I promised in my launching article last 7 June 2014, that our next tour stop is set in the Bicol Region – The Philippine archipelago’s largest island situated at the southernmost tip of Luzon.
Expressing humble sentiments, I still wonder why in spite of Bicol’s richly preserved natural beauty, it’s still underrated for tourism as compared to Boracay, Bohol, Cebu and Palawan. I now want to use this medium to let the appropriate audience know that we can help to intensify in raising tourism awareness for the Bicol region.
In between 2002-2003 of my 13-year banking career in the Philippines, the Bicol region is where I was sent the most for official travels. Since the Bank project is for the development of urban water & sanitation to targeted municipalities in the outskirts of the Philippines, I knew I’ll be out for opportunities closest to nature more frequently. And business-as-usual as it went, Bicol made a significant impact to my life in all my travel encounters.
Considered as the administrative center of Bicol, I made Legazpi, Albay as my based for accommodation even if I needed to attend project meetings in the Provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon. I love the feeling of getting too close to Mayon Volcano every time the plane touches down the runway and Mayon watches as we walk in an open air towards the airport.
Back then, Legazpi is not too economically developed yet compared to Naga which is considered the commercial and industrial center. But coming back to the Philippines late last year, I was happy to learn about the full development that took place in Legazpi. A fast and well-deserved progress it is. While Sorsogon is always deemed preserved to be an exquisitely invincible natural site which is why here is where you’re closest to nature.
Heading on to two separate islands of Bicol are the Provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. I only had a one-time visit opportunity to Catanduanes as transactions didn’t flourish after that. But as they say, first impression lasts (at least for most occurrence, in my view), I’ve seen that Catanduanes is a very well-preserved biodiversity hotspot. And now that traveling is my bread and butter, I’ll make sure that I’ll explore more of its biodiversity on my next visit.
WHY MASBATE?
In this article, I wish to particularly highlight the splendor of Masbate while I take you briefly up close and personal as I did in the previous years. Although I only got to visit Masbate thrice (with only 1 to 2-day stay each), but it was one of the most treasured journeys I’ve had.
Being a devout Catholic, I was primarily impressed to learn that Christianity in the Bicol region started in Masbate during the Spanish regime. Coupled with a number of unrivalled tourist attractions, Masbate for me, can complete a Tourism progress report for being one of the top holiday destinations in the Philippines.
The province has a total of 18 natural attractions – 12 of which are white sand beaches that are popular for scuba diving and wind surfing down South of Luzon. Like I mentioned in my first blog article, I was never a fan of swimming despite my admiration for beaches. The 6 other attractions are springs, caves and falls which are among my most favorite holiday spots and I considered good resources for historical learning. In fact, there’s so much more to see in Masbate than being just the Rodeo Capital City of the Philippines.
You can also explore cultural and man-made attractions in the province but being too engrossed with nature, I’m more fascinated with natural sights. Let me share my personal journey to the most beautiful spring, cave and falls with my very limited period of stay in Masbate. (And how can I forget my ex-bank employer’s branch office in Masbate which generously hosted for my accommodation, food and sneak-peak to some of these tourist spots.)
Because of its trees and lush vegetation shading around the area, you get the feeling of being surrounded by stunning fairies humming you lullabies accompanied by the flow of spring waters as musical instruments. The spring comes out of a rock and has three sources making it very inimitable.
You’ll be amazed with the beauty of its rock formation steeping gigantically at approximately 150 feet which is very attractive for rock-climbing tourists.
The most popular and my most favorite native delicacy in Masbate which I’d normally bring home to my family and colleagues in Manila is called “Carmelado” made from pure carabao’s milk and a balanced amount of refined sugar – perfect for dessert and snacks. (Bringing home native delicacies from trips to any provinces is a very filial tradition in the Philippines). You can find this delicacy at the airport, ports and flea markets of Masbate.
I recall “Malasugue” fish (Blue Marlin in English) is the famous native dish in Masbate which is cooked in 3 ways (grilled, with broth and with vinegar & spices). I was brought at “Castle Kaunan” restaurant located in the famous Kinamaligan at Victorina Subdivision in Masbate City which is most popular for serving the 3 versions of Malasugue. But I only craved for fresh sea foods which are simply cooked in boiled water or with coconut milk since I don’t get the same fresh and reasonable price of it back in Manila.
MG Hotel has been my favorite accommodation and which was recommended by my branch colleagues. Firstly because the hotel staff are all friendly and attentive. Customer service is such a big deal to me. It also serves a variety of typical Philippine dishes but not too luscious enough to dine-in again.
I was pampered by our bank’s branch office with pick-up and drop off services from MG Hotel to all my destinations in Masbate. If you are a tourist, there are only a few taxi cabs that can take you to the hotel but I was told that it’s pretty much expensive averaging 300 to 350 PHP (back in early 2000) considering that MG Hotel is only 15 minutes away from Masbate airport. If you are a backpacker, you would instead want to take a tricycle for only 8 to 10 PHP per way (back in early 2000). What an enormous savings you would get which you can use for a more meaningful spending while you're in the province.
The tricycle drivers may not speak fluent Tagalog but because of their genuine hospitality by nature, they are always accommodating to take you very safely to the nicest places if you request for it.
For avid swimmers unlike me, MG Hotel has a pool with a superb view of the sea (offered in rooms which are mostly with balconies) for ocean admirers like me. Serenity so to speak again. I understand it is the only hotel in Masbate with swimming pool where you'll get to enjoy the tropical ambiance which is indeed relaxing. As per usual, the hotel comes with a typical AC, internet connection and TV with Cable. A bigger, more comfortable room will cost you 2,400 PHP per night. I would say it's a value-for-money worth of price.
Getting to Masbate from Manila by plane is wholly serviced by our flag carrier Philippine Airlines with only one daily flight early in the morning. Approximate air travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Wishing all my Valued Readers a very Blessed coming week ahead until our next tour to the Province of Tuguegarao. I’ll be reaching out to you again soon.
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GOD speed !!