September 1, 2013 A trip to Cagsaua Ruins
The night before I endured the 8hours bus ride from Cubao all the way to Naga. As soon as I arrived, I checked in at CBD Plaza Hotel across the Naga Central Bus Terminal. I paid only PhP600 for an overnight stay. Not bad 'ey. Room is okay. Anyhow, I did not went to Naga to sleep. I only had a few hours sleep before I boarded the bus from Naga Central Bus Terminal to Legazpi. Destination: Cagsaua Ruins. Cagsaua Ruins is in Daraga, Albay which is around 2.5hours from Naga. I told the bus conductor to drop me off at Cagsaua Ruins and paid PhP110 for the bus fare. It is almost lunch time when I arrive at Cagsaua drop off point. I took a tricycle and paid Php20 to reach the site. once you reach the ruins site, there is an entrance fee of PhP10.
Mayon was shy that day to show its crown. Cumulus clouds surrounded the uppermost part of the volcano.
For those who waited for hours just for the clouds to "clear", we were shown a glimpse of what Mt. Mayon really looks like. Alas the crater was shown.
Earlier while waiting I roamed around the ruins and took some good photos. There's not much really to see on the area. The ruins are what were just left of the old church as told and lectured during our primary days in school.
I stayed for another thirty minutes more before I went back to Naga to take a short rest. I checked the stores around the area for what they sell.
Nearby the ruins entrance gate is the Galeria de Cagsaua. It is an art gallery with a PhP20 entrance fee but there's not much to see also. Most of the displays are paintings of Mayon and Cagsaua. Artifacts were brought to the Tabaco Museum as said by the curator. The art works can be purchased for those who love to collect pieces of art. One of their artist is the famous "Sili King".
This cat is enjoying a good nap while I am trying to muster all energy to keep me awake from my recent trip. I have to go back now to Naga.
Sidetrip: a visit to INA
It is Sunday, the first of September. I went to visit INA, as what locals call her. Ina or Our Lady of Peñafrancia is one of the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Locals claim that the image is miraculous. I went to the 5PM mass. The previous mass had just finished when I arrived at the basilica. I prayed for a short while when I noticed a queue going up behind the main altar. It is a queue similar to the one in Our Lady of Manaoag where you have the chance to touch the miraculous image. I did that of course.
Before the mass started, I oogled at the interior of the basilica. It was well lit and love the balance of colors inside. Then it was time for the mass to start, time to be attentive and put myself into the holistic experience.
Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone. - The Dhammapada