Matnog, the last frontier of Luzon

We arrived Matnog tired and hungry, so we decided to take a bite from the local carenderias that abound in a place such as a seaport. We throw all cautions and beliefs about some people putting dreadful and deadly potions in foods intended for "to whom it may concern" or whomever is harmed. If you are hungry like ourselves, we can just God to protect us from the dangers of such moronic beliefs.

After a while we proceeded to the waiting lounge provided by the Philippine Port Authority, Matnog, Sorsogon. Tired as we are, we reclined and stretched our tired bodies in the plastic chairs made available to passengers waiting for a ride on board various ferry boats that shuttle across the San Bernardino Strait between the islands of Luzon and Visayas.

Around 12 o'clock we were called to embark on the first boat assigned to transport roll-on roll-off vehicles and people across the strait. Two hours later, we arrived safely to the other end, after which we again rode our assigned bus to prepare for our long trip home.

Early morning, we sighted the best landmark that divides the islands of Samar and Leyte, the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge during its time. But before continuing our trip we stopped by a roadside cafe and restaurant to again put something in our empty stomach and be recharged for a half day trip back home.

Since, the scene are quite familiar already, I decided to take a nap while the vehicle we are riding is traversing the long and winding road going to our place. It did not take long for me to sleep soundly, even though from time to time my head bumps a thing or two that wakes me up and look where we are already.

Finally we arrived home, looking tired but happy upon seeing the love ones waiting for us (they know since from to time they kept calling us through the cell phone where we are). After the usual greetings and kissings, and giving of pasalubongs, we stretched our tire bodies in the bed familiar to us day and night, in our own bedroom.

Sorsogon here we come..........

Tabaco City, the city before Legazpi City and the last before going to Sorsogon province before transfering to a boat going to Leyte at Matnog, Sorsogon the last town of Bicol region. We arrived quite late, so we have to wait for other passenger buses and trucks going to the next island of Samar. We took a late dinner and then proceeded to the waiting lounge of the Philippine Port's Authority in Matnog, Sorsogon. Our tired bodies was barely accomodated by the plastic chairs made available to all passengers waiting for the next trip to Allen, Samar provided by various shipping companies servicing the said Port of Matnog.

Sorsogon is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region; it is the southernmost province in Luzon and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities (towns) and one city. Its capital is Sorsogon City (formerly the towns of Sorsogon and Bacon) and borders the province of Albay to the north. Sorsogon is at the tip of the Bicol Peninsula and faces the island of Samar to the southeast across the San Bernardino Strait and Ticao Island to the southwest.

Good bye...........Mayon

At last we reached the Mt. Mayon station and we immediately put our cameras in motion. Picture doon, picture dito, then takbo sa souvenir shop and buy some pasalubong again for those waiting at home. But there's not much to be bought at the place. Many of them are the usual t-shirts with the Mt. Mayon as background picture and some key-chain with the Mt. Mayon embedded or carved into the shell of the pili nut.There are also several orchid varieties native to the place, but I didn't buy because of the hustle of carrying them back home. I promised that next time, I will be visiting the place with a bigger car, or a mini bus.

 

Michael and Marion with the Mayon Volcano at the background.

Ligao City our stop for the night.

We arrived Ligao City still early, so we are not afraid that we might get lost or sleep in a place we barely know. We immediately transfered into a jeepney going to Tabaco City, because it will pass by to the place we intend to while away the night.

As a tourist, we keep on asking whether we are not yet lost or have taken the wrong direction. Thanks to God nobody is trying to make a fool out of us. After a while the driver of the passenger jeepney we took, "Mayon crosssing", dito na kayo bababa. Salamat po ng marami, we said.

After going down the jeepney, its time to ask questions again. Saan po ba dito and "Dhio Endheka Resort", Ah diyan lang sa unahan, makikita nyo pagdating doon. Magpapabuhat ba kayo ng baggage? they asked. "Hindi po, we answered back respectfully. What made our eyes wide open is when we saw the resort about 50 meters downhill.

