Albay Escapade: Top 6 Famous Tourist Spots in Legazpi, Albay

First of all, you need to get a hotel before your Albay visit. We've been searching and sort of doing a research about the hotels in Legazpi. It took us a week before finalizing everything from accommodation up to the planned itinerary (since we did not get a tour guide or join in any travel groups for us to maximize and control our very limited time).

Among all the hotels in Legazpi, The Oriental Hotel and Resorts became the cream of the crop.


The Majestic view from our Room

Oriental Hotel and Resorts Front View, Room, and Buffet Section

Infinity Pool facing Mayon Volcano

Other Hotels:

Here are the list of all hotels in Legazpi, Albay
http://wowlegazpi.com/legazpi-hotel-directory/#sthash.6Ew6jcWe.dpbs

Now that you've already booked a hotel for your vacation trip in Albay, here are the top picks on the tourist spots and attractions of Albay. Let me share with you our thoughts and personal experiences. Here we go! 

1. Cagsawa Ruins

After an early morning breakfast at Oriental Hotels, My boyfie and I packed our things to start our Albay Escapade. Literally, with a "Dora The Explorer" energy.

The Cagsawa Church or Cagsawa Ruins is located in Daraga, Albay in the Philippines. According to the folks of Albay, Cagsawa Church was gradually buried by volcanic deposits from subsequent eruptions. It became a famous landmark and tourist attraction.

Signage pointing the way to Cagsawa Ruins

How to get to Cagsawa Ruins?

Roughly estimated 8 km from the city, ride a jeepney (P8)  from Legaspi bound to Camalig or any jeepney that passes by Cagsawa junction ( Jump Off area). It will be a 5 minute walk going further until you reach the Cagsawa or you can hire a tricycle (P20). Best time to go is early in the morning when sky is clear and blue, when Mt Mayon’s crater can be seen in the distance.

2. Lignon Hill



Close up view of Mayon Volcano from Lignon Hill

See Albay 360 degress with this big binoculars for 5 pesos.

Lignon Hill is the best location to catch the breathtaking view of Mount Mayon, the City of Legazpi, the town of Daraga and the Albay Gulf.

View of Legazpi City from Lignon Hill

Lignon Hill Nature Park also offers fun filled and thrilling activities. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of exciting activities including walking in a hanging bridge (Php300), a 320 meter zipline (Php200), rapelling, and other sports activities such as hiking, biking, and paintball.

The Hanging Bridge Adventure

Initially, we were thinking of walking to the hilltop using our deadbeat feet. However, we met "Kuya Jun" who told us that it was really a tough 20-minute walk so better to take a ride with his motorcycle for just P50 per head. He's a member of the security committee of the Hill. He also guided us to the Japanese Tunnel and Wildlife Park afterwards.

Operating Hours: 8AM to 11PM Daily 5AM to 9AM Regular Joggers (free of charge)

How to get to Lignon Hill

From Legazpi Port: A Legazpi-Daraga Loop 1 jeepney will take you directly to the foot of the hill. From Daraga: Take a tricycle from the centro to Tagas and ask the drive to drop you off at the tennis courts

3. Japanese Tunnel

Get a chance to reminisce the past by passing through this historical tunnel.

At first, we were so hesitant. We imagined many things. It was so dark inside. Thank God Kuya Jun guided us and switched on all the lights inside the tunnel. He then explained us the history and all of the stories behind this tunnel.  He told  us that this tunnel became the  hiding place and sanctuary for the Japanese  long time ago. 

World War II Japanese Tunnel Entrance

Japanese tunnel is located at the foot of Lignon Hill.

View inside the Tunnel

Exit of Japanese Tunnel

4. Daraga Church

Daraga Church

Above the busy town sits a religious structure called Church of Nuestra Senora dela Porteria or what is popularly known as "Daraga Church".

How to get to Daraga Church 

From Legazpi, Take the jeepney from downtown Legazpi to Daraga Albay. Look for signage's  Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Libon, Polangui or Oas. Ask the driver to drop you at the public market of Daraga. Behind the public market, there is a road leading uphill to Daraga Church.

-Alternatively, you can rent a tricycle for 150pesos up. Try to haggle.

5. Embarcadero

We had our lunch in one of the restaurants in Embarcadero. It is an open mall , no need for air-conditioners because it is located near the seaport. There are many boutiques, restaurants and souvenir shops available. Embarcadero is a haven of the shoppers and tourists. It is always guarded at night by security officials of the town.

