Location: Barangay Misibis, Bacacay, Albay, Philippines
The title of this post was "The Other Side of Misibis in Albay", because on November 30, 2018, I was able to visit
Misibis Bay Resort as sponsored by my friend who is already a citizen of New Zealand in the name of
Noemi Amador Capunitan. She is a native of Guinobatan, Albay and she was for home visit we did this tour.
The Cagraray Amphitheater
Day 1 - May 10, 2024
This was a family trip to a family friend residing in this place dated May 10-12, 2024. Our family friend is Romena Casabuena. My wife and I served as the major sponsor "Ninong and Ninang" for her church wedding to Kempee Barcenila in Rapu-rapu District of Albay.Our trip started when we from our residence in Guinobatan, Albay at 1:30 P.M. heading to Legazpi City where we boarded a van going to Tabaco City for an overnight stay at Romena's parents. It was already in the evening when we arrived there. The place was heavily grown with trees giving a cool temperature especially at night.
Day 2 - May 11, 2024
Guinobatan, Tabaco City and Misibis are all located in one province which is Albay. So far, I have already a lot of places in Albay and this is the second time I was in Misibis.
Arriving in the shores of Barangay Misibis
The following day, we boarded a jeepney from Tabaco to Bacacay Crossing, then a tricycle from Bacacay Crossing to Bacacay town proper. From the town proper, we boarded a jeepney heading to Misibis.
A boat transport from Misibis Proper to Sitio Layuan
Actually, Sitio Layuan is still a part of the mainland, but it is convenient to board a boat going there than by having a long trek, considering that Matthew, my son then was only 4 years old. The trail along the coast line was a forest with a steep terrain. It was a special trip just one way for P300.
Our Host's residence
Arriving Sitio Layuan for a 9-minute boat ride
This is the place I like, simple yet you can feel serenity and the cool breeze of the sea is just so refreshing. There is no electricity in the area, but it is not hot there since there are so many trees around.
Opted to rest outside the house to enjoy the cool sea breeze
The place of Romena's parents were isolated. In fact, there were only three visible houses in that place. But the best thing that I like there was the beach. It was barely 8 meters away from Romena's house.
Our very hospitable host Papa Roque and Mama Weng Casabuena
Papa Roque and Mama Weng are very humble people. Papa Roque is a fisherman and he does fishing at night. I love watching what he does as he fixes the fishing net during day time.
Cagraray Eco Energy Park
After being hosted with a sumptuous lunch of seafoods, we boarded again a boat heading to Misibis Proper for a quick tour. It was only 3:48 P.M. when we arrived Cagraray Eco Energy Park thru trekking.
Stella Maris Chapel
The breathtaking view from the Stella Maris Chapel
From the Misibis Proper heading to Stella Maris Chapel was such a long walk in an ascending elevation. It was very hot then and we have to stop from one point to another.
It is a hilltop Catholic chapel lcoated in the Cagraray Eco Energy Park, just a short distance from the Misibis Bay Resort on Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay.
The chapel is highly popular for its breathtaking, panoramic views of the Albay Gulf and the iconic Mayon Volcano. Because of its serene and picturesque location, it is a sought-after venue for destination weddings and intimate ceremonies.
Outside the chapel is overlooking Albay Gulf
The chapel faces Albay Gulf and with clear skies, the famous Mayon Volcano can be viewed in whole totality with all its splendor.
The Basilica-like chapel interior
Stella Maris (Latin for "Star of the Sea") is an ancient allegorical title for the Virgin Mary. It is both a major maritime charity and the name of several globally significant religious sites.
The rear view of the chapel
Cagraray Amphitheater
We left the chapel at 4:17 P.M. and trek to Cagraray Amphitheater reaching there at 4:42 P.M. - matter of 25 minutes walk.
My wife while with me at the amphitheater
Cagraray Amphitheater is an open-air venue nestled on Cagraray Island which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is designed to host a variety of cultural events, musical performances, and other gatherings.
My son enjoyed a lot climbing and going down the stairs
If you look around, the amphitheater is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a serene setting for attendees. Its architectural design and natural surroundings make it a unique site for both local and visiting audiences looking to experience the arts in an outdoor environment.
Back to Our Host's House
From the amphitheater we had such a long trek going back to our host's house. We passed thru Misibis Proper and we bought some food items from a sari-sari store.
Preparing the finishing nets for nights fishing
Our dinner was super special as it was fresh fish catch and a "ginataang langka". Indeed, our host was so hospitable and we provided us so much for dinner.
Fresh catch at 11:58 P.M.
Fish and big squid were the fresh catch when Papa Roque arrived at 11:58 P.M. The squid were separated as it drenched the fish with black ink.
Day 3 - May 12, 2024
We had an early breakfast at 5:30 A.M., since we wanted to have a morning sea swim. The typical provincial breakfast were steamed rice, fish "sinigang", fried dried fish and tablea hot chocolate with lots of ripe banana. We also had steamed "saba".
Early beach swim at 6:15 AM.
It was refreshing to have a swim with nobody was with you but your wife who is also eager to have a splash on the clear sea waters. My son, Matthew was still on bed sleeping at this point of time.
My wife was with me on a swim
Our host family were happy watching us while they are preparing for something to eat again (?) specifically fruits like ripe jackfruit and ripe mangoes harvested in their garden.
A captured photo at 6:32 A.M.
My wife and I really taken advantage of the beach since our location from Guinobatan, Albay is quite far from Misibis though it is also in Albay in province.
She does not intend to get off from water yet
At 8:10 A.M., my son, Matthew was already waiting for us
Matthew was also interested to have a swim, but it was too late for him to join us since we were getting off from the water and we were being served with jackfruit and mangoes.
My wife with our family friend, Romena Casabuena Barcenilla
Unfortunately, Romena was not able to join us for she taking care of her newly-born baby. Thus, only my wife and me enjoyed the beach.
Leaving the place at 9:20 A.M.
Passing thru this undisturbed beach coastline to Misibis Proper
With Mama Weng and her granddaughter on our boat trip to Misibis proper
Bikers on our way to Sula Delta Bridge
The 265-meter long Sula Delta Bridge
Sula Delta Bridge is Sula Bridge is a two-lane bridge that connects Cagraray Island to mainland Albay located in Barangay Sula, Bacacay, Albay. It spans the Sula Channel. This clearly explains that Misibis is barangay located in Cagraray Island.
Sula Delta Bridge has been the favorite spot of the bikers big groups
Our transport going back to our Guinobatan Residence coming from our host's residence were as follows:
Boat (Host's House from Sitio Layuan to Misibis Centro) P 300.00
Jeepney Fare for 4 pax @ P90 each (Misibis Centro to Bacacay Centro) 360.00
Van fare with Stef while Matthew is free (Bacacay Centro to Legazpi City) 100.00
Jeepney fare with Stef for P40 each (Legazpi City to Guinobatan) 80.00
Total Fare P 840.00
=======
THANK YOU FOR READING!
