Last summer, photographs I took for an assignment with Inflight Traveller magazine hit the newstands with a shot of Burubancaso Rock Formation in Masbate taking the front page. The six-day photo assignment took place in Bicol, spending two days each in the provinces of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon (ALMASOR).

ALBAY, MASBATE AND SORSOGON ON INFLIGHT TRAVELLER MAGAZINE

While it wasn’t my first time to visit Albay and Sorsogon, Masbate was a first for me; a province I have long since wanted to cross off my list of places to visit in the Philippines. I knew Albay and Sorsogon held wonders; but after my trip, I can definitely say that Masbate isn’t lagging behind its more popular neighbors.

ACTION PACKED ALMASOR, INDEED

Together with M, Inflight Traveller’s managing editor, and R, Albay’s tourism expert, we combed the waters of Sorsogon for whalesharks, cruised along Buhatan River amongst fireflies, watched surfers brave the waves at Gubat, sauntered along a pink beach, and swam with schools of fishes at Matnog.

DAY TWO IN SORSOGON

In Masbate, we visited its famous cattle ranch, frolicked on numerous beaches set with soaring rock formations and fine white sand, took a peek at the oldest mangrove tree this side of Bicol, tiptoed on an island cave replete with venomous sea snakes and gaped at a huge waterfall gushing directly to the sea.

RIPPING THROUGH MAYON BY DAY SIX

Back in Albay, we island hopped, checking out a vanishing island and roared our way by ATVs halfway to the slopes of Mayon Volcano. In between those, we filled our tummy’s desire full with Bicol’s delectable and spicy coconut-milk based dishes. And ice cream. Spicy ice cream.

ALBAY’S VANISHING ISLAND

It’s always a great pleasure seeing your photograph grace a cover of a magazine, but the stories, adventures, newborn friendships and laughter sandwiched in between those images are much more sweeter than any photographic print could ever achieve. To date, this is definitely the most fun photo assignment I’d ever had.

~ INFLIGHT TRAVELLER MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE ON MAJOR NEWSSTANDS NATIONWIDE.