Can you see me in the picture? :)

How to get to Embarcadero

From Legazpi Airport, take a tricycle (P20) or taxi (P80) going directly to Embarcadero. From Old Albay District, near Peñaranda Park and St. Gregory Cathedral, take a jeepney with Legazpi or Legazpi City route going directly to boulevard entrance.

6. Albay Park and Wildlife

The place is clean and well-maintained. Car parking is not allowed inside. Entrance fee of P20/pax is collected at the gate. 

Albay  Park and Wildlife is Legazpi City’s only zoo and, according to it’s official webpage, it is home to more than 400 birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

Birds from the Zoo

Louie the Monkey

Lagoon and Gazebo 

Aside from being a home to various species, this is also a good place for photoshoot.

Park Schedules:

         Park will be opened from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM DAILY

Entrance Fees:

          P 20.00         adults with height of 1.20 metres and above

          P 10.00         children with height of 1.20 metres and below

How to get to Albay park Park and Wildlife

Albay Park and Wildlife is just some walk to another of Legazpi City’s pride, the Lignon Hill Nature Park

Thanks for dropping by!

See you on our next adventures!

Morena on duty, now signing off. :)

#Foodiethon: Cupcakes Baked with Love by Munings Home Baked Goodies

Looking for the best gift to your Mom and Dad this coming Holiday Season? Well, this bunch of Cupcakes baked with love should be at the top of your list.

Did you recently had a fight with your love? Just give her sweets and you will instantly catch her smile from her face. Yep! It's true. As they say, "the easiest way to catch his or her heart is through his/her stomach. "

Whether you want your loved ones to be happy or just want to give them a gift as an act of gratitude, these cupcakes will definitely capture their hearts.

Munings Home Baked Goodies is owned by our lovely Ate Donna Ingusan. She has this fondness and love for baking. Being a law student has never been a hindrance in pursuing her passion. She managed to maximize her free time by doing what she love and that makes her a very skillful and all-round woman. I can tell you, I am one of her fans. Really.

Let's take a sneak-peek on the array of cupcakes by Munings.

Better be ready sweet tooth! 

Warning: You will get serious cravings after reading this full article. To satisfy your yearning for these mini-cakes, you can immediately call 0906-408-9295 to order.

1. Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfectly baked, soft and sturdy, fluffy, super moist cupcake

Imagine your boyfriend (or girlfriend) carrying this mouth-watering cupcake packed in a cute, pink-themed box? Peace-offering? Way of saying "Thank you"? Monthsary? Whatever reason it may be, this will surely be appreciated. 

Customized Red Velvet Packaging for Wedding Souvenir

Dozens of Red Velvet Cupcakes for delivery

2. Yema Cupcakes

Deliciously festive, moist, flavourful yema cupcakes

Perfect gift for birthdays, monthsary, anniversary or Valentine's day (or whenever you want to give someone a simple token of appreciation, whatever occasion it will be!). :)

3. Brazo De Mercedes Cupcakes

Luscious and Irresistible.

It can bring smile to your lips and happiness to your hearts. Another plus for this cake? Affordability! Just beep us up for price inquiries or send Muning's a personal message on Facebook to know their special discounts and prices.

4. Carrot Cupcakes with Almond and Calamansi Muffin

Decadent, luxurious, and with just the right of sweetness. Sooo Good.

Good for dessert. These cupcakes and muffins will definitely make you crave for more.

(That was my initial reaction after eating one)

5. DeLuscious Cookies

These cookies are absolutely divine. 

If you love sweet and high quality cookies then definitely give Munings Homebaked Goodies a try. I tell you, it's definitely worth it. These are gourmet cookies. Loved Cookies.. anyone?

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal Rasin Cookies

6. Fruit Cake

Healthy, delightful and nutritious snack 

Even fruit cake haters will love this delightful snack!

7. Banana Cake

Golden on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside. 

Tagged as Best Banana Cake in town, this fluffy moist cake will leave you hankering for more. (Especially the taste and combination of the toppings. Simply irresistible!)

Share us your thoughts!

For more info, you can visit their Facebook Page Munings Home Baked Goodies or e-mail muningshomebakedgoodies@yahoo.com

Thanks for dropping by!

Morena on Duty, now signing off. See you on our next food tripping! :)

#Foodiethon: Where to Eat at Legazpi, Albay

Some of you are planning to have a vacation during holiday season. Well, you should consider Legazpi City. Aside from the attractions and their tourist spots, they also have these what we called "food sanctuaries". Bicolanos are known for being fond of eating hot and spicy dishes. Out of curiosity, we tried out some dishes and delicacies.

