The Modern Maria :)

what is the best way to unwind than to find your self staring at the window of a bus, looking at the sea, trees, rice fields with cows and carabaos, goat, than to see houses so simple yet outside are happy people talking to each other, children from school walking home on the street, not afraid of this big buses and trucks in their way. then to experience all of this on your way to more exciting experience, to travel without limitations, and to explore what places will offer.. 

Bicol is very well known province especially it is where you can find Mt Mayon, an active volcano in the province of Albay, known as “perfect cone” for its symmetrical shape. and a lot’s lot’s more things to offer. 

But before reaching Bicol (Legazpi to be exact) is a very long travel by land, around 12-14 hours by day but around 10-11 hours by night (tried both). and they also say it depends on bus company you will be riding. then you can also travel by plane for there is an airport in legaspi itself.. a good 50-55 mins travel they say.. :) I rode the Penafrancia travels and transport inc. Their buses are clean and comfortable, good and kind drivers, stop over places are ok.. :)

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My eyes never been happier for the past months,. for its seen most amazing places, beautiful views, and you visual experience like other..

if you want adventure, of climbing and in the same time sight seeing, you should visit Lignon Hill nature park. A hike upward the hill that takes around 45mins to one hour, I think it depends on weather, I climb up there while raining and it is pretty cold and tiring.. but then on the top is the reward of seeing Mt. Mayon herself (if she is not hiding :p) and the whole is city of legaspi.. also on top of the hill is a park and a commercialize area where you can buy food, use bathroom, and other adventures activity like hanging bridge and zipline which by the way I tried.. and scream my lungs out, lol. 

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Then you can never enjoy a vacation without getting wet, and by that I mean swimming :) you can find beaches of Bicol on their first district, Sto. Domingo. 

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Your trip to Bicol will never be complete, if you don’t go and see the Cagsawa ruins, it the historical church very well known in Bicol where people went when the Mayon erupted on the year 1814, believing it will be safe there,. but in the end the lava ate up the whole church killing people and leaving alone the tower and some church windows. Today, people in Cagsawa try their best to maintain the remains, to give tourists a education and great time and to remind themselves what Mayon can do. there are some people there who will ask if you want to take some pictures using your own camera, the good thing about them is you just need to give them tip and by the way they take good pictures., 

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just outside the park is a long line of stores where you can definitely buy pasalubong and souvenirs.. and there are lots to choose from, of course customize t-shirts, their abaca products like pouches, bag, wallet, lampshade etc., and who will leave bicol not even bringing home a bottle of pili nuts :) 

After days of waiting, finally that same afternoon when I will be going home, Mt. Mayon allowed me to see her perfect shape, and how amazing the volaco look., that very moment I know my visit was complete. 

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but most of all, a great journey is never been happier without meeting KIND, GOOD and LOVING people. that is why I wanna extend yung sobrang pagpapasalamat ko to a good friend Gayle, Jessie her boyfriend, and of course to HER FAMILY whom accepted me so warmly, from fetching me from terminal, giving me good place to sleep, food to eat, accepting me like I am no other., that this journey will never be a success without these kind people whom now I consider a family to visit in Bicol. that i almost got teary eyed saying goodbye to them.

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then thank you to GOD, who keep me safe. Guided and provided all this blessings. and for more adventure to come that I am so looking forward to. 

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please view all pictures on my Facebook page and follow me on my next adventure..

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This February, see you Baguio :))