Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay

The most visited tourist attraction in Albay is the Cagsawa Ruins. It used to be a church on a separate town of Cagsawa, but was buried by Mayon volcano's destructive eruption in 01 February 1814. The whole town was buried with about 15,000 residents, including an estimated 1,200 people who took refuge inside the Cagsawa church. Since that catastrophic year on their town's history, the remaining Cagsawa survivors decided to include Cagsawa as part of the municipality of Daraga.

From Tabaco church, we travelled back on the way to Daraga. Along the way, we saw many "padyak" bicycles ferrying people between Tabaco and Malilipot town. According to our driver, this is the country's padyak capital, where this particular mode of transportation had started before it spread out on Manila and other places.

Waway's Restaurant & Bigg's Diner in Albay

Our first meal in Bicol region, is at their famous Waway's Restaurant along Penaranda St. in Legazpi City. This restaurant is highly recommended on the internet reviews, due to their authentic Bicolano dishes at affordable prices. We arrived at almost 12:00 noon, and it looked like an early lunch wedding function had just ended.

I was expecting a carinderia ambience (open air, cramped dining area, basic furnitures, etc.), but I was surprised that they are like a regular restaurant. The place is air conditioned, nice furnishings, and dining tables even have tablecloths instead of linoleum. Their only difference with a regular restaurant is the "turo-turo" style of ordering, or by pointing your preferred food on what they have prepared on the counter.

Tabaco Church in Tabaco City, Albay

As I like to see century-old churches, we did a quick tour of San Juan Bautista church in Tabaco City, Albay. Its on the main road across the city hall, another evidence of the Spanish colonial governance, wherein the church and the state are one and the same.

Just like the other churches on this region, the church was constructed using volcanic materials between 1864-1879. The first church was constructed in 1616, but was later destroyed by Mayon volcano's most destructive eruption in 1814.

Mayon Planetarium in Tabaco City, Albay

After a heavy lunch in Waways, we proceeded to the Mayon Planetarium in Tabaco, Albay. Its about 1 hour trip from Legazpi City. We passed bridges and residential areas which showed boulders and volcanic debris from previous volcanic eruptions. 

We also passed the town of Malilipot, the main source of nice abaca bags sold in Manila and abroad. After a long climb to the zigzagging road with stations of the cross, we finally saw the signature dome of a planetarium.

The Mayon Planetarium is situated on the "waistline" of the volcano, or midway to its summit. This is the closest thing you can get to the volcano's crater. Near the site is where PAGASA's seismological instruments are installed to monitor the volcano's activity. 

Based on Mayon volcano's known eruption history, the planetarium's site was never hit by lava flows, so its just appropriate to build the complex on this side of the volcano. There used to be a Mayon Skyline Hotel on the same area, but its not operational now.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay

After checking the Daraga Church here, we proceeded to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay. Its about 15 km. from Legazpi City, and 15-20 minutes drive.

We passed well-paved roads with views of rice fields and a lot of trees, mostly the pili trees, where their famous pili nut come from. Our van driver also pointed to us the planned site for the bigger Legazpi airport in a large rice field. A few minutes later, we turned left on this fork on the road.

Car parts troubles that waste gas money

Here's a very helpful article lifted from Phil. Daily Inquirer's Motoring Section's issue yesterday, penned by Tessa Salazar.

So you’ve become a fuel-efficient driver, but is your car a fuel-efficient machine? Remember, one cannot work without the other.

Here’s a look at what could make or break your car’s fuel efficiency, as revealed by acknowledged motoring experts Ferman Lao of Speedlab, Quezon Avenue; Olson Camacho of West Avenue, Quezon City; Deanna Sclar (author of “Auto Repair for Dummies”); and Dan and Judy Ramsey (who wrote “Teach Yourself Visually: Car Care Maintenance”).

