LENTEN RETREAT  2012 AT LEGAZPI CITY

AN MAUGMANG LUGAR

Just one of my unplanned trips... going on a lenten retreat somewhere after a family outing or which ever comes earlier. Our outing was scheduled later this month so I have to think only of my  get away. I have already booked a hotel thrugh website and came out with the name Ellis ecotel and offered 50% discount, the bus was already full by February slated for holy week, luckily there was this last seat at Isarog bus line.

I just got to pack my things a few hours before my trip.

bringing only basic essentials for a two day trip.

       On 05 april 2012, i went to cubao  hours earlier unknowing what to expect but it seems the throngof people has alreadyleft a week ago and until a day earlier. I spent the last few minutes talking with Lt Jalandoni NC who was stationed as MT at Araneta Center. At exactly 1800H, my bus stationed and loaded us. In no time, we were off to legazpi City. There was no trafic but  the trip took longer than usual because of 3 stop overs.  There were  few space to work my legs into and my seatmate was kind a drunk (alcoholic breath), I cannot say I was comfortable during the sojourn . I spent my wakking hours taking note of the places we passed byand the time during the whole travel.I only got a cat's nap at around 0500H at 6 April. I was awaken by the conductor's shouting of Naga after 20 minutes. i never noticed that we were already near Albay, until I  saw what seems to be a silhouette of a mountainon the left window and just as I was staring at it, the sun was already fast taking a peek and I can't help but be awed of  the whole picture...\It was Mayon Volcano , the whole of her, with only a little hat on its tip. I know I will not be able to get a great picture of her that time, but I still took one at that moment.

   In no time, i was already at Legazpi Central Terminal, and I think there were only few people at that place, very unuasual at any terminal. I did'nt see any barking conductors, noisy jeeps or tricycles. I walked a few more meters outside and still with only few people around so i took the liberttyof taking pictures of Mayon again.

    Eventually, I have talked to one tricycle driver and bartered for P 60.00 in taking me to Embarcadero to recon my hotel where I would check in at 2pm. Ellis Ecotel is located within this mall by the sea and it is only past 6am. With a large backpack, my DSLR , I needed energy to do my \Visita Iglesia in 6 hours or so. 

     After a breakfast at the hotel resto by the sea, I asked everyone I meet, the waiters and several tricycles and jeepney drivers,policemen and locals to give me a guide or take me to all known churches in Albay and with God's grace it was less of a burden going there, He did guide me through it.

     My first visit is at the Our Lady of Guadalupe, actually not on my original list but accordingly, its the nearest to my place and its been visited by many beacause of their large replicas of rthe Station of the Cross, an added plus is the majestic view of Legaspi City. With my load, I had  a hard time climbing the hill but still I took It aside knowing this is just  a penny worth of sacrifice compared to what the other has done.In fact, I did enjoy it, sweat pours because of the scorching heat, even had blisters because I was only wearing sandals, and the fact that I haven't slept for 18  hours makes my climb more challenging. The church has many vistors but its just a little chapel, atop of the Hill is Mama Mary's 15 meter tall statue.

           Next is the  Sto  Gregorio  de Manor Cathedral , still within Legaspi City.The Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great, also called the Albay Cathedral, is the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of Legazpi. The cathedral started as a wooden chapel built by early Spanish missionaries who moved into the town in the 1580s. It was damaged by American bombers and reconstruction went beyond 1951. The church was elevated to become a cathedral when the Episcopal See of the Diocese of Legaspi was established.

Sto Domingo Church

        After a while, I took a jeep going to Sto. Domingo Church .The Parish Church of St. Dominic de Guzman is the most prominent landmark in the quaint and picturesque town of Sto. Domingo. Built in 1820, the church is built with massive solid stone walls unsupported by pillars. Two dome-shaped belfries give a graceful symmetry to the church. Since cement was not yet used during the construction of the Sto. Domingo church, massive stone walls were built using a mixture of lime, egg albumin, and “tangguli” (or molasses) that serve as binder and hardener.

