I was back at Dangkalan Beach Resort at 7am. I got worried since I still needed to do the long commute from Bulusan, Sorsogon to Legazpi for my 2pm return flight to Manila. I hurriedly packed my bags, took quick morning shots of Dancalan Beach, and flagged the first jeepney to Sorsogon City. I hope I’d make it in time, I’d have to spend another night in Legazpi if I miss my flight.


Dancalan Beach in Bulusan, Sorsogon

Bulusan to Sorsogon City Commute

The jeepney from Bulusan only went until Gubat. Then, I had to take another ride to Sorsogon City. Total travel time from Bulusan to Sorsogon was around 2 hours.


View of rice fields and the multiple peaks of Mt. Bulusan from the highway in Bulusan, Sorsogon

While we were in Barcelona (the town between Bulusan and Gubat), we suffered a long road block. There was a scout jamboree in town and the little scouts were having their morning parade around town. Perfect!


View from the front of “Bulusan” jeepney 

Quick Tour of Sorsogon City

Seemingly apathetic at my time constraints, I pushed what little time I had to make quick visits to a few landmarks around the city like the Sorsogon Cathedral and Sorsogon Provincial Capitol.


Sorsogon Provincial Capitol


Park / plaza infront of Sorsogon Provincial Capitol


Sorsogon Cathedral Facade


Sorsogon Cathedral Interiors


Centro Department Store in Sorsogon City


Armada of tricycles at the streets of Sorsogon City 

Legazpi to Manila Flight

The van ride from Sorsogon City to Legazpi took another hour and a half. Luckily, I was able to pass the airport gates and arrive at the the check-in counters an hour before my flight … I still had 15 minutes to spare before the check-in counters were closed :D


Legazpi Metro Gaisano Mall


Legazpi Grand Central Terminal


One of the most organized land transport terminal in the Philippines!


Legazpi Airport passenger terminal


Airport runway with a view of Ligñon Hill and Mayon Volcano


Legazpi Airport control tower

I was excited to get some aerials shots of Mayon Volcano during the flight. Unfortunately, Mayon’s peak was too cloudy at the time. In consolation, I got my first glance of the off shore islands and islets of Camarines Norte and Quezon Provinces. Seeing the white sand beaches and blue waters want to make me jump out of the plane :D I didn’t expect to see such beautiful islands so near Metro Manila. I’d like to visit them one of these days.


Take off!


Aerial view of Legazpi City, Albay


Aerial view of Legazpi Airport


Cloudy Mayon Volcano


Beautiful islands and coastal areas of Camarines Norte and Quezon Provinces


Floodway in Agono, Rizal


Laguna de Bay aerial


Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila


Ayala Alabang aerial


SM Supercenter Molino in Cavite


CavitTEX (Manila – Cavite Expressway)


SM City Sucat


El Shadai International House of Prayer in Parañaque City

My week long trip to Bicol was over! I was able to go to most of my planned destinations and a few unplanned surprises. I got to witness the Naga Peñafrancia Festival for the first time. Caught my first glimpse of the Mayon Volcano. Had a delicious lunch of Bicol Express and Pinangat Pasta at Small Talk Cafe. Visited the beautiful facade of the Daraga Church. Took breathtaking photos of Mayon in Cagsawa Ruins. Spent a whole morning taking more shots of Mayon’s full grandeur at Legazpi Boulevard and Lignon Hill. Toured the churches of Metro Naga. Played “Survivor” in Caramoan. Explored the coastal highways of CamSur PARTIDO. Did a commuting tour of Eastern Albay Churches. And finally, saw the serene beauty of Lake Bulusan in Sorsogon.

Just a day after this trip, I was packed and good to go for my next trip: Singapore and Malaysia Overland for 5 days.