Daraga Church in Daraga, Albay

After dropping our luggage to the hotel, we proceeded to the nearby Daraga Church, which is situated on a hill with a view of the majestic Mayon Volcano. Unfortunately, it was still cloudy that morning of our arrival, so Mayon's peak is barely visible on the photo below.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) in Daraga was built in 1773. It served as temporary shelter of Cagsawa residents when their church was buried by volcanic debris during the volcano's deadly eruption last 1814. 

Cebu's Taboan Market, "ATM", Etc.

Do you know that Cebu has another "ATM"? No, its not the cash-dispensing automated teller machine. On the contrary, it functions as a cash-accepting machine, in exchange for dispensing purified water in "tingi" or smaller portion to a refillable water bottle. Below is a sample of Cebu's Automated Tubig (Water) machine, or ATM for short.

The ATM machine is popular to Cebu's masses, especially to those who live near or along its streets. It allows the people to buy purified water in Php 5 denomination to quench that thirst. Its one of the unique and modern-day attractions in Cebu, hehe.

Cebu Lechon, Larsian,Sutukil, Golden Cowrie

On the left side of Lapu-Lapu shrine in Mactan island is the Sutukil restaurant row, sharing the same beach and mangrove area of the shrine. "Sutukil" is sort of an acronym for 3 methods of cooking as follows: Sugba (grill), Tinola (soup), and Kinilaw (ceviche). These 3 cooking methods are usually employed on the seafood items purchased by customers for cooking by the establishments in the area.

The customers start with the purchase of the seafood items, with corresponding prices per kilogram. Seafood prices are quite expensive, almost like in Manila's dampa restaurants. Well, they should make profit as well after incurring rent and labor costs, but I think the items are still overpriced. Cooking charge is about Php 50 per 500 gm, to cover the cost of seasonings, gas, etc.

Fort San Pedro in Cebu City

Another must-see tourist site in Cebu is the historical Fort San Pedro, much like the Intramuros in Manila. Its the smallest and oldest fort in the country. Here's the facade of the triangular fort as seen from the public park.

On top of the entrance is an image of Sto. Nino (Infant Jesus). The arches on the top wall reflects the architectural design during that era.

Magellan's Cross & Sto. Nino Basilica in Cebu

The most recognized tourist site of Cebu City is the Magellan's Cross, housed in a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street (named after Magellan's Spanish name), just in front of the city hall. The small chapel built in 1834 receives many tourists and religious practitioners. It is also included on the city's official seal.

A sign below the cross claims that the original cross is encased inside the tindalo wooden cross that is found in the center of this chapel. This is to protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts of the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. However, some people (including myself) believe that the original cross had been destroyed or had disappeared after Magellan's death, and the cross is a replica that was planted there by the Spaniards after they successfully colonized the Philippines.

Cebu's Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan Island

Our second destination after arriving in Mactan airport is the shrine of Lapu-Lapu in Mactan island. Here, the tourists will see the 20-ft. bronze statue of the first Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu, who repelled the foreign invaders headed by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who served under King Charles I of Spain.

That historical battle on 27 April 1521 happened on this mangrove beach below. Here, Datu Lapu-Lapu and his men fought a pre-dawn attack of Magellan's men, if my history teacher's account of the story is correct.

Taoist Temple at Cebu City

One of the tourist attractions in Cebu City is the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills subdivision. Built in 1972 by the local Chinese community, most of its area is open to the public, except the prayer chambers. Its not accessible through jeepney or bus routes, so a taxicab is the best option to get there for tourists like us.

Prepare for an uphill climb to see the temple's beauty.

Penong's Grill, Luz Kinilaw, Kusina Dabaw

Our first dinner in Davao was spent in Penongs, a highly recommended barbecue chain of restaurants, with affordable menus. Think of Mang Inasal restaurants in mostly open-air dining area with unlimited rice meals, but with more menu items like bulalo and grilled seafoods. 

Service is fast on their Sta. Ana St. branch, inspite of many diners that night. Waiters automatically serve complimentary bulalo soup and cold water to all their customers.

