Kwentong Kaladkarin #52: Spicy Legazpi – The Trip's Travel Tips

Da Where: Legazpi, Albay, Philippines
Da When: September 27-29, 2012
Da Who: me and first-time travel buddies from work, Red and Meis :)

With so many things to do and so many things to see in the Bicolandia, a weekend trip would probably make you groan and say "I wish I were staying longer!"

Ditto. However, a weekend trip is entirely possible. Take it from me, who didn't even plan where to stay, where to go and what to see. Okay, maybe not the 'what to see' part. I did read up a bit to get me all hyped up. :D

Magayon Mayon from Embarcadero

Kwentong Kaladkarin #51: Spicy Legazpi – Of Fantastic Views and Fiery Frozen Delights

Da Where: Legazpi, Albay, Philippines
Da When: September 27-29, 2012
Da Who: me and first-time travel buddies from work, Red and Meis :)

The previous night's alcohol buzz was non-existent when I woke up that Sunday morning. The famous almost-perfectly-cone volcano that is the pride of this region and also infamous for being finicky in showing all her glory is waiting for us!

I saw her once from afar on a banca on our way back to Naga from Caramoan shrouded by clouds and then once on a clear day while I was on a plane to Davao. This time, hangover or not, pretty much nothing will stop me from coming up close and personal with Mayon.

Breakfast, at last!

Kwentong Kaladkarin #50: Spicy Legazpi - Of Authentic Bicol Express, Healthy Lungs and Damaged Livers

Da Where: Legazpi, Albay, Philippines

Da When: September 27-29, 2012

Da Who: me and first-time travel buddies from work, Red and Meis :)

What I found weird when I told some folks I'm off to Legazpi, was the question "Why?" I wanted to ask back, why not?

After all, it's home to one of the Philippine's stunning landscapes, the majestic Mayon Volcano. Seeing it up close would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance, especially for someone who does not hail from the Bicol region.

A timid Mayon greeting my arrival

Kwentong Kaladkarin #31: Come South, Cam Sur! – The Trip's Travel Tips

Admittedly, I'm still a novice when it comes to budget travel. I really try not to spend over what I have initially budgeted but hey, I deserve a few splurges after working so hard, right? ;P

Also, I work full-time; so anytime I get a time off and go somewhere, I treat it as a vacation.

Reasons, reasons... :D

So anyway, starting with this post, I'd be sharing my itinerary and actual spend for my travels moving forward.

Kwentong Kaladkarin #30: Come South, Cam Sur! – Wakeboarding Woes

Da Where: CamSur WaterSports Complex, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Da When: October 20-23, 2011
Da Who: Me and my partner in crusade and crime, Vin! It's his birthday! :)
Da Trivia: Whoever said wakeboarding is easy, have him/her meet me and I'll give that person a good kick in the bum! :D

Note: The photos in this post are from the CamSur WaterSports Complex website, unless otherwise stated. Original watermark untouched, credits to owner.

The sun was barely peeping behind Catanduanes Island when we woke up and started to pack; need to go early so we can catch the 0700 boat ride from Guijalo back to Sabang. We'd be repeating the same long journey we took to get there to go back to Naga via boat and bus. Oh what fun! (insert sarcasm here). ;P

Oh but I can't wait to see CWC for myself, after a long time of wanting to. :)

Hello CWC and Mt. Isarog mirrored on the Cable Park lake :)

Kwentong Kaladkarin #27: Come South, Cam Sur! – Long Journey To Lingating

Da Where: Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Da When: October 20-23, 2011
Da Who: Me and my partner in crusade and crime, Vin! It's his birthday! :)
Da Trivia: Day 1 for this trip was the day we have been on all forms of transportation – air, land and sea. Spell t-i-r-i-n-g! :D

The recent weeks leading up to this trip saw the country pounded by three  typhoons - Pedring, Quiel and Ramon - that left large areas flooded from the relentless rain. It was a relief when the weather forecasts started showing sun instead of rain or dark cloud images and with the words sunny, warm, and dry slipped in. No way in hell I'm getting on a small plane that will land on a small airport if I see any semblance of a rain cloud in the sky! :D

We were delayed at the runway for almost an hour because of airport traffic. Geez, hope NAIA will do something about that. :(

Flight 5J 521 bound for Naga