Albay Tour (June 13, 2014)

Our Albay Tour wowed us with its diversed natural attractions, great architecture
of old churches, recreations, delectable cuisines and spectacular 360 degrees view
of the city.

Our tour started with a visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Buraguis,
Legazpi City. It's a mini hill with life-sized statues re-enacting the
way of the cross. On top of the hill is the Blessed Virgin Mama Mary. 

At the Legazpi Boulevard, with the spectacular view of the Mayon Volcano

and the Kapuntukan Hill.  Can you see the sleeping lion shaped hill?

The 2nd longest boulevard to Roxas boulevard as they say.

Miguel Lopez de Legazpi(Spanish conquistador) monument stand tall in 

Legazpi Boulevard.

 

Embarcadero de Legazpi -  a waterfront lifestyle hub, commercial and 

entertainment center.  Restos, bars, coffee shops, boutiques and dept stores

attract both local and foreign tourists.

 

At the Lignon Hill Nature Park which offers a 360 degree panoramic view of 

Legazpi City, Daraga, Albay Gulf and the Mayon Volcano.

 

Can you see the Cebu Pacific airplane taking-off?

At last, got to see the always hiding volcano on our way to Mayon Skyline.

One of the most remarkable landmarks in Albay - Cagsawa Ruin.  A visit to

Albay is not complete without dropping by this postcard-perfect landmark

that withstood the test of time.  

Another picture perfect at the old century great facade of Daraga Church

or Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria(Our Lady of the Gate)

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate - See more at: http://www.philippinetrails.com/bicol-attractions/daraga-church.html#sthash.YsimkbMS.dpuf

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate - See more at: http://www.philippinetrails.com/bicol-attractions/daraga-church.html#sthash.YsimkbMS.dpuf

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate - See more at: http://www.philippinetrails.com/bicol-attractions/daraga-church.html#sthash.YsimkbMS.dpuf

How amazing to see this white bell tower.  How I wish that all churches  here

in Manila will have their own bell towers too.

At the Red Labuyo restaurant on the right side of  Daraga Church overlooking 

the city and the Mayon.

At the 1st Colonial Grill, Legazpi where we had our lunch and tasted the
Chili Ice Cream it is known for. This resto was popularly known for its unique
and delicious dishes.

The nationally famous ice cream combination - sili, pili and tinutong na rice.

This is where I got and tasted the most delicious and crunchy pili nuts

in town in different flavors for 95PHP and up depending on size.  It also sells 

laing and bicol express in small bottles for 95PHP.

We ascended along the snake road of the most active volcano. Our closest 

encounter  with Mayon Volcano - Mayon Skyline View Deck after reaching 

1/4 of the volcano's body. A nature park with panoramic view of the 2 

towering Malinao and Masaraga mountains and grand view  of Albay. 

With picnic grove, kids playground and white rest house...

Dropped by the Ibalong Pasalubong Center for pasalubong stuff.

We availed the tour services of Discovery Islands for the whole day Albay tour

with office located inside the The Oriental Legazpi Hotel for 4,500PHP.  

And these what made us fell in love with Albay...