Sightings of Mount Mayon

Are you one of those fluky persons who have seen the Mount Mayon in full view? The Mayon volcano can be practically seen almost anywhere in Albay but a full view of it can only be seen rarely as the sky is filled with clouds most of the times. Locals say that the sky usually clears off during dawn and dusk making its way for the volcano to brag its eye-catching shape.

It was around 2:00 PM when me and my travel buddies went out from Legazpi Tourist Inn and started to tour around the area of Albay. We had our late lunch first at Graceland Baker’s Plaza which is just a few walks away from our hotel. We noticed a church nearby the fast food so we dropped by there before we headed to our planned destination that day.

St. Raphael Church. The church is named as St. Raphael Church of Legazpi. The church is located at Peñaranda Street, in front of Plaza Rizal. It is situated in the heart of the main district of Legazpi Port but despite of its proximity this place isn’t crowded with church goers that day. In fact, I can only see a number of persons inside. Perhaps because it’s Saturday that day.

According to my research, this church was built in 1834 mainly through the generosity of Pedro Romero. The church was widely damaged in the Second World War and has since been renovated to its current structure. St. Rapahel’s feast day is on the 24th of October which is also celebrated as the fiesta of Legazpi Port and coincides with the yearly Ibalong Festival.

After a few minutes, we left the church and proceeded to our intended destination.
Nuestra Señora de la Porteria. The church is situated on Sta. Maria Hill in the town of Daraga. This church is also named as the Our Lady of the Gate and most popularly known as Daraga Church. The church was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773.

From the Plaza Rizal, we rode a jeepney bound to Daraga. The fare costs about PHP 10.00 with 30 to 45 minutes travel time.
I asked the jeepney driver to drop us off at Daraga Church. After half an hour travel time we were dropped off in an area that seems like to be a central district of Daraga. The driver pointed us the way that leads to the church, an upward stair that leads to our destination.
From the road we walked for about 5 minutes to reach our destination.
The epoch of this church is very apparent despite of the repaint made on the church’s façade. The design is said to be described as a mix of architectural styles from Renaissance Gothic and Mexican baroque. The facade was cautiously carved from volcanic stones. Its distinct features include the four spiral columns with medallions at the center of each column bearing images of the four Evangelists.

Aside from the historic church a magnificent view of Mount Mayon can be seen from this area. I wasn’t expecting this view as in fact we went here to see the notable church. I actually didn’t know that Mount Mayon is apparent from this area. Too good to be true but finally an almost full view of Mount Mayon shows off right before my eye. 

Indeed, a sight of Mount Mayon to behold.

We roamed the place.
Afterwards, we went inside the church and eventually offered a prayer.
After a while, we went out and took a number of photos before we left the church area. I can say Daraga Church is one of the most appealing churches I’ve been to, add to that the glorious view of Mount Mayon on the side. 

Indeed, a perfect shot to end our visit here.

Its heritage is invaluable making this church as one of the cultural and artistic jewels in Albay. In addition, Daraga Church is one of the most visited destinations in the province of Albay.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. From Daraga we rode a jeepney bound to Legazpi. The fare costs about PHP 10.00 with 20 to 30 minutes travel time. We alighted at Buraguis where the shrine is situated. The shrine is situated at the top of Buraguis hill wherein a view of the city can be seen from there. Did I also mention that Mount Mayon can also be seen from this area? I’ll show you later on. From the main road of Rizal Street, we rode a tricycle to get to the shrine. The fare costs about PHP 8.00 each. It’s an uphill so its better to catch a tricycle that takes you to the upper area of the shrine. You can also walk from the main road to the shrine which will take about 10 minutes.

Due to my failed attempt to see Mount Mayon on this area, I came back here together with my travel buddies and took my chance on to see the perfect cone shape volcano. With the right time in the ideal place, Mount Mayon suddenly shows off its glam in full view. The sky cleared off the clouds and the fine-looking volcano appeared to us.

We were truly fortunate to see this volcano in bursting view. Indeed, we couldn’t help but take a lot of shots and photo ops with the volcano in our back drop.

Embarcadero de Legazpi. One can also see a view of Mount Mayon at Embarcadero. The place is actually situated nearby the main harbour of Legazpi City. We went there late night already thus we weren’t able to take a shot of the volcano from this area. However the next day, the jeepney we rode which is bound to Camalig passed by this area and suddenly the deft ability in me came out as I took out my camera and took a quick snap of the volcano. Well, we weren’t lucky that day. The volcano is hiding behind the cumulus clouds.

Our first day in Legazpi City was a fulfillment, especially on my part. I was really hoping to see the volcano free-of-clouds even for just a second. But this trip gave me more than that. In fact, I never thought that this trip will push through together with some companions as my original travel buddy backed out. But due to my passion and determination I looked for some friends who are seeking for some travel ideas for an all inclusive holiday and with that I’ve invited them to join me on this trip. Well, I must say this trip became more enjoyable and entertaining.

The name of this volcano says exactly how I could describe it. Mayon as derived from a Bicolano word “Gayon / Magayon” which means “Beautiful” in English. Mount Mayon is truly beautiful.

21 Responses

  1. marxtermind says:

    Thanks Robbie!

    I have relatives in Bicol, too! I lived there for like 3 years. Hehehe!

    C'mon Bicol ulit, gusto ko sa mga Catanduanes and Masbate part naman! 😀

  2. marxtermind says:

    Thanks Robbie!

    I have relatives in Bicol, too! I lived there for like 3 years. Hehehe!

    C'mon Bicol ulit, gusto ko sa mga Catanduanes and Masbate part naman! 😀

  3. marxtermind says:

    Wow! You are so lucky. I'm hoping na one of my flights could pass by the volcano so I can take an aerial shot of it.

  4. marxtermind says:

    Thanks. Hindi sya nakakasawang tignan. Hopefully next time, trek or ATV to Mt. Mayon!

  5. marxtermind says:

    Go be on the spots by dawn or dusk so you can see the volcano on her full glory!

  6. I've seen Mayon several times already but Im still in awe of her beauty 🙂

  7. I've seen Mayon several times already but Im still in awe of her beauty 🙂

  8. Ive seen Mayon several times already but Im still in awe of her beauty 🙂

  9. Robbie says:

    Ang ganda ng mga kuha mo Marx!!!!
    Hindi pa ako nasswerte na makita ang full view ng Mayon. And to think that my mom's side is from Bicol.
    I'll try again this year. =)

  10. MAyon is a never-ending charm. Beautiful Mayon Shots!

    The daraga Church white-washed color is turning dull na.. the time I visited the church was newly-painted 🙂

  11. MAyon is a never-ending charm. Beautiful Mayon Shots!

    The daraga Church white-washed color is turning dull na.. the time I visited the church was newly-painted 🙂

  12. I have seen it from the top last week, and Mt. Mayon is really beautiful.

  13. I have seen it from the top last week, and Mt. Mayon is really beautiful.

  14. Ang ganda talaga ng Mayon… loved all your shots! It captured the whole beauty of Mayon Volcano.

  15. Ang ganda talaga ng Mayon… loved all your shots! It captured the whole beauty of Mayon Volcano.

  16. Mustachio says:

    Wow what a view! Someday I hope to see Mayon myself! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

  17. Mustachio says:

    Wow what a view! Someday I hope to see Mayon myself! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.

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