Bicol | Albay: A Ride to Reminisce

Mt Mayon at the Albay Gulf Albay has a special place in my childhood. I have fun memories of many summers spent in Albay. My mom hails in Da...

Mt Mayon at the Albay Gulf

Albay has a special place in my childhood. I have fun memories of many summers spent in Albay. My mom hails in Daraga and we would visit her home often. No matter how long the drive, it’s always the majestic Mayon, the imposing Daraga Church and enjoyable time with cousins and siblings. My last visit though was drenched in tears like the heavy rain that poured upon us the day we said goodbye to my dearest lola (grandma). I was close to her. Relatives always say I’m her favorite apo (grandson). That was more than a decade ago. When an photo assignment from InFlight came recently, I thought I guess it’s time to come back. Not only to retrace the steps of my youth but to re-discover Albay.

At the moment. Finally heading back to my mother’s home town after more than a decade. #mtmayon on the horizon #travel #atm #enrouteph #bicol #albay #daraga #ontheroad #video

A video posted by Ferdz Decena (@ironwulf) on Aug 3, 2015 at 3:32am PDT

Drive to Albay

We took a 12-hour drive from Manila using the convenience of our vehicle. Stopping whenever we want wether for some interesting sights, hunger pangs or simple restroom breaks. The drive to Bicol was less cumbersome this time than I remembered. Most of the road now are paved making the travel a lot more comfortable and faster. Of course we passed by places I usually look forward to whenever I travel to Bicol, like the treacherous twisting turns of the Bitukang Manok (chicken intestine) road in Quezon, the breezy roadside eateries in Atimonan Quezon and the first glimpse of Mt Mayon’s conical grandeur in Polangui.

Albay is such a large province consisting of 18 municipalities. It is home to the iconic Mt Mayon and where concoction of fiery coconut infused dishes were born. Meals exploding with spiciness and aroma akin to how regular Mt Mayon has erupted to let out steam. Recently, Albay was included in UNESCO’s list of World Network of Biosphere Reserves last March 2016, citing the province as an example of sustainable development and biodiversity.

Morning at the Legazpi Boulevard

Legazpi Boulevard Mornings

First order in our first day of our work itinerary was to visit the Legazpi Boulevard. The 4.095km seawall and coastal road was inaugurated last 2009, quite a long time ago but it was new to my eyes. With the view of Mt Mayon and the sleeping lion hill they call Kapuntukan Hill along the cerulean waters of Albay Gulf, Legazpi Boulevard is undoubtedly one of the scenic boulevards in the country.

The early morning vibe was active and energetic. There were people jogging, biking or simply walking. We came a few days before a major triathlete event and encountered some of the participants training for the event. I’m impressed how lucid the waters along the port was. My amazement to both the athletes and how clean and pristine the surrounding was.

Kapuntukan Hill front of Mt Mayon

Triathletes young and old in training

Other triathlete ready to swim

Kids off to school

Daraga on the next page…

Mt Mayon seen from Daraga Albay

Retracing Daraga

Daraga, Albay was exactly where we usually stay when in Bicol during summers. We had cousins there (who are now mostly in Manila). And just in the neighbourhood is the remarkable Daraga Church properly named as Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church. This Roman Catholic church standing on a scenic hill was built in 1772. Several sections of the church were declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2007.

Coming back here on our third day on assignment, I fondly saw myself running around the church during my childhood days and ending up looking at Mt Mayon in amazement. The church may look spruced up with its newly painted white facade, the grounds have better paved roads and new establishments overlooking the municipality and Mt Mayon but the look of awe haven’t changed. There’s comfort in the familiarity yet movement in the changes. It good to be back in Albay.

Facade of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church

Mt Mayon overlooking Albay