The Sweetest Treat of Tiwi Albay

Have you ever thought of one sweet reason why you wanna go back to Albay?

Aside from the majestic and perfect coned Mayon Volcano, Misibis Bay, Lignon Hill, Cagsawa Ruins, Mayon Resthouse, the black beaches in Bacacay, and now the latest attractions Kawa kawa Hill,and  Embarcadero de Legazpi, whats  that sweet reason that keeps me wanting to go back home?

I have long answered this question when I first had the chance to taste the cool and sweet pride of Tiwi Albay, who would ever think that aside from Amater  Hot Spring and its Geothermal Plant, Tiwi has something sweet to offer?

I am referring to the famous and the most enticing Halo Halo I've ever tasted. DJC's halo halo in Tiwi Albay.Indeed this place spiced up my hot summer vacay and served me he coolness of summer Bicol Style.  Its whereabouts is easy to find since it is located adjacent to the Municipal Hall.  If you are from Tabaco City Turn right on the  first block beside the municipal hall, the place is on the right side of the road roughly around 100 meters from the main road.

When I was a kid my recollections of Tiwi, aside from the Gethermal plant is  Amater Hot spring and the Pilgrimage to Joroan. DJC halo halo gave me another reason to put Tiwi  on my map as I trot my home province.

The serving consist of the pretty normal stuff Chowking Halo Halo has to offer, cheese, finely shaven ice, milk, ube, leche flan,sago,and sweetened banana, pretty looks like the mainstream halo halo, but be warned, once you tasted it,you get addicted by it.The price is ranging from Php 50 (ordinary)  to Php75 (special)
ordinary doesn't have a scoop of ice cream unlike the special order.

How did we get there?
From Nasisi, Ligao ,  we reached Tiwi Albay Via Motorbike using Sabloyon Road, passed through the town of Tabaco and Malilipot  and turned right along the street beside Tiwi Municipal Hall.

Subic Beach and the Rock Formations in Appari : Matnogs Secret Frontiers in Calintaan

Subic is equally magnificent as that of Tikling Island. Still Part of Baranggay Calintaan, this island consist of two shorelines, namely Subic one and Subic 2. Having been tired of my encounter with the school of fishes and of course my bonding moment with seakyu, ( Kuya Alex Huge Sea Cucumber )in Juag Lagoon, I had decided to just content myself with the sight of both islands. Although I wasnt able to spend too much time in these islands, I ran out of the best adjectives to describe the islands stunning beauty.

After 20 minutes of boat ride from Juag, I was about to call it off since were running out of time yet our itineraries for Cagsawa and Hoyop Hoyopan Cave needs to be completed the same day. However, as our boat draws near the island of Subic 2, I couldn't help but ask our boatman to spend a little time while the group enjoys the beauty of the said part of subic.

I didnt wasted much of my time and immediately got my camera only to find out that it drained its battery. Good thing though that we had Tintin's to back up our documentation. Subic 2 looks like that of Puting Buhangin In Pagbilao Quezon, less kuwebang lampas. The powdery white sand is inviting and its pristine waters is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving as its coral reefs still looks intact. When I visited Subic 2 there where nocampers nor visitors in the island, I felt a small amount of regret since we dont have the luxury of time to bathe and play on this another marvel of Matnog. I contented myself taking photos of this yet another piece of heaven in Calintaan.

We hadn't stayed that long in Subic 2. I'm not sure why a sun worshiper easily got irritated with its heat. The only reason I could a blame on is my anticipation and excitement over our next itinerary which includes a visit to Cagsawa Ruins, Zip line adventure in Bangkerohan, and the Hoyop Hoyopan Adventure. After 15 minutes we left Subic 2 and immediately proceeded to Subic 1.

Subic one  is an inhabited by locals of Baranggay Calintaan. The charm of Subic One is its People's warmth and their unending love of nature. It is said that in the pursuit of preserving its natural resources, the place is in the verge of being converted into a fish sanctuary. A little harsh to its fisherfolks, but its long term effect is priceless. With Subic's long stretch of pinkish white sand (maybe washed off from the island of Tikling ) It is not surprising that one day this place of paradise will become a busy tourist hub. I just wish that it's pristine beauty will be protected against the adverse effects of irresponsible tourism.

Having been isolated for a day from the mainland, plus the summerheat that for some reasons besets me, the group decided to freshen up with Manang's Halo Halo. While taking my first sip on the refreshment served upon us, I remembered how the halo halo in Anawangin. (Hindi sila nagkakalayo: Parehong di masarap lolz)

We decided to moor in the long white sand stretch of Subic one, filled our lungs with its  fresh air, had a chat with some kids, and decided to go back to the boat that would take us back to Matnog port. It has been fun sight seeing in  Subic 1  and 2, though our bodies were tired, our insatiable desire to be with nature even just for a while is still wanting. It is the realization of our next itinerary that kept us from deciding to stay yet another day. While on our way to the port Kuya Alex showed us the magnificent view of the  rock formations and caves in Apparri. Once Again my eyes are sealed in total awe, of this yet hidden paradise. As our boat traverse this part I cant help but be amazed with its corrals, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its rock formations are gorgeously arranged like a powerful fortress that protects its inhabitants. Its pristine waters is so inviting that I almost jumped out the boat had it not for my Cagsawa itinerary.  Indeed God had been so generous to this place that I almost thought there's no room for ugly sight in this part of Sorsogon. Subic for me is yet a must visit island in this part of the Philipine Archipelago.