Bicolandia: The Deer Farm

It was not Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (or Donner), and Blitzen that are scattered on the huge ground in this mountain of  Ocampo, Camarines Sur, known as Mount Isarog. But their sisters, brothers and cousins, I suppose are all here. J

The deer that came approaching me was cheerful and maybe it thought I was there to play with. Or maybe that was what I thought. J It was smelling me. Its antlers are short and budding. With the presence of the grass scattered all over the ground by the caretaker, the deer immediately focused itself on eating its snacks, together with other deers.

The sight of enormous herd naturally growing its clan in this mountain gives me hope. The child in me, seeing these animals I only have seen in Disney books, reminds me of Bambi the lost deer in the woods. Brave and wise. Living in a jungle with all the different species of animals is courageous and thrilling. That is what travelling had contributed to my being. More valor and excitement in life.

Bicolandia: The Church Structures in Naga

Viva La Virgen Peñafrancia! Naga in Camarines Sur celebrates this festival when they merrily hail the Our Lady of Peñafrancia. This is a catholic tradition. Our Lady of Peñafrancia is their Patron Saint, originating from the time when the Philippines was a colony of Spain.

The churches in Naga that I happened to sight-see are aged and historic. Looking at these buildings make me wonder how many prayers, praise and worship the people of Naga have devoted and whispered. Only if its walls and pillars had ears, it would have busted and bled from overhearing pleas and gratitude. 

The angels at the doorstep would always look so inviting for one to kneel down, bow one’s head and whisper a simple prayer. 

The silence locks one’s soul in pure quietude. Its illumination makes one think being lighted in heaven. 

The stares from the immovable statues of saints would make one motionless and compel one to plead guilty and be repentant for the bad acts one had went through. Well, seemingly. J

Old folks say that when it is your first time to enter a church, make a wish. For tourists like me, did I believe that and make a wish? There is no harm in trying, so they say. I was really not ready to make one. So a simple wish for a traveller like me whenever I enter these old churches would be: “Safe Travels and More Joyous Journeys.” And I have been always thankful that it had always been granted.

Thus, in my succeeding trips after this church-hopping in Naga, I would constantly come around the aged church structures and say a little prayer, come out clean, and feel heavenly.

Legazpi, Albay: A Day with Mount Mayon (Volcano)

I have always wanted to go to Bicol. For Mount Mayon. Just that. And not for anything else. For its perfect cone. As I read in many Social Science books through out my schooling years. In 2007, I planned to go there, rode trip with my brand new car, a Toyota Vios, I named "Grant" (in 2007). I never had the chance. For a new driver, I did not know the way. Simple reason. Not valid, I know. My senses did not go for it that time.

But at last! 4 years after, my longing was answered. I was off to Albay to see Mount Mayon in August 2011.

There it was, majestically looking down on the entire land. Aboard the van, I was looking outside, just watching it. Even if it was covered with clouds. It was a child-like amazement, photos in my not-so-read social science books popped into my mind. This may be a soooo common natural wonder to all who awaken each day in their lives and this is what they see.

It may be so tragic for some who lost loved-ones when this volcano angrily erupted and buried many underneath the ground where everyone stands. It may be a so-so volcano for those who have seen more beautiful ones in other countries. C'mon, this has the most perfect cone-shape.

Going back to see it in May 2012 was a rush. From up in the air, I fail to always take a nice overview shot of Mount Mayon. Everytime I go to Cebu, i would be seated on the side where this can be seen. When I was on my way to Bohol, the captain even announced it. I almost stopped breathing and stared at it all the time, until the clouds would cover my sight.

I can stand up the entire day, and just watch it. From dawn until the darkness envelope its shape until it cannot be seen. My wish is to see it on a night with a bright full supermoon.

Next time I would like to be nearer. Or ride adventurously and pass on its  bumpy, rugged  and rocky paths. And stare at it until sundown, until the supermoon illuminates its beauty and perfect shape.

Bicolandia: Camarines Sur’s Watersports Complex

The word Bicol has stirred a lot of curiosity in my brains. What I know is that it is not the name of a province. That curiosity led me to my desires to have a road trip with Grant, my then new car, Toyota Vios. What got me trapped was getting lost in direction. The path was indistinct. Cowardice caught me. My stubbornness to look at maps made it difficult for me to even spot it in the Philippine map.

But life is full of surprises! Tagging with a friend and her friend J is a mark of my impulsiveness. I just packed. Then I was on my way to Bicolandia.

Caramoan Islands: First Time Caving at Kulapnit Cave

The tour guide said: "There is a cave. The villagers are the ones who accompany the people who go into the cave. It was Survivor people and staff who explored it." As you know, Survivor occupied one of the Islands in Caramoan for the reality-TV show. That sounded really adventurous.