icaguila: Cheers to the freaking weekend! ✈

Cheers has been my LSS for 5 days (and counting) now because I'm still on a weekend high. Went on a 2-day trip to Legazpi with my high school best friend Regina. It's our first out of town trip together (the parentals are not so strict anymore YAY!). I randomly asked and texted her on the day of the expiration of our miles. Booked MNL-LGP last June 30 and return flight just about 3 days before the trip. Talk about spontaneity! Stoked because we scored one way Mabuhay class tickets with our miles.

The Mabuhay lounge was okay, they offered free breakfast while we wait for our 6:30am flight. And yes, the famous arroz caldo did not disappoint. The plane ride was so bitin but I'm happy that we got to experience business class (it's our first time!). I really want to save up so I can fly business again. Much better with long haul international flights. Would love to try PAL or other airlines' Mabuhay class (First class, better) again but dang MNL-LAX-MNL costs around whopping 3,000++ freakin bucks!

Breakfast at Mabuhay Lounge while waiting

Mabuhay class seats

Stayed at The Oriental Hotel. The staff were very nice and accommodating. They allowed us to check-in 6 hours early. 5-star facilities and great service.

The Oriental Hotel lobby

Our room at The Oriental

Since it was a spontaneous trip, we didn't have time to book tours. Hahaha like "bahala na pagdating dun!" We asked the hotel concierge to call in a cab because we wanted to check out Embarcadero mall. The cab driver, Kuya Rayvin, was so nice and he offered us to do a city tour (Embarcadero, Lignon Hill, Cagsawa Ruins, and Daraga Church) for only P1,000/3 hours. Tried the zipline at Lignon Hill. The shy Mayon did not show up though because it was too cloudy. :( We also did some fun photography tricks at Cagsawa Ruins and hoarded super cheap-o abaca and pili stuff!

Legazpi

Japanese tunnel

Ina walking with her clogs

The half Mayon

Legazpi City

Ina and I w/ the very shy Mayon

Lignon Hill entrance

Cagsawa Ruins

Photography tricks

Ina as the giant

Look, I'm taller!

Cool shot

Daraga Church

After the tour, we asked the cab driver to drop us off at Sibid-Sibid. The locals said they serve the best bicol express in town. True enough, the best bicol express we've tasted so far. The seafood sisig was yummy also. Dropped off our pasalubong and rest for a bit then we headed to Pacific Mall to try out some of Legazpi's famous food spots:

1. DJC Halo-halo: Not your average halo-halo because it comes with grated cheese on top. Yummy!

2. Bigg's Diner. It's a famous fastfood joint in Bicol. Loved the interiors. Ordered baby back ribs and potato side for light dinner.

3. 1st Colonial Grill. They serve sili ice cream. Weird, right? But it's really good! It's sweet and creamy like a normal ice cream but with a spicy after-taste. Just pure awesomeness!

Sibid-sibid's bicol express

Lunch time

Lounging while wating for our cab

DJC Halo-halo

Halo-halo with cheese

Bigg's

Ribs

1st Colonial Grill

Sili ice cream mmmm

Ended the night with a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the whole Legazpi City, gym, and body scrub at the spa. Thanks to the staff of The Oriental for extending the pool and gym hours! Perfect way to end the night!

The Oriental Hotel

Lobby at night

Prepped up for our 10am flight (no later flights boo) and ate breakfast near the lobby. God I love hotel breakfasts! Flew back to Manila via Airphil Express. No more Mabuhay class :( hahaha just want to share a funny fact. It's my FIRST time to fly a Philippine domestic flight. Hahaha kroo I know, right? Been to Boracay already but we took the ferry because we were on a tight budget then lol. This is the start of my Philippine tour, yes? :)