Again, I find myself with a random bunch of old Philippine shots from years ago, with little else to do with them than place them all on here.
This lot all come from my first major island hopping adventure that saw us fly from Manila to Iloilo City, drive to Roxas City, boat to Jintotolo Island, then Lantangan (Masbate). From there we drove to Masbate City, boat to Pilar Bicol), van to Legaspi and bus back to Manila.
Tiring, but well worth it for the experience.
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Jintotolo Island
Jintotolo map: Copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
Jintotolo is a small island, one of 32 barangays that make up the 'Municipality of Balud', in the province of Masbate (Philippines).
While I can't speak for it in 2021, I well remember noting how well kept the island was. Well laid out, proper footpaths, clean, all added to the amazing scenery the island has to offer.
If I had to pick a highlight, it would be a glowing Philippine sunset from the lighthouse. I wish I could locate those shots at the moment. :-(
The waters around Jintotolo Island were crazy clear. You see it in tourist photos, but this was the first time I have seen it in real life.
The local boats 'Bankas' always help to make a photo complete.
Elwin Dinzon, related to the asawa somewhere in the Family Tree, or Family Jungle as I tend to call it :-)
He was our Banka Captain on the day.
The well known Jintotolo lighthouse, a must see if you ever find yourself on the island.
Jintatolo sunsets, even better when they are the stunning bright orange ones the Philippines enjoy.
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Lantangan (Masbate)
Lantangan (Masbate)
Lantangan (Masbate) map: Copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
Lantangan (Masbate) image: Copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
Riding the family Carabao was quite the novelty for my son. Can't ride the family pets back home :-)
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Masbate City
Fourteen years later and I am still a bit filthy about the ridiculously small amount of time I was afforded in Masbate City
Despite promises of a return, and a longer look, nothing has come of it and now Covid has likely wiped out the last chance, following cancelation of the trip last year.
So, the most I got was a lady doing manicures on the wharf (above), and our hasty departure for Pilar(below).
Pilar - Legaspi (Bicol)
Pilar (Bicol) map: Copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
It was a fast ferry for the journey across to Pilar (Bicol), being a twin hulled Cat if I recall correctly.
The journey time saving was more than lost by having to wait some hours for a van driver who was willing to take us to Legaspi :-(
I am sort of sorry I did not spent those hours taking far more shots of the place. However, I think my mind was all set on seeing the railway station at Legaspi and, of course, the famous Mayon Volcano.
One thing that did grab my attention in Pilar was a big white tent with much activity going on inside.
After asking around, I found out that the game is called Pula Puti (red and white).
Thankfully, their initial shock at seeing me walk into the tent, was shortlived and I was able to watch the goings on.
Pula Puti can be played at legal casinos and is often seen at local barangay fiestas.
More details about Pula Puti, which is considered gambling, can be found HERE!
Thanks to Ginia Riverside of the 'Philippines Facebook Group' for her help identifying the game.
Have taken hundreds of jeepney shots, but none I like more than this.
If ever was able to recreate the trip, I would spend a couple of hours here trying to get photos. But, given this is the only time I ever saw the volcano clear of cloud, I wouldn't make any bets on being lucky enough next time.
Legazpi City
Legazpi (Bicol) map: Copyright of Google and used as per their terms and conditions.
This was another first for me.
I noticed a group of kids playing something on the Legazpi railway station platform. On getting closer, I found them partaking in the popular kids pastime of spider fighting.
I noticed a group of kids playing something on the Legazpi railway station platform. On getting closer, I found them partaking in the popular kids pastime of spider fighting.
While this is not illegal in itself, some areas of the Philippines are trying to stop it as it has been found to affect kids education.
Then, of course, there have been those that have turned it into gambling. At that point, like cock fighting, it starts to become an illegal activity.
Then, of course, there have been those that have turned it into gambling. At that point, like cock fighting, it starts to become an illegal activity.
To end this thrilling blog installment, it is a late afternoon view of the Mayon Volcano, taken from the north end of the Legazpi railway yard.
There is a couple of railway tracks amongst that grass, actually the curve to the right was originally the line to Tabaco. However, today only a small section remains for turning trains.
There is a couple of railway tracks amongst that grass, actually the curve to the right was originally the line to Tabaco. However, today only a small section remains for turning trains.
The line here had reopened since this visit, but last year Typhoon Rolly inflicted some massive damage to it again. It is unknown if, or when, the line will be repaired again.
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