The 7107 Islands

Cagsawa Ruins

Being the subject of countless paintings, postcards, t-shirts and souvenir paraphernalia the Cagasawa Ruins is arguably the most famous landmark and  most definitely the must-got-to tourist attraction in Albay. The razed church bell tower stands formidably, surrounded by massive boulders of rocks and solidified magma. Which were hurled to the ground traveling several kilometers into the air , by the force of the explosion. Others came to be as a result of free flowing lava and lahar spewing out from the bowels of the volcano, pretty much destroying everything that stood in its path.

Hundreds if not thousands perished because of the eruption, not only were lives lost but families were also displaced from where they had lived. Their livelihood which they put hard work into all their lives vanished in mere days of chaos. Crops, fields and livestock were destroyed. The land of Albay lay barren in the aftershock. The former peaceful province rocked by the events of that fateful day became desolate, the air stood still with only the cries of mothers and families who had lost everything. To commemorate the incident and deaths, crosses were placed throughout, to serve as a reminder of the people who had suffered and died. Also a marker was placed on the facade of the bell tower which gives a brief history of the church, eruption as well as the town of Cagsawa.

Nearly two hundred years after the eruption of the Mayon Volcano tourists flock year-round to take pictures and frolic around. Upon entry visitors are asked to pay the tourist fee of Php. 20.00, which goes into the maintenance funds for the  various facilities. I would suggest that you ask a local or someone familiar with the area to serve as guide, so that you may learn some of the history and mystery that surround the Cagsawa Ruins.  Some of the more interesting accounts I’ve heard from elders seem more to me as folklore rather than truth. According to stories, during the eruption locals brought all of their riches, from their jewelry to gold coins into the church with hopes of salvation. But as the debris and rubble continued to overwhelm them, they met there inescapable fate, death buried beneath the earth with their treasured possessions.  Others claim that beneath the church towers lays the long lost Yamashita treasure. Accounts of some say that in order to avoid suspicion and discovery Japanese soldiers hid their loot where no one would even think to look for it, hundreds of feet under the Cagsawa Ruins. Fact or fiction, these stories do make the trip around the Cagsawa Ruins more interesting and less boring. As a kid I would always try to leave the pack of tourists I was in and try to make my very own treasure hunt and discovery, even to the extent of planning a scheme to make significant excavations armed with massive excavation machinery and a metal detector.

Within the vicinity of the compound there is an abundance of photographers that offer such services as having your picture taken with a twist, rendering shots as if you have the bell tower on the palm of your hand etc. etc. For those who are less into the scenery and more adept with shopping and big bargains, fear not for just within and outside the complex are hoards of shops and restaurants. Products being sold range from t-shirts, abaca bags native accessories, to special Bicolano delicacies such as Pili and Pinangat. Indeed even the most skilled shopper can take about an hour to scour all of the shops for the perfect souvenir find.

Without question the Cagsawa Ruins has earned its place as the premier tourist destination in Albay. One cannot help but to feel amazement and pure awe before the majestic beauty of the Mayon Volcano. I myself stood there taunting it to present its power before my very eyes with fear that it might just take up the ante and do just that, for every seven to ten years the calm Mt. Mayon wakes up from its slumber, erupting in a carefully choreographed display of ash and magma. There that day I stood wondering if I was indeed unlucky, or was I.

But don’t just take my word for it. Go on an adventure and make your own discovery.

Sumbrero Island

Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the metro is the pristine white sand islet of Sumbrero, its name taken from one of its two islands which resembles the shape of a fisherman’s hat. Located just 40 minutes off the coast of San Pascual Masbate, a small town on the Burias Island. Though it still remains under-developed, the Island has already become a premier destination for tourists and locals alike. With its powdery fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, its guests cannot help but to take a plunge and cool off while admiring the picturesque underwater scenery.

Taking a short stroll around, one can soak up the beauty and magnificence of the Island’s many attractions. One of the which is the amazing rock formations, that look like waves that have solidified in part due to the ocean’s incredible power over the years carving a work of art.

One may also brave the waters and swim or be transported to the nearby smaller island which houses the land formation from which the island takes its namesake. Half a kilometer from the main island, thrill seekers and adventurers can climb the top of rock formation to get a bird’s eye view of the entire Island. Others may also opt to spend some time and relax on the small island’s abandoned house.

For the less adventurous, Sea Turtles or Pawikans as the locals call them, are bred in captivity as part of the local government’s efforts to protect environmental biodiversity in the area. Taking pictures and admiring the baby sea turtles has proven to be famous with the kids and adults alike. Also, beautiful shells and corals are scattered all around the island’s shore which can serve as souvenirs and presents for someone back at home.

Often a day in Sumbrero is not enough, but vacationers need not worry for the absence of fancy hotels or resorts. Tents are readily available for renting which takes the entire Sumbrero experience to a whole new level. One can lie beneath the stars and be serenaded by the calming and soothing sound of waves against the beach. Walks on the beach on a moonlight sky also make up for an especially romantic evening. Local fishermen are abundantly available to provide and offer wide arrays of fresh and delicious seafood which can be cooked or barbequed on the beach, various beverages are also available for purchase from colas to alcohol which makes up quite a hearty meal for anyone.

Sumbrero is remarkably breathtaking from the moment you see it and every time you remember it. It is an entirely new experience, providing an escape from everything. Its beauty and radiance continually reminds us that God is awesome and for one fleeting moment let us feel total serenity.

But don’t just take my word for it. Go out and Explore. :)