The most photographed spot in Albay being seen on pictures on books, newspapers, and magazines is the view of a belfry with the Mayon Volcano on the background. You can locate this spot in Daraga, Albay in the Cagsawa Ruins. As per the National Historical plate attached to the belfry, the administration of Cagsawa was under the parish of Camalig from 1587 to 1595. It was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814.
It was late afternoon when I went to the Ruins from my day tour to Sorsogon. The area was crowded that time since it was Saturday and the town celebrates their annual Cagsawa Festival. A fee of Php10 is being collected at the entrance of the ruins.
Despite the lush grasses covering the soil around the ruins, you can still imagine the devastation that happened during the 1814 Mayon eruption that buried the church. A replica of the ruined Cagsawa Church was built on top of a hill in Daraga Proper which I checked when I got back to the town proper.
A devastated site is now a place for picture taking with the belfry serves as a prop for camera tricks. Locals who are expert with the positioning to achieve the cute photos were available around the area. I’m a bit lucky since Mayon Volcano showed up that day.
