Pop Talk’s summer adventure in Bicol

What else is there to do in Bicol aside from visit Mayon Volcano and try the region's spicy cuisine? Magazine contributor Mel Balino, student and part-time model Leonard Mateo, and Survivor Philippines castaway and indie film actress Mara Lopez joined Tonipet Gaba on a search for Bicol's most exciting summer activities.

Bicol Adventure #1: ATV Drive to Mayon Volcano
Price range: P1,800 to P3,500 per person



Tourists who want to explore Mayon in a more challenging way would definitely enjoy riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) along the volcano’s terrain and dirt roads. Being Legazpi City’s newest attraction, the two-hour ATV drive to Mayon Volcano allows visitors to both see and experience the famous volcano.

Since Mayon is an active volcano, it’s important to observe safety procedures established by the instructors before riding the ATV. Riders should always keep their guides close to avoid getting lost and having accidents. To ensure everyone's safety, ATV rides are cancelled whenever Phivolcs issues an alert level.

Magazine writer Mel Balino admitted that she doesn’t know how to drive, but that didn’t hinder her from enjoying Mayon’s ATV adventure: “Before, nagsabi naman ako sa mga nag-train na ‘di ako marunong mag-drive. So yun naman, gin-uide talaga nila ako, so safe naman siya. So, pop na pop siya.”

Celebrity reviewer Mara Lopez, on the other hand, described the Mayon ATV adventure as fun and exciting: “Sa ATV walang dull moment. Masaya siya, walang boring na part.” She adds, “Marami pa palang ‘di nakikita dun sa Mayon. Post card ang image ng Mayon, but [as] you get closer, marami ka pa palang pwedeng makita. Naka-art director lang sila para sa inyo.”

Mel says riding an ATV to Mayon is worth the price: “Sa fun factor, makakalimutan mo yung binayad mo.”

Final verdict: 9/9 pop points

Bicol Adventure #2: Embarcadero de Legazpi
Price range: P200 per person



Embarcadero de Legazpi is Bicol’s premiere shopping mall. Aside from shopping, tourists who visit Embarcadeto can also try exciting activities, like rising the 350-meter zipline or traversing the 90-foot-high edge walk. Both activities can be enjoyed while appreciating the majestic view of the Mayon Volcano, the Albay Gulf, and Legazpi City.

Mel confessed she is afraid of heights, but that didn’t stop her from having fun: “Sulit na sulit. Na-enjoy mo na yung view, na-excite ka na, tapos parang hinuhulog ka pa sa dagat ... para talaga sa mga adventurous.”

The also said she felt safe on both the edge walk and zipline: “Security, okay na okay naman lalo na sa edge walk. Though nanginig pa ako, ang daming harness. Very attentive sila sa mga customers nila.”

Mara gave pop points to Embarcadero: “Sobrang affordable, napakaganda, kung gusto n’yo ng solo picture n'yo ng Mayon, ito yung best place na kumuha ng picture.”

Final verdict: 9/9 pop points

Bicol Adventure #3: San Miguel Island Hopping
Price range: P1000 per person



Tabaco City’s San Miguel Island is located along the eastern coast of Albay. For P1000, visitors can enjoy an activity-packed island-hopping adventure.

The first stop involves a tour around Cagraray Eco Park and Pinamuntugan Island, where tourists can marvel at their surroundings from the seat of a habal habal, San Miguel Island’s main mode of transportation. After that, visitors can witness Tabaco’s local mat-making and handicraft industry, and even get a chance to try their hand at making a banig. The last stop is San Miguel’s marine sanctuary, where tourists can snorkel in pristine waters. Tabaco City’s virgin islands are also available for exploration.

“Grabe sobrang enjoy talaga, wala pang tao,” Mara said. “‘Pag nag-tour kayo sa malapit sa San Miguel Island, pumili lang kayo ng gusto niyo. Chances are bihira ang tao.”

Guest reviewer Leonard enjoyed the activities and also appreciated the locals' hospitality. “Pumunta rin kami sa pagawaan ng banig. Sobrang enjoy siya. Ang babait ng tao ng Tabaco. Maraming salamat po.”

Final verdict: 9/9 pop points

-Lara Gonzales/PF, GMA News