So this is something else, I have not seen a natural resort like this. The resort is located right between two small mountains, with natural spring water flowing day and night, that you think is always raining. But of course the cool weather is always available, whether it is summer or whatever season you like. We checked-in immediately to take a dip in the enticing pool that gawk in our very eyes.

The cost of staying overnight is very affordable. For P1,200/room or if you want to save more you can stay in a dormitory like room for just P250.00/each. Well, after resting for about an hour, we took the dip we wanted so much. If you are new with this kind of water temperature,  you surely won't be able to withstand the cold water, as if it was mixed with ice. And just as expected, I was not able to last long inside the pool. I tried to drink some beer to balance the temperature outside and inside my body.

There is a problem we didn't expect: i.e. we were not expected at the resort, so they did not prepare something for us. So, we beg the cook, who at the same time is the OIC of the place, to prepare something to eat for us, for supper and breakfast in the morning. Good for us the cook agreed to just include us in their food preparation.

It was really sad to leave the place immediately even if we want to stay for a longer time, but we are supposed to go up Mayon volcano. We are already at the foot of famous mountain, so why not go up and see what's below, at the vantage point up the Mayon station 9 kilometers away. We hired a trike for P300.00 to bring us back and forth the mountain. Up we go and along the way we could see the beauty of what's below us. Even if it is not allowed for people to live in the said place, so many are trying to make a living atop the mountain because of the fertility of the soil cause by residues of magma and ash fall.

Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders the Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf leading to the Philippine Sea, and to the southwest is Burias Pass.

Mayon Volcano is the symbol most associated with the province. This nearly perfectly-shaped active volcano forms a scenic backdrop to the capital city of Legazpi 15 kilometers to the south.

The City of Legazpi (Bikol: Ciudad nin Legazpi; Filipino: Lungsod ng Legazpi) is a first class city and capital of the province of Albay, Philippines. With 179,481 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, it is the largest city in the Bicol Region in terms of population, though not in land area. It is also the regional center of the Bicol Region.

Located in the geographical center of the peninsula and between the two island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, Legazpi City is the southernmost terminus of the Philippine National Railways Main Line South, though it will be extended up to Matnog in Sorsogon. It also services sea-going vessels through its port.

The city is the ecclesiastical seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, and most of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics.

Tabaco City is a 4th class city in the province of Albay, Philippines. Mainland Tabaco City borders Malinao to the north, Polangui and Oas to the west, Ligao City to the southwest, Mayon Volcano to the south, Malilipot to the southeast, and Lagonoy Gulf to the east. The island of San Miguel, Bicol, part of the city's territory, is the northwesternmost of Albay's four main islands in the Lagonoy Gulf. Mayon Volcano overlooks the city to the north. The island of San Miguel to the east is under the city's jurisdiction.

According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 123,513 people in 19,599 households.

Camarines Sur

Camarines Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south. To the east lies the island province of Catanduanes across Maqueda Channel.
Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both in terms of population and land area. Its territory encompasses two cities: Naga City, the lone chartered city, is the province's and the region's commercial, educational, financial, and cultural center, while Iriga City, a component city, is the center of the Rinconada area. Lake Buhi is where the smallest commercially-harvested fish can be found, the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis).

Camarines Sur......our neighbor

Camarines Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south. To the east lies the island province of Catanduanes across Maqueda Channel.

Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both in terms of population and land area. Its territory encompasses two cities: Naga City, the lone chartered city, is the province's and the region's commercial, educational, financial, and cultural center, while Iriga City, a component city, is the center of the Rinconada area. Lake Buhi is where the smallest commercially-harvested fish can be found, the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis).

