BICOL ROADTRIP WITH KIDS [Camarines Norte – Camarines Sur – Albay – Camarines Sur]

A trip unplanned but thanks to the APEC holiday for the long weekend plus it coincided with my youngest birthday; indeed, a birthday celebration away from home.

We are true blooded bicolanas; me a full born Masbateña and hubby’s father was hailed from Sorsogon.  Whenever we’re in Bicol’s soil, it has a natural homey tone except that we missed both our provinces for this round. This however was the kids first Bicol trip which made the voyage a family tree quiz bee.

During college, the Bicol highway is a customary sight and the verge of trees shadowing the road was inscribed by my countless lonely plies then but today, it was the kids turn for the dumbfounded gaze.

The actual account of our Bicolandia road trip as follows:

Day 1

Depart Manila for Bicol

Around Daet, Camarines Norte

-       Jose Rizal Oldest Monument

-       Kapitolyo ng Camarines Norte

-       Parroquia de San Juan Bautista

-       Bagasbas Beach

Traveled to Naga City

We had a gloomy first course but the weather favored towards the night which made a stroll around Naga City possible.

Around Naga City, Camarines Sur

-       Peñafrancia Basilica Minore

-       A taste of 1^st Colonial Chili Ice Cream

-       Plaza Rizal

-       Pilgrim of Naga Rotunda Marker

-       Immaculate Conception Parish Church

-       El Pueblo de Camarines Sur

Day 2

We crossed Naga to Legaspi with yesterday’s clouds still hovering the view.  The apex of the elusive Mayon Volcano was nowhere in sight.  But the birthday girl prayed for a clear glance and lo and behold, wish granted.

Around Legaspi City, Albay

-       Cagsawa Ruins

-       Lignon Hills

-       Embarcadero

-       Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno

-       Albay Capitol

-       Legazpi City Hall

-       My youngest simple birthday dinner

Day 3

Around Legaspi City and Daraga, Albay

-       Plaza Rizal

-       Church of Legazpi

-       Our Lady of the Gate Parish (Daraga Church)

-       Bicol University

-       Our Lady of Guadalupe – Buraguis

-       Embarcadero

-       Legazpi PNR Station

Around Camalig and Tabaco, Albay

-       Hoyop Hoyopan Cave

-       Quituinan Hills and World War II Tunnel

-       St. John the Baptist Church

-       Busay Falls

Traveled back to Camarines Sur

-       Camarines Sur Capitol

-       Dinner at CWC Waterpark

 

Day 4

Around Naga City, Camarines Sur

-       Church of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia

-       Haciendas de Naga

-       Panicuason Hot Spring

-       Naga Cathedral

It was a jam-packed birthday trip but the kids had fun.  For several days, the youngest kept asking where she’ll celebrate her next birthday; wanderlust gene kickin’ in this early.  I kept responding, my dear, there are more for you in the future!

Dios Mabalos Bicol!

Until next time…

Travel Date: November 2015