Hello, friends!
I’ve been feeling incredibly thankful these past few months—I’ve had a series of unexpected and unplanned travels to Cebu, Dipolog, and most recently, Albay!
Today, I’d love to share with you the beautiful places I visited in Bikolandia. 🌧️ Yes, the weather was rainy—but the journey? Totally worth it.
Armed with my ever-reliable Samsung Galaxy A7 Android camera (trusty travel companion!), I may have had limited time to explore Albay, but I brought home unlimited memories and snapshots that I’ll be sharing with you here.
So sit back, scroll on, and enjoy the photos! 📸✨
#BikolandiaChronicles #AlbayAdventures #RainOrShineWanderer #SamsungShoots
🌋 Mt. Mayon — A Dream Fulfilled
Mt. Mayon is a classic stratovolcano, famous for its perfect cone shape—often hailed as the most beautifully symmetrical volcano in the world. Its majestic form was sculpted over time by layers of lava flows, pyroclastic surges, and natural erosion.
I never expected that I would finally see her in person—and not just anywhere, but right from the Legazpi Airport! 😲✈️
Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of seeing Mt. Mayon with my own eyes. And just like that, the moment arrived—quietly, powerfully, and beautifully.
Truly amazing.
Sometimes, life surprises you with the things you thought you'd only admire from books and postcards. 📸❤️
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🏛️ The Cagsawa Ruins — History, Beauty, and a Few Camera Tricks
The Cagsawa Ruins are what remain of a 16th-century Franciscan church that has withstood time, tragedy, and nature’s fury. Originally built in 1587 in the town of Cagsawa, the church was burned down by Dutch pirates in 1636, rebuilt in 1724 by Fr. Francisco Blanco, and then tragically buried—along with much of the town—during Mayon Volcano’s devastating eruption on February 1, 1814.
Fast forward to today:
I finally had the chance to visit this historic site—thanks to two lovely ladies from our workshop (you’ll see them in the photos... can you spot them? 😉).
I was absolutely dumbfounded by the scenery. The haunting beauty of the ruins against the backdrop of Mt. Mayon was like stepping into a painting.
While there, friendly locals offered to take our pictures (yes, for a small fee)—and we said yes. And wow... I was shocked by the results! The photos were amazing—filled with perspective tricks, perfect framing, and creativity that I didn’t expect.
ere’s the funny part:
I help manage illustrators workshops in public schools, and yet there I was, mind blown by basic photo illusions I had never tried. 😅
Lesson learned: never underestimate the talent of local guides—and never stop learning, even when it comes to touristy camera tricks!
Cagraray Eco Park
I was mesmerized by the beauty of Cagraray Eco Energy Park which was an hour away from Casa Lorenzo Hotel where I stayed. Thanks to DepEd Illustrator from Albay Mr. Antonio Basilla who took his time from a busy day just to bring me there. Well, I will not do the talking and will just let my photos speak for them.
