Albay: Mayon Volcano, Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, Lignon Hill & Balay Cena Una

Mayon Volcano as seen from Lignon Hill

It was a sunny day in Albay, perfect day to catch a glimpse of Mayon Volcano! It isn't my first time to visit Albay. But seeing Mayon again is something to look forward to.

We took a morning flight to Legazpi and were met at the airport by our guide from Donsol EcoTour for our tour around Legazpi City and neighboring Daraga.

Cagsawa Ruins

We first visited the Cagsawa Ruins. Unfortunately, a bridge going to the former parking area was washed away during a recent typhoon. So we had to cross a makeshift bridge to get there.

This view from the Cagsawa Ruins is probably the most popular shot of the Mayon Volcano, with the ruins of the Cagsawa belfry in the foreground. The Cagsawa Ruins are what remain of the former town that was buried by the 1814 eruption of Mayon.

Daraga Church

From Cagsawa, we proceeded to the Daraga Church. The facades, belfry and baptistry of the Daraga Church are designated as a National Cultural Treasure. I've always wanted to take a photo of the Daraga Church with the Mayon Volcano in the background. But in the many times that I visited, there were lots of vehicles parked in front of the church. I finally was given an opportunity during this trip! It is testament to the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature that made our country the Pearl of the Orient then.

Balay Cena Una

Lunch was at Balay Cena Una in Daraga, a beautiful example of adaptive reuse, reminding us that old architecture can be made economically-viable in the 21st century.

With Alberto Molero and Nellie Huang of WildJunket.com at Lignon Hill

Our last stop before proceeding to Donsol, Sorsogon was Lignon Hill. It was my first time up the hill. And it was definitely a revelation since it provided a really majestic view of the Mayon Volcano towering over verdant rice fields below. It's probably the best view of Mayon!

More photos of Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur in the Ivan About Town FB page.

Thank you to Director Verna Buensuceso and Christie Navarro of the Department of Tourism Team Europe for arranging the trip of Nellie Huang and Alberto Molero of WildJunket.com to Bicol! Thank you also to Director Maria Ravanilla and Amy Detera of Department of Tourism Bicol Region for her valuable assistance and warm hospitality!

Pahiyas Festival 2012: Tour Quezon's San Isidro Labrador festivals

We're visiting the Pahiyas Festival again! And you're most welcome to join us! It may be a weekday, but Ultimate Philippines Tours will be driving down south on May 15, 2012 to bring you to the San Isidro Labrador festivals!



Yes, it's fiesta time this coming May and what better way to drink, eat and be merry as we head south to explore charming Quezon Province. It's the best time of the year as we join in the revelry and celebrate the feast of San Isidro de Labrador!

First stop is Lucban for breakfast and on to the Pahiyas Festival where we'll feast our eyes over a smorgasbord of food, music, artistry and local color in one of country's most spectacular fiestas!


Then it's on to the town of Tayabas where a traditional Tayabense lunch awaits over looking rustic Mount Banahaw. We'll also visit the town jewel, the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, a National Cultural Treasure, and experience the flying suman at the Mayohan Festival.


In the afternoon, we're off to charming Sariaya where our merienda awaits. We'll have an option to join in the town's traditional Agawan Festival or take a stroll down to admire the town's gracious colonial-period homes, a great way to cap-off a our 3-in-1 Quezon festival experience!

The tour departs at 4 a.m. on May 15, 2012 (Tuesday) from Starbucks 6750. We expect to arrive back at 7:30 p.m. Tour fee is Php4,500 per person, inclusive of transportation, sumptuous meals and the best local guides led by Tina Decal. Book a slot now by e-mailing info@ivanhenares.com.

UAP Code of Ethical Conduct tells architects to preserve & restore heritage

Meralco Building along San Marcelino Street (Photo by Ivan Man Dy)

Are you a member of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)? Are you familiar with the UAP Code of Ethical Conduct? The Heritage Conservation Society discovered some points in the Code of Ethical Conduct, particularly The Architect's Responsibilities in Relation to the People in Doc. 200 - Standards of Professional Practice.

It says, "(1a) The Architect shall seek opportunities to be of constructive service in civic and urban affairs and to the best of his ability advance the safety, health and well-being of the people and the community as well as the promotion, restoration or preservation of the general amenities and other examples of historic and architectural heritage of the nation."

It adds, "(5f) ...Architects are enjoined to preserve or restore as much as possible especially the few and remaining historic examples of our architectural heritage affecting this phase of practice."

We appeal to all members of the United Architects of the Philippines to uphold and respect their Code of Ethical Conduct. Here is the full text of the Architect's National Code - Code of Ethical Conduct (Doc. 200).