Few days after the horrific rage of Typhoon Reming that struck Bicolandia in November 2006, stories of paranormal activities about buried victims in barrio Padang in Legazpi City had flourished at nearby places. Many feared to pass through the area as ghosts may show up waving at them, and unexplainable human forms riding at the back of their seats may be experienced by the motorists. Local residents were also haunted by these rumored sightings.
On a cold, dark night, a saleslady who just went out from her work was going home in Padang. The path several meters leading to her home was partially passable due to volcanic soil and rock deposits.
She was walking alone with no lit posts on the sidewalk until she saw an unclear white image. She began to quiver pondering that it would be a ghost. She profusely perspired but it kept moving towards her.
She cried and screamed so loudly and helplessly, “May multo, may multo!” (Ghost, Ghost!).
Thinking that she will die in the hands of a ghost, she then screamed louder, and her eyes grew bigger. No one was there to save that poor girl from predicament but herself.Then the ‘ghost’ went nearer and nearer until it spoke.
“Hoy nene, tanod ako.” (Hey lady, I’m a village patroller.) [Bwahahahahahaha x4]
How odd but she was thankfully spared from her death. “Hay, si tiyo man, nata man nakaputi ka?” (Sir, how could you? Why are you wearing white?), she asked while wiping her tears. She was then escorted by that guy to her home safely.
In this gloomy, dreadful place without enough light, all you have to do is to bring a flashlight with you (plus a lot of prayers) to counter your wild imagination.
Happy Halloween to everyone.
Peek-a-boo!
I happened to bump into Roca Monte Resort just last month without any plan as I was going to prove if there’s a horseback ride in Ligao City. Hesitant to enter, I was welcomed with a smile from a caretaker, and then I smiled back.
The resort is more than a 100-year old with dilapidated buildings, swimming pool and amusement park for kids. Locals and tourists used to travel frequently to witness the beautiful place splendidly built in parts of Albay.
In November 1987, the landfall of super typhoon Sisang (Nina) ransacked the expanse of Roca Monte. Buildings were destroyed and the river passing thru the area flooded the whole resort. It was tremendously damaged that it had to be closed down.
In case you are wondering, recovering this jewel of Albay may be possible. You have to buy the wide spot (? hectares) for millions first. The pioneer of the place, Mr. Roca Monte, who moved to USA with his family died several years ago. However, his daughter is the new owner who plans to sell the property.
Even though the place has been stripped its beauty value 22 years ago, the place has something to offer for the tourists and passers by – the amusement park and few structures can still make you say “Wow!”
Sculpture of Roca Monte installed near the road of Tabaco-Ligao route
Sad yet appealing view from the entrance area
Gift with flower design from the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos
Elephant with a chair saddle
Dragon slide (partial view) and dwarves near the castle
Ruined Hotel
Giant mouse holding a dagger
Another destroyed building with paintings on the floor
Boy on his hands and the pumpkin-like house
Virgin Mary with farm animals by the riverside
T-rex statue
Unserviceable swimming pool
Two-story structure made of volcanic rocks from Mayon Volcano
I thought I will grow old without having this similar and worthwhile experience again.
On October 14, 2009, it was rainy and the water was high in danaw (lake) of Brgy. Tagaytay in Camalig, Albay. Without having second thought, I immediately said “Yes!”.
Then I changed clothes.
First step, I felt the coldness of brown-colored water and the mud of the lake.
Several steps, my friend got one.
I cheered, “Igwa akong duwang bibe digdi.” “I got two bibe (freshwater mussel) here.”
After an hour of series of stepping deeper into the mud, we’re not contented of what we had in the yellow sack.
I kept on observing.
Then I used my hands while submerging into the water in reaching the base. I got more.
My other friend came to help us. Then we got more.
We’re done. Then I shivered and clicked still appreciating Mayon from the distance even it was partially blocked by the clouds and Mt. Santa Cruzan.
At my dearest friend’s home, we scraped the meat out from the shell and removed the muddy part. We boiled until it was soft enough to masticate.
I asked and he replied. “Ang pagluto ka ini ay crispy fry.” “The way it is cooked is crispy frying.” It was partnered with vinegar sauce with sprinkles of black pepper, and sliced red hot chili pepper.
I grabbed the chaser. Then he said, “Mana, mapuon na kita.” “Come on, let us start.”