Tabaco Cathedral

     Not far from the church is the terminal that will lead me to Tabaco, Albay.The church of San Juan Bautista in Tabaco City is one of the most stately religious structures in the province of Albay. According to the Estado Geografico Estadistico Historico written in 1805 by Father De Huerta, the recorded history of the city began in 1587 through the missionary work of the Franciscan Fathers. A church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, was first built in Tabaco in 1616 by Fr. Pedro De Alcareso. The construction of the present church started in 1864 and was completed in 1879. The Tabaco Church is unique among Philippine churches because the stones used to build the church bears the distinct marks of the Masons.

     From Tabaco, it would take another 15 minutes to Malinao church,within a small barangay in malinao.Since there are no available ride within the church vicinity, I told the tricycle driver to just wait for me going back to Tabaco.

    That night a procession was held at San Gregorio de manor which was higlighted with the Station of the Cross scene in life sized statues.The mood was festive and to cap he night I went to dinner at Binalot with Lt Dagat and a major from Dental Service, they took me to Embarcadero Baywalk to see the sight at night.

           It took another day for me to visit Daraga Church, which is now considered by CBCP as a one of the Nation's Historical treasure.This stone church was built by the Franciscan missionaries in 1773 in honor of the patron saint of Nuestra Senora dela Porteria. This is where the parishioners of the Cagsawa after their church was destroyed by the eruption of Mayon volcano in 1814. This church was used by the Japanese Army as their headquarter and was destroyed during WW II. Rebuilt in 1971-1973. What makes it unique...it has a magnificent view of Mt Mayon who obliged to show of her whole majestic feature that day.

   I took my breakfast at Red Labuyo just a few walks from the church and with Mt Mayon as a backdraft.

   All in all, I consider this 2 day trip as challenging yet rewarding, nostalgic for I was able to trace back my roots again and this has further enliven my desire to retire in Bicol hopefully as my retirement place  in the future. This and other places in Bicol shall definitely be on my list to spend mu worthy retreat... Hope next time it will be a family reunion. Thank God again for this safe journey.

  

 

EXPLORING SAGADA IN THE MIDST  OF TYPHOON CGNAL #4

     Come hell or high water...I was just trying to fulfill my long overdue  wish..to visit Sagada. It startedwith my penchant for reading Travel and Lifestyle  magazines. I never read anything unless there are a lot of graphics and pictures in it, and it seems when anyone would be asked where they would want to go or go back next..Sagada would never miss the list.Judging from the thousands of pictures I have seen via web or mags,I am sure this time, I will be there too as a smitten tourist.

  It actually just started with a long weekend, Aug 28-31, 2011. I have been planning that it would be my 2nd backpacking journey alone. But 4 days before my planned trip,I posted it at my FB account and 4 of my friends in the NC just wanted to go with me.And luckily enough, Jim, our trusted guy happens to have a van enough for us and since he is from Sagada, my plan is slowly being carved to be a success, we never have to worry about the place and the tour. Lucky is on my side.

with Zan , taking this pics and Jim our tour guide and reliable driver, The brave 6.

  We decided to leave at 0400H of 27 Aug but the whole night until we left, it was really raining and we have monitored that a typhoon will pass  by Northern Luzon the whole weekend that will be there. So until the last minute, we were thinking of just going to Baguio and spend weekend there and experience the typhoon but I aleady experienced those having been assigned at PMA for 5 years. It's just fortunate that I came with the right people who are also willing to  move heaven and earth just to get over  our dream vacation (Zan, Sheryl, Jovi and Irene) . I have even   asked JB Otgalon, a friend, to reserve us  hotel rooms at Sagada because he lives within that area. Denying this bad weather a chance to spoil us, I never even bother to ask JB how ba the weather up there. Even JB sensed its would be a go or no go for all of us and that the rain there  were not as heavy as we  have experienced  the whole night in Manila. I just thought, Sagada will be sunny by the time we get there.

