Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave-Cotmon, Camalig, Albay

Our family loves to travel and explore a place, that’s why every time we see opportunity we always include side trips. One of our recent trips was in Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, which is located in Barangay Cotmon, Camalig, Albay.

The name of the cave was derived from the word Hoyop which means blow or blowing of air/wind. The air can freely pass though inside the cave. There are many entrances and exits, these passage ways will test your skill in squeezing and kneeling to get through the other chambers. Although in my case I didn’t have any problem passing through, lol I am petite that’s my advantage. One of the opening will lead the tourist to the stunning view of the Mayon Volcano, but sad to say we didn’t see it because it was cloudy and raining at that time.

Inside the cave, there are beautiful and stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites, like dinosaur, angel and a lot more. A pond and a dance floor can be found inside it too. The dance floor is still being used during fiesta.

the Dance Floor

Fruit bats and other living organisms are can be found. There are still jars inside the cave were dated from 200 BD too 900 AD, some of these artifacts are now in National museum and Camalig Church. According to a Franciscan priest and archaelogist, Fr. Cantius Kobak, the cave is as old as 3000BC to 4000BC.

Fruit Bats

It withstood the test of time, been one of the witnesses of our colorful past, served as sanctuary during difficult times and even up to now it does to the local specially on strong typhoons hitting the place.

Dinosaur formation

Hoyop-hoyopan cave has an approximately 32 square meters of land area. The path way now is concrete different from the last time I was there and there are bulbs serve as the light instead of the flash lights that we used before. It is being maintained now by a clan, Soriano, Nieva and Nuylan Families. The tour fee was 500.00 pesos for eleven persons as payment for the lights and tour. Parking fee is 25.00 pesos. Outside the cave there are native souvenirs that can be bought. We bought hats as souvenirs.

The opening where the Mayon volcano supposedly can be seen clearly during Sunny days

The opening where one person can pass through at a time

Hoyop-hoyopan cave is definitely a place worth to visit.

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay Island is one of the best beaches around the world. It is located in Malay, Aklan, Philippines part of Panay Island, Visayan Region. It can be reached thru airplane via Kalibo, Aklan or Caticlan, Aklan, or thru Roll on-Roll off, (via ship) program by the Philippine’s tourism. The place is perfect for vacation to get away from the busy life. The shoreline is long; the sand is pristine and powdery. There are hotels that can accommodate one’s budget, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Night life on the island is perfect from Station 1 to Station 3 different kinds of entertainment. During the day there are water activities that one can enjoy such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, rift-walking or known as helmet diving, parasailing, banana boat ride, flying fish, island hopping, all-terrain vehicle riding and a whole lot more. The island is secured; the police visibility is around the clock. Different cuisines can be found on the island. Automated teller machines are available too. One can really enjoy the stay on this island like I did. January is one of the perfect months to stay on the island because not that congested, and can make one really relax the vacation.

Sagada, Mountain Province-Home of Natural Wonders

When we planned to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces, we planned to go to Sagada, Mountain Province, too. It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio. The Trip itself to Sagada is more on an adventure. Long, rocky and winding road.




Mt. Polis-very foggy

"Hanging coffins" is the trademark of Sagada. This is a traditional way of burying people that is not in use anymore. Trekking, explore caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visit historical sites, nature hikes, and participate in tribal celebrations are among the popular activities. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee. You can choose a tour package at the registration office.


Lumiang Cave


The Hanging Coffins

We were lucky because we found a family of 6 persons and we formed as a group so that we could minimize the payment for tour guides and jeepney rental. We chose the tour package to explore Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, where hanging coffins can be seen. At the back of a transient house where we resided, there is a rice terraces. The climate and crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products.


Entrance of Sumiwang Cave

There are many places to stay in Sagada but when we arrived the hotels and houses were already taken. We met a woman by the Name of Rose, her family was very willing to accommodate us but her house was already full of tourists. She was the one who found a shelter for us. Her friend Rose Agpad was not accepting transients because her house is under renovation but because we couldn’t find a place, she was willingly accept us and even those who arrived after us. The people here are very accommodating and warm. They treat their tourists nicely and they even go for extra miles just to make their tourists comfortable.

The tourists said that you have to eat in Yoghurt House when you are in Sagada because this restaurant will complete your tour. True enough this restaurant is really a nice one to dine-in. I love the food but we had to wait for an hour in order for us to be served. There was a long line of waiting tourists to eat. Nevertheless the foods were worth the wait.


Dinner at Yoghurt House

Sagada has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy the waters of Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls. Other places that can be visited are: Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Rice terraces, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Underground River, Lake Danum.