For religious tourism- Our Lady of Peñafrancia Church in Naga, 19th century churches in Goa, San Jose and Sagñay. For eco-tourism The world's smallest fish is found in Lake Buhi. There are two active (or considered dormant) volcanoes with trails: Mt. Isarog and Mt. Asog. The beaches of Sagñay and Caramoan have coral reefs, and white and black sand beaches. Naga city has night life and metropolitan needs.
The Camarines Sur Watersports Complex and the Eco Village at the Provincial Capitol located at Cadlan Pili Camarines Sur are very suitable destinations. We also have some hidden wonders of nature. We have the Concocep Falls(entrance in Hanawan, Ocampo),We have also INARIHAN in Carolina,.. In Naga City is a lot of good places to visit like the Magsaysay Strip, Different Historical Churches and Shrines, the Penafrancia Festival, etc. In Pasacao there are a lot of beaches and resorts, in Libmanan is the Malinaw Nature Resort and Brgy. Palong's water source at the base of Mt. Libmanan(Tangkumbaka). In Del Gallego, (Northwestern part of the province), is found the Kilbay Park, where President Manuel L. Quezon, hammered the golden nail into a big rock, symbolizing the connection and link of the Philippine National Railways going to Manila in the year 1937.
Restaurants Range from First Class Cuisine, Vegetarian Organic (green Earth Cafe), Ihaw-Ihaw, Fast Food Chains, and a variety of Local Delicacies.

Way to go.....via Camsur Wakeboard Resort.

Early morning after hearing Holy Mass and early sumptuous breakfast given as usual by my brother Ramon and my nieces Pia and Maricel, we prepared to go with sadness. It is a long way to go, so we have to start early , even if my companions, son Michael and daughter Marion are still lazily rolling in their beds trying to say goodbye to the beds they had slept with for three nights and sometime days.

Packing our bags was not easy because of the added "pasalubong" that my relatives gave us, intended for those waiting at home. But just the same we have to accept the added burden, so as not to hurt sensitive senses and relationships.

I am not expecting to be sent off by my brother, because I know for sure the place and where to go, but alas he asked to place our things in their car, jump in, then together with her daughter Maricel, off we go....

Our first stop is about a hundred kilometers away, Naga City. It was, but a very beautiful journey, especially the kids who together with their cousin Maricel (who is a deaf mute) tried to make the most of their time, with digital cameras in hand took pictures here and there, even in the small space of the car.

We arrived Naga City early, so we decided to proceed to the next town which is Pili, Camarines Sur the provincial capital of the said province. Located in this town is the world famous Camarines Sur Watersport Complex.

Camsur Watersports Complex is a unique water sports park designed for wake boarding, wake skating and water skiing. For beginner riders to the professional wakeboarders and skiiers from all over the world, CWC offers a 6-point cable ski system, coupled with restaurants, sand bars, spas, pro-shops and grand stands to hold guests. Riders can also enjoy their favorite water sports at night as the park was equipped with spotlights that allow for it even to be open on evenings.

We took pictures of the place and decided to forego the plan of staying overnight, since we are still neophyte with regards to water sports. We also noticed that most of the patrons of the place are caucasian looking i.e. white looking foreigners. So on we go to the bus and jeepney teminal of Naga City where we took a ride for Legaspi City or  Ligao City.
 Newly built in the complex is area for kids. You can find so many rides available for rent. As of the time of our visit, we did not see any patron yet. Maybe it is still too early or its a weekday.

Pasalubongs at iba pa................................

After a hectic schedule going here and there, to visit a relative or two, the time has come to say goodbye. It's really a shame that you could spend so little a time, in a place where one third of your life was spent i.e., your birthplace. But you know, time changes everything. Especially priorities.

Now, I have my own family. They are waiting for me. And I am also anxious to go home (Leyte) as early as possible to be with my family. But wait, the usual pasalubong should not be forgotten. So, as a good traveler, the specialty of the town, which are usually food products must be a part of the bags of goodies for those waiting at home.