   It took us nearly 7 to 8 hours before we arrived at Baguio, at Kennon road, we were signaled to take the other route because it was closed already, that time I was having a second thought of just going to Ilocos if we would just endanger ourselves in the process. But, still the group persisted, and that time I muted prayers, loads of  prayers. Going to Baguio, we were greeted with howling winds ,zero visibility and and cignal no. 3, with minor delay caused by thick fogs and   debris scattered at the road, we arrived safely at Baguio at 27 1300H, starving and cold, we went to a restaurant to eat...  the best way to do so that we could think about our next move with that kind of weather.

   I had a call from my colleague in the office because our boss was worrying but I just told them, we will never pursue our goal if  our lives would be in danger, anyway, we will still enjoy each others company even if only stay indoors at PMA. And that we just did, contact the Chief Nurse of FDPSH and requested for a room for the night.Even the way to PMA was difficult, we have to make some short (long cuts) because electric post and Pine trees already clogged some major avenues. At that point, we just enjoyed our stay at CN quarters courtesy of Tess and Nanie, we only did two things eat and monitor the weather which was actually gone from bad to worst, elevated to cgnal # 4 and electricty were shut down prompting our cellphones to be useless because we are saving it for the next days journey  .But Jim, sensing we are determined just don't want to give up too and began making contact with people he knew and monitor the Sagada route for the next morning we will be having a lucky shot, if not possible then call it quits.

     At PMA, looking for somewhere to take a bath, no water and electricity because of Thyphoon.

  On the early morn of the 28th, Zan and I, went to church with the cadets and made our personal intentions of giving us signs whether to pursue our unplanned trip or not. At 0900H, we were right on track again (without taking a bath). Destination;  Halsema hiway,the most common route and lesser time to travel but before we could even reach it, the road was already blocked by police, its unpassable. And so, I said to myself, this was the sign I asked earlier. I was about to tell them we're just going to take our lunch and move back to Manila when  JB called  and told me he and his brother were already at Sagada and asked our location and told him further about our dilemna. He told me to take another route and sensing that maybe God has another plan, I gave it to Jim to take his instructions on how to go there via Ambuklao -Nueva Vizcaya route.And that started our almost 8 hours of land travel,It took us that long because we took advantage of the chance to pull over to places we deemed necessary worth a snap shots and of course Landslides and clearing of roads. At certain points, we would think we were the only car on the road but there are view decks along the rote with several tourist taking  "kodak" moments like us. The journey was tiring ( specially for Jim but not even once he did not complaint and maybe hunger and uncertaity is just a small sacrifice for our sheer determination and unity of spirit. Seeing the Ambuklao Dam as the swollen water was released was a monumental sight  and that I know this is just the beginning, this has a great reward...

                             The several landslides we have to pass just to get through Banaue

                                             Waiting for DPWH to clear the road first.

                                                

                                                not to mention...some  fallen electric post.

      But the danger and misadventures was incomparable to the nature's wonders we have seen along the way.

                                                                   Inidian Viewdeck

                                                    Ambuklao Dam as our background

     We took late lunch (4pm) at Nueva Vizcaya before going to Benguet for the night and surely we arrived at a lodge in time for a good sleep but we had a taste of  their famous wine Tapuy  first while chatting out with the friendly owner.We never saw anything but we are not that excited either because we thought we are still far from the Famous Banaue Rice Terraces and to my surprise upon waking at 5pm to catch the sunrise on my Nikon DC300, I  was awed by the  breath taking view just outside our window  of what seem to be a teaser of the very reason we went there, a Rice terraces the same one we are going to see ,its just like a compressed replica.

  The moment we left from that lodge (a thumbs up service) the journey was more enjoyable, no more rains and fogs to contain with  prompting us to stop for a more captivating FB worthy pics specially when we reached the Banaue Rice Terraces...which I could only describe in 3 letters ...WOW.

ONE OF THE  NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD

        After an hour of  FB worthy pix taking, we headed for our another desired destination and those times the rain and threat of a storm followed us, we still have 2 to 3 hours to go but it seem it took us forever again because of numerous landslides and threatening falling trees we waited to be cleared.

