The Backpack Adventures

I have visited Camalig Church numerous times already. The most recent was during the 6th day of our 2019 Bicol Road Trip  adventure.  Camalig Church Revisited 2021 This time, I got to revisit Camalig Church during the 4th day of our 2021 Bicol Road Trip . There has not been much of a change inside the church but it is evident that the COVID 19 pandemic did affect the town as the then lively church grounds are now visited by only a handful of its faithful. Regardless, Camalig Church remains to be one of Albay's most beautiful religious structures. For those who are unfamiliar with the history of the church, let me share with you some of its details again. Please read on... Camalig Church details Camalig Church - Camalig, Albay For those who are not familiar with Camalig Church , it's located on B. Buena Street near the Maharlika Highway in the heart of the town of Camalig, Albay. The church is formally called Saint John the Baptist Church and was built sometime in 1605 u

Legazpi Cathedral , located on Rizal Street in the Old Albay District of Legazpi City in the province of Albay, is one of the region's Spanish-colonial cathedrals. Legazpi Cathedral Legazpi Cathedral details Legazpi Cathedral is formally called St. Gregory the Great Cathedral and is also referred to as Albay Cathedral . It was founded by the Franciscans sometime in 1587 as a Visita of Cagsaua. Legazpi Cathedral - Legazpi City, Albay Like most Spanish-colonial churches, the first church was built using materials that are easily accessible and abundant in the area like nipa and lumber. It was then placed under the patronage of St. Gregory the Great . He was a pope who is known for instigating the first recorded large-scale mission from Rome known as the Gregorian Mission . The goal of this mission was to convert the then-pagan Anglo-Saxons in England to Christianity. He is regarded as the patron saint of teachers, students, and musicians. Legazpi Cathedral facade Cathedral of San

Bicol Road Trip 2021: Day 4 Day 4: July 20, 202 1 Bye Patrick; Hello Legazpi City!  It's drizzling, it's cold, it's gloomy... not a perfect time to go out on an adventure. If you'd ask me, I'd rather spend my time sleeping or drinking hot cocoa. However, today marks the last day of my brother Patrick here in Albay as he needs to go back home to Cavite for his work tomorrow. A view of Mayon Volcano as seen from Camalig Diversion Road A beautiful view of Mayon Volcano His flight is sometime around 10AM. Hence, we didn't miss out on the chance to have breakfast before packing up his stuff in my pickup truck. Just as luck would have it, the drizzle stopped just as we were leaving Casa Nicerio . In another twist of faith, for the first time since we got here, Mayon Volcano showed herself to us.  Patrick enjoyed the little side trip before going to the Legazpi Airport. Because of that, my brother and I took a bit of a side trip to get a better view of Mayon Volcano. T

Located in Solong Eco-Park , Barangay Solong, Camalig in the province of Albay, Crystal Cave is one of the caves in the province and also a must-visit destination inside Solong Eco-Park . Crystal Cave Crystal Cave details Although Crystal Cave is a part of Solong Eco-Park, I think it deserves its own spotlight. I already visited Crystal Cave with my family during our 2019 Bicol Road Trip but we were unable to go deep inside the cave due to restrictions for kids. Regardless, my daughter and I revisited it during the 3rd day of our 2021 Bicol Road Trip . This time, we were accompanied by my sister Aya and brother Patrick. Crystal Cave - Camalig, Albay Also called Solong Cave , Crystal Cave 's depth is yet to be fully explored and measured. So far, the explorable area in the cave is about 250 meters for adult visitors. Children, on the other hand, are allowed to only explore 50 meters inside and are required to be accompanied by an adult.  Family photo before going in the Crystal