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Starbucks Domicillo Design Hotel

"A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent." While there's a lot of Starbucks out there each offering the same coffee, as far as location and view are concerned, no one offers a view so panoramic, heavenly, dreamy and divine that is Starbucks Domicillo Hotel. Imagine sipping your favorite Chocolate Cream Chip Frappucino overlooking the ethereal Taal Volcano, how dope must that be? Today me and my friend decided to have a quick one-day-only getaway to escape stress in the nearby Tagaytay City. Adulting can be very tiring so we both needed to replenish before we get consumed by exhaustion. A friend of mine recommended this new Starbucks and upon seeing pictures online, I died. The superb view is something poets would draw inspiration! The exterior looks so mundane and quite appalling at some point. Inside is just another Starbucks with tables and chairs and couches and as go further, Taal is already waving at you and i...
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Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park | A Hill Without a Hilltop | Ligao City, Albay


       Kawa-Kawa Hill in Tuburan, Ligao City in my home province Albay is one of those hills that is both unique and strange at the same time. It is dubbed as the "Hill without a hilltop". But how is it possible? How can I go to the top if there's no hilltop? You might be asking by now. If that sparks your interest, then let's go ahead and summit it's peak. 

        The hill derived its name from "kawa" or cauldron because the hilltop is in fact a crater like that of a cauldron or a concave mirror. Its hollow formation is thought-