The Very Familiar Cagsawa Ruins of Daraga, Albay

You would see it in almost every photo of Mt. Mayon, a ruined church tower with the grand perfect cone of Mt. Mayon standing on the background. But what exactly is that tower and what is the story behind it? I too have always wondered about that but I never thought that reaching that place is very easy.

It was an early Sunday morning, from Mayon Backpacker's Inn we went directly to Cagsawa Ruins.  From the Legazpi City Hall, we rode a jeepney passing by the jumpoff to Cagsawa Ruins, and after some 10 minutes, we were greeted by the sight of Mt. Mayon covered by tiny specks of clouds. You can ride a tricycle going to the entrance but it's just a ten minute walk. 

Crossing the Cagsawa River 

At the entrance, you'll be paying a humble fee of 20/head. Good thing we went there early, there are only a few people around and the clouds are almost gone, what's left is just a bit of white smoke emanating from it's crater.

You can learn the dark history of the Church by reading the plaque on the foot of the tower.  Mt. Mayon had it's most violent eruption way back in Feb. 1, 1814 and the 1,200 residents of Cagsawa thought that mighty stone church will protect them from the anger of the volcano. Unfortunately from them, pyroclastic flow or lahar went on and engulfed the whole church. 200 hundred years had passed by since that eruption and the bell tower ruins is still standing proud on what is a grim reminder of how powerful mother nature can be.

The brief history of the church 

Anyways since we got blessed with a very nice view of Mt. Mayon, we just can't help but click and click on the camera's shutter.

That's it for the mini history lesson as there is nothing else to do on the premises except to take and take many photos. There are some locals there who can take your picture and do trick shots for a little tip, there lots of souvenir shops with overpriced merchandises, you can also avail of renting an ATV to see the lahar flow and the farthest you can reach is just around 4KM away from the summit. It's a bit expensive though that's why we weren't able to experience it.

Make sure to visit Cagsawa Ruins if ever you are in Albay to relive your childhood memories of seeing the scenery in history textbooks and postcards, lol. :p
My advice is to go there either early in the morning (5 to 7 AM) or late in the afternoon (4 to 6 PM) as it is the time where there are less clouds covering Mt. Mayon's perfect cone shape.

Since we haven't eaten breakfast yet, it's now time to head to the town of Camalig and get a taste of their specialty which is pinangat at Let's Pinangat. Click here to follow our foodtrip!