In Bicol, the thing that comes into mind is pili nut, the so called national delicacy after the Bicol express which is spicy or matapang (brave) or uragon in the dialect.
Although they are grown as ornamental trees in many areas of the Old World tropics of Malaysia and the Philippines, only the Philippines produces and processes pili nuts commercially. Production centers are located in the Bicol region, provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, and Camarines Sur, southern Tagalog, and eastern Visaya. There is no commercial planting of this crop, fruits are collected from natural stands in the mountains near these provinces. In 1977, the Philippines exported approximately 3.8 t of pili preparation to Guam and Australia.
Pili is a tropical tree preferring deep, fertile, well drained soil, warm temperatures, and well distributed rainfall. It can not tolerate the slightest frost or low temperature. Refrigeration of seeds at 4 °C to 13 °C resulted in loss of viability after 5 days. Seed germination is highly recalcitrant, reduced from 98 to 19% after 12 weeks of storage at room temperature; seeds stored for more than 137 days did not germinate. Asexual propagations using marcotting, budding, and grafting were too inconsistent to be used in commercial production. Young shoots of pili were believed to have functional internal phloems, which rendered bark ringing ineffective as a way of building up carbohydrate levels in the wood. Success in marcottage may be cultivar dependent. Production standards for a mature pili tree is between 100 to 150 kg of in-shell nut with the harvest season from May to October and peaking between June and August. There are high variations in kernel qualities and production between seedling trees.
Most pili kernels tend to stick to the shell when fresh, but come off easily after being dried to 3 to 5% moisture (30 °C for 27 to 28 h). Shelled nuts, with a moisture content of 2.5 to 4.6%, can be stored in the shade for one year without deterioration of quality (Coronel et al. 1983).
The most important product from pili is the kernel. When raw, it resembles the flavor of roasted pumpkin seed, and when roasted, its mild, nutty flavor and tender-crispy texture is superior to that of the almond. Pili kernel is also used in chocolate, ice cream, and baked goods. The largest buyers of pili nuts are in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the kernel is one of the major ingredients in one type of the famous Chinese festive desserts known as the "moon cake".
Nutritionally, the kernel is high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, and rich in fats and protein. It yields a light yellowish oil, mainly of glycerides of oleic (44.4 to 59.6%) and palmitic acids (32.6 to 38.2%).
The young shoots and the fruit pulp are edible. The shoots are used in salads, and the pulp is eaten after it is boiled and seasoned. Boiled pili pulp resembles the sweet potato in texture, it is oily (about 12%) and is considered to have food value similar to the avocado. Pulp oil can be extracted and used for cooking or as a substitute for cotton seed oil in the manufacture of soap and edible products. The stony shells are excellent as fuel or as porous, inert growth medium for orchids and anthurium

Return to Leyte....a long way back

The long hours spent with relatives are but a well deserved respite from the usual bustle of everyday life in what you are used to. So many questions asked, things remembered and laughed at. Memories of yesterdays that cannot be forgotten, but would eventually turn into ridicule and laughter. Many relatives who approached me to asked if I know them, and when I answer back, sometimes I really cannot say who is who, but eventually I will remember the name, the name a person cherish most.

The most painful time in an unexpected visit is when you say goodbye to those who you love most. Your friends, relatives and people who used to go and grow with you. While you have traveled your own roads and crossed your own bridges, it is still a good thing to remember the good old days.

The time when you are still trying to learn how to smoke, how to drink, how to visit your kursunada or the apple of your eye, the summer "tuli" and so many other night life that sometimes turn nasty when the father of the apple of your eye sometimes caught you peeping in the detached bathroom, trying to figure out who is the one taking a bath?

My Mother...............the last days

My thoughts of yesterdays was abruptly stopped when I suddenly realized why I was in my hometown i.e. to see the last days of her on earth. She died several days ago, after visiting her a week earlier.

When I visited her a week before she died, she even threatened us who are away from her when she said: "When will you visit me, after I'm dead already"? Because of this, I immediately rushed home to pay her a visit. Upon arrival, I sensed the happiness generated by my visit. She even tried to sit down, when in fact she is already bedridden. I tried to hold her but was not able to give the warm hug an expectant mother wishes to received in such a situation.What is worst is that I was not able to spend a longer time at her bedside. I immediately decided to return to Leyte, reasoning that I have some important seminar to attend to.

