Exploring Albay - Daraga

Last day in Albay, it was Sunday. 

Dearie and I were really hoping for a sunny day, and that Mount Mayon would come out of the clouds. 

Our plan was to visit the town of Daraga where the beautiful Daraga church is situated atop a hill and where you can also get a view of the volcano. 

Daraga church or Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church (also Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church) was built by the Franciscans in 1772.

Our itinerary for our last day was first go to church at Daraga since it was a Sunday, and then get a good view of the volcano.  

Mayon was still in hiding when we got there. Our mass was 830-930am. Afterwhich, we stayed a bit. We love the cool breeze that day, and just enjoyed the beauty around us.

We then went to Cagsawa Ruins, where we can find the remnants of an 18th-century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa church. It was built in 1724. Although allegedly destroyed by the eruption of the Mayon Volcano in 1814, photographic proof demonstrated that the church remained standing well into the 20th century, ultimately destroyed by over a century of neglect. 

In the area, you can find a number of young adults offering to take your picture for fun shots using your camera. I gamely gave in to their invitations.  You don’t need to give them a certain fee, just a tip. So if you are happy with the shots, give these kids more!

Here are samples!

Good thing Mayon came out although the tip was a bit hidden by clouds. It was a lovely day! And we were just happy that finally the sun came out!

After our pictorial at Cagsawa, we then decided to check out Balay Cena Una, a famous restaurant in Daraga. A bit pricey, but the food was great and so was the place.

It is an old house transformed into a restaurant. During Sundays they serve buffet lunch which starts at 1130 am until 230 pm. I really didn’t want to do buffet but since we didn’t know about it and we were already there, we just had to go for it.

We were the first customers. And we were soooo lucky to have met the mother of the owners. She was very welcoming and she asked where we were from. And it turned out she has Ilonggo roots and was married in Cebu. That got us some connection! I am from Cebu and my dearie is Ilonggo. When she learned that I was from Cebu she gave me a hug! She told us briefly of her wedding and how it happened in Cebu. She was just lovely! And so heartwarming!

After lunch, we went back to our inn in Legazpi. We packed our bags, and then left for the airport for our flight at 250pm.  Our flight was a bit delayed but it was actually a blessing in disguise as Mount Mayon showed its grandeur! No clouds obstructing the view. The passengers at the boarding gate were all mesmerized, and took out their cameras! Even as we were boarding the plane, passengers took pictures with the beautiful Mayon in the background.  She was boasting of her perfect cone! Oh what a lovely way to end this trip!