The Bicol region of the Philippines' southern Luzon.
Bicolano is spoken language in Bicol, and it's obvious that the Bicol people have a different atmosphere than the people of Pampanga, where I live.
What are the highlights of Bicol that I learned from traveling from Angeles, Pampanga, Naga and Legazpi, Bicol?
How to get to Legazpi, Albay
It takes about 1.5 hours by plane from Manila, and 16 to 18 hours by car, depending on the road conditions and traffic.
Legazpi, the provincial capital, has an airport, a seaport, and the largest shopping mall in the Bicol region, the Pacific Mall Legazpi.
If you fly, you will stay in Manila the day before and take the flight the next morning, but if you go by car, you will leave Angeles at 4:00 in the morning, have several breaks and meals on the way, and arrive at 6:00 in Naga, Camarines del Sur, Bicol region.
Naga city
Naga City is a city located in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, in the southern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines.
Attractions in Naga include Naga Church, San Francisco Church, Martin's Park, Malabxay Falls, Nabontlan Springs and 'Pili' known for Pili Nuts.
After staying overnight in Naga, if there is no traffic, it will take about 2-3 hours to reach Legazpi in Albay province.
"Luzon Fuji"
When you go to Legazpi, the first thing that catches your eye is Mt. Mayon, also known as the Philippine Fuji or Luzon Fuji.
The volcano erupted in 1814, killing 1,200 people. There was an eruption in 2018, and it was still smoking when I came here in 2019. I've been to Legazpi several times so far, but I've never seen the top clearly, and it's always covered in clouds.
Albay Gulf
Bicolano Food
Bicol Express
The Bicol Express is the signature dish of Bicol. It's so hot and delicious. People who like this say that it goes well with beer. By the way, this Bicol Express base is sold at a souvenir shop, so I always buy it to take home. However, many of them contain bagoong, a typical Filipino seasoning made from fermented fish and shrimp, so people with allergies should avoid it.
Chili ice cream.
How many places can you eat super spicy ice cream with chili peppers? There are 4 levels, and if you don't like spicy food, you should avoid level 3 or higher. By the way, even level 3 was pretty painful.
Tourist Spot
Dalaga Church
Daraga Church, located about 10 minutes by car from Legazpi Airport, was built in 1772 and was designated as a National Cultural Property of the Philippines on October 29, 2007.
A historic 18th-century Baroque church, only a portion of which remains from the eruption of Mount Mayon. Luzon traveled around Intramuros in Manila and [Northern Luzon] World Heritage Sites on a 3-night, 4-day bus trip. It was a very interesting place because it had something in common with the cultural heritage of the northern part of the island.
I can't write enough about the charm of Legazpi, but Bicol is a good place with a beautiful sea and mountains, famous dishes, and tourist attractions.