Hoyop Hoyopan Cave
In Camalig, Albay, we took a detour to visit Hoyop Hoyopan Cave. Hoyop means “to blow”. We spent the next half hour or so inside the cave, amazed to “shoot the breeze” inside while checking out the stalactites and stalagmites. We can imagine how the local rebels were made comfortable while hiding from the Japanese then as the cave has water sources and a pretty good ventilation even during summers. Our guide led the way, and we were relieved to find cemented pathways and ample lighting. Just the same, I was ready with my handy flashlight and headlight. I finally got to use them! 🙂 But we weren’t prepared to find a dance floor INSIDE the cave. Say what? A dance floor. Only in the Philippines! Well, we were reminded that the cave is a private property and the owners have actually held parties inside this cave. That explains the dance floor. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a karaoke bar next time I visit. Up and down, a few steps here and there, and we found the 4th exit out of the cave. Mind the stalactites and stalagmites, though. One can earn a monstrous bump on the forehead if one is not careful. Outside, we found local boys playing a game of volleyball while a cow parked itself in an area meant for motor vehicles.
Cagsawa Ruins Without Mayon Volcano
Most postcards in Albay show Mayon Volcano in all its majesty framed by boulders and what remains of the Cagsawa Church. Over a thousand parishioners sought refuge in this Church in Mayon’s February 1814 eruption and all perished from the tragedy. The stone pillars were constructed using eggwhites to glue the stones together. Imagine how many eggs those parishioners brought to Sunday masses, and what baked goodies they concocted with the egg yolks too! We were soooo looking forward to visiting this place as we have always visualized Mayon Volcano with this scenery, with all its tragic history. Sadly, the majestic volcano with its near-perfect cone was too shy to make an appearance. Hiding behind the clouds, one can hardly recognize even its silhouette on this cloudy day. Oh well, you can’t win them all. For the moment, the postcard will do.
Daraga Church
Finally, we drove up to nearby Daraga Church. It is said that the parish transferred to this 18th century church after the 1814 eruption. This old church was obviously undergoing some repairs and repainting. We were disappointed with the fresh coat of white paint, and would have preferred that they left the stone structure in its “natural” state. There is charm in the “old and natural”, and a paint job does not serve to enhance the beauty of this ancient church.
Nearly back in Legazpi City, we passed by Lignon Hills for another unobstructed view of Mayon Volcano. It would have been an hour’s trek to get to the View Deck, but it was our last stopover and we all felt the day is almost over. In short, we had no energy left to do the trek! Perhaps another day. For sure, I’d make a return trip and by then, I should also be ready to go trekking, ziplining and even the lava trail using the All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) available for rent. Now, that’s a good reason to go back.
More photos can be found in my TravelBlog site.
lifeisacelebration 
I’ve been to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave 22 years ago. Siguro, a lot has changed by now such as the cemented pathway and ample lighting. I remember that dance floor. According to our guide, that was where they had their disco especially during the martial law years.
Thanks, Sol. T’was my first time and was quite surprised to find a dance floor. I can imagine the disco music blaring from inside the cave! :))
Re: Daraga Church. FYI it’s not a coat of paint. According to the priest it is something that has been put in order to preserve it.
What a relief! Thanks for this piece of info. 🙂
“There is charm in the “old and natural””
Unfortunately, this old and natural won’t do the structure any good and this wrong way of thinking led to the stripping of the protective layer that used to be there. Churches of old really has this white lime coating, the paletada to protect the stone from disintegrating. Look at Malate Church and it is a sad state as the bas relief has already crumbled. Paletada should be applied on all old churches to protect these.
Disco in a cave?! Well, at least I know I’m not jaded yet. Didn’t think anything would surprise me at this age…but you did just that now! 🙂
Yeah, as Estan stated in his comment, I did read somewhere that leaving the facades of these colonial churches in their “natural” state can in fact be damaging. I just don’t know though if repainting them would do any good. Maybe you can shed light on that next time. What’s really the scientifically sound way of preserving/restoring these old churches?
Well, Estan says “paletada” should be applied to all old churches to preserve them. I’d take his word as gospel truth. Obviously, my “charm in the old and natural” is the wrong way of thinking. 😦