Haggard Feels😢

Its been 2 weeks since we started goin to an overnight for us to accomplished the final requirement this semester. It's too hard we have no choice, but to do all of it . I can say being student its not an ordinary level in our life because being student are between you lose or you win. Its a battle between yourself and the academics. Stress is always there that why I keep talking to GOD that I can do all this things for my family and for the others.

My Anne-Venture in Bicol

As tourism student at BatStateU, we were very lucky to visit the Bicol Region, it is also known as Region V. We went there this semester and we’ve stayed for 3D2N. What comes into your mind when we talk about Bicol Region? Is it the Mayon Volcano? What does Bicol Region like?

First Day, November 25, 2017 we  arrived in Naga City by 8 o’clock in the morning to visit Our lady of Penafrancia Shrine and Parish and Plaza Quince Martire, we just took pictures for souvenir and the catholic people having their belief by knocking three times of the main door of the church then you can wish whatever you want. By 9 o’clock we visit the highlight of Naga City which is the CamSur Water Complex, we were just took pictures again around the area because we are not allowed to try the water activities like wakeboarding and swimming. We had our lunch break at Moraville Garden, the food was quite disappointing for me because that is less than my expectation. By 1 o’clock in the afternoon we are headed to our Hotel which is the Villa Caceres Hotel. Upon checking-in we were amazed by its Victorian inspired lobby and hospitable and well-mannered hotel staff. I must say that this hotel truly speaks of what Bicolano hospitality is all about. The staff are very prompt with our concerns and request. Villa Caceres Hotel knows the very best to offer to its guest. Because of its fine texture and smell I immediately slept by 9 pm already. Each room in the hotel is complete with basic amenities but except in the complimentary. It’s a bit sad because they do not offer a complimentary coffee or water. But before the day end we proceed to our seminar that is located in the 4^th floor. They discussed about Eco Tourism in Bicol, there’s so many things that I’ve realized after that seminar, I appreciate a lot specially how important the environment are, how can you sustain and maintain the beautiful natures around you. You can avoid damage that you can provide by throwing the trash in unnecessary place. After the successful seminar, we headed to Moraville Garden again to took our dinner and then finally we went back to Villa Caceres Hotel to take a rest that everyone waiting for but before that we had a friendly bonding with my room mates which is my Real life Barkada.

The next day, November 26, 2017 Day 2 we ate our  breakfast at the same hotel which is Villa Caceres Hotel then by 7:00 am is our check-out time. By 9am we proceed already to our city tour ; First is Albay Park and Wildlife located in Daraga-Legazpi, this place is the way to commune with nature right at the heart of Legazpi. Some of the animals that can be found in the area are the Philippine Hawk Eagle, Bleeding-heart pigeons, Brown boobies, Ringnect pheasants, Iguanas, Reticulated phythons, Crocodiles, Philippine warty pigs, the Philippine deer and squirrels. Toursit can also enjoy boat riding on the lagre lagoon in the area. There are cottages and groves for rent, where people can take a rest for a while after exploring the area.Second destination is Lignon Hills Nature Park, the 156-meter high Lignon Hill is one of the Legazpi’s most famous landmarks that’s why were so happy and lucky to got there. I’ve enjoyed climbing this hill because it’s was my first time to climbed a hill. In my research the Lignon Hill nature park is known as the city’s protector. Third is Legazpi City Seaport Side, what I like about this destination is the refreshing breezy air and the beauty of the place. Even this is a seaside shore you cannot hide the simplicity of the place. By 4PM in the afternoon we check-in to another Hotel which is The Oriental Legazpi Hotel. This beautiful Hotel, one that’s modern and hip. Because it sits atop ahilly part of the city, it towers above everything else and in effect, enjoys an unobstructed view of themajestic Mayon Volcano. With its really high ceiling, white walls and beams, and its generous use of glass panels, the hotel’s lobby immediately ushers guest to a bright and airy grandness, however minimalist the aesthetic this space follows. I also like the furniture, décor, and the lighting fixtures. It’s a complete 180 from the familiar warmth of traditional Filipino design. They may lack the heart and classic appeal of hardwood but their modern edginess suits the place just fine. Perfectly fine, so to speak. The Oriental Legazpi may not have the most convenient location but it easily has the best views of Mayon and of the rest of the city. It’s a beautiful contemporary hotel with adequate facilities but with construction problems that I hope management can address to avert its accelerated decay. After checked-in we had our free time to take a break before we go to Ysabelle’s Restaurant for us to eat dinner. The food they offer was good. We went back to our hotel for us to make a rest and we are allowed to swim at the hotels pool. By 9:30 pm we arrived at the hotel and we ran faster as we could going to our room to made a changed from our outfit to swim wear because we have a limited time to swim.We have fun and enjoy the night because that is our last night too to the wonderful hotel. We transfer go back to our room to change and freshen’ up and for us to rest and sleep.

Third day November 27, 2017 is our last day in Bicol region so we had to enjoy the last hour, last minute and last seconds of the day. The first destination on our 3^rd day was Daraga Church as we always do we took pictures and tour around the Daraga Church and there’s a view there where you can clearly see the Mayon Volcano. Our next destination is the Cagsawa Ruins, this is a historical landmark that serves as the centerpiece of the Cagsawa Ruins Park where tourist can enjoy the scenic view of Mayon Volcano. The ruins also stood as an image of Bicol region’s magnificent landscape for almost two centuries. It symbolizes Bicol’s rich history together with the strength and flexibility of the people towards calamities and ravages of Mother Nature. The ruin is the major highlight of Cagsawa Ruins Park and it’s also the site of the Cagsawa Branch of the National Museum of the Philippines which also known as the Cagsawa National Museum. Beside the Cagsawa Ruins Park there is an extreme rides called ATV. Mayon ATV tours are surely the hottest ways to experience Mayon Volcano. It’s thrilling, fun-filled and gives you that one cool moment to play dirty. Mayon Volcano is very shy and most of the time it’s shrouded with clouds. The best time to see it is between sunrise until about 9AM. What I love about this recent ride was the chance to get higher than all other trails and real closer to the Volcano. Had I not chosen Bicol Adventure ATV, I woudn’t have seen a better view of Albay. First I was confused if I will go to ATV or not but thanks to my friend of mine because of their influencing words I finally decided to took a ride on it. My personal experience with Bicol Adventure ATV was so fantastic. Their expertise of the trails, honest and cheerful service, safety priority and affordability make me highly recommend them. On front of the Cagsawa Ruins there’s a lot of shopping shops , we have 1hr to buy some souvenir and products that 

will satisfied ourselves.  That is the final activities we had done in our 3^rd day. Each day was spent very well and we had so much fun in every destination we visited.

Going to a Educational tours means more than simply leaving the school grounds. Educational tours should always have a major educational element but the impact of Educational tour can extend much further. The important of this are includes giving students the chance to built closer bonds with their classmates, experience new environment and enjoy a day away from the classroom. Educational tours offers an opportunity for a rich immersion experience, and a tremendous way to facilitate learning. In an educational tour, students have the chance to experience a culture first hand, connecting with the people and place on a much deeper level than they ever could in the classroom. Students have the opportunity to talk to local people, which can broaden their perspective greatly.

          Travelling student needs to be in the moment; the value of a successful service learning program is about knowledge student’s gain and the in-sights they attain, not only about what they have done.