An afternoon sight of Mt. Mayon

There are a thousand and one reasons why Bicolandia should be on top of your list of must-see places this summer. A visit to this region will bring you through the scenic countryside and a gustatory delight that’s sure to whet your appetite.

Say Bicol and the majestic Mount Mayon comes to mind. Aside from this, the Bicol region also has the most beautiful beaches, various underwater adventures, cave explorations, mountain and volcano sightings, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and different types of Baroque architecture.

Bicolanos are also reputed to be fond of chili-based dishes and you will see in every house a backyard chili pepper plantation. Rumor has it that to humor their neighboring regions, Bicolanos would talk about saving first the siling labuyo plant before anything else in the face of a disaster.

Moreover, it is in Bicol that the most number of entrants to the seminary for Catholic priesthood or nunnery was recorded due mainly to the strong Spanish influence.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation, in partnership with Chevron Philippines recently hosted a trailblazing experience of Bicolandia using the 2010 Alterra SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) model for the long drive. 

The trip, which kicked off in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, was less than 500-kilometers of the South Luzon route. We motored through Lucena and Calauag in Quezon and all the way to Sipokot in Camarines Sur before reaching Legazpi City.

The long drive afforded us a view of small mountain ranges and coastal areas along Maharlika Highway, an experience that was truly relaxing and made us commune with nature. Thus, it was a fortification of our decision to visit Bicol region via what others called an “unconventional land trip.” However, using the new navigation system of Alterra, the trailing was much better.

With more or less 12 hours on the road, our pleasure peaked when we reached our final destination which was Misibis Bay Raintree in Cagraray Island, reputed to be the latest tropical hideaway this side of the Philippines.

Cagraray Island is part of the municipality of Bacacay which is known for its beautiful peninsulas, caves and beaches. Cagraray is located at a 481-kilometer island off the western coasts of Albay and is made up of one big island, one satellite island called Namanday with 11 islets.

At sunrise, visitors to Cagraray will get the chance to view the Pacific Ocean, the tip of Mt. Mayon on the western part, the mountain ranges of Sorsogon in the south, and the shoreline in the north.

A gust of invigorating wind, the saltiness of the ocean, the green fields and majestic peaks – these are just some of the thousand and one reasons why you should visit Bicol. The rest, you’ll have to find out for yourself.

“Mare na sa Bicol!”