Then we thanked Matador for giving us warmth.
Burp!
I never thought that I would have another horseback ride this soon especially in our local province, Albay. My last ride was when I was having a good time with my classmates in Tagaytay City several years ago. After walking uphill in ‘seem-so-ordinary’ hill, Kawakawa of Ligao City, you will be able to ride Macho for just 15 pesos in field of greener grasses.
Aba, akalain mo.
That hill is so relieving especially when resting at the back of the horse and having a chit chat with Macho’s trainer, Mang Jose. You can feel the very fresh air of the hill blowing and enveloping around your tired body. The place is also great for the souls who want to find their inner peace and for those who would truly want to strengthen their bond with God.
Related Post:
Experience a luxurious place to venture in Albay, Philippines.
A sensational, elite tropical destination of Misibis Bay Raintree (MBR) a.k.a. luxurious island playground of the Philippines will provide globetrotters with 24-hour butler service, comforting villas, an invigorating spa, two gratifying restaurants, concocting bars, three dipping pools, relaxing surroundings, and vast selection of activities.
Greetings from the heart!
Posing vibrant smiles, demonstrating Bicol’s Ibalong-themed dance, and saying “Greetings from the heart” will absolutely welcome every guest who just arrived. Refreshing drinks and pampering spa massage upon arrival can also heighten the MBR’s home-like and 5-star hospitality.
“Spice market” restaurant entwines fine dining and ’service from the heart’ to offer the highest quality service. The restaurant also caters with Southeast Asian dishes like Angus beef sinigang, boneless crispy pata, pinangat, Bicol express pizza, chicken inasal and chicken in braised coco cream. Menu de degustacion, a synchronize serving, is something for the diners to look for because of the feeling that you are being served as kings and queens.
Embrace the moment with your friends or special someone through outdoor dining by the poolside or the shore.
A gentle touch of table design in “Spice Market” will make your dining more satisfying and meaningful.
The bites of leche flan turon dipped in vanilla cream with shreds of pili nuts and cinnamon will delightfully play inside your mouth.
Buco lychee martini is the bestseller of Sula bar that is manned by trained bartenders.
Cooking lessons with a world-class chef will entertain your kitchen curiosity as you learn Bikolnon and other gracious creations.
Witnessing the illuminating views of islands, sea, and sky can be experienced by having a sunrise coffee on hilltop.
The villas of Misibis Bay Raintree villas are proud of their modern design of wood and glass, the 300-thread count of their sheets, overlooking panoramic views of beaches, the finest amenities, and home-like atmosphere. The heart-warming place also shares you with fresh flowers and heartfelt notes placed by the bedside.
Children will surely enjoy the water splash in Kiddie Pool and keep moving their muscles on Kiddie playground.
Soak and feel the breathable ambiance of lagoon pool. MBR is also a perfect hideaway for providing a tranquil escape from the stressful life of the urban.
Inflatables and obstacle course will exhilarate your circulation while playing with your friends and family in secured sea water.
MBR has land, aquatic or aerial outdoor activities to offer - up-close views of the majestic Mayon Volcano through helicopter ride, underwater exploration via semi-submersible vessel or scuba diving, ATV riding to Mayon Volcano or nearby eco-theme park, horseback riding, and whale-shark watching in Albay Gulf or Donsol, Sorsogon. Reaching untouched caves and refreshing falls can be extended through island hopping.
Going to gym, and playing table tennis and billiards are just the few of many activities that MBR can provide. Other fun activities would be board, Wii, and PS2 games, LCD cable TV watching, and movie room. WiFi access is a plus for those who want to stay E-connected.
Getting at Misibis Bay Raintree:
Contact Information:
Since May or June of 2009, something has changed in the aerial traffic in Albay. Almost everyday especially when the sky is calmer, I see a helicopter passing by in almost the same path where it is heading. I knew that whenever I see one, passengers would always be the public officials or Philippine soldiers ready to lend their helping hands for the victims of typhoons. But there’s no storm coming. Hmmmm. What’s with that flying? What is going on? (Misibis Bay Raintree)
The 41st National Founding Anniversary of Tau Gamma Phi / Sigma was also celebrated by the brothers and sisters from different chapters of Albay and Sorsogon in the province of Albay this October 4, 2009.