A week later a call from the province confirmed my belief that my mother would not last long because she already refuses to eat solids. Because of the so many years of being bedridden, she believed she has suffered more than enough that the good Lord has forgiven already the sins she had committed, if ever. That's why I immediately asked some members of my own family who is willing and able to accompany me to the province of Camarines Norte to attend to the wake and funeral of my mother.   

We arrived tired but happy upon seeing the Roman Catholic Church where I spent most of my younger days. I remember the time when I learned to be an acolyte at the young age of 10 years. I am in the fourth grade at  the Vinzons Elementary School, Vinzons, Camarines Norte when I was enamored to serve God together with the young "sacristans" of the town.

I reminisce the time when I went up to the bell tower trying to turn the bells when needed, specially on feast days of famous saints and fiesta holidays. The bells are too big for me during those days, but I was able to turn it
and hear the beautiful music they are making. But now, I think I am even afraid to climb the stairs going to that tower, but mind you it is the most beautiful place to go to if you want to see the whole town at the highest and different vantage points.

Trip to Bicol............the land of

We left Albay province and its beautiful Mt. Mayon, promising to visit the active volcano more closely later when we return back. We reached Naga City about noon and partake our lunch in a local restaurant and taste the local food being offered. As a true blooded Bicolano, I decided to order some of the local foods that they can offer, starting with the "Bicol express" and others that seems so exotic to our taste buds.
An hour later, we are already on our way to Vinzons, Camarines Norte where my relatives are expecting us.

The province has an international seaport located at Barangay Osmeña, Jose Panganiban town servicing one of its major industries, Primo Oleochemicals Inc. The seaport is approximately five kilometers from the town proper and an hour ride to the capital town of Daet. The province also has 13 fishing ports in the coastal municipalities and one feeder airport in Bagasbas, Daet.

Vinzons, here I come....................

After almost 24 hours of traveling through dusty roads and several transfers of different modes of conveyance, we finally arrived to our final destination, of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, the birthplace of Wenceslao "Bintao" G. Vinzons,one of the heroes of World War II.

Vinzons is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, Philippines. According to the 2005 census, it has a population of 39,470 people in 7,407 households. The first recorded name of Vinzons was Tacboan and was later changed to Indan at which time the Mayor was Pedro Barbin. The town was renamed "Vinzons" in honor of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, a former governor of the province. He was the youngest delegate to the Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1935, and a guerilla leader martyred by the Japanese during World War II. The town was established in 1581 by the Franciscan Fathers without a patron saint and without a church. It was not until 1611 that the Church was built with Saint Peter as its Patron Saint. Vinzons is known for the religiosity of its inhabitants, contributing priests and nuns to the Catholic Church more than any other town in the province. Curiously, the town has always been known as the town of politicians, having had more provincial elective officials than in any other town in the province. There was a time, in fact, when all three candidates for governor hailed from Vinzons as when Dominador Asis, Fernando V. Pajarillo, and Wenceslao G. Vinzons, Jr. ran for governor in the elections of 1964. Before that, majority of the provincial governors came from Vinzons: Carlos Balce (1928-1931) Wenceslao Q. Vinzons (1937-1940), Carlos Ascutia (1944-1946), Regino Z. Guinto (1946-1947), Cayetano Vinzons (1958), Dominador Asis (1959-1963), Wenceslao G. Vinzons, Jr. (1964-1968), Fernando V. Pajarillo,(who died while in office). Education is likewise valued by the inhabitants in that every family would attempt to send their children to study in Manila despite the prohibitive costs of lodging and tuition. It is the only town where in a single year, four lawyers passed the Bar examinations in 1978: Oscar G. Raro, Fernando Saludes, Dominador Ferrer, Jr., and Joseph Balce. On the political side only one Mayor in this town has accomplished to finish the three (3) terms, making him the greatest and most beloved municipal mayor in this town, he is Buding Segundo. Buding Segundo is actually Jose Tacalan Segundo, is also the only Municipal Mayor in this town who is actually from a rural Barangay, which is Barangay Sabang. Another prominent mayor who served for two terms is Cesar Asis Cereno, who pushed for massive agricultural development in the countryside, particularly seaweeds production, which uplift the living conditions of constituents in most fishing villages and island barangays. The present mayor is Oliver Rodil Ferrer, who also hails from Barangay Sabang. Believing in the important role of the private sector in local governance and development planning and implementation, Mayor Ferrer created a People's Advisory Council, with members coming from the private sector, to help him push for service-driven projects that are people-centered.

