Day 2 started early with a plenty to do in our itinerary.
We travelled about 40kms to reach Tiwi, Albay. This part of Bicol is well known for their hand made ceramics. It has been the leading terracotta ceramic industry in the Bicol Region.
PhilCeramic at Putsan Tiwi
We are happy, we added this stop to our Bicol itinerary. My sister and my brother-in-law went gaga over the hundreds of ceramics on display. Prices were barely one third Manila's mall prices. A set of three ceramic vases is sold for P600-P800 only. I assume wholesale would be lower, but we did not bother haggle the cost.
They were already so affordable.
Our haul filled half our luggage compartment.
ABR Cutlery
Tabaco Albay is known for its primary product "tobacco" where it got its name from. However, aside from tabaco this city is also known for its well crafted "tabak" or bolo. My husband, a blade enthusiasts did not let his chance to buy Tabaco made bolo pass. He INSISTED on a side trip.
Instead of going to the market, we went direct to a local producer ABR Cutlery and got his blade loots a lot cheaper. The owner Madam Azucena Rodriguez was very accommodating. She even gave my husband freebies.
This time it was my husband who went crazy... he obviously can't decide what to buy...
Mayon Skyline
It was raining when we arrived at our next destination, the Mayon Skyline. It was a real bummer... as we did not get a glimpse of the illusive Mayon. Sadly, the view and weather was Baguio like (foggy and cold).
Kuyang's Bar and Restaurant Ligao
Before heading to our next destination Kawa-Kawa Hills, which is a difficult uphill climb (or a downhill roll) we stuffed ourselves at the Kuyang's Bar and Restaurant. I was initially sad as there were not much local Bicol delicacies in their menu (I was looking forward to more of laing and Bicol express), but when our orders came ~ we were delighted! We love (and finished) everything we ordered.
We ordered tuna steak, crispy lechon, talong and pork sisig.
Kawa-kawa Hills
Kawa-kawa Hills is a park with life size statues of the Passion of Christ.
I realized that a common thing about most Bicol attractions is ~ they are hard climbs. The uphill climb was also slippery after a rain. I would give this attraction a pass if travelling with seniors or small kids.
From your uphill climb, drop by the adjacent Carmelite Monastery and Shrine of the Divine Mercy.
Cagsawa Ruins
Next to the Mayon Volcano, I think the Cagsawa Ruins is the 2nd most photographed. The Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of an 18th century Franciscan church destroyed by the 1814 Mayon Volcano eruption.
Happy Trail ATV
One of the highlights of our trip to Bicol
We took the Green Lava Trail. It is about 7kms, 2 hours drive from Cagsawa Ruins. The trail passes through the following standard trails (SkyDrive, Grassland, Snake, Forest, Cagsawa SkyDrive River & SkyDrive Combo), across muddy cannals, curvy-steep hills, rock paths, rivers, forestry, quarry site. It was an exhilarating ride and purely off road.
Legazpi Four Seasons
We finished Day 2 with hefty meal at the Four Season's. It is a Chinese restaurant, I know but it was the closest one from our hotel. Beside it was highly recommended.
(We ordered steamed siomai, fried rice, Season's chicken (must order),
pansit, shrimps and sizzling pork steak)
Food was expectedly sumptuous. They have huge servings. I think our order can feed eight. Good place to go if you are with a big group.
Day 2 ends here.
If you missed our Day 1 and Day 3, you may click on link below:
