Election day was over. Part of our one-week vacation in our hometown in Albay is the exciting sun and sand getaway. My relatives mentioned a secluded beach in Baryo Jonop in the municipality of Albay. I was puzzled for I knew there’s no beach resort in this town. Out of curiosity, we contacted a van for hire, hastily cooked for our lunch, and off we go for another water adventure.

the elusive Mayon Volcano

Going to the beach was so invigorating as we passed picturesque scenery. Mayon Volcano though obstructed by thin clouds was a morning delight to watch for. Mount Malinao was so clear that day.  The morning sunlight was shining in verdant splendor.

Mount Malinao and the scenic view along the way beckoned

This is what I’ve been missing in our hometown, the green landscape, sweet-smelling fresh air, swift rivers, golden rice paddies, and the tranquility that lifted my spirit and emotion.

As we were approaching Agoho Beach, I was in awe looking at Mt. Masaraga which was referred to by locals as the mystical twin peak of Mayon Volcano. As you could see in the picture it almost resembled the almost perfect cone of the latter’s shape, the reason why it was often mistaken as Mayon Volcano.

Mt. Masaraga, often mistaken as Mayon Volcano

We brought our food and drinks to the resort. There was no caretaker in the vicinity when we arrived so we assumed there was no entrance fee. We put everything in the ground under the shade of pine trees or agoho in the local dialect. I was amazed to see these pine trees which are often visible in cold places like in Baguio City or in Benguet. My cousin Ate Dhits told me that it was planted by the locals to give a beautiful and calm view of the resort.

This was my picture of the beach with pine trees as a backdrop.

wonderful sea view that surprised us

The sand was volcanic black and very fine.  Since it rained the last few days, we were welcomed by surging waves as we approached the shore. But no matter how strong it is, everyone frolicked happily in the water. It reminded me of our wave experience in Pagudpud Beach to where we enjoyed rolling freely in the sand.

I was surprised to see lots of agoho or pine trees fronting the beach

After a refreshing swim, my buddies decided to transfer to Sogod Beach Resort in Tiwi also in Albay so we can all swim farther from the shore.

my little girl and Kuya Macky along the shore

I was overwhelmed by our discovery. With less crowd, serenity, and awesome sea view, this beach resort is a nice spot to commune with nature.  And even an ideal place for writers or bloggers who need tranquil time to think and write.

the Titas and the friendly waves that reminded me of our Pagudpud beach escapade

After few hours of our stay, I made my story.

Var for hire costs Php1,000 only. There’s no entrance fee and our lunch is around Php600 only.

So cheap and yet fulfilling.

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