On our way back to Naga City from our "Butanding Encounter" in Sorsogon, we dropped by Albay's Cagsawa Ruins Park to view the Majestic Mt. Mayon and its perfect cone with the famous Cagsawa Church belfry on the foreground. Unfortunately, the weather's not good and the mountain's peak was covered with fog :( ... Nevertheless, we still had loads of fun doing some wacky poses as choreographed by our accommodating and very able tourist guide/photographer .....
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| INCREDIBLE HULK POSE |
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| The MONSTER POSE??! |
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| MT. MAYON (hiding) and the famous belfry |
The CAGSAWA RUINS is situated in the municipality of Daraga, Albay (a few kilometers away from Legazpi City). The Cagsawa Church was built by Franciscan friars in the 1700's but was destroyed in 1814 when Mt. Mayon erupted. It was said that hundreds of those who sought refuge in the church during the eruption died. According to our instant guide/photographer, they purposely sought refuge in the church in the belief that their faith will save them (I just don't know if this is an accurate account of what really happened then).
After the 1814 eruption, only the belfry and parts of the facade were left standing. It is believed that the facade of the structure collapsed due to subsequent earthquakes. Hence, only the belfry remains standing as of present time. Below is a photo of the ruins after the 1814 eruption where some parts of the church's facade were still standing.
Sources: Wikipedia
Today, the Cagsawa Ruins Park is a "must-see" place in Albay and is one of the most picturesque places in the country. Souvenir items may be bought from the several small shops found inside the park. You may also hire a tour guide to give you an informational guided tour. Some of them are quite adept in handling several kinds and brands of cameras (whether it be a point and shoot camera or a DSLR) and will teach you the "mandatory poses." :D Service fee for the tour guide is totally dependent on the generosity of the tourist.
