Mayon Volcano- The Beautiful One

Derived from the word Magayon, which is beautiful in Bicol dialect, Mayon lives up to its name.  Being the most perfectly formed volcano, it is easily one of the most beautiful  volcano because of its symmetrical cone.  Tourists flock to the province of Albay to see it.  

It is as dangerous, as it is beautiful. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines and can be very destructive.  Many tourists come to see Mayon- but more tourists come during eruptions.  It is a sight to behold during eruptions, specially during night time where you will see the glowing lava rolling down its perfect slope. 

I used to wake up to it during my 4 year stay in Albay- and it never failed to give me the feeling of awe. The very same feeling I had when I saw it once again during my recent trip to Bicol. One beautiful reminder of how magayon life is. 

Rizal Beach, Gubat, Sorsogon

Rizal Beach may not be the most beautiful beach in the Philippines - but it gives me the happiest memories.

Rizal Beach is an unspoiled beach (For most part, that is.  They are now starting to build more beach resorts in the area because a part of it is becoming famous with surfers). It is located near the southernmost tip of Luzon Island and is part Gubat, a very laid back town, I would say. 

My grandmother lived by this beach, and had a small cottage which she rents out to visitors, some of them tourists from other countries. We used to visit her, and Mamay, our greatgrandmother, on Saturdays or Sundays. Mamay was already very old then, has lost her sight and her head shakes involuntarily but she looked very happy whenever we visited. One of my favorites during the visit is the grilled pork, which grandma used to prepare for us.  It's the best grilled pork ever!

We used to spend the day just playing and running around , swimming (or taking a dip, in my case), covering Papa with sand, catching small crabs and just talking and laughing.  And we would come home sun burnt but happy.   

It was lovely to be able to visit the place again.