IshiAya’s Garden Bistro in Tabaco City, Albay

Visiting my humble home town Albay this summer of 2017 is not all about exploring new places but we will indulge in fine cuisine. For our fourth night, we want to satisfy our cravings for ramen. After visiting Sumlang Lake and Lignon Hills, we set off to Ishi Aya’s Garden Bistro in Tabaco City, a Japanese-Filipino-infused restaurant owned by former sexy actress turned entrepreneur Aya Medel. It serves Japanese food and local favorites.

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With Aya Medel, now a check and hands-on Manager of Ishi Aya’s Garden Bistro

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Ligñon Hill in Legazpi City, Albay

Standing at 156-meter high, the Ligñon Hill offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, the Albay Gulf to the east and the majestic Mayon Volcano to the northwest. Aside from the view, the spectacular sunrise, the sunset, and various activities will give fun and excitement to all the members of the family. Coming from a refreshing visit from Sumlang Lake in Camalig, we now set out to Ligñon Hill Nature Park in Legazpi City, another top tourist destination in my hometown in Albay.

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The best time to visit Lignon Hill is early morning to stay away from the scorching heat of the sun and in the afternoon where it is cold and with the spectacular sunset

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The stillness charm of Sumlang Lake in Camalig, Albay

Sumlang Lake is one of the newest attractions in Camalig, Albay that promises a lovely feel of serenity and tranquility. I was glad this is part of our visit to my home town this summer of 2017 with Lignon Hills in Legazpi City as our final leg.

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The Friendly Trek in Quitinday Green Hills, Camalig, Albay

It was in May 2006 when I took my first memorable airplane ride bound for Albay, my humble hometown. There was a tinge of fear when the plane took off but then excitement ruled the day. When the captain announced the landing I was mesmerized glimpsing the majestic Mayon Volcano and when I stooped down, I saw the mass of mounds that resembled Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. An overwhelming curiosity had taken hold of me. This is a unique natural wonder but why it hasn’t been discovered yet so it will be added to Albay’s roster of famous tourist attractions.

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the view from the second summit, the hills and Mayon Volcano

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The lovely clay pots of Philceramics in Tiwi, Albay

I was happy to go back to Philceramics (Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center) in Barangay Putsan in Tiwi, Albay to which was known for the century-old pottery industry. With my hubby and my mother, we were excited to see their new clay products and buy another set of elegant vases and ceramic jars.

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clay pots ready now for glazing touch

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Dhio Endheka Spring Resort in Albay: Refreshed and Satisfied

Nestled at the foot of the mountain and teeming with lush surrounding lies the enchanting Dhio Endheka Natural Spring Resort in Tabaco City, in the region of Albay.  With its abundant freshwater supply coming from mountain spring, I always recommend this resort to my friends, office mates, and relatives whenever they are on a vacation in our hometown in Albay.

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adult and toddler’s pool

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Mayon Skyline View Deck: Albay Summer Escapade 2014

Mayon Skyline View Deck formerly known as Mayon Resthouse nestled halfway of Mayon Volcano.  This is one of the prime tourist attractions in Albay. A must-visit place because of the cool breeze, the breathtaking view, and the wonderful experience of getting up close to Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfectly-formed volcano.

The amazing Mayon Volcano, up close and personal

The amazing Mayon Volcano, up close and personal

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Hoyop Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay: Amused and Chilled

Apart from Mayon Skyline and Cagsawa Ruins, Hoyop Hoyopan Cave is another famous tourist spot in Albay that is a must-visit place. It is located in Barangay Cotmon in Camalig and is privately owned by Nuylan, Guerrero, and Nieva families.

One of the passageways inside the cave

One of the passageways inside the cave

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Munching the cheesy DJC Halo Halo in Tiwi, Albay

I’ve heard DJC Halo Halo and Snack Inn in Tiwi, Albay from my mother and friends who had tasted their creamy halo halo with their comment, superb! For our 2014 summer vacation in my hometown, I vowed myself dropping by here with my family. Aside from pili, pinangat, and chilly ice cream, Bicol has this cheesy halo halo that will complete your Albay getaway.

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after so many summer vacations, finally, we’re here!

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The Art of Pottery in Tiwi, Albay

It was my fascination with collecting elegant vases and jar ceramics that brought us back to Tiwi, Albay. Part of our 2014 summer vacation in our hometown is to visit PHILCERAMICS (Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center) in Barangay Putsan and be amazed by their beautiful products. Memories of the past flashed remembering my childhood toys, the reddish little cooking clay pots, and the chicken coin bank we bought a long time ago in Tiwi town proper after our beach escapade in Sogod Beach Resort. Those were the days of traditional pottery-making in the municipality.

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the lovely decorative vase and clay jars at a cheap price

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