Traveler's Feature Destination: Legazpi City
Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Photos by JC Agustin
Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011
Traveler’s Feature Destination
LEGAZPI CITY
Today, the City of Legazpi is fast becoming one of the Philippines’ top destinations for adventure tourism. In the past years, the entire country has seen the city’s steady climb as a prime tourism spot through the vision of its leaders that eventually resulted in the development of infrastructures, world-class resorts and on-going plans for more water sports facilities.
LEGAZPI CITY
…an exceptional destination
ORIGIN OF NAME
The City of Legazpi began as a small village of farmers and fishermen and was once called Sawangan (the present Legazpi Port). For almost 21 years, the original inhabitants of the place have continuously sought for autonomy from the Spaniards who then governed the place. In an agreement made between the two parties, the name Legazpi was warmly accepted and adopted by the locals as part of their tribute the Spanish conquistador Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.
Spanish conquistador Adelantado Don Miguel Lopez de Legazpi
Coming to Legazpi City, the first thing that comes to mind is one of nature’s greatest wonders—Mayon Volcano, which is known around the world for its perfect cone shape. However, amidst its buzzing economy and fast-paced city life, Legazpi City has successfully evolved into a vibrant city that is able to retain not only its connection to its rich history but also to a richer future. From historic spots to modern facilities, Sidetrip Travel Magazine takes you on a road trip around the Legazpi City.
The road trip kicked off at the Peñaranda Park which can be found in the Old Albay District. Common in all Spanish-inspired plazas, the huge park is embraced with a handful of religious and administrative buildings.
Liberty Bell
Legazpi City Hall
Located at Peñaranda Park in front of the Legazpi City Hall, the bronze Liberty Bell was erected in April 1945 by the Americans to signify the local’s freedom from the Japanese. The Liberty Bell can be rung whenever a threat to the freedom of Albayanos is looming.
Bicol Heritage Park
The Bicol Heritage Park is secured inside Camp General Simeon Ola Headquarters where the various departments of Region Five’s Police Regional Office are situated. The camp was named after General Ola was one of the last generals to surrender during the World War II.
Bicol University
En route to Brangay Pinaric, we passed by the Bicol University, which is the largest univesity in Bicol and the statue of Gen. Jose Ignacio Paua, a pure Chinese general who was one of the silent heroes in the Katipunero’s fight against the Spaniards. After a quick photo shoot, the tour took us to Barangays Pinaric and Estanza.
From a high point in Barangay Estanza, a magnificent view of the Legaspi City, the Albay Gulf, and the three transmission towers at Mount Bariw can be seen.
The small houses that line the roads of Barangay Tula-Tula operate backyard businesses of pili nut candies. For the freshest and best pili nut candies, you can stop by at Purok 6, Brgy. Tula-Tula, Sto. Niño Village, Taysan, Legazpi City.
Taysan Resettlement Area
When super typhoon Reming hit in November 2006 and left many families homeless, the joint effort of the government and organizations helped the victims start a new life. Today, the Taysan Resettlement Area has transformed itself into a progressive community with their own chapel and a small elementary school. Their made source of income from manufacturing “coco choir nets”, which are being imported around the world, that help hold the soil and prevent landslides.
Sanitary Landfill Facility
Located in Barangay Banquerohan, the sanitary landfill was granted by the Spanish government to Legazpi City. With the implementation of strict policies in waste segregation, the facility only disposes the non-recycle and residual waste in concrete cells. This is the first of its kind in the entire Southern Tagalog region.
The 10-minute hike towards the Eco Park showcases the backyard nipa hut-making business of the families. The Eco Park has a huge open cabana that overlooks a mangrove. A place for relaxation and even huge events, the fresh air and the sea of greens offer a refreshing pace.
As we made our way back to Embarcadero de Legazpi, we passed the once prestigious Mayon International Hotel and Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine that is a famous hilltop pilgrimage located in Barangay Buraguis. The shrine features life-size images of the 13 Stations of the Cross and a 20 feet image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
After a hearty lunch at Gilian’s Sea Wharf Chef, we went to Doña Pepita Eco Park & Golf Course, an 18-hole golf course that is about 20-minutes away from the city center. The vast golf course are is located within the 8km radius from the foot of the Mayon Volcano, thus giving a fantastic view of the city, the Albay Gulf and the majestic volcano itself. The vast open lands also offers horseback riding amenities and hiking adventures for the guests.
St. Agnes' Academy
Back in the Old Albay District, we passed by the St. Agnes' Academy. It was founded in 1912 and is the oldest Catholic school in Bicol.
St. Gregory the Great Cathedral
To the right of the Legazpi City Hall stands St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. Commonly known as the Albay Cathedral, it was once a wooden cathedral created by Spanish missionaries back in the 1580s. When the Diocese of Legazpi resided in Albay district, it became the Episcopal Seat.
Dr. Esteban V. Ante Memorial Hospital was founded in 1930 and remains today as one of the oldest hospitals in Legazpi City.
The St. Raphael Church in Legazpi was built in 1834 and its main altar is made with large volcanic rocks.
The city pays tribute to their legendary Ibalong leaders—Baltog, Handyong and Bantong.
Rizal Park and Monument
Legazpi City has its very own, smaller version of Rizal Park and Monument that sits on the city of a busy city. The modest monument of our national hero is the work of National Artist Napoleon Abueva in 1966.
At the Port District of Legazpi City stands the Battle of Legazpi Monument that pays tribute to its heroes. An old bridge used to stand at the exact spot.
Legazpi City’s Philippine National Railway station was once sprawling with travelers from all over the province. Today, the place is being maintained for future plans of renovation.
Apart from the Albay Astronome, the city now has a brand new arena named Ibalong Centrum for Recreation.
Right in the middle of commercial area of Legazpi stands the 16-meter high Legazpi Heroes Memorial Pylon.
After a whole day of discovery, it seems that there’s so much more to see in this city. But that’s for another day of adventure in Legazpi City because our next stop is Ligñon Hill Nature Park.
More photos:
Typhoon Reming Memorial Shrine (Padang, Legaspi)
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Layout Design by KCE
