Donsol: In Pursuit of Adventure

One of the things I learned about traveling is about expectation; expectation on the places I'll go to, expectation on the things I'll experience, expectation on the people I'll encounter and expectation on a lot of things. I realized that not everything goes as planned, that I should not stick with my expectations. But I should embrace the experience as it goes. As the saying goes, hope for the best but expect the worst.

Finding Dancalan Beach Resort

When was the last time you have visited your grandparent’s hometown? Do you still have contacts with your relatives? Do you still see them? When I was still a kid my family always go to our province in Bicol during the month of May in time for the town fiesta. Right after that, we also go to Donsol Sorgoson so to visit my father’s distant relatives. Those are the days which I will always miss as those will not going to happen anymore. You know my parents are separated already so there would be no chance for us to visit Bicol again as a whole family.

The last time I visited Donsol was when I was with my father, Aunt, Uncle and cousins. After that, I lost contact with our relatives there.

It’s been 9 years since I’ve seen the quaint town of Donsol. Despite of, I can still remember how the town looks like. I can still summon into my mind the places we usually go to during our vacation. It was such a long time but whenever I convene those memories, it always put a smile on me.

How the Journey Began?

"Here I am after 24 years, thank you God for giving me such a wonderful 24 years of life. And here's to me for more amazing years to come. As a gift to myself, I'll start a new blog!"

It was the passage from my first ever post on this blog. Dated September 12, 2010, just right after my birthday celebration I published that post with excitement, admiration and passion. 

I actually don't see myself as a writer as I don't really have this passion in writing.  In fact, it took me an hour to start writing this post. Sometimes it is just so hard for me to get inspiration to start but because of my passion in travelling, everything changes eventually.

So how does my travel-blogging journey really began?

Inside Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

I was looking for a place to visit in Albay to include to our 5-days trip to Bicol when I suddenly remember a post from Jubert about his visit to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. Upon reading his story about this cave, I make it to myself not to miss this place the next time I'll be visiting Legazpi. At first, I thought this is a new place for me to explore when suddenly something reminded me of. The pictures of this cave which I saw online resembles a place me and my Bicolano relatives visited sometime ago, when I was still a kid. Then it happens that this cave was the cave we had visited before which is eventually the first cave I've been to. Well it's a pleasure for me to explore the cave once more and bring back the memory I had here.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is a natural tunnel-like structure situated in Camalig, Albay. It has been said that these caves were the primitive habitats of the natives in the area. It has been discovered during the Japanese occupation and has been one of the most popular attractions in Albay. The name Hoyop-Hoyopan was derived from the local word "Hoyop" which means to blow.

Ligñon Hill by Night

One of the famous landmarks to view Mount Mayon is the Ligñon Hill which is situated behind the Legazpi Airport Tower and beside the Albay Wildlife Park. With 156-meter high, the hill has been one of the most visited site in the region for tourist, adventurers and even fitness buff. You will most probably see a number of people jogging up and down the hill when you visit the area.

From Buraguis, we rode a tricycle going to Ligñon Hill. It was already nightfall when we arrived at the foothill.

The best time to hike up the hill is at early morning when the air is cool, which is also the best time to view Mount Mayon since the sky is usually free of clouds during this time of the day. Feeling tired and thirsty, we started our ascent.