Where To Go in Bicol: Cagsawa Ruins

A picture with the Cagsawa Ruins as your background is your proof that you have been to Bicol. When we went to Bicol on January, (Yes, I’m still blogging my January vacation!) we made sure not to miss the chance to see the Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins up close.

The Cagsawa Ruins are the only remnants of the Cagsawa Church which was destroyed by the Mayon Volcano eruption during the 1800s.



Hotel St. Ellis helped us get a cab to bring us to the Cagsawa Ruins. We initially wanted to go there on the first or second day of our vacation, but it was extremely cloudy making it really impossible to see the beauty of Mayon. So even if the clouds were blocking the volcano, we had no other choice but to go on our last day.





It is true that more than the tourist spots here in the Philippines, our greatest asset is our people. Stationed in the Cagsawa Ruins are guides who offer to take creative shots. They don’t charge a specific amount.

Ate: Ma’am, kuhanan ko po kayo ng creative shots.
Me: Magkano po?
Ate: Kayo po ang bahala. Kahit magkano po.
Me: Kapag binigyan kita ng bente pesos, ok lang ‘yun?!
Ate: Ok lang naman po, ate.
Me: HAHAHAHA!!!

According the woman who took our shots, they actually had trainings before they took on the job.


Unfortunately, there were other tourists when we went to the ruins so pardon all the photobombs. :p

Boyet and I took turns in posing in front of the camera. We were then followed by Joie and Jeff. I must say that the guide is really precise with her instructions. And she knows how to use a DSLR!

I think you will all agree with me that Boyet did a better job in projecting. I’ll let the photos do the talking.


 












Bicol’s weather is bipolar. It’s like the sun and rain are playing tug-of-war! Locals told us that the best time to go to Bicol is during summer to get the best view of the Mayon. But just as my favorite saying goes, "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." So despite the gloomy weather, we still enjoyed the beauty of Mayon Volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins. ^_^



P.S. Don’t worry. Hindi bente pesos ang binigay namin kay Ate! :p