Royale House Hotel in Davao

During our 3D2N stay in Davao City, we stayed at Royale Pension House which is along C.M. Recto St. near the San Pedro Cathedral and Davao City Hall. It is also walking distance to the People's Park, though we didn't have time to see it. C.M. Recto is a one-way street, so our usual route in going back to the hotel is from San Pedro St. The jeep route no. 4 pass thru C.M. Recto after making rounds in Magsaysay Avenue and Quezon Boulevard. Many other jeepney routes and taxicabs pass the hotel, so transportation is never a problem.

Fastfoods like Chowking and Jollibee are just 5-minute walk through the Rizal Extension. There is also an NCCC Express Supermarket nearby. There is a night market along San Pedro St. if you fancy ukay ukay clothes, streetfoods, and pirated DVDs. The Bankerohan Market is a 5-minute ride on the jeepneys that pass the San Pedro St.

Hagimit Falls & Kaputian Beach, Samal Island

After our visit in Monfort Bat Caves, we asked our tricycle driver if she could take us to Hagimit Falls in Penaplata district, for an additional Php 200 fare. We checked first the arrival time of next Island Express bus that will bring us to Kaputian district, so that we'll know how much time we can spend at this locally famous waterfalls.

If I remember it correctly, the entrance fee in Hagimit Falls is Php 30/pax. Its quite far from the main road, so a vehicle is recommended to visit the area. Again, habal-habal is the more common form of transportation to this place.

Monfort Bat Cave in Samal Island, Davao City

Day 2 of our Davao tour was spent on the Island Garden City of Samal or IGACOS for short. Our first destination on the island is the Monfort Bat Cave which provides shelter to at least 1.8 million fruit bats, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

From Magsaysay Avenue at downtown, we boarded the Island City Express bus for Php 30 fare/person up to the Babak district.  The mini-bus boards a Ro-Ro vessel, owned by the same company, along with other vehicles and boat passengers. 

Upon arriving at Babak pier, we rented a tricycle that will take us on the northwest portion of the island and back to the pier for Php 250 after minimal haggling with the female trike driver. Habal-habal should be less expensive and faster, but there are four of us including 2 kids, so its not an option. 

Davao Crocodile Park & Tribu Mindanawan

This is the last itinerary on Day 1 of our Davao DIY tour, which is near the city center. After riding the passenger van from Malagos, we took a taxicab to the Crocodile Park inside a subdivision. Entrance fee is Php 150 for adults and half price for kids. The fee includes free entrance to the butterfly center across the street, and to the Tribu Mindanawan cultural village and show.

The show at Davao Crocodile Park starts at 4:00 pm during weekends. It starts with a mini-bird show, followed by a yellow python, and an orangutan named Carlo. Afterwards, its the big croc Pangil splashing water to the spectators, feeding frenzy, and tightrope acts of 2 men above the crocs' area until 5:00 pm. 

Phil. Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City

After our buffet lunch in Malagos Garden Resort, we proceeded to the Phil. Eagle Center, about 2-3 km farther uphill if my estimate is correct. Tricycle fare is only Php 10 per person from the Puentespinas' garden resort.

Entrance fee is Php 50 for adults, while its Php 30 for those 18 years old or younger. There is a snack store and souvenir shop on the center, where proceeds benefit the protection of the endangered Philippine eagle species. The relaxing lotus pond below with large koi fishes and a footbridge above it welcomes the visitors.

Malagos Garden Resort's Bird Show in Davao

Two weeks ago, I took my wife and 2 boys at Malagos Garden Resort in Davao City. The highlight of the visit there is the interactive bird show during Sundays at 10:30 am, which lasts for 45 minutes. Entrance fee for adults is Php 125, while its Php 100 for kids. Adding Php 150 to the entrance fee entitles a customer to avail of their lunch buffet, which is not bad for its price.

Near the entrance of the garden resort is their playground with a tower on the middle.