Daraga Church, Albay

Daraga Church

History, Description, Travel & Backpacking Guide, How to Get Here, and Other Things You Need to Know.

We were still wishing that on our next destination, Mt. Mayon will show its perfect cone. Kuya Lijong brought us to the historical Daraga Church, situated on a hill. The location is also a perfect spot to see the beauty of Magayon which was playing hide and seek with us. The clearing was negative, so let's proceed to its history. The structure of Daraga Church has a Baroque design built by the Franciscan Friars in 1773. It served as the place of worship after the church of Cagsawa was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814. Also, Daraga Church served as the station of Japanese soldiers during the Second World War in 1945. It was rebuilt from 1971 to 1973. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

Sumlang Lake, Albay

Sumlang Lake

History, Description, Activities, Backpacking Guide, Location & How to Get Here, and Other Things You Need to Know.

After Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, we were brought to Sumlang Lake, a beautiful and instagrammable spot in Albay. The area has a beautiful landscape, surrounded by trees, flowers and other plants. It could have been perfect if there was a clear view of Mt. Mayon on the backdrop, however, it was hiding during our visit. We waited for almost an hour while enjoying the view and eating ice cream, but, Magayon was still hiding. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, Albay

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave

Entrance, History, Description, Backpacking Guide, Location & How to Get Here, and Other Things You Need to Know.

After Cagsawa Ruins, Kuya Lijong brought us to Hoyop-hoyopan Cave. Its name was derived from their local dialect which means "to blow or blowing." The wind enters the cave opening, blows through the cave's cavern, and exits to the other side. That blowing wind is the reason why the ambiance inside the is cool and relaxing. Aside from that, there are a lot of artistic stalactites, stalagmites and columns inside the cave. What's different than the other cave? There's a round concrete dance floor inside this cave. According to our guide, the locals created the dance floor to hide their party and gimmicks as these were not allowed before. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES


Mt. Mayon & Cagsawa Ruins, Albay

Mt. Mayon

Entrance Fee, History & Facts, Description, Backpacking Guide, Location & How to Get Here, and Other Things You Need to Know.


Mt. Mayon is definitely the top tourist spot in Albay and it was hiding in the clouds during our 2 attempts to visit Cagsawa Ruins. According to the metal plate: "The spiritual administration of Cagsawa from 1587 to 1595 was under the Parish of Camalig. An early church was burned, 25 July 1636, by the Dutch who ransacked the towns bordering Legaspi Bay. This church was built after 1724 by Fray Francisco Blanco. D.F.M., was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano, on 1 February 1814. The authorities of Cagsawa meeting at Ligao, 6 July 1814, decided to incorporate their town as part of Daraga. The first centenary of the destructions of the church was commemorated 1 February 1914, with a huge pilgrimage to the ruins where high mass was celebrated."

Albay Cathedral

Albay Cathedral
The Albay Cathedral is one of the top tourist destinations in the province and it was our first destination. It is also known as the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great situated in front of McDo and beside Legaspi City hall. According to its historical data, this cathedral started as a chapel built in 1580s by the Spanish missionaries. The early structure was made from local products such as wood and nipa. Then, it emerged to a stone structure in 1800. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES


Balut Island, Davao Occidental

Balut Island
Creating an itinerary and traveling to Balut Island wasn’t easy because of its geographical location. Also known as Malulong, this volcanic island situated in Southern Mindanao is definitely the top tourist destination in Davao Occidental because of its fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and gorgeous landscape. Not only that, the people here are friendly and approachable. There’s a bit of a language barrier, nonetheless, locals can understand English, Tagalog, Bisaya, and I’ve heard some locals that speak Indonesian. CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEOS

Top 3 Best Places to Visit in Casiguran, Aurora

Aurora tourist spots
When we talk about Aurora Province, first thing that comes into your mind is Baler, the surfing capital of the North, but this province can actually offer a lot more. If you're looking for beaches, Casapsapan and Dulagan are just two of the must visit. Its shoreline has a long stretch of fine white sand mixed with corals, colorful stones, shells, and living creatures such as crabs. The coconuts and trees create an amazing landscape perfect for your photo shoot while the cool wind blowing. Of course, you can't resist the charm of the cool and crystal clear water. Let's not forget the beauty possessed by Bulawan and Dialang falls, also located in Casiguran.

MT. KASAHINGAN, NUEVA ECIJA

Mt. Kasahingan is the newest hiking destination in Nueva Ecija. It became popular because of its breathtaking beauty, relaxing ambiance, easy-to-moderate trails, gorgeous waterfalls, and pretty much accessible from Manila and other points in Luzon. Hiking this mountain can give you a rewarding experience and instagrammable spots.

Manila Cathedral in the dark

Manila Cathedral or the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica is situated in the district of Intramuros, City of Manila. Originally, this church was the "Church of Manila" which was established under the management of the Diocese of Mexico in 1571, but in 1579 it became a separate diocese. Been here several times, but it's my first time to see the stunning golden lights on its structure after dark.

Miss Philippines Earth Romblon 2016

I found love with nature and I found happiness with beauty pageants, combining these two and it's Miss Earth. Meeting Kattline Joy Eranes, from Looc, Romblon, the reigning Miss Philippines Earth Romblon 2016 was remarkable. Initially, it was a long chit chat and in the end, I was invited to join them for a shoot For a Cause. The photos below will describe Kattline's advocacy in society. By the way, Kattline is now one of the Official candidates of Miss Philippines Earth 2016.