Scenic Spots
Bicol
The majestic Mayon Volcano was often said to be the world's most perfect cone. It is the Bicol region's main tourist attraction and its name was derived from the Bicol word for beautiful "magayon". Thousands have died from the wrath of Mayon's fury. Mayon has erupted on nearly 50 occasions and it's first recorded eruption was in 1616 while the latest was in 1993. Mt. Mayon is one of 21 active volcanoes in the Philippines. It continually emits a plume of sulfuruous smoke even when it's not erupting. Mayon's slopes, which are part woodland, part grassland, and part desert of rock, cinder, and ash, are a 55-square-km national park. On the 27th of February 2000, Mayon Volcano had another explosive eruption. About 48,000 people have fled their villages.
Manila
Tagaytay
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Viewed from Tagaytay City, Taal Lake was said to occupy a caldera of a massive ancient volcano. One mythical tale relates that a cataclysmic eruption was believed be the cause for the slopes to cave in and for water to rush in thereby forming the lake, leaving only the tip of the previous peak exposed to become the current Volcano Island.
This area now contains two islands, the Volcano Island, which is a National Park, and the tiny Napayan Island. Taal Volcano on Volcano Island is touted to be the world's lowest active volcano.
Banawe
The Rice Terraces
of Batad
Batad,
Mountain Province
The world-famous majestic grandeur of the Rice Terraces, created more than 3,000 years ago by the Ifugao people using a few primitive tools and their bare hands. There's no easy way to see the Batad rice terraces as one needs to hike two to three hours uphill through mountain trails from the junction. But the breathtaking view of the amphitheater of terraces, steep, wooded mountains, and relatively unspoiled village life makes the trip worth it and a must.