Mayon Skyline View Deck formerly known as Mayon Resthouse nestled halfway of Mayon Volcano. This is one of the prime tourist attractions in Albay. A must-visit place because of the cool breeze, the breathtaking view, and the wonderful experience of getting up close to Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfectly-formed volcano.
The amazing Mayon Volcano, up close and personal
It was my fascination with collecting elegant vases and jar ceramics that brought us back to Tiwi, Albay. Part of our 2014 summer vacation in our hometown is to visit PHILCERAMICS (Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center) in Barangay Putsan and be amazed by their beautiful products. Memories of the past flashed remembering my childhood toys, the reddish little cooking clay pots, and the chicken coin bank we bought a long time ago in Tiwi town proper after our beach escapade in Sogod Beach Resort. Those were the days of traditional pottery-making in the municipality.
the lovely decorative vase and clay jars at a cheap price
Sky Fun is the amusement park inside the Sky Ranch complex in Tagaytay City. This was opened in March 2013 and is one of the emerging projects of SM Land. The first time I heard about Sky Fun there were only a few rides to enjoy with. Now there are twelve with the newest Jump N Play, Zipline, and Horseback riding. Instead of soaking on clear blue waters and basking in the sun this Lenten Season, we veered ourselves into a fun ride in Sky Ranch. Good-bye momentarily to wet and wild adventure.
the Riding Loop and the Sky Eye at night
Our two-day stay in Captain Hook Red Parrot Inn in Kaputian Beach was indeed one of our best beach getaways ever. My family especially our kids still wanted to stay but we have to move on for another refreshing treat. Yes, another nature tripping to Hagimit Falls which is located in Poblacion Peñaplata, still in the Island Garden City of Samal. We were so thankful to Barney and his family for making our Davao vacation so fulfilling. Continue reading
This is the last part of our Samal Island Adventure
If it wasn’t for this tour, we would not be able to discover Monfort Bat Cave that houses an estimated 1.8 million bats. It was recognized by the Guinness World of Records in February 2010 as the world’s largest colony of Old World fruit bats known as Geoffroy’s Rousette Fruit Bats. Amazing!
one of the cave openings
It is situated in a 23-hectare protected area at Barangay Tambo, Babak District, a few minutes away from Hagimit Falls
Our visit to the cave was something peculiar because we just got off from swimming activities for the past several hours. We paid for the entrance fee (P100/head) and had a leisure walk on the neat pathway going to the Exhibit Area. The view of Davao Gulf and the tall palm trees were indeed a sight to behold. We were briefed about the bats and later accompanied by a 12-year old little girl named Amanda as our guide.
She started her cue as soon as we hit the pathway to the first of five cave openings surrounded by bamboo railings. We were amazed to see an immense number of bats hanging upside down on the cave wall. They were very close together, some were flying, some were clinging almost to the ground. It was almost 5:00 pm and their shrieking sound got so louder and louder.
the peeping father and son
The strong smell of their wastes known as “guano” exuded the area. It is said to be used by local farmers as a natural fertilizer. We were lucky that we saw the White Lady bat, the only white among the millions of hanging bats. We were told that bats were forming a huge whirlwind formation at night time and will fly in groups across the region to pollinate fruits. And they will return before dawn.
That would be so exciting to see but the sanctuary is closed at 6:00 pm so we have no opportunity to witness that spectacular phenomenon.
When we went back to the Exhibit Hall we got to know more about the bats by reading all the articles especially those of National Geographic Magazine attached on the wall. We were given a small pamphlet with informative facts about bats. And here it goes.
1) Bats are found throughout the world except in the Arctic and Antarctic.
2) Some bats live up to 30 years!
3) Of over 1116 kinds of bats globally, 123 come from Southeast Asia.
4) Of over 450 mammal species in S. Asia, more than 25% are bats!
5) The smallest bat in the world can fit into a matchbox – a bumblebee bat.
6) Bats are not pests they control pests by eating insects.
7) Bats increase our road supply by pollinating plants and scattering seeds.
8) Bats are not a bad omen. They are considered lucky in some countries.
9) The world’s biggest bat has a wingspan of 6 feet and weighs 1 kilo (Giant Flying Fox)
10) Mother Bats have babies called “pups” once a year.
11) Bat homes are called “roosts” and they live in giant joint families.
12) Bats are comfortable hanging upside down.
13) Insect bats use ultrasound to find food and avoid obstacles.
14) Insect bats have less vision due to life in caves but fruit bats can see.
15) Bats are like cats in washing daily and being clean.
16) Also like cats, males bats mark their territory.
17) Bats are the only mammals that fly. Flying squirrels glide.
18) Bats have been in this world for over 50 million years.
Now you know more about bats.
We were the last visitors to come out from the sanctuary. We were so delighted to Amanda for being so informative. Such a small bright girl. We gave her a tip as a reward for answering all our queries.
how I wish a have a copy of this National Geographic Magazine
We were thankful to the current owner, Norma Comfort for her advocacy of preserving these fruit bats on this island. With the help of the residents and the local government, they were able to protect the colony which has a valuable contribution to the ecological balance and to mankind as well.
Take a ferry boat from Sasa Wharf to Bakak Wharf. You may choose to ride a habal-habal (negotiate for the fare) or the Inland Express non-aircon bus and tell the driver to drop you at the entry point of Monfort Bat Cave.
The road is accessible by car so it is better if you bring your own and take the ferry service at Sasa Wharf for a minimal fee of P300 for the vehicle and P10/head for the passenger.
Contact Numbers: Smart-0920 969 3299 / Globe-0917 705 4295
My excitement in our snorkeling today in Giant Clam Sanctuary at 9 a.m. woke me up so early. I rushed into the window and hailed the curtain. Oh my, it was gloomy! But rain or shine, we got out from Captain Hook’s Red Parrot Inn and started the day taking a morning walk in a nearby Kaputian Beach Resort to see the humble community of Kaputian.
the wide stretch of Kaputian Beach Resort
The nestled lagoon in the middle of an island, a natural sanctuary for giant seafaring turtles, fills with saltwater during high tide.
This was the caption of the March to April 2007 page of PNOC’s (Philippine National Oil Company) calendar with their theme, “Our Undiscovered Country” with the stunning picture of Paguriran Lake in Bacon, Sorsogon. Imagine an enclosed lagoon in the middle of an island? I jotted it down in my brown notebook and vowed to visit it in the future. Below the main picture were small pictures of Vera Falls which I visited last year (so thankful) and the other was Naghaso Boiling Lake (next target to explore), both are found in my humble hometown Albay.
The scenic view atop the jagged rocks
I was amazed when I saw pictures of Puting Buhangin in Pagbilao Grande Island in Quezon. When my family rejected the idea of going back to Baguio for a Holy Week vacation, I showed them pictures of this island. Beaming with excitement, they all voted for a Quezon family beach getaway.
Puting Buhangin is radiantly beautiful from afar
Caramoan of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region is now becoming famous for two reasons. First, it is blessed with islands with pristine white sand, caves, lagoons, islets, and limestone karts formations. Second, it has been the site of the global reality game show Survivor by several countries, including the USA in 2012.
the awesome limestone cliffs in Sabitang Laya
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