Sharing with you our Bicol Foodiethon. Scroll down and read it for yourself!
Happy eating! (Oops! I mean, reading) :)

1. Small Talk Cafe

Entrance of Small Talk Cafe

Calling all the tourists out there! If you're looking for an authentic Bicolano experience, better try Small Talk Café. They have this Bicolano fusion cuisine which makes them different among others since 1999.

The entrance is quite small but they have a spacious dining space. The interiors are simple in dark brown tables and chairs. It is spacious, charming, and homey. The only problem that we encountered was that they don't have an electricity during our visit. 

Pili Basil Pasta - Php120.00,  Rating: 7/10

I ordered Pili Basil Pasta, garlic roasted pili and fresh basil blended with pasta. It was one of the best sellers of Small Talk Cafe. Some of their famous pasta such as Pasta Mayon, Laing Pasta, and Bicol Express Pasta were not available during our visit. Hoping to taste those native pasta when we get back to Legazpi one of these days.

Beef Stroganoff - Php140.00 - Rating: 8/10

My boyfriend ordered Beef Stroganoff, tenderloin beef with white sauce. It was very delicious and creamy.

2. La Mia Tazza Coffee Shop

Pili Tazzaccino, Php118.00 Grande - Rating: 9/10

Lamia Tazza is the famous Coffee shop in Legazpi. A version of Starbucks with a cozy and simple style where you and your friends can chat and somehow, feel at home. They have great coffee and drinks selection. La Mia Tazza came from the Italian words translated in English idiom as "it is my cup of tea".

We ordered Pili Tazzaccino, ice blended drink with espresso and almond syrup topped with chopped pili nuts on whipped cream. It tastes so good, the combination is just perfect. If your taste buds are craving for a cup of bicol-flavored coffee, better try La Mia Tazza's Pili Tazzacino.

La Mia Tazza Coffee 

738 Rizal St Old Albay District, Legazpi City

(Near Small Talk Cafe)

3. Bigg's Diner Restaurant

Bigg's Diner is the leading food chain in Bicol with 11 branches in Cam Sur and Albay alone. This is some kind of American slash retro themed restaurant which are serving Filipino cuisines for over 30 years now. We visited their branch in Embarcadero. The place was cozy. There are lots of vintage designs and photographs in their wall. Everything in Bigg's is retro. We ate our lunch at their Embarcadero Branch.

Tower Burger, Php350.00 - Rating: 7/10

My boyfriend ordered the most expensive burger at Biggs. It has 13 layers of ultimate 100% beef patty, golden hash brown, chunky slice of cheese, crispy bacon, egg, cramelized onion, fresh green lettuce, tomatoes, and Spam. It really is a big and large tower burger at 5x5.5 inch. Tastes so good. Made us burp quickly. 

We also ordered rice meals, Beef Teriyaki, and Korean Pork Barbecue.

Beef Teriyaki, Php120.00 - Rating 6/10

Korean Pork Barbecue, Php120.00 - Rating: 8/10

Bigg's is famous with their juiciest Baby Back Ribs. However, we did not get the chance of tasting it because we just had baby back ribs in our hotel breakfast buffet. Bigg’s menu is also quite extensive, but not too different from what fastfood joints usually offer. You can check their cool website . Just wanted to share the below images with you guys. Well, I'm just sharing. It's not my intention to downgrade anything or anyone. It was just my experience and observation.

Anyhow, it tasted great and will definitely try this again soon. Well, expectation is not that so far from reality I think. :)

EXPECTATION..

Photo Credit: Naga City Deck

REALITY...

\

Tower Burger Real

4. DJC Halo Halo

DJC Halo Halo Special- Php70.00, Rating: 8/10

This is Bicol's famous Halo- Halo. It has this milky and unusual taste that you will definitely love! It has grated cheese, leche flan, ube halaya, sago, gulaman, and all the other ingredients you would expect in a halo-halo. Ingredients dominated the overall serving.

DJC Halo Halo is really one of the best Legazpi has to offer so make sure to drop by at their store and taste this awesome dessert. I'm sure you won't regret it!

If you are coming from Old Albay or Daraga, Ride the Tahao Road Jeep, then drop off in Gaisano Mall. You can see this restaurant on the right side of the mall.

