Donsol : Majestic Mayon in Legaspi

On our way back home from Donsol, we stopped by the Cagsawa Ruins in Legaspi, Albay. It is a little over an hour's drive from Donsol. We decided it would be nice to have breakfast here. Since we got to Cagsawa at 7 am, the cafe had just opened and all they had to offer us was coffee and pancit (asian noodle stir-fry). We thought it was a little odd to have this for breakfast, but we were happy we ordered it, it was yummy!

The Cagsawa Ruins Park offers visitors one of the most spectacular view of Mayon Volcano, the 'world's perfect cone'. It is an active volcano, and since the 17th century there have been about 47 eruptions recorded. It is actually on active mode right now, as evidenced by the little plume of smoke rising from it's summit.

During the eruption of 1816, the townsfolk fled to the Cagsawa Church to seek refuge but alas the church was not spared the wrath of the fiery volcano and over 1000 people were buried alive inside.

I had only previously seen Mayon in postcards and glossy travel magazines and in travelogues on TV. Nothing prepares you though for it's grandeur when you see it for real. We reluctantly left the park to continue on our long journey back home.

What a perfect way to end the trip. :)