Mayon Volcano – Legazpi, Albay

I have always wanted to see Mayon one day. Perhaps because I had been so amazed with its perfect conical beauty after seeing it on the pages on my grade school textbook. Then I’d admire it some more when I visit a local bookstore and see it among the racks of postcards. For me, like all the other places I wish to visit, it was only a matter of when. So when that day came, I can confidently say Mayon definitely lived up to my expectations.

DAY 1

During check in I specifically asked for a window seat in the left side after a blogger said it presents a good aerial view of the volcano. It was only later when I discovered she gave me the wrong side. All is not lost however as I was rewarded by a view reminiscent of Bohol Chocolate Hills. Sadly, this is the best shot I could manage from up in the air.

It started raining just after our plane touched down and when I walked out of the departure area, people were waiting with huge umbrellas (I remember when 2ne1 -my fave kpop group visited, it was also raining hard -I took it as an exciting omen haha). I got free airport transfer courtesy of the hotel and I saw the hotel employee  carrying a board with my name on it. Kind looking fellow, I was sorry he had to wait in the shed with the wind blowing hard. They spelled my name wrong haha but its okay.

I only had a half day so I wasn’t really able to do much on my first day. of course I tried to stick with my IT hehe and part of that was to have lunch at Small Talk Cafe ( on a separate post) and to see the sunset at Embarcadero de Legazpi. Apparently, they have free transportation going in and out of the mall/bay and the jeepney driver was kind enough to drop me off where it passes by. So kind that he really stopped and continued looking my way making sure I know where I’m going. He still have other passengers so I had to give him a thumbs up from across the road lol. Now i wish I took a picture of him. A lot of other drivers got me lost or didn’t really know where to take me after I give them an address and he was such a nice exception. He had a slurred speech but he was the most helpful.

And so I set to search for the Lighthouse. Now I saw these sign posts and I thought wow, this is really easy haha..

However after maybe five paces following the direction it was pointing me to, I saw the next sign, with the arrow pointing at the opposite direction. Huh? so where’s the steps leading to the Lighthouse, there was only one structure between the signs, a dive/touristy shop of sort. As it turned out, people are no longer allowed in the lighthouse, unless you’re doing the zipline. I never found out but I guess, the entrance was inside the dive shop :))

I had to wait hours to get a shot like this but it's not even good. I waited for the clouds to clear (which seemed like an eternity) and for the sun to set just enough to get this bluish color. It was a bit tricky cos you had to be able to take the picture at just the right moment. A minute late and it’s too dark. 

That’s it for Day 1. Local and not-so-local cuisine are on separate posts. Capped my night with sili (chili) flavored ice cream and shake from Bicol Blends Cafe.