LOCAL DESTINATIONS& PRODUCTS IN ALBAY

TALBAY

LOCAL DESTINATIONS IN ALBAY

MAYON VOLCANOThe world’s nearly perfect cone.  It stands majestically at 7,946 ft.  from the broad base about 10 km. in radius. The crater is 2,451 meters above sea level and with a diameter of .5 kilometer.  It has a notched rim where a pool or building hot lava boils and rich coal deposits could be found. 

MAYON SKYLINEIt nestles on the eastern slopes of Mt. Mayon at an altitude of 2,700 ft.  An excellent summer resort with almost similar temperature with Baguio at 28 degrees Celsius.  It is popularly known as “heaven on earth” because of the hanging clouds and the pleasant climate where cool and invigorating air could be experienced. 

CAGSAWA RUINSOriginally, the word was “Kagsawa”. It was derived from Kag, “who does or owner” and SAWA, meaning “ a python” which suggested “one who collects snake” or perhaps “a snake charmer,” On its worst, it signifies “excesses” from SAWA (pronounced in “maragsa” on the last syllable) meaning “too much.”  Fr. Francisco Aragonesses, OFM, former curate of Kagsawa and Budyaw, seemed to confirm the notable “overindulgence” of the people during the time.

DARAGA CATHOLIC CHURCHBuilt in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, that is , three years before the declaration of American Independence from the Spanish colonizers. Its highly prized by art enthusiast because of its rich baroque architecture. Its very huge structure is considered above standard.

CAMALIG CATHOLIC CHURCH

It is another missionary church built out of volcanic rocks.  Today, relics from Hoyop-hoyopan caves are carefully stored and displayed for viewing.  These relics excavated from the cave reflect historical origins.  They manifest the early Malaysian influence through the burial jars excavated.  Glazed ceramics reveal Chinese influx while the primitive potteries are derived from the flourishing Philippine culture 2, 000 years ago.

PILGRIMAGE TO JOROANEvery 3rd Saturday of August in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay. This yearly pilgrimage to Our Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the Patroness of Albay.  It’s highlighted by a maritime procession and a concelebrated Mass on the shores of Sogod Beach.  Thousands of pilgrims from different places flocked to pay homage to the Marian image.

ILOLOGAN BEACHAnother attraction in Manito is this long stretch of coral sands.  So white that it glistens under the rays of the sun. It is excellent for bathing, ski-diving and fishing.

SAN LORENZO BEACHThe clear and almost unspoiled beach  have lured hundreds of tourists to this place in Tabaco.  Its strategic location has commanded a breathtaking view of Tabaco Bay and the green soft-looking and quiet island of San Miguel.

SOGOD BEACHIn Bacacay, it is the most popular beach.  Well-known for its enclaves of black sandy beachers with towering coconut palms and lush vegetation providing cool shades.  These beaches are closely adjacent to the national highways.  Almost unspoiled, it is an excellent place for bathing and fishing.  A convenient place to spend the summer.

BUGSUCAN FALLAnother natural phenomena in Tiwi besides the road to Joroan is this tiered waterfalls set on a beauteous mountainside.  Its cascading water blend perfectly with its natural springs. It is recommended site for bathing, picnics and photography.

BUSAY FALLSLocated in Malilipot, Albay.  It is considered as one of the highest waterfalls in the country because of its seven-tiered cascading white foam. It is estimated to have a vital height of 800 feet from the top.  The first catch basin forms below where hundred of bathers could refresh from the scorching heat of summer. It is accessible only by foot trail.

BALUBAGON BOILING CAVEIt is a geothermal-like

formation.  The steam pressure is described as stronger than Tiwi Geothermal.  The lake has an outlet near the seashore, just a hundred meters away from where the steaming sands and coral like rocks emits the geysers in a fountain-like formation.  The best time to see this natural wonder is on low tide.  The steaming geyser shoots upward.  It could be seen from miles.  Accessible by any type of motor vehicle.  Located in Manito, Albay.

CALABIDONGAN CAVESThe name really means “Caves of the Bats.”  There is grotto-like formation inside which astounds visitors. It is found in Camalig. It takes around 30 minutes trek inside Hoyop-hoyopan cave.

HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVEA natural tunnel-like structure in Camalig, Albay.  Legend says that this cave was the primitive habitat of the natives in the area. It is one of the most popular attractions in Albay.  It could be reached by any type of motor vehicles.

KIMANTONG SKY DRIVEA long stretch of newly-built concrete road in Daraga Albay.  It connects the Pan Philippine Highway going to Sorsogon and zigzags against a scenic mountainside.  The Panoramic view of Daraga and Legazpi is spellbinding especially at night. It has become a favorite stopover and resting place for motorists who want to relax from a very tiring trip.

LIGNON HILLLignon Hill is located in Legazpi, Albay, Philippines. Interesting place really Lignon Hill right smack in the middle of Mayon and Legazpi downtown area..the foot of that hill is actually Lezaspi Airport.

DELICACIES OF ALBAY

ALBAY DELICACIESApart from being a travel

destination, Albay boasts of native delicacies that would surely whet your appetites. Pinangat and Bicol Express are popular Bicolano dishes that use coconut milk as ingredient. The town of Camalig is known to the maker and exporter of these native delicacies.

BICOL EXPRESSBicol Express is an

ultra-spicy dish made of chilli and pork cooked in coconut milk. And fortunately for travellers who are hooked at first bite, these delicacies are available in can, bottle or sold frozen along many souvenir shops in the province.

PINANGATPinangat is a

dish made of shredded young gabi or taro leaves, shrimps, pork and ginger, wrapped in whole taro leaf and cooked in coconut milk until done.

TINILMOKTinilmok is

another version of pinangat but the difference is the filling—it is made of sliced young coconut meat and small shrimps.

KINUNOTAnother Bicolano

delicacy is the kinunot. This dish is made from stingray meat and malunggay (horseradish) and is cooked in coconut milk. As with pinangat and bicol express, kinunot is added with chilli and spices for that fiery appeal.

LONGGANISAAlbay also is known to

produce its local version of sausages called longganisa of Guinobatan. The local sausage has a distinctive taste of saltiness and sourness. This dish is usually best served for breakfast dipped in vinegar or condiment of your choice. One can buy this cheaply at the Guinobatan market.

Most definitely, Albay offers dishes that are generally doused in coconut cream and the added chilli makes it a filling gustatory adventure. One must be brave enough even to try bicol express as its fiery appeal can be truly overwhelming for the unaware eater.

OTHER PRODUCTS OF ALBAY

SEAWEEDS, MALUNGGAY & PUMPKIN NOODLES

Residents in the coastal town of Tiwi, Albay have managed to make noodles out of this salt-water algae, which has long since become a source of livelihood for the entire community.

From just seaweed noodles, the town also makes other organic products like malunggay tea and has likewise expanded the noodle’s flavors to include malunggay and pumpkin.

PILI NUTS CANDIES

POTS & CERAMICS

ABACA PRODUCTS

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