Naga City Hits

Let me share how my apprehensive travel to Naga City, turned into a memorable trip that made me realized a lot from life and from myself.  

First of course is that after years of traveling, I now finally accepted na nakakatakot pala talaga ako magbyahe. I always argue that the safest way to travel is via airplane. Not to mention that it is fast and comfortable. But yes, in my recent travel I got afraid. But, I conquered my fears through prayers. 

Sino ba naman hindi matatakot when you look at the window and you see this propeller? Aircrafts to Naga kasi is usually small. But very safe naman daw.

But when I look at the other side of the window, I saw this... a beautiful view of "sea of clouds" (never mind the dirty window). Then I realized, every situation has two sides. It is up to you if you focus on the negative side, or in the positive side. In the propeller? or in the majestic sea of clouds? I preferred the sea of clouds, prayed for a safe journey and read a good book. And arrived safe at Naga City. 

This was my home for 3days and 2nights.  

I made a separate post about my pleasant stay at Crown Hotel. 

PLACES TO SEE... 

I was in Naga City for work. But I managed to squeezed in some time to explore the city alone. This was an achievement for me, because usually with my team or someone or counterpart/local when I travel to guide or tour us. I gained some independence here from a strange place. This is the first time I explored the city like a local. And decided that from now on, when I travel, I will not be a tourist again, but a like local and will embrace their culture as well. 

The Plaza, right in front of the Crown Hotel. 

I also had a courage to commute to the Penafrancia Shrine. The place is so beautiful and peaceful. I went there via tricycle, and paid P8 to and P10 back to the hotel. 

The altar. I made my 2 wishes, the first happened that night, and I am waiting for the second. 

The adoration chapel. 

Beautiful ceilings. I could stare at this the whole day. 

This, I don't know the name. But it is pretty. This is near the central market. 

WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT

Bigg's Diner

According to a local, this fastfood chain is like the McDo of Bicolandia. A must try. So I headed to their downtown branch and had the first meal in Naga. They have unique and retro interiors, which I failed to take some pictures. Shy attack. 

Lookie at their cute placemats. 

Salisbury Steak and Giant Coke

Choco Lava Moist Cake

Toasted Siopao

I also consulted Mr. Google on other places to eat. I got curious with the toasted siopao of 3N bakery. For P8 each for classic and P10 for hot and spicy, you have a flavorful (not tipid filling) toasted siopao, talk about value for money. And the bakery is all over the place. 

Cravings for Comfort Foods

And when you are in a strange place, and you are stressed and homesick, #mommysweetiesolution is to look for your favorite comfort food. It is sign that Naga city is a progressive city because almost all the foodchains are there. Name it, ask for the direction how to get there and enjoy the food. 

Sili Ice Cream

When you hear Naga or Bicol, the usual food to for are bicol express and anything spicy. I didn't look for them since we usually have authentic restaurants also in manila. So I looked for something that is just from Naga City. So I came into 1st Colonial's Sili Ice Cream. 

Sili Ice Cream. Perfect combination of creaminess of milk on the first taste and hotness that trails on the food passage. This is P29 per scoop, and you have to eat quick as it melts quickly. 

PASALUBONGS... 

And of course do not forget to share your journey to your loved ones at home other than bringing them pasalubongs. 

The city market is the best place to buy them, and deal with best prices. 

These are pili tarts (5 pack to P100), coconut jam with pili (P45 each jar), mazapan de pili (3 for P100) and pili nuts (3 for P100 and P85 large bottle). 

There are also non food products like bags and abaca slippers (sorry I don't have the price they are tokens given to me). Cute "Sili" keychains for P10 each or 11pcs. for P100, and kids shirt for P120. 

GOING HOME.... 

Bicolandia is a place where you can travel by land or by air. So to experience both, I went home via a deluxe bus of Penafrancia Tours. We left the central terminal at 8PM, and arrived at Cubao by 4am, with a stop over along Quezon Province. 

The deluxe bus, is like the first class bus of Victory Liner (our suki to Baguio City).

The 2:1 seats are Lazyboy  type where you can recline, it also has restroom inside and with 2 drivers and a bus stewardess. Make sure you bring a jacket, pillow and a blanket as the air conditioner make get so cold. 

PEOPLE IN NAGA

I love how friendly people in Naga are, they are very helpful when you ask directions and places. I love how Naga City is organized with pedestrians and timed stoplights. I wonder why we can't do that in Manila.

- - -

Just as I am packing away my things, I realized that I should collect mementos of travels, aside from pictures and memories, I should have some tangible things that will remind me of my travel. So I decided to collect keychains. I hope to have a cute collection of my keychains representing my journey.

Until my next travel...

G,