Trip to Bicol...........the land of

Mayon Volcano
Mayon Volcano as viewed from Lingñon Hill in Daraga, Albay in December 2006
Elevation	2,463 m (8,081 ft)
Location	Albay, Philippines
Prominence	2,447 m (8,028 ft)
Coordinates	13°15′24″N 123°41′6″E / 13.25667°N 123.685°E / 13.25667; 123.685Coordinates: 13°15′24″N 123°41′6″E / 13.25667°N 123.685°E / 13.25667; 123.685
Type	Stratovolcano
Last eruption	2006
Listing	Ultra

Mayon Volcano, also known as Mount Mayon, is an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay, in the Bicol Region, on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines.

Renowned as the "Perfect Cone" because of its almost perfectly conical shape, Mayon is situated 15 kilometres northwest of Legazpi City.

Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay Province, Philippines. It is ten kilometres (6 mi) from the Gulf of Albay,^[1] in the municipalities of Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Tabaco City, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo (clockwise from Legazpi). It rises 2462 m (8,077 ft) above the gulf.^[2]

Mayon Volcano is the Philippines' most active volcano and is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano^[1] for its symmetrical cone. It is a basaltic-andesitic volcano.^[2] The upper slopes of the volcano are steep averaging 35-40 degrees and are capped by a small summit crater. Its sides are layers of lava and other volcanic material.

Trip to Bicol............the land of

Sorsogon is the most southern province in mainland Luzon. The major attraction is the Bulusan Mountain Lake, perched in the crater of the still active (Mt. Bulusan) volcano. It lies at the heart of the National Park which covers a land area of 3,672 hectares.

While divers and nature lovers are being drawn to the small coastal town of Donsol in increasing numbers by the presence of massive whale sharks (butanding). Between January, but most prominently in March and April, these gentle denizens of the deep can be seen cruising around the waters where the Burias and Ticao Passage meet.

Other attractions are Bulus, Mapaso, Masacrot and San Benon Springs, Bato Limestone Cave and Tulong-Gapo Beach in Bacon town.An hour later, we passed by Legazpi City which can be seen at a vantage point while approaching the city.

The City of Legazpi (Bikol: Ciudad nin Legazpi; Filipino: Lungsod ng Legazpi) is a second class city and capital of the province of Albay, Philippines. With 179,481 inhabitants according to the 2007 census, it is the largest city in the Bicol Region in terms of population, though not in land area. It is also the regional center of the Bicol Region.

Located in the geographical center of the peninsula and between the two island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, Legazpi City is the southernmost terminus of the Philippine National Railways Main Line South, though it will be extended up to Matnog in Sorsogon. It also services sea-going vessels through its port.
The city is the ecclesiastical seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, and most of its inhabitants are Roman Catholics.

After disembarking at the Pilar port, we tried to look for transportation going to Sorsogon City, after which we'll try to find our way again to Legaspi City, the capital of Albay province. But along the way we stopped for our breakfast at a local carinderia.

Sorsogon City is a 3rd class city in Sorsogon, Philippines. The city is located at southernmost tip island of Luzon. This city formed by merging the Bacon and Sorsogon towns. Because of its position as a trans-shipment point from the Visayas and Mindanao, the city attracted a significant number of transient shoppers and tourist. The City is also nicknamed as "Gateway to Southern Philippines". Sorsogon City is one of the region’s leading cities in urbanization and also one of the most populous cities of the region as well.

