March 29, 2008 at 3:30 am · Filed under Uncategorized
It has been a couple of years already since I last saw the mammoth Mayon Volcano. I was browsing several photo albums among my heap of files until I came across several photos I took of Mayon when I was still in Legaspi City in Bicolandia.
I would either drive for 10 hours or fly for 30 minutes. Either way, each travel gives an exhilarating view of Mayon Volcano, whose lips puff steady white smoke to the heavens.
In fact, on a clear day for flight 
to Manila, the Philippine Airline pilot [there's only one PAL flight everyday] would fly very near Mayon’s crater, tilt the plane sidewards, and hover over it a couple of times for passengers to see at close range the magnificent volcano and the smoke coming from its peak.
More magnificent was Mayon’s eruption. At dusk, one could easily see from the city 
the red ooze of molten rocks slowly crawling down its slopes–and no Lord of the Ring film could beat that. Bicolanos would go up the nearby Lignon Hill, settle down on seats, and guzzle beer.
This magnificent eruption of incredible power came with peril, too. Several kilometers from the volcano’s foot is Cagsawa Church’s ruins, a relic of Mayon’s tempestuous assail on Bicolandia. From time to time, this tourist spot gets trodden by the pyroplastic slush, reshaping the land and its story. As recorded in the history annals, t
he town folks took shelter inside the stone church and hid in the adjacent convent, seeking comfort from God’s bosom.
Yet, fate had another plan. While the people took shelter in the church’s mighty stone walls, a slew of debris and molten rock flowed, flooding Cagsawa with molten hell.
With this incredible mammoth of a wonder and a story of its perilous past and its scenic present, who would have thought that one can capture these in each photo for a keepsake in the future?
March 22, 2008 at 3:47 am · Filed under Uncategorized
A weekend dullness [yep, being alone on a weekend was not a bright idea] in Palawan made me go on a short swimming spree. I was torched anyways working on the weekdays so a little more baking would not hurt.
I went to the nearest beach with a cheap rate of Php10 for an entrance fee. And that ten pesos fetched me a cream-colored sand ground to its finest texture with clear calm waters. Cheap but cool.
March 22, 2008 at 2:28 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Just came from Palawan last week before Maundy Thursday. I spent full seven days under the heat of the sun driving on a motorcycle [the best mode of transportation in a cratered road network] driving past streets of restaurants and pension houses.
I have gone into several restaurants here with exotic dishes [note: I don't eat vegetables, fish, and seafood; thus, any dish containing any of these is exotic] and exquisitely relaxing atmosphere.
A short Sunday stroll to Neva’s Restaurant was. Near the blue cathedral in Puerto Princesa, it simply sits near the blue towers of that magnificent church. The cathedral’s towers were claws screeching the heavens with its sharp steel roofs, agitating the summer sun much more.
Reaching the small meek gates of Neva’s was comforting. It was a promenade of shrubs leading to its cozy interiors. I went upstairs barefoot [it is a practice in some restaurants that footwear be taken off to keep dirt and mud off the wooden floor].
The dining area upstairs reminded me of my childhood in rural Bulacan. The interior was laid back rural with intermittent display of handicrafts. It was cozy, homey, cool, and nostalgic. It made me go to the nearest low wooden bench to lie down. It was a spa without the massage.
Yet, the best part of it was that the food was cheap. It cost me only a hundred-twenty bucks for a curry pasta and Nestea! For a weary traveler, Palawan is a definite paradise.
I would either drive for 10 hours or fly for 30 minutes. Either way, each travel gives an exhilarating view of Mayon Volcano, whose lips puff steady white smoke to the heavens. 
to Manila, the Philippine Airline pilot [there's only one PAL flight everyday] would fly very near Mayon’s crater, tilt the plane sidewards, and hover over it a couple of times for passengers to see at close range the magnificent volcano and the smoke coming from its peak.
the red ooze of molten rocks slowly crawling down its slopes–and no Lord of the Ring film could beat that. Bicolanos would go up the nearby Lignon Hill, settle down on seats, and guzzle beer. 
he town folks took shelter inside the stone church and hid in the adjacent convent, seeking comfort from God’s bosom. 