5. Oriental Hotels Restaurant

Baby Back Ribs - Php350.00, Rating: 9/10

Taste this Baby Back Ribs or you will miss half of your life. Tender, well-seasoned meat that goes well with their tinapa fried rice.

Tinapa Rice - Php90.00, Rating: 8/10

Mayon Lava Cake- Php140.00, Rating: 8/10

Their Mayon lava cake is very delicious. It is a rich, moist chocolatey cake with a thick chocolate sauce oozing out the moment you slice it.

Oriental Hotel Buffet Breakfast

The breakfast buffet is very good. It has a wide array of breakfast dishes. Can't help myself from tasting their prepared foods. It has complete selection of foods from appetizers, main dishes up to desserts and drinks. Staff and waiters are also very approachable and hospitable.

Thanks for dropping by dear friends!

Morena on duty, now signing off.

See you on our next tour! :)

#Foodiethon: The Racks Restaurant SM Megamall

The Racks was our first and only choice when we celebrated Kevin's and his Father's birthday.When we got there (The Racks SM Megamall), the store was almost full. We even waited and stood by for few minutes before we finally took our place. Of course, we initially took pictures of the place, the store and.. (oh wait, can I include ourselves?) Yep, we took our "selfies".

After we comfortably dominated the couch, Menu were handed to us.

What made me more excited (aside from the fact that it was already 10PM and we were so hungry) was their Baby Back Ribs which was quoted by Kuya Kenneth as "The Best Baby Back Ribs in Town!". 

Okay, let me share to you my The Racks experience and #Foodiethon with my Boyfriend's family as a celebration for Kevin's 22nd birthday and Tito Lowie's 47th birthday.

Here we go!

Racks Baby Ribs -Php460.00, Rating: 10/10

Lip smackin' good select lean, juicy baby ribs that's impossible to resist.Naturally falls off the bone! Served with mac and cheese, baked beans, and vegetables. 

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

Whoa! I'm begging you to please try their Baby Back Ribs. Honestly, as they say, you will miss half of your life if you won't have that chance of tasting this dish. This was really grilled by their awesome chef to perfection! I can't say that I am biased but this was actually my initial reaction when I tasted this dish. I will undoubtedly give this dish a 10. This will be more delightful if you will have this accompanied by The Racks Original Barbecue Sauce. 

Racks Classic Pork Ribs - Php345.00 - Rating: 8/10

Classic Pork Ribs served with coleslaw, broccoli and cheese, and lettuce. 

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

I got so excited to eat the Baby Back Ribs to the point that I almost forgot the rest of the dishes on our table. Next in line was Racks Classic Pork Ribs. It was also delicious and appealing because of its presentation. Well, this one captured the heart of Tito Lowie. A bit hard to chew though. It has its distinct taste that stood out among others. It was also served with fresh lettuce and broccoli. Yum yum!

Southern Fried Chicken - Php360.00, Rating: 8/10

Southern fried chicken crisp and juicy served with gravy, buttermilk biscuits, and honey. It is crispy in the outside and juicy in the inside. 

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

At first, I was thinking that their chicken might be a bit similar to others. I was surprised that they have this unique preparation and presentation of the dish. You can dip the chicken to the honey or their original gravy. Eitherway, they're both exemplary and perfect dip for Southern Fried Chicken.

Creamy Carbonara, Php240.00, Rating: 8/10 

Garlic Scampa Spaghetti, Php295.00, Rating: 7/10

In-house prepared creamy carbonara sauce tossed in al dente spaghetti noodles sprinkled with parsley and parmesan cheese. 

Garlic Scampa Spaghetti is served with juicy shrimp and broccoli florets sauteed in a chili infused garlic olive oil mixture.

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

Loved their Carbonara! Its creamy goodness made me want more. Know that feeling of wanting more when your stomach is already full? Garlic bread were also baked meticulously, perfect match for these pasta. Didn't like the Garlic Scampa Spaghetti that much. Maybe, I was not just a fan of that kind of spaghetti.

We had a very good experience and will definitely go back to this place. We didn't order much of the dessert since all of us were fully-loaded. Given the chance to order and eat a dessert with a half-empty, half-full belly, we might try Memphis Pound Cake and Mud Pie.

So happy to be with this generous and loving family. 

P.S. - Their Baby Back Ribs are sooooo good. A must-try!

To know more about their branches and gratifying menu, you can check their website.

Morena On Duty now signing off.

See you on our next journey!