Part of our Caramoan tour with my former office mates is to visit Albay’s primary tourist attractions with Cagsawa Ruins topping the list. This sojourn is for Sir Alex and Alma who will capture memories as they will set foot in my beloved hometown for the first time. I was a tour guide on this exciting getaway.

seize the moment

We boarded in Penafrancia bus bound to Legazpi City in Alabang terminal (adjacent to Starmall Alabang). The bus went off around 9:00 pm. I awoke around 5:30 am when we were in Naga terminal to unload passengers. I didn’t sleep anymore as we continue our trip. We had a smooth and comfortable night trip.

Fortunately, we were allowed by the driver to alight in the junction in getting to Cagsawa Ruins. This will save time as we will no longer ride a tricycle from Legazpi City to the ruins which is so easy to find because the signboard is just beside the main highway.  We were told that there are tricycles at the turn-off point. But as early as 7:00 am there was none in the area yet.

chilly halo halo anyone?

We took a leisure walk and basked in the morning sunshine as we headed to the ruins. We enjoyed taking photos of the scenic countryside of Albay. As we crossed the highway, the sun was now beaming radiantly into the clear blue sky. The tranquil surrounding and fresh scent of morning dew were so refreshing.

My first and second visits here were a little disappointing because Mayon Volcano didn’t show up. But while we were crossing a small bridge, the majestic volcano greeted us with a warm welcome. For my third time, I had a perfect shot of Albay’s iconic image and the Bell Tower with no fleeting white clouds.

children’s playground

My admiration for her beauty since I was a kid never fades. She was truly stunning. I told my buddies that we were so lucky because the famous volcano didn’t hide from us. At the same time, the clear and calm river running below the bridge and the lushness of rice fields were a lovely sight to behold. It was indeed a rewarding day, a good start for a weekend Bicol getaway.

The entrance fee was still the same as last year, P10/head. After paying for it, we walked in a hurry and took our cameras. We were the first lucky people in the ruins so we were confident dropping our bags on the grass. On the lead, Sir Alex was so excited taking pictures.  And so do I.

the basketball court

This was my first time exploring around. There is a basketball court, children’s playground, and more little stores near the vast plot of rice fields. What amazed me much were the remnants of the convent near the Bell Tower. It was a wonderful feeling walking in the area while the rays of the sun were streaming into the rocks and grass. There was a rock ladder leading to an entrance where we had a better view of the Bell Tower.

We were approached by a teenage boy named Joseph carrying a long blue clear book. He showed us the newest trend in photography, the tricky pictures of happy people in varying perspectives with Mayon Volcano and the bell tower as a backdrop.

Here are our photos.

Giant Rose

Leaning Ana

Giant Alma

Si bossing, the serious giant… hehehe

As a token of appreciation, we gave P300 to Joseph a tip for his service.

We flocked to souvenir stores to buy native abaca-made products like bags, coin purses, key chains, pencil holders, slippers, and hats.

thank you Manay Shie for the discount

Everyone was satisfied with our visit and in our little shopping galore. When we went outside the ruins there were tricycles parked near the entrance.  Nothing more to do, we hired a tricycle and went to our next destination, into Lignon Hills.

 In Getting Here:

1)  There are buses bound to Legazpi City in Cubao, Pasay, and Alabang. Just tell the driver to drop you at the junction in getting to the ruins, cross the highway and take the ten-minute walk.