Visiting Bicol with the PSG

I first learned about the Mayon Volcano in grade school as an illustration in a reference book. I remember admiring its perfect cone shape, a trait that made the volcano famous. I never really thought I’d get to see it up close, much less get to Bicol. But an opportunity came along in February 2010 when my former employer, the Presidential Security Group, went to the region to perform security operations for the presidential engagement of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Just like my Vigan trip, I was asked by my former female boss to join them, and I gladly did.

The only plane I’ve ever experienced taking is a C130, a military transport aircraft. I’m not exactly sure why, but I wasn’t at all nervous the first time I’d ridden one. It was smooth travel; I enjoyed looking out of the window, unruffled that we were thousands of feet off the ground. That feeling of calm wasn’t replicated when we took the C130 flight to Bicol. It was an hour and a half of travel, but to me, it felt like forever. The turbulence was strong, the engines were too loud, and it was a lot like riding a roller coaster. I remember wondering whether we’d get to our destination in one piece. A plane crash is certainly not my idea of leaving this mortal coil.

Anyway, it turned out that I was worried for nothing. We touched down at Legazpi Airport without so much as a scratch.

The story above showed how we got to the place, which obviously did not have public transport. So for those who are wondering how to get to Bicol, you may visit this site.

When we reached Bicol, I stayed with the officers and female soldiers at Albay Executive House while the enlisted men were billeted at Albay Astrodome.

Places to see

Legazpi Airport

You need not go any further to buy your friends and loved ones “pasalubong.” There ‘s a line of souvenir shops in Legazpi Airport that sell native bags, magnets, keychains, figurines, etc. The area also offers a nice view of Mayon Volcano, perfect for taking pictures.

There is a small hotel inside the airport called Legazpi Airport Hotel. Honestly, I’m not really sure why anyone would want to stay there because, first of all, it is a freaking airport, which means the airplanes have been flying to and fro. I highly doubt anyone would be able to sleep with the sound of those flying giants in the background. But then again, maybe it is meant for those who have yet to figure out where they will stay in Bicol.

Vitton Beach Resort, Donsol

One of the places that President Arroyo visited in Bicol is the Vitton Beach Resort, located in Donsol, Sorsogon. There, she shared a sumptuous merienda with some members of the press.

It’s the perfect place to go for the unique experience of swimming with the whale sharks known locally as “butanding.” Indeed, Donsol is known as the whale capital in the world as it is the only place where you can find a big population of this humongous underwater species. Pump boats lined up the shores; each one can be rented for ₱3,500 ($61.63), good for 6 people.

Unfortunately, the PSG went there to secure the area and not to go swimming, so I didn’t have a chance to come face-to-face with the whale sharks.

We hung out at Vitton’s Morena Bar and chatted with their friendly bartender, Che. She’s an expert and a certified diver herself, and she knows a lot of things about whale sharks. The resort rents out diving gear to those who want to see the butandings. There are also a few shops within the resort that sell whale shark souvenir items. I bought a mobile phone charm for only ₱40 ($0.70).

Cagsaua Ruins

A few hours before our excruciating 12-hour land travel back to Manila, my former female boss and I went to one of the most famous tourist spots in Bicol, the Cagsaua Ruins. It only takes a few minutes to get to the place from Legazpi City. We saw the belfry, the only thing that was left of the Cagsaua church after the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. A local shared with us that many people had been buried alive when they sought refuge inside the church.

The park is hauntingly beautiful, with lush greenery, old stone walls, and an unobstructed view of Mayon Volcano. The entrance fee is very cheap, only ₱10 ($0.18). There were some locals who offered to take and print pictures for a minimum price. There are also numerous shops in the area that sell souvenir items like t-shirts, bags, post cards, etc.

So there goes my Bicol experience: the home of the majestic Mayon Volcano, pili nuts, the very spicy but muy delicioso Bicol Express, and the whale sharks.