It was in 2007 when I first reached the Bicol region. 6 years after, I've already visited Bicol for 8 times. The accessibility, the pristine beaches, the majestic volcanoes, the
adventures, and the great food made Bicol a really good destination. Actually, our episode of PHL360 was also shot in Bicol - particularly in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Legazpi, and Masbate.
Day 1
My previous Bicol trip was themed uniquely. Together with a few invited bloggers, we discovered and experienced the wonders of the Bicol Region while enjoying the sumptuous meals at Bigg's Diner - the biggest and most famous food chain in the Bicol.
Bigg Taste You Can Afford
Does Bigg's Diner really need to be promoted? As far as I know (and including the advices in the travel forums), a visit to Bicol is never complete without eating at Bigg's. It's that famous! For the record, I never missed eating at Bigg's whenever Im in Bicol. It's simply a must. Agree?
Magsaysay - one of the trendiest branches of Bigg's Diner
certainly, Bigg's Diner is one of the best of Bicol
Tapsilog for breakfast
with Choco drink and Black forest cake
Right after breakfast, our group proceeded to our first adventure - an ATV ride to Malabsay Falls. This is not my first time to ride an ATV, but it's my first time to go to Mt Isarog National Park and Malabsay Falls.
orientation - done. Im ready to go!
If you haven't tried riding the ATV, well you should. It is really awesome!
the breathtaking trail to Malabsay Falls
with Mr. Our Awesome Planet, Brenna, EAZY traveler, Byahilo, Marx, and Out of Town Blog
The trail became bumpy and slippery when we're nearing the falls. I took extra care of my camera on this part. I only used one hand to drive and the other to hold my camera. LOL
finally at Mt. Isarog National Park
After the ATV ride came the trekking part. Its trail is not that hard, but right footwear is needed. Since I've been busy working with my project in the office, I really treasured this moment to take a deep breathe and enjoy nature.
going down the Malabsay Falls
the Malabsay Falls in Mt Isarog
we just love group shots eh? ^_^
It's just nice to know that we do not need to go far. There are already many waterfalls within Naga City.
Next place we visited is the Panicuason Hot Spring. This is where we had a nice and soothing soak which relaxed our tired muscles. The big surprise is that Bigg's Diner delivered our snacks to this area. Perfect, we're all hungry!
Extreme Supreme Burger and my favorite Iced Tea
Panicuason Hot Spring
This
photo of Naga
is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Just like Bigg's Diner, the Avenue Plaza Hotel in Naga is also a certified best in Bicol. The hotel is really elegant. I liked it.
reception area at Avenue Plaza Hotel
fabulous twin beds
my first ever Havaianas pair, with the I ♥ Bicol pin
thank you Havaianas - SM Naga
I dont want to leave the room anymore, but we need to keep going, specially if it's time for my most favorite Bigg's Baby Back Ribs. ^_^
vintage-inspired themed Bigg's Diner - Centro branch
Along with Brenna and Marx, we shared this so-good dinner with a lot of chismisan.
my ever favorite Baby Back Ribs
I can't count the times I've ordered this on my previous trips. haha
heavenly yet sinfully Molten Lava Cake
met The Pinay Solo Backpacker again after 3 long years.
long and straight hair na sya ngayon. yabang ^_^
Day 2
We traveled to Inorogan Chapel right after breakfast. This chapel was built in 1614, which represents the town’s gratitude to the Almighty and the Virgin Mary for miraculously saving the town from Mt. Sumagang’s eruption.
i so love this statue at the foot of Inorogan Chapel
We got hungry after climbing the 150-step to Inorogan Chapel. Next destination is Bigg's Diner - Iriga for our lunch treat.
Bigg's Diner - Iriga
sizzling Tenderloin Tips with Baked Mashed Potatoes partnered with creamy Cauliflower Soup
Kookie Monster Cake
this instantly became my new favorite!
It's the first time I tried out these dishes and Im glad I did. Bigg's Diner has really a good variety of food selection.
After this satisfying lunch, our group went to Cagsawa Ruins to have a view of the mighty Mayon Volcano. As always, its shape is perfect!
Cagsawa church was destroyed during the most destructive eruption of the nearby Mayon Volcano in February 1, 1814. The eruption killed an estimated 1,200 people in the surrounding areas and buried the town of Cagsawa. Hundreds of inhabitants of the town of Cagsawa sought refuge in the church, but unfortunately were also killed by either pyroclastic flows or lahar.
the majestic Mayon Volcano
I've seen the Mayon multiple times before, and I was quite surprise that this volcano is still beautiful even when viewed at night.
the Mayon view from Ligñon Hill
even more beautiful at night
Another place to visit at night is the Embarcadero de Legazpi. This is a premier waterfront development in the Legazpi City harbor that is emerging as a world-class lifestyle hub both for tourists and the locals.
Embarcadero de Legazpi
Since this is the hippest mall in Legazpi, Bigg's Diner has a branch in it. We just did a take out since it's getting late already.
Bigg’s Chicken Meal with Crab and Corn Soup
Another best of Bicol is The Oriental Hotel in Legazpi. This is one of the beautifully constructed hotel that I've been. It looks really clean and elegant as well.
welcome drink with a twist of spiciness
our beautiful room for the night
even the centerpiece bouquet arrangement is made of chillies
After eating our Bigg's take out meal, I had a long bath and immediately sleep. It has been a long day.
Day 3
The daylight added more beauty and sophistication to the Oriental Hotel. I cant help but appreciate its architecture.
The Oriental Hotel
way to pool and alfresco dining area
pool fronting the Mayon Volcano
fabulous hotel design
For breakfast (and addition to the hotel's complimentary buffet spread), Bigg's provided us with newly cooked Bacon, Sausage, and Hash Brown meal.
Bacon, Sausage, and Hash Brown for breakfast
Next activity is a trip to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. I've always wanted to go here and thankfully the organizers included this is the itinerary.
Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is a natural tunnel-like structure situated in Camalig, Albay. It has been said that these caves were the primitive habitats of the natives in the area. It has been discovered during the Japanese occupation and has been one of the most popular attractions in Albay. The name Hoyop-Hoyopan was derived from the local word "Hoyop" which means to blow.
Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, c/o Marx
The final stop in this Around 30 Plates in Bicol trip is a lunch at Bigg's Diner - Pacific Mall. In celebration of Bigg's 30th Year, a man dressed in Elvis was giving away gift certificate for lucky diners.
free Bigg's certificates for lucky diners
Bigg's Diner surely brings pride to every Bicolano. For 30 long years and 11 branches in Bicol region alone, this business has sustain and even improved the quality of food to every native and tourist of the region. They don't actually serve some fast food, but rather good food.
thank you Bigg's Diner for the experience
thank you for the 30 years of serving good and affordable food
..and cheers to more years ahead.
We are really hoping to have a Bigg's Diner branch here in Manila! =)
