Bicol Region has been a favorite hangout place of typhoons that visit the Philippines yearly. It was the last week of June and Typhoon Falcon enjoyed watering the lands in the archipelago up to the point that areas become inundated. Bad Falcon! Flights have been canceled. One of these flights was bound for Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Oh No. Canceled Flights. And we’re flying to Naga in the next four days. I prayed and consistently checked the weather bulletins from different websites (aside from PAGASA, of course). This would be my first time in the Bicol Peninsula and I don’t want it to be my last time.

A week later, here I am, coping with my aching muscles. I can still feel the pain which CamSur gave as a souvenir. But looking at the pictures, I can’t help but smile and laugh as I remember what happened in those captured moments.

June 29-Touchdown Naga City

All the worries vanished as I looked out of the window and saw the green patches of quilt-like farmlands amid the hazy weather. Thank God! It was not raining.

Since we don’t have checked-in luggage, my friends and I proceeded to the exit. And there, I saw J, patiently waiting for us. According to my research, we should ride a van going to Naga City. The van ride would cost us Php 120 each. But having visited Naga City more than once, he knew better than I do. So he led us to a cheaper option.

We walked out of the gates of the Naga Airport in Pili, where pedicabs are lined up.  The “Padyak” /Pedicab cyclists offered to take us to the National Highway for Php 10 each. Since we have bags with us, we took the ride, which lasted for 10 minutes. From the National Highway, we waited for a bus going to Naga City. The ordinary bus (non-airconditioned) ride costs us Php 10 each. Travel time from Naga Airport in Pili to Naga City Proper took around half an hour.

WALK-IN

It was past 1 pm. We don’t have any reservations. It was not a peak season so I was not worried at all. The informative post of Lakwatsera de Primera on accommodations in Naga City has been my guide.  (Thanks Claire!)

We picked Sampaguita Tourist Inn, which was strategically located along Panganiban Avenue. It was just minutes away from SM Naga City, the Central Bus Terminal and the FilCab Van and Jeepney Terminal.  We took the proximity to these key areas into consideration aside from the cost of the room.

At the entrance of  the Sampaguita Tourist Inn, I saw the sign: WIFI ZONE. Yippee!  I approached the counter and asked if they have a vacant triple room. Fortunately, they do. The Triple Room (Airconditioned with private CR) costs Php 800/night. It was then divided to the three of us ladies. Hence, we paid only Php 267 each.

The room looked new and clean. The bedding was quite okay. I just don’t like the design. The comfort room was clean as well.

Anyway, we don’t want to spend much on accommodation so I was okay with what we have. What I like best was the Inn’s fast wifi connection in the lobby. They also offered free use of computer.

After 30 minutes of rest, off we go to our first taste of CamSur: Wakeboarding at the CamSur Watersports Complex.

What was the taste? I’ll tell more of that in my next post: Get stretched in Wakeboarding.