Empty Stomach

Bicol is without a doubt one of my favorite places in the world.  It has a stunning landscape that would rival the better known tourist destinations in the Philippines.


I could not think of anything else that could ever overshadow the majesty that is Mayon Volcano!

For those who have not seen it, believe me, no photo can ever capture its sheer grandeur!  I don't wonder why the ancient people came to worship it!  In a moonless night, it almost mystically "disappears" in the horizon, not a slightest silhouette!

But as much as the natural wonders the region has to offer, the food is reason enough to go back there.


So when the opportunity to go back to Bicol came, I went with an empty stomach.


The food trip begun.


BALAY SUANOY, Pag-asa Street, Daraga, Albay.


"Private dining in an ancestral ambience."


I love the luxurious old-rich-Philippine feel!

Bicol Express (Minced pork and green chilies in coconut milk), what else?!?

Ginataang Manok (Chicken in coconut milk)!

House-blend iced tea!

Picnic by the beach!


Usually, when all three of us are near a body of water, a deluge is sure to come.  That time, the weather and the beach was on our side.

UNA PIZZERIA, Sorsogon.


We didn't order pizza though.  We were there for the booze, and the after-booze, coffee.  I love the chic minimalist interior, so did the rest of the predominantly expat guests.  Not bad for a residential location.

Coffee with Vodka

EMBARCADERO DE LEGAZPI, Legazpi City, Albay.


I had high expectations for this place having seen the ads.  It looked and sounded vibrant and Cuban-ish.  So it was a letdown to see the actual place unfinished, sleepy (closes at around 8 or 9pm) and Tutuban Centermall-ish, with very average food.

Buttered Salmon.  I had better in Marikina riverside grill.

Bicol Express.  Nothing spectacular.

Sinigang na Hipon sa Bayabas.

WILLKOMMEN, Ground Floor, New Casablanca Hotel, Legazpi City.


Since what's supposed to be a nightspot closes as early as elementary schools in Manila, we decided to move to another location, Willkommen, a German restaurant, and the only one I guess, that stays open beyond 9pm.  We talked about the past, the present and the future,  We talked about ourselves, we talked about other people.  We talked forever, but when we looked at the time, we only spent an hour.  That's when we realized that time goes by so slowly in Legazpi, literally.  If only they could box it and sell it in Manila.  I don't wonder why my friend goes crazy living there.  She wanted out.  She's now back in Manila.

Mixed sausages!

SMALL TALK CAFE, Legazpi City.


Another old house converted into a restaurant.  This is the kind I like because there's so much history in the place and you're not there just for the food but also for the memorabilia on display.

Combination pizza.  We ordered for the one that includes Laing (Taro leaves in coconut oil) pizza.  There were more olives that Laing.

Sauce was not thick enough for me.

I am a very visual person, so this is such a downer.  Forgot what it is called but it was like Laing-filled pasta.

Buko shake with ICE BERGS in it.

But of all the meals we had, the best were hands down the good old-fashioned home-cooked true-blue Bicolano dishes our gracious host, the Mella Family, prepared for us!