This is a grab from an earlier post on my Multiply (dated April 11 2009).
I never thought I would be swimming with whale sharks…
…but that’s exactly what we did in our recent trip to Bicol–my very first visit to the region.
After 25 years, I finally got the chance to see in person the famed Mayon Volcano at its finest.
It was also my first time to sit in the car for so long with my parents and two younger siblings. The 10-hour journey to Legazpi prompted numerous jokes and Karlo’s certification of Pa for being a comedian… only to be revoked a couple of jokes later after slipping back to corny.
That was the mood the entire trip, switching between pure silence (with exception to the sound of the car roaring across the seamering pavement) and laughter.
The ride was smooth… with the occassional maneuverings to avoid potholes at the substandard Quirino highway which bypasses the towns of Camarines Norte.
You would know that you’re in Bicol when you come across a Bigg’s fastfood outlet. The billboards look inviting but upon our arrival at Legazpi, we opted to have a quick stop at Jollibee for their familiar Chickenjoy and spaghetti. The Bigg’s treat would have to wait the next day for breakfast.
The family met up with the rest of the party, which arrived a day ahead, at Alicia hotel near the airport. At late afternoon, we visited Cagsawa ruins–site of the devastating 1819 Mayon volcanic spillover which killed thousands and buried alive hundreds inside the renowned church.
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