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
well well well…pumunta kc sa america yun unang owner pati family nya. then dun na rin sya pumanaw. tapos napabayaan na talaga. pwede pa naman marestore kaya lang mukhang hindi forte ng kanyang anak magpalakad ng gnyang business.
Posted by neutron19 at October 28, 2009, 8:37 pmAll comments are moderated. Your comments will not appear here unless approved by the blog owner. Thank you.
wow,,,bat ganun, never heard of it nun nandyan ako? sayang at npasyalan ko sana! pero ganda nga…wow!
Posted by sunny at October 26, 2009, 10:16 pm