One of the agricultural products produced in commercial quantity by the province is pili nut.
Although they are grown as ornamental trees in many areas of the Old World tropics of Malaysia and the Philippines, only the Philippines produces and processes pili nuts commercially. Production centers are located in the Bicol region, provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, and Camarines Sur, southern Tagalog, and eastern Visaya. There is no commercial planting of this crop, fruits are collected from natural stands in the mountains near these provinces. In 1977, the Philippines exported approximately 3.8 t of pili preparation to Guam and Australia.

Pilar, is a small sea port and a second class municpality in the province of Sorsogon, Bicol Region. According to the 2000 census the town has a population of 57,898 people in 10,883 households.

Pilar is well situated for easy voyage to Masbate, Cebu, Boracay and other good beach resorts found in the south.

Though whale shark sight seeing is popularly associated with the town of Donsol, whale sharks can also be seen in Pilay Bay near San Antonio.

Interaction with the whale sharks is regulated by the local department office. With the help of WWF strict guidelines were developed to protect the sharks. These include limiting the number of swimmers per boat (six), no scuba divers and staying further than three meters from the sharks. In practise this rule is almost never applied. As many as 14 boats at a time may 'mob' a shark, with up to 30 or 40 swimmers following the shark on the surface.

Trip to Bicol........the land of my birth.

While on board the ship I tried to spend our time surfing the internet using my Nokia N95 while the signal is still strong. My two kids were also too busy texting their brothers and sisters who were left behind and chatting on whatever comes into their minds. I downed two bottles of beer to make me sleep easily and comfortably.

Around midnight, my body and minde; can't handle anymore the drowsiness that I feel, so I slowly cover myself with the "malong " that I brought along with me. In a little while when I peek behind the sheet I am covered with, I also saw my kids slowly stretching themselves in the bed or cot assigned to them.

Around four in the morning my body clock woke me up and because I can't sleep anymore I just tried to spend my time looking at the beautiful island we passed by going to Masbate. We all know that the Philippines is composed of about 7,107 islands and many of them are seen in the Visayas.

Finally we left Masbate City at about 9 in the morning and arrived at Pilar Sorsogon 11 o'clock the same day.

Masbate by the way is famous for its rodeo....where men of no fear would ride the bull for the agreed minutes until he is bumped off by the bull or was able to withstand the rough running and kicking bull and declared as winner against the angry beast.;

The province is also famous for its white beaches and cheap, fresh and dried fish.

On the other hand, Sorsogon is famous not only for its white beaches but also for the world famous "butanding" or whale sharks.

Trip to Bicol - the land of my birth.

Third week of March 2009 when I received a text in my mobile phone that my mother passed away. Though I am expecting the sad news anytime because my mom refuses to eat any more, thinking that she is better off dead than continue suffering in her old age, we still brings her to the hospital as necessary.
I immediately decided to go home to the province when I learned that butrial will be held within five days.
So, I asked who among the members of my family would be willing to go with me.
Only two answered my call. The second and third of my children who are both available for a week's vacation.
We bought tickets from the Cokaliong Shipping Lines at the Port of Cebu, Cebu City for our trip to Masbate City, Masbate the next day and off we go............ .

Our trip is very nice because the weather cooperated. It was so calm and the breeze so cool which is so enticing and inviting for a very good night sleep.We decided to eat early at the vessel's lounge, bringing with us the food that we brought along with us knowing that the prices of goods sold on board is more than double if you will buy it on shore.

Trip to Bicol.....the land of my birth.

We arrived at the Port of Masbate, Masbate about seven (7am) in the morning. We took pictures of the islands surrounding Masbate under the shadow of the rising sun which several hours earlier we came to watch also the beautiful sunset enveloping everything before our very own eyes.
We did not disembark the vessel hurriedly because we know that the connecting trip to Pilar, Sorsogon on board an air conditioned fast ferry will be about 8:30 am.
After buying tickets for our connecting trip to Pilar, our next port, we decided to take a rest in the passenger lounge of the Montenegro Shipping Lines after which we were called to board the fast craft for Pilar.