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I went to Legaspi, Albay last April 1 and stayed there for 4 days. It was my third time to Legaspi but this was the first time that I went to Albay all by myself. There were a couple of reasons for the trip but the main reason was that my uncle invited us to come over for his birthday. My uncle is disabled and he has no family; he is divorced with no children. I thought that it would be a big thing for him to be there on his birthday so I went. My sister thought of coming with me but since she will be taking a month-long leave from office, I was the only one who went.
The bus ride from Manila to Legaspi (and vise versa) took about 11-12 hrs overnight so I had enough alone time just listening to music and reading. I started reading John Maxwell’s book Failing Forward which has been in my shelf for sometime now. Still haven’t finished it but I recommend to everyone who wants to better themselves.
During my visit, I got re-acquainted with my distant relatives from my mother side. Besides my uncle, the nearest relationship I have with my relatives there are second cousins. It was funny whenever my uncle introduced me to someone; he always explained how we are connected. (O heto si "insert name here"! Bale, pangatlong pinsan mo sya… Anak sya ng pangalawang pinsan ko at ng nanay mo na si "insert name here"). Although all those introductions were kind of funny for me, I can understand why it’s important. 
My second cousins were really kind during my stay. They were checking-up on me and made sure that I’m alright. They even gave me some pasalubong for the family before I went back to Manila.
The trip also served as a time for me to reflect on things. The simple life and laid back atmosphere of the province with the view of the beautiful Mt. Mayon was a refreshing experience. During my stay at my uncle’s home, I slept on a banig and had a leisure bicycle ride. Both of which I haven’t done in ages! Hmmm… I’m now thinking of settling in the province when I get old.
more pictures here
Is there anyone who ever remembers
Changing their mind from the paint on a sign?
Is there anyone who really recalls
Ever breaking rank at all
For something someone yelled real loud one time?
Oh, everyone believes
In how they think it oughta be
Oh, everyone believes
And they’re not going easily
Belief is a beautiful armor
But makes for the heaviest sword
Like punching underwater
You never can hit who you’re trying for
Some need the exhibition
And some have to know they tried
It’s the chemical weapon
For the war that’s raging on inside
Oh, everyone believes
From emptiness to everything
Oh, everyone believes
And no one’s going quietly
We’re never gonna win the world
We’re never gonna stop the war
We’re never gonna beat this
If belief is what we’re fighting for
Is there anyone you can remember
Ever surrendering with their life on the line?
We’re never gonna win the world
We’re never gonna stop the war
We’re never gonna beat this
If belief is what we’re fighting for
What puts a hundred thousand children in the sand?
Belief can, belief can
What puts a folded flag inside his mother’s hand?
Belief can, belief can
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Here’s a link to a video live performance of Belief. Check it out!
