always ask for a better deal. At least try.

Published rates in any hotel are not always accurate. These rates are often subjected to discounts especially during the off season. Booking a room in advance can give you more flexible rates. You can even ask the hotel for some tips when to book your room/s.

13467880_10154262552924793_2101207302_o — The Emerald Boutique Hotel, a newly opened small, intimate hotel in Legazpi City. This hotel is bound to exceed your expectations.

Planning to book several rooms? Some hotels give discounts to rooms reserved and paid for in bulk. This is often true in small boutique hotels, or in some little inn or bed and breakfast.

Do not settle with the rates you see on the hotel’s website and in their other booking outlets. Always ask for a better deal. At least try.

13405433_10154243958694793_2091785023_o — Emerald Boutique Hotel’s Double Deluxe Room. Convenient and elegant.

Pursue the tours you really like

Thanks to the Internet and Google it is quite easy today to find something to do in any city in the Philippines. Travel blog abound (like this one) and your friends on Facebook often have experiences in places you want to visit. Reading and asking around is not that hard.

VanishingIsland_Albay2016_ByChristianSangoyo_ARDM_large — Malilipot, Albay’s vanishing island. This is a beach in the middle of the sea. Now that’s interesting! Credits to the owner of the photo.

Plan ahead, be informed, be intentional with your trip, and get into the local lifestyle.

But what do you really want to do? That is the question you must have an answer for especially if you are travelling on a budget. Pursue the tours that have immense personal value to you.

In Legazpi City the Mayon ATV tour is a huge hit. You do not only get to see Mayon up close but drive through its lava path up to the very foot of the majestic volcano.

The-Rocky-Mayon-Trail — The Mayon ATV Tour. Imagine driving through the lava flow from the majestic Mayon Volcano! (Photo by Melo Villareal)

You can also try the vanishing island tour in Malilipot Albay. If you love the beach then this tour should be in your thing-to-do list while in Albay.

So don’t be a “pulubi” after travelling to beautiful cities around the country. Plan ahead, be informed, be intentional with your trip, and get into the local lifestyle. Who said you have to be in debt to enjoy the perks of travel?

Fly Me To Mayon!