A twelve-hour train journey from Manila to Naga City and another two-hour van ride, we finally arrived at the Albay’s Gateway City. With our backpacks still on, we headed straight to Legazpi City’s tourism office and requested for a media pass.

A few hours later and we were weaving in and out of the colors of Ibalong Festival.  We were sweating like stuck pigs under the sweltering midday heat, but we totally didn’t mind.