It's January. Everyone's resting from all the parties last holiday season. Hmmmm...nothing to do. Bored. Where to go? Browsing Smile magazine...Viola! Let's go to Naga!
We were not prepared for this trip. Our schedule was hanging due to last minute changes with the training schedule. We just packed our backpacks with our travel essentials and waited for the final schedule. Before shift ends, we found ourselves boarding the next available flight to Manila. Naga, here we come! :D
Naga is 20 minutes away from the airport. You can board a bus for Php20 or jeepney for Php10 only. Bus terminal is located just beside SM City. We had lunch at the terminal trying a variety of Bicolano dishes.
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The one on the right (Bicol Express) is a winner! I'm not really a fan of spicy dishes but, this one captured the approval of my tastebuds with the right amount of sweetness and spicyness. The one on the left (Pinangat) was way too spicy for me.
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After lunch, we walked to look for a place to stay for the night. Just across the terminal, we found CBD Plaza Hotel. We booked a room for two. It was clean, airconditioned, with flat screen TV, toiletries, and breakfast for two. All that for Php1,200 only. Very affordable knowing it is located at the central business district. Only there was no free WiFi. You need to pay an extra if you need to connect.
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| Our room... |
Rest for a while. Freshen up. Recharge. We plan to visit Peñafrancia and Porta Mariae later in the afternoon.
We started exploring Naga around 2pm. Since it was too hot to wander outside, we ended up watching movie at SM City Naga..haha! While waiting for the screening time, we again had a taste of Naga. We found this local restaurant serving Sili ice cream, and other flavors not commonly found in the market.
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| Pili ice cream. This is so creamy and yummy. Just the way I want it! I can't have enough of this. ;p |
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| Sili ice cream. This flavor on the other hand is not for me. I did not enjoy it and found myself coughing after every bite due to its strong flavor. Maybe because I am not really a fan of spicy food. |
Here's the complete list of their ice cream flavors:
After movie and ice cream, we boarded a tricycle going to Peñafrancia Basilica Minore. We paid Php10 each for the ride. Lighted some candles and said our prayers. Near the Basilica is a museum but it was closed when we were there. There's a "mini market" across the church and had a chat with the locals as we were loking for Porta Mariae. I was amazed seeing Pinangat was being sold in the street. I thought it's only available at restaurants and eateries. :D
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| inside Peñafrancia Basilica Minore |
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| facade of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore |
We learned from the locals that Porta Mariae can be found in the premises of Naga Cathedral. From Peñafrancia, we just had a leisure walk going to Naga Cathedral. I think we just had a 5-minute walk.
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inside Naga Cathedral
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facade of Naga Cathedral
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And finally, the Porta Mariae. It's like Arc de Triomphe of France. It's so beautiful you would think you're in a foreign country. :D
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| with lights... |
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| without lights... |
That's all our time can afford to visit. Next time I visit Naga, I would like to go to CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex) and the Caramoan Islands. :D
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because Naga is one hot destination! :D
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