Walking around Cagsawa

I just recently arrived from a trip to Davao City. But before I post something about the Davao trip, I might as well post this one about our travel to Legazpi last February. I still have a lot of material on that trip but the following photos taken at Cagsawa are

Souvenir shops greet the arriving visitors

A view of the cone of Mayon Volcano was elusive the whole time we were in Bicol. Here is our first view of the ruins of the church.

This was supposed to be the spot where you can get an excellent postcard shot of Mayon Volcano.

There are many covered seating areas for visitors. This is good to have areas that provide shade from the sun or protection from rain. Bicol, after all, is usually rainy so covered areas benefit visitors.

A closer look at the remaining bell tower of an old church. Recently, there have been posts clarifying that this church was abandoned rather than buried by lava from the volcano. We were taught as schoolchildren about these being the ruins of a church damaged by volcanic eruption.

What is still on the plaque should now be revised rather than maintain the myth of being buried by lava from the volcano.

The rocks around the area are probably authentic in that they may have been from one of the eruptions of the volcano. Yes, the volcano can throw up rocks with enough force to cover this distance from the volcano.

Behind the tower are other ruins of what was probably the main church building.

You don't usually see these photos

There seems to be several places for photo ops that they built in the area. There is this large statue of sili (chili) that you can use as part of the background with the volcano. Bicol food is famous for using chili and coconut.

Elusive Mt. Mayon - we could only imagine the cone that made this volcano famous

Another view of the ruins

Another view of the ruins of the bell tower from the back (facing the entrance to the area)

Another view of Mayon Volcano a few minutes after that previous photo - note some of the clouds had moved. Unfortunately for us, this remained even until our plane took off from the airport.

One underrated souvenir are volcanic rocks that you can use for exfoliation (pang hilod).

I will try to share more stories and photos from the trip to Bicol soon!

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