Bicol - now

Yep, this is my third time to visit this region and I was still excited to go. Probably I'm just one of the few who regards embarking on a 12-hour journey from Manila to Legazpi City as no big deal.

This time I'm more fascinated with what had happened to Bicol after the super typhoons, but unfortunately we never come close to Guinobatan and other typhoon-afflicted towns. The only remnants I could tell of the aftermath of the typhoons are the new steel roofs of the houses along the main highway...

...and some that failed to just fix them.

The long trip was even aggravated by multiple road constructions all throughout Tagkaoayan, Quezon to Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. And in almost every stretch of road obstructions, adults, kids and even the handicapped were present, their hands waiting for alms as a reward for volunteering to endlessly wave at every vehicle coming and ease up traffic (since only one way can pass by at a time).

After about six months, billion pesos earmarked by government for Bicol restoration, and more donations from here and abroad, you can see that life goes on for Bicolanos.

And here's the majestic Mt. Mayon - you should be able to get up at about 6a.m. to get this cloudless view.

If you missed it, you'll be looking at this view at about 10 A.M.:

Or get just be content with this in the afternoon...

Before, the Mt. Mayon maintains its perfect shape even you're viewing from any town on its foot. Because of its latest major explosion last year, Mayon is no longer the "perfect cone" we used to know. Its fury created these cracks seen from the town of Daraga.

... and sapped the life of the once bountiful land on its and displaced thousands.

This oldest church in Daraga, Albay must have seen a lot more forces of nature (i forgot to check how old it is).

Even these structures in downtown Legazpi stand strong for its people...

... and so are the newly elected leaders in the municipal level...

and those in the provincial capitol...

... who can still say...