Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Southeastern Luzon Island. The name Bicol first came to be known as the name of the biggest and longest river in the region. The river comes from the outflow of lakes and springs from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte and form a large stream that exits in the San Miguel Bay, off the shores of Camarines Sur. The people of the region are called Bikolanos and the language is called Bikol. The citizens of Albay are called Albayanos. Albay is a province composed of 15 municipalities and 3 cities. The capital of the province is Legazpi City. It was named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who came to the Philippines in 1565 and started the massive colonization. The country became the colony of Spain for the next 300 years. As a result, the Albayanos became devout Catholics. The symbol most associated with Albay is the Mayon Volcano, a near perfectly shaped active volcano, 2,462 meters (8,077 ft.) high, which could be seen throughout its 15 municipalities and 3 cities as well as in the surrounding provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes. Albay has a total land area of 2,554.06 square kilometers (986.13 square miles).
Where to Go?
The Cagsawa Ruins (also spelled as Kagsawa, historically spelled as Cagsaua) are the remnants of a 16th-century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa church. It was originally built in the town of Cagsawa in 1587 but was burned down and destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636. It was rebuilt in 1724 by Fr. Francisco Blanco but was destroyed again, along with the town of Cagsawa, on February 1, 1814, during the eruption of Mayon Volcano.
SUMLANG LAKE
Sumlang Lake is a 14-hectare lake that was filled with lilies in every angle in the past. But residents in the village saw its exquisiteness and potential to become a good spot for travelers. So the villagers, along with the support of the local government, had a massive cleanup, only three years ago, and that was when the lake’s true beauty surfaced. Additionally, the view of Mount Mayon on its back just gives it more of that picturesque scene. What I love about Sumlang Lake is how it exudes a sense of peace and serenity throughout the whole lake. By the way, there are a lot of activities that can be done in the lake. And if you’re looking for a place to get your inner photographer out or maybe you just want to take some photos for your next instagram post, around the lake is where you will find some “instagramable” modern looking chairs and cottages. You can also see some unique art pieces that provide the artistic feel to the place.
