Blogs from Albay, Philippines, Asia

Here we go again, I am about to embark myself on another long odyssey, to set sail again on a set of Provinces. A Second Series but unlike no other, this time, it is bloodier and harder. And I call it “THE SOUTHERN LUZON CHALLENGE”. I, your Pambansang Manlalakbay, Armie “Happy Loner Traveller” Yuson would take an Adventure on these Provinces, namely Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon. This challenge is the same as my First Series in Northern Luzon, a 1,500 Philippine Peso Budget for each Province, where and how far would it take me? Would it still be a success for the second time around? Well, here is the story… I was only given six days to complete my mission in these Five Provinces situated in Southern Luzon. My First Province ... read more

Dedicate a whole day for this. And do it leisurely, as we did. You may take jeepney rides to get around or you may want to hire a car and local guide for the entire day. Route is simply all around Mayon Volcano (all along a lone, long circumferential street!) starting from Legazpi City, and back to the same city. The guide doubles up as your photographer and food guide too. Forget those fancy restaurants, get "dirty" with the more "famous-with-the-locals" eateries and roadside stalls. My best meal was in a roadside eatery called "Let's Pinangat" in Camalig, Albay -- thanks to our Tour Guide Edwin Ala. Padang Memorial From Legazpi City, we drove towards Barangay Biga-a, just 8 kilometers from Mayon Volcano. This place is a PERMANENT DANGER ZONE. And for good reason. Back in ... read more

OK - you can put the spelling of Airline down to part poetic license, part a commentary on the inability/reluctance of their staff to communicate in English with any alacrity. First of all, I'd like to make it 100% clear that the opinions expressed in this post are mine entirely and in no way reflect the opinions or beliefs of the wonderful crew who provide this Travel Blog which has allowed me to share my travels with you. Today goes down as what will most likely be the low point of our sojourn given its pending expiration date. First the good news - I finally got to meet (yesterday) the street hawker who taught me her locally famous recipe for one of the delicacies that the Bicol region is known for - Almondegas. I won't bore ... read more

After the obligatory photos arriving at the reception centre, we enter the room. Two things strike me First of all, in the middle of the room was an entire pig that had been roasted - struck me as being Bacchanalian. Second - all the tables were fully set - food and all I looked across at Squish and the other couple and noticed that the other (re)Groom looked misty eyed and emotional. I found out later that it wasn't the wedding - the pig on centre stage was HIS . . . . . . . . So everyone is seated in order and then the MC says something liked DIG IN or words to that effect and people start eating. ALL THE FOOD IS COLD (no surprise I guess). Another thing NO GROG - only ... read more

Well where do I start. So completely different from anything I've ever experienced before. The clobber for one is very different - the Filipino formal wear is basically any pair of strides, a T-shirt and an item called 'Barong Tagalog'. This is traditionally made of silk and is a very light weight top with (usually) ornate embroidery on the front. I gotta say, for something so light weight and with such an open weave - they're remarkably hot to wear. So let's go back a bit to the Buck's night. Firstly Squish insisted that I disappear and sleep elsewhere for the night, even thought the other (re)Groom stayed at home with his (re)Bride. The Buck's celebrations consisted of tw oof Squish's nephews (approx 14 and 17), a cousin of her's (probably in his 30's), her sister ... read more