I was inspired to write a blog by the "Ako Mismo" TV ad, it says but I'm not sure who "Ako mismo, ay hindi mgbblog na nkakasama sa aking bansa" so here I am blogging about one of the natural wonders of nature and Albay's pride Mayon Volcano.
While others got excited to see the Mayon and asked me to go to Bicol to experience its beauty, I grew up neglecting its beauty, sure when it was the first time you'll get amazed and take loads of picture with it with you "kuhang pang turista" wherein the background is more focus than you in the picture. As I've said I grew up not knowing how lucky I am to see the Mayon and experience its beauty.
I spent my summers in Bicol together with my cousins we live in our Lola's house in a small town in Daraga, Albay. First it was just 5 days vacation just in time for Santacruzan where we participate every year, then one week or two weeks, and even the whole summer in my Lola's house. Once we stepped out of our compund you will see the perfect cone which is sometimes hiding in the clouds. But if you're lucky and you go out on a sunny day, Mayon Volcano is smiling at you with the clear blue sky as her background. Most of my childhood memories, Mayon was there to witness it, the dance contest that my cousin Iya and I won for 3rd place, dancing in the "Parabailehan" (Dance area), my being Reyna Elena which I need to pray in 7 houses, drinking fresh goat milk, singing in the tree house or crossing the rice fields to get to our other cousins on the other village.
Since I get to see the Mayon every year, I lost all excitement of seeing her, smiled at the picture of my friend who pose with the famous Cagsawa church's bell tower with the Mayon, because God knows how many pictures I have with Mayon, with different people, or rock or angle.
But then time came when I can't have vacations anymore, you know, you grew up and worked and can't file a leave or not fun enough because your cousins are not there, so I wasn't able to visit Mayon or Bicol for nearly 10 years. And fortunately, if not for my Lola's 80th birthday I won't be able to see her again.
And that's where i realized, Damn I'm lucky, I was able to see Mayon and appreciate its beauty everyday if I was to live there, nevermind thinking what we will do if it erupts, but seeing her with her perfect cone, white smoke coming out of its small crater. I exhaled and said, "She's still a beauty." So I told nyself I need a picture of Mayon because the last time picture I have is, I can't even remember it. So i took a picture after a 40 mins trek up of Ligñon Hills park. I was sweaty and tired but the picturesque is all worth it. I also tried the zip line in Ligñon hills, so the next time yopu plan a trip you can include Bicol as one of the destination and not just experience the beauty of Mayon but as well as the tasty Pili nuts and the cheap Abaca bags and slippers.
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