Both my parents are from Bicol, but I haven’t explored the whole province yet. I’ve been to many parts of it, but I know there is sooo much more I haven’t seen yet. Believe it or not, to think that I am “gala”, it’s just this year I had a chance to roam around Naga City.
Uhm. Note: this is not a travel guide.
Naga is one of the famous cities of Bicol. Aside from the title “Queen City of Bicol”, it is also known as the Pilgrim City of the Philippines, as it is the home of beautiful heritage churches and the largest Marian pilgrimage in Asia. Yea, I am planning to visit them again on the Penafrancia Festival.
Our Lady of Penafrancia is the Patroness of the whole Bicolandia. Yes, many of the saints are also celebrated around the province, but Penafrancia is the principal patroness and Queen of Bicol.
My sister and I visited the churches - Penafrancia Basilica, Penafrancia Shrine, San Francisco Church, St. John the Evangelist Metropolitan, and my most favorite, Naga Cathedral.
Naga Cathedral looked like the usual old Catholic churches we see. In the 1970’s it was painted yellow, and recently, painted it black. Some raised their eyebrows, suspecting the Church has some issues and boycotting the Catholic beliefs. Some found it stunning, and even more beautiful. I am one of the later.
We also visited the Flower Farm. I am not sure of the name since the place has no arch or whatsoever to at least be identified as a farm or what. Thanks to the bloggers who visited it before us.
The place is quite smaller than I expected, but still these flowers are sooooo gorgeous. There’s no entrance or environmental fee to have access, but please if you’re planning of visiting it, BE CAREFUL WITH THE FLOWERS.
When we visited, I noticed some parts were already dry, some flowers were picked, some looked like someone stepped on it. I don’t get why people are so careless.
Anyhoo, you can help the farmers by buying some of their flowers. I bought three wonderful sunflowers for 80 pesos. Not bad.
My sister already went back to Manila that night, and I stayed for three more days. Thankfully, I had Melo, Yhan, and GJ as company. Our hang out place was at Dice, I having my newest fave frappe.
Though my friends told me living there was kinda boring, I found Naga beautiful, quiet, and safe place to stay.
P.S. Have you already tried the sili ice cream? If not, well you must! Get the third level!