            At around past 1pm of the 29 Aug, we safely arrived at Sagada... It was like a sacred groud, solemn and I was just hoping that rain or shine, we will be able to explore its majestic stillness ( maybe the typhoon prevented tourist to flock at that time). We were met by JB and his companion and settle for our things first while roaming around Sagada Municipal hall which is just in front of our place, I still could not figure out what Sagada in its entirety looks like. Do we need to ride a mini bus or jeep to go around or what.

           After putting our baggages at Gayundan Inn , we headed to look for resto and I already have some names in my mind from the websites I browsed prior.Resto nearby were still close so we walk to Masferre and actually it was in my list to visit.

         After lunch, we decided not to waste time, we immediately headed to Floating coffins and echo Mountain under the drizzling rain,but it added more adventures in our  treeking.

       Then we headed to another cave just a walking distance, where coffins could also be found.Unfortunately, I loss balance and hurt my left knee, nevertheless the pain and swelling never stopped me from going to and from places, thanks to Salonpas...It continued to rain and it rained hard in the late afternoon which prevented us from going to anywhere further. Instead, we went to Lemon Pie to taste their famous..what else..Lemon Pie...nice place to hang out too.

      We wanted to proceed to the cave but since the sun is setting down, and the continous raining, we were told to postponed it for another day and so we unanimously agreed ( we are strangers there aren't we).Before sunset though, Jim took us yo whar he called a beach in Sagada... It was a rough ride with the landslides but we never regreted going to that enclosed body of water with all the fogs, it seems where in secluded Irish enclave, it was awesome...Going back our place, we just ended with a sumptous dinner at another famous dining place, the chicken menu was like french or italian in presentation and taste.

    Since there is no Starbucks in there, we decided to look for their native coffee but tired and weary during the long hours of travel and walking, we just decided totake rest already for another days adventure.

     Walking up early, still with drizzles, we proceeded to Sumaging cave. Excitement poured in but a bit weary because of the underground river which I presume might have swollen water or river  might furiously cascade under(I don't know how to swim,that's why). but Jim , being a resident of Sagada has assured us that it will be enjoyable, he even asked his younger brother to go and assit us.  Jim borrowed a lamp from nearby Store and then on we went to the cave.There were only a few groups of tourist that time in fact we were only two groups who headed towards the cave. Funny thing is, because of my slow and careful crawling ( I'm not good in seeing at the dim lighted places), the other group has helped and held me as I traverse the slippery cave floors and rocks. in fact, twice I was lost and going on a different route.

   Finally, after about 30 mins, I heard sounds of river flowing, that I became both excited and a bit unsure if I could cross the river. They all convinced me to cross the other side but seeing the  water below made me think twice. With all their proding, I did gave in but it was one hell of a shouting and pleading and convincing before I was able to cross. Bit It was worth it. the beauty of the river cascading beneath the rocks was breath taking, I even forgot my previous fear of swelling river. My mates decided to have a picture at the lower area but then I really begged off because its farther and another rocks to cross. Me and Jovi just waited for them. What caight my attention is that someone with a flashlight was flashing a red light towards us, we shouted for the others but It seem the noise from cascading river prevented them from hearing us. I just though maybe that is a warning or whatever, good thing they all finished within time and told them about the lights so we headed back outside the cave, again with difficulty because of me.It was past 12 noon when we got out of the cave and all we wanted is to take our lunch before heading back to Manila... and we will never go back without having a taste of Sagada...the Pinikpikan.

       Tired and weary from the 3 days Sagada adventure, we finally decided to go back home...after a little time for souvenirs... At 2pm we pass by new route and we were glad that there are less fog and rains to contain with, offering an unobstructed view of the beauty of Mountain Province. Before finally leaving Benguet, we were invited to an early dinner at JB Otgalon's home at Lagawe. Thank you JB for opening every possibilities for this adventure to push through  just as were losing hope. This maybe my first but definitely not the last visit...

      My childhood dream coming true...Thanks to God for letting us experience his mighty works... to all my friends and travel companions...for the good company,for the optimism and for equally being brave and risk takers just to follow our  heart's desires.Till the next adventure...