Daraga, Albay, Philippines

Our wedding anniversary is coming up  so I am featuring the church where we got married for the second time.  The Lady of the Gate Parish is located in Daraga, Albay.  It's one of the many catholic churches in Bicol Region/Albay Province.  

Sorry for the  poor quality of photos, I scanned them in our printer.

Below is a clear picture that I borrowed from panoramio.com/photo/6423097

Below is a history of the origin of the place's name.

According to Wikepedia ,  the  early settlers of Daraga were traders. The name Daraga came from a kind of tree that grew in abundance in the hill where now stands the Catholic Church with Baroque architecture.

Development

The word "Daraga" historically refers to a maiden – it is the local term for an unmarried woman, not only in the municipality of Daraga, but in the entire Bicol Region. The original settlement of Daraga dates back to 12th century, but it has changed location repeatedly due to the constant threats posed by Mayon Volcano, adopting the names Budiao, Cagsawa, and finally, Daraga.

Daraga evolved to be progressive and prosperous in economy, eventually becoming a first class municipality. The town economy, originally agriculture-based, has rapidly transformed into an eclectic emerging urban system, enjoying the economic opportunities of being located contiguously with the urban center of Legazpi City. It draws trade relations with the island province of Masbate through the nearby Port of Pilar. It is strategically located along the Maharlika Highway, making it accessible from Manila and the Visayas, as well as the other municipalities of eastern Bicol Peninsula.

Happy 9th Anniversary to my DH.

 

Hometown

Let me take you to the place where I grew up through my sister Zilreen Mae's photos.  She tagged me  the album she uploaded in Facebook about her recent trip to our home in Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines.  

Flipping through the photos makes me nostalgic.  I miss the scent of the ocean and the feeling of the sand when you walk barefooted  in the seashore.  Ahhh  makes me want to go home and see my Mom and family, if only I could!

Some of my nieces and nephew.

I miss watching the sunset too.  We live very close to the ocean (about 50 meters away).  What I miss most is  cooking freshly caught fish.


I like this jump shot they took, full of fun and joy.

I am glad that my sister ; listened to me when I told her to  hold on to the opportunity that the school has given her of being a student assistant.  She wanted to quit after a year of trying but I told her that she has to help herself  if she wants to really pursue her studies.  Granted that we  can give her everything that she need in school but I want her to learn  the ethics of working.

She was assigned for two years at a high school department so she couldn't really take all the subjects that  she needed.   I talked to my friend who is the secretary at the President's office if they could accommodate her there so she can take  more subjects.  She is now assigned and working at the President's Office  and under the supervision of my friend, thanks Ate Chay.  She is now fourth year but will not be able to  graduate because of the subjects that she failed to get  due to her former assignment.  She took a part time job during the summer break at the Nursing Department in the school.  I think she is in the right track and I am very happy with that.

Mayon Volcano View

These were taken when I was still in the Philippines and 6 months pregnant. This is the view from the roof top of the apartment we were renting then, the majestic Mayon Volcano.

Mt. Mayon is an almost-perfect cone active volcano located in Albay Province of Bicol Region (Region V). It is the tourist attraction in Albay. Here's a bigger shot of it taken last year when we had our vacation in the Philippines.

Thanks for visiting.

Last Glance

These photos were taken five years ago (October 2, 2004) during the President's day. A celebration to welcome the new president of the school where I work then (Divine Word College of Legazpi). This was also my last event with my former office mates, colleagues, and friends.

The non-teaching personnel were wearing blue (which was us), the teaching personnel in College were wearing yellow, and the teaching personnel in High School and Grade School were wearing Red. The venue was in Viento de Mar Resort in Bacacay Albay, Phils.

I miss my close friends there but I am glad to be with my husband and family now.

I truly miss those close friends I met In Divine Word but gladly left the not-so-friendly ones.. Oppps!

With the College professors.

The Grade and High School teachers.
Since I was leaving, I made sure to take pictures from each table with other people lol..
Have a great week everyone!

Ligñon Hill

These photos were taken during our first trip to the Philippines in march 2009.

After our enjoyable trip to Cagsawa Ruins, we proceeded to the WildLife Zoo and then for the finale, we went to Lignon Hill (Daraga Albay). The view was pretty awesome on top, its just a very long walk because vehicles are only allowed to drive to the top at 6 p.m. So we went there on foot, I felt bad because hubby had to carry our son EJ going up and he was very tired. We were full of sweat lol. Here are some of the pictures.

Can you tell, we were tired?

Over looking Legazpi City

I snapped a photo of my dear princess before we went back down..

The beauty of the Majestic Mayon Volcano - Bicolano's pride!

The wind was so refreshing when you get to the top. There is also a zipline for a 200 pesos fee. My daughter wanted to try it but she's too young to try it hehehe..