Sitting at the tip of Southern Luzon is the hometown of the braves, the fighters--the Oragons, as my late Lolo used to call it, being a true-blooded (and super proud) Bicolano that he is. So technically, I am 1/4 Bicolana (which I just realized now!). And since I haven't been to the Bicol Region, these series of blog posts will be my inspiration and guide when I finally earn $$$. Hello, bucketlist! =)
Source: dwdd.com
Being the largest island in the Philippines, one does not simply go there unprepared! After our jack-en-poy, I ended up having the Southern Bicol Region as my topic. One of the basic things you have to know when traveling is the geographical location of the place you're going to. Is it mountainous? Do you have to bring your trek shoes and large backpack? Is it a haven for beautiful beaches? Gotta pack your sunblock and shades! Whatever it is, never spoil your stay by coming unprepared.
Source: Yahoo! PH
Albay
Show the picture above to a Grade 4 student and he will surely scream where it is located. Yup, that's the power of Albay!
Albay got its name from the phrase al baybay, which the Spaniards heard as "angtabay" that later became Albay. (Name Etymology Source: albay.gov.ph)
Albay got its name from the phrase al baybay, which the Spaniards heard as "angtabay" that later became Albay. (Name Etymology Source: albay.gov.ph)
Albay has a total land area of 2,554.06 square km, making it the 26th smallest province in the country. Now, imagine Mt. Mayon with a total land area of 314.1 square km, that's almost 1/8 of the whole of Albay! No wonder why wherever you go around the province, you will have the beautiful Mt. Mayon as background. Instagram-worthy pictures everywhere you go!
Legazpi City, the capital of Albay, is also the central administrative region of Bicol. Being mountainous for the most parts, ready your marshmallows and chocolates so you could make some s'mores with your friends when you camp out on one (or even all) of the Magayon Trio, the three beautiful mountains of Albay namely: Mayon, Malinao and Masaraga.
- Source: Pinoymountaineer.com
=))
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Air - Travel time is about an hour and a half from Manila, according to my roommate. They also have their own airport, the Legazpi Airport. A larger airport, Bicol International Airport, is currently under construction in the West of Legazpi City.
Tip: Constantly check for promo flights because they usually have one during lean seasons. :)
By Boat - several ferry lines has their route to Tabaco International, Legazpi National, Pio Duran Provincial, and the Pantao Regional Port.
By Land - you can drive from Manila to Albay in almost 6 hours, that's when everything on the road is smooth.Or take a bus in Cubao for less hassle! You can also take the PNR, the cheapest fare would be around P600-700 for a reclining seat. But with all the sketchy news I've been hearing about PNR, I advise you guys not to take it.
SORSOGON
Source: Skyscrapercity.com
Did you know that there's a town in Sorsogon named "Bacon"? That must be one lovely town! Omnomnom~
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Sorsogon are the Whale sharks a.k.a Butandings. Donsol, Sorsogon is known to be the "Whale Shark Capital of the World". Merchants and locals provide an activity: "Whaleshark Interaction" that costs at a starting price of P3,500 per person for a maximum of 3 hours, depending on the weather and the approval of the Donsol Tourism Board. Yup, that's a huge price to pay but that tourist product is actually priceless, well at least for me. I'll be blogging more about this on my next posts so stay tuned! :)
HOW TO GET THERE?
BY AIR - If you're coming from Manila, you'd have to book for a flight to Legazpi City, as that is the nearest airport to Sorsogon. Normal flights cost around P1,500 - regular price. From there, you can take a bus going to Sorsogon for about 45 minutes.
BY LAND - You can take a bus from Cubao to Legazpi City.The whole travel would take around 10 hours and cost from P700 to P900.
If you're a cheapskate, again, check for promo fares. Yes, the taxes your flight would incur could be just as much as the regular price but the time you save, that's so much more! Trade-offs! Imagine the things you could do in 10 hours, man, you can never take back that 10 hours again. (Hello, Econ!)
MASBATE
The name Masbate came about when Fray Martin de Rada sent a victory letter to the Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico). He mentioned that in a place called Masbat there were plenty of gold and mines. The name variation is understandable as Spaniards speak in an aspirated manner so Masbad must have been pronounced Masbat in the Spanish tongue. And so in 1582, Miguel de Lorca reported about "Masbate," the first time that name was used. (Name Etymology Source: NSCB.gov.ph)
The whole of Masbate lies roughly in the center of the Philippine Archipelago. With that, island hopping is one of the fun adventure that awaits you once you get there!
With lush green grasses all around the province, Masbate is ideal for cattle grazing. Hence, being titled as the "Ranch Capital of the Philippines". Every year, they hold the Masbate Rodeo Festival (the annual National Rodeo Competition), that showcases the skills of the cowboys and cowgirls of Masbate, and from all over the country.
Did you know that some of the first cattle in Masbate were imported from Mexico? Lakas diba!
HOW TO GET THERE?
BY AIR - Several airlines such as PAL and CebuPac have flights directly to Masbate via the city proper's airport: Moises R. Espinosa Airport.
BY LAND - From Manila, take a bus going though the South Road to the Port of Albay, Pilar, Sorsogon, Pio Duran and Bulan. From there, take a RORO ship that can take you to Masbate in 2 hours and 15 minutes.
And that's it! Hope you guys learned a thing or two about the South of the Southern Luzon! ♥
Yes, it's a series of blog posts. So expect more about these beautiful places in my future posts.
Thoughts? Hit the comment button! :)
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