Long Way Home (Legazpi to Leyte)

Long Way Home

The initial plan was just to visit Legaspi, Albay with my girlfriend. See the nice scenery, take photos of Mount Mayon, Cagsawa Ruins, and Lignon Hill view. But the plan changed when my girlfriend changed her mind that she is not coming. I need to push this since I have already payed for the tickets and my Vacation Leave approved. I got an invite by my friends that they will be going to Guiuan for a surfing trip. I told them I might drop by if they will be still there. My new plan now was to stay in Legazpi for a couple of days and ride a bus down to Samar then to my hometown in Leyte.

Day 1

With the help of Google maps and some travel blogs, I was ready for the trip. To avoid hassle in the airport, I left my knives at my apartment. I brought with me my The North Face 25L Lexicon Backpack, several shirts, board shorts, my Nikon D90 and my GoPro HD2 camera. I left home at 5am to Mactan International Airport. My flight was 7:55am bound for Legazpi, Albay.

Airport

I nearly failed to board the plane as I don’t have ID's anymore. It was lost along with my wallet months ago. Luckily they approved when I showed them my credit card. I didnt get enough sleep and I wasnt that excited either since there was this big storm brewing and its heading for Bicol.

Boarded the small ass propeller plane to Legazpi and slept almost the whole trip. I was woken up by the turbulence. When I took a peek at the window, there was my destination.

Legazpi

At last touchdown, but I didn't know where I’m heading or where the hell I am. I just headed to the nearest tourist center and asked for a map. Luckily, they told me that the fare from the airport to the lodge is about P50.
Hailed a pedicab towards Sampaguita Lodge. The driver asked for P60. It was worth it since he toured me around town. Stayed at the lodge for at least 3 hours to get that sleep. I think it costs around P250 a night for a single room. Then, I walked my way to the nearest Gaisano Mall, which is not that far from the Lodge. Ate their specialty which is the Bicol Express which was great. The mini adventure is now brewing. My first stop was Lignon Hill.

Lignon Hill

I really don't know which jeepney to ride or where the place is, I just know the place because of the internet. Asked some dispatcher on which to ride, he told me to ride the Loop 2 so I might see some parts of town like Daraga for instance. I was seated at the front seat next to Mr Driver so I might learn something from him. Well, yeah.. he was a good tour guide. Paid P12 for the ride from downtown Legazpi to Lignon Hill.

I Thought that the park was very near to the road. But no! You have to trek several kilometers to get to the place. Paid around P10 to get inside. Took picture on the huge map and I was set. I found this trail heading up which leads to some Japanese tunnel. There was this dead japanese soldier dummy outside the tunnel, he was not scary nor funny.. :| I wasn't able to get inside the tunnel because there was no guide yet. Maybe she was having snacks or nature was calling.

I decided to follow the concrete road towards the peak. Then I noticed another trail, probably a shortcut towards the top. I tried to follow the trail upward but what the hell, the damn trail was frikkin difficult and it is very steep, foresty, muddy & slippery. I almost wanted to go back but I managed to move on until I got to the top. I thought that was it. But no... I have to follow the same concrete road for more than 15 minutes to get to the top. I came across this suspension bridge and zipline but there were no people there. Well, this must be haunted.

At last I was on top of Lignon Hill. The sun was up and very hot, the heat was unrelenting. I almost got dehydrated. I took a couple of shots of the famous Mayon Volcano but ther was this damn cloud covering on its peak. And its ugly! I waited for it to just fade but it didnt. Then, I came across this tourist guy probably from Manila with his personal guide. We talked a little while waiting for the clouds to somehow fade. I wasn't really talking with the Manila tourist guy, I was talking with the guide. He gave me tips on how to get to Cagsawa, and the cloud covering the volcano will fade on near sunset. Well, that's a very long time. At least I've got free tips from the guide.

Bought a can of San Miguel Strong Ice and hope for the cloud covering to fade to get a good shot of Mount Mayon. Then, my patience ran out and decided to leave the Lignon Hill. There was nothing to do there. Although the park was nice, and had a 360 view of the whole Albay. I can even see the South Pacific from there.

Decided to climb down the hill. I wasn't walking, I was running. Because its fun running downhill. At the foot of the hill, I hailed a jeepney towards Legazpi City. Sweaty, sticky and tired. I nearly slept on the whole trip. The fare this time was 8 pesos. I can see the clouds covering the volcano faded and saw the peak. Well that was unlucky. I left the park and the damn peak showed up. So, I didn't waste any time to go to Embarkadero to get a good shot at Mayon Volcano. Some guy told me that there is a free shuttle ride from Legazpi Market to Embarkadero and showed me where to get a ride. Well, thanks man.. whoever you are... From there I took a free shuttle ride to Embarkadero.

This is some nice mall! Next to a port facing the Pacific. More like a mini version of Ayala but less things to buy. It was getting dark and I was looking for a good location to take shot of the Volcano. But the best place there is was blocked with a No Trespassing sign. Oh well... I just went inside by the way and acted innocent that I wasn't able to read the sign. I took all the shots possible while looking at the security guards come towards me. I asked for another 5 shots. Then left. At least I've got great shots of Mount Mayon.
Hungry, I ordered some Spicy Gambas and a 2 bottles of San Mig Light. I forgot the name of the restaurant but it was overlooking the port and the view was very nice. It also has an acoustic performance on stage. It was Saturday anyways so there are lots of events going on.

I was full. I decided to have one last stroll in case I find something interesting. Then went back to the lodge. I missed the free shuttle this time and took a tricycle towards the lodge. The damn driver asked for damn 30 pesos. Well, atleast I got to the lodge safe, not kidnapped or raped.. hahaha...

Home Alone
I was now at Sampaguita Lodge and it was still 9pm. Bored by watching Natgeo all the time. I went out to buy 3 baluts (duck embryo) and 2 bottles of San Mig Light.. Well, that made my night.

The Long Way Down Trilogy:

Day 1: Legazpi Albay Day Tour
Day2: Legazpi to Leyte
Day 3-5: Samar to Leyte to Cebu