Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.

Brace yourselves as I take you to the very well-known ”The City of Fun and Adventure! Legazpi City, ALBAY.

Legazpi is Bicol's regional center, a city rich in history and adventure. It embraces the transformation from a humble city to an ever-expanding city.

We book our flight with Philippines Airlines, From NAIA to Daraga International Airport.

After a 1-hour flight, finally, we reached our destination. Welcome to Legazpi City, Ablay!

A culture rich with tradition and sweet smiles!

Sumlang Lake

It is a seven-hectare lake in Brgy. Sumlang Camalig, Albay, and according to the caretaker of the place it is three to four feet deep.

It offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The place also features a stylish set of chairs and art pieces. And cottages distributed around.

The location has several cultural attractions to offer, which may provide useful information on Bicol items. There are some water activities available, though we did not try them. Swimming is not permitted due to the murky water, but there are a variety of water activities you may enjoy.

Abaca Tree

Abaca Tree of "Musa textilis"

The most noticeable distinction between the two is the type of fruit they yield. The abacá fruit is tiny, inedible, and filled with seeds. The Leaf Shape: Abacá leaves are smaller and narrower, with pointed ends, whereas banana leaves are larger and more rounded.

Weaving Abaca

In the Bicol region, abaca is woven into sheer Sinamay sheaths that are used to produce shawls, caps, gift bags and wraps, and other decorative items.

Cagsawa Ruins

A visit to Albay is not complete without dropping by the iconic Cagsawa Ruins with the majestic Mayon Volcano on the horizon.
From Sumlang Lake, an 11-minute ride to Cagsawa Ruins. A nice and perfect view of the majestic beauty of Mayon Volcano.

It has continued to be a popular tourist destination in Albay. The terrible 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano is the remains of the Cagsawa Church, which was built in 1724 and destroyed. This location has long been regarded as the most scenic and Instagrammable destination in the Philippines due to its overwhelming beauty.

Parking and admittance are no longer free. When tourists enter the park, they are greeted by shops selling souvenirs and official photographers hired by the local government. The entrance cost is P35 per person.

It’s my bad for not having a picture with the hired official photographer. He gave us a unforgettable experience with the Mayon Volcano.

Traveling is fun without your travel buddy! Here’s Ma’am Corinne exposing her talent in posing!

What a cute and fun way to start exploring Cagsawa Ruins!
This tourist spot offers a lot of souvenirs and their own delicacies.

Who would have thought that they have what they called “ sili ice cream or the chili ice cream” At P50 per cup it is guaranteed to put your mouth on fire. It has proper leveling of hotness! From Level 1 to Level 3 but I got Level 1 and all I can say, it is worth it!

This is recommended if you are going to visit the Mayon and have a complete view and spot of the Mayon Volcano I suggest packing your things early in the morning before 9 am! It’s the best time to have a sneak peek of the Mayon Volcano’s perfect cone shape.

Daraga Church – Our Lady of the Gate

From Cagsawa Ruins to Daraga Church – everything is just majestic.

Following a big explosion in 1814, it was constructed to protect evacuees from the devastated Cagsawa church. It is a baroque-style church on a hill, and transit may take you to the top if not to the bottom. Daraga has a large parking lot on one side, as well as the municipal side, with a view of Mt. Mayon. The church was erected on stones, and other parts were renovated without considering the long-term impact on the building.

Today, every location continues to urbanize. Infrastructures are planned to connect the entire city. And the inhabitants of Legazpi continue to conserve their natural heritage.

Alright, fellow HIVERs, it's time to pack your bags and start on an incredible vacation to the breathtaking Albay region of the Philippines!

This is a perfect place to connect with nature.

A place full of history and adventure!

A place you call “Home”.