Manila Bulletin
July 20, 2014

http://www.mb.com.ph/misibis-in-motion/

Misibis in motion

This is Albay in a time-lapse reel.

by Ieth Inolino
July 20, 2014

Imagine the red View-Master you had as a kid with the image changing with every turn of the orange knob on the side. Whether it’s your favorite Disney characters or scenes from a movie, the 14 frames from the thin cardboard disks is a slide show of what you want to look at over and over again.

A view of the Mayon Volcano (Image by Pinggot Zulueta)

Scenes from a trip to Albay may have the same effect to anyone who visits this province in the Bicol region. The moment your plane lands in Legazpi City, the perfectly-shaped Mayon Volcano greets you. According to the legend of Daragang Magayon, which means beautiful maiden, the clouds that cover the view represent Ulap, her jealous lover who is not comfortable with the numerous eyes gawking at her. Others would say that Magayon would only reveal itself to those who have “pure intentions.”

While the locals see Mayon Volcano every day, they say that it seems to look different every time they lay their eyes upon its mysterious and alluring beauty. Because of the hovering clouds that often conceal it, almost no two photos are the same. As the premier attraction of Albay, the renowned perfect cone mountain may be marveled upon from different locations in the district.

Hobie Cat sailing

Riding the ATVs

One of the most popular would be from the Cagsawa Ruins. With the remnants of the 18th century Franciscan church as the foreground, which was buried by the 1814 eruption of Mayon Volcano, the nostalgic view is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. Its strongest eruption to date buried the town of Cagsawa and its surrounding area, killing an estimated 1,200 people. Submerged under several hundred million cubic meters of lahar, Cagsawa Church only has its belfry and some other parts above the surface today.

A long and winding road leads up to Ligñon Hill. Constructed with a circular viewing deck, one can expect a spectacular view of Legazpi City, Albay Gulf, and Mayon Volcano. The breathtaking 360-degree viewpoint of the city is known as the city’s protector as it has blocked the flow of lava and lahar during times of the volcano’s eruption and heavy rains. When it’s not saving the area, Ligñon Hill is home to a nature park, zip line, and hanging bridge crossing.

The crystal clear waters of Misibis Bay Resort and Casino

The private beach of Misibis Bay Resort and Casino

Located in Victory Village, Embarcadero de Legazpi is the primary waterfront lifestyle hub in Legazpi City, giving an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax after going around the city. But don’t relax just yet if you haven’t gone on a food trip.

A trip to Albay won’t be complete unless you try the distinct Bicol cuisine: Coconut and chili are the two must-have ingredients for almost anything you’ll ever eat here. First stop is the popular food destination 1st Colonial Grill. Not to miss are the Bicolano classics: The Bicol Express will tickle your taste buds with spicy chili and rich coconut milk flavor; laing, which is made of dry taro leaves cooked in coconut cream and shrimp paste; pinangat, a version of laing wrapped in taro leaves and tied securely with coconut leaf. The experience at this famous restaurant won’t be as satisfying if not for the popular colonial ice cream that comes in chili, pili nut, and taro flavors.

A hefty serving of lechon

DJC Halo Halo’s take of the classic Filipino dessert

If you’re looking for classic dessert with a twist, head to DJC Halo Halo, which serves the ultimate Filipino dessert with cheese.

After all the activities in the city, head to the most exclusive and privileged getaway, Misibis Bay Resort and Casino. A luxury island getaway, this tropical destination is built on a private, pristine stretch of beach along the southern tip of Cagraray Island. This five-hectare island resort’s stylish architecture and interiors allow guests to completely immerse in incomparable relaxation. Its 37 luxurious, Asian-inspired villas are designed with high, airy ceilings, expansive terraces with direct access to the pool or a path to the beach. The Garden View rooms, situated on private and beautifully manicured greenery, boast of chic interiors, and are perfect for travelers who wish to experience luxury.

A feast of seafood and vegetable dishes

A selection of 1st Colonial Grill’s Bicolano-style dishes.

Accredited by the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Misibis Bay takes pride in the unspoiled beauty surrounding the area and the distinguished service it provides to its guests. Misibis Bay is managed by Enderun Hospitality Management, a full-service third party management company that offers services to hotels through actively assisting the property owner in achieving his business goals and objectives. The management team is comprised of seasoned hotel veterans who have extensive experience in the industry.

Outside the resort, guests have the option to explore the wonders of Bicol region by marveling at the perfect symmetry of the Mayon Volcano, or taking a plunge in the waters of Donsol and swimming with the whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish.

Around the resort are various breathtaking venues for an intimate feast or a sumptuous banquet. From cocktails on top of a hill overlooking the majestic volcano to a private dinner on the white beach illuminated by a thousand stars, or breakfast while watching the sunrise on a hilltop, guests are ensured of a truly memorable dining experience. One may also satisfy their appetite at Misibis Bay’s restaurant with a wide selection of Asian dishes infused with native spices from Bicol.

While it would be luxury enough to enjoy the comforts of the resort’s well-appointed villas, guests are encouraged to spend more time outdoors, doing any of the myriad activities on offer within the resort and around the province of Albay. Go in explorer mode aboard all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), Segways, and dune buggies. By the pristine beach, indulge your sense of adventure, snorkeling, windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Whether you’re an audacious backpacker, a carefree wanderer, or a fancy jet setter, Albay has something for you—all in a freeze frame moment that you would want to go back to over and over again.