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TOURIST SPOTS A. NATURAL
Mayon Volcano – The world’s most near-perfect cone. It stands majestically at
8,189 feet above sea level. From the broad base, it is about 10 km. in radius.
The crater is 2,451 meters above sea level and with a diameter of 0.5
kilometers. It has a notched rim where a pool of boiling lava can be found.
Sulfuric steams and gases continually emit from the crater. Its name was derived
from the word “magayon”, meaning beautiful. It’s name has been regarded as the
symbol not only of Albay but also of the Philippines. Since its first recorded
eruption of 1616, Mount Mayon has about 40 recorded eruptions and the worst was
February 1, 1814 which buried the settlements of Cagsawa and Budiao. The latest
recorded eruption was on February 2, 1993 which killed at least seventy-three
people.
Cagsawa Ruins Park – Originally, the word Cagsawa was derived from KAG which
means “who does or owner” and SAWA which means a python”, suggesting literally
to mean “one who collects snake” or “a snake charmer,” a very popular attraction
in India. But at its worst, it means excesses from the local dialect SAWA (with
accent at the last syllable) which literally means “too much”.
Fr. Francisco Aragoneses, OFM, the former curate of Cagsawa and Budiao, notably
confirmed the name because of the “over-indulgence” of the people during that
time. He affirmed that the 1814 eruption of Mt. Mayon could have meant as a
“divine justice” or God’s punishment for the people’s over-indulgence compared
to the deluge which happened during Noah’s time as told in the Old Testament.
The February 1, 1814 eruption of Mt. Mayon, recorded as the worst and most
violent, had reportedly slain at least 1,200 natives who converged inside
Cagsawa Church where they prayed for safety.
Budiao Ruins – Budiao does not offer church ruins but a bullfight area once used
by the Spaniards who loved the thrill seeing hombres y toros fight each other as
if in time when Rome was the center of the world.
B. MAN-MADE
Kimantong Sky Drive – A long stretch of concrete road in Daraga connecting the
Pan-Philippine Highway going to Sorsogon. It zigzags against a scenic
mountainside. The panoramic view of the whole town of Daraga and the City of
Legazpi is spellbinding especially at night. It has become favorite stopover and
resting place by motorists who want to rest and relax after a very tiresome
travel from the south.
C. CHURCH
Daraga Catholic Church – Built in 1773 by the Franciscan missionaries three
years before the declaration of American independence from the British
colonizers, this is a priceless relic for art enthusiasts because of its rich
baroque architectural designs. Its very huge structure is considered above
standard. Standing on a massive hilltop, it dominates among other structures of
the town of Daraga. At closer look, it contains archaeological relics such as
“santos” and religious seals carved articulately on volcanic rocks which are
relics & considered priceless.
D. FESTIVAL & EVENTS
Daragang Magayon Festival – Legend has it that the world-famous towering
volcano, the Mt. Mayon, grew out of a love story. The main character, Daragang
Magayon, had been popular for her beauty that men from all-over tried wooing
her.
Daragang Magayon traces her root in the town now called as Daraga. Thus, in her
honor, the Daragang Magayon Festival is born.
But the Daragang Magayon Festival is not purely based on a legend. It is
historical and religious celebration made in honor of Nuestra Señora de la
Porteria, the town’s patron saint. Despite the volcano’s ravaging fury, the
early settlers of this municipality were able to start building again through
the help and guidance of the “Lady of the Gate”. Thus, one of the highlights of
the festival is the religious icon from sawangan (now Cagsawa) to the present
place where she stands.
Aside from the historical and religious traditions, the festival also aims to
showcase the cultural life of the Daragueños. Life, for this people, doesn’t
seem to be a bore. This is despite the number of calamities the Daragueños face
year by year.
Potential tourist attractions also abound within the municipality. It includes
- Naglaos Cave in Barangay Nabasan
- Bigao Cave in Barangay Bigao
- Natural Spring in Barangay Canarom
- San Rafael Cave in Barangay San Rafael
- San Vicente Grande Cave in Barangay San Vicente
- GrandeSumlang Lake in Barangay Salvacion
- Annual Celebration of Santacrusan in almost all barangays
These potential tourist attractions can easily be accessed from the Poblacion
Area of the Municipality wherein 1) tourist accommodations such as hotel,
pension houses and tourist lodges; 2) restaurants and fastfood; 3) pubhouses; 4)
novelty or crafts shops; 5) Land and Air transportation; and 6) communication
facilities are already in-place.
The strategic location of the municipality along the Legazpi-Iriga-Naga-Daet
Growth Corridor presents an opportunity to make tourism an alternative economic
strategy. However, most of these tourist spots/attractions are undeveloped in
terms of facilities and services coupled with lack of people-awareness on the
importance of tourism on their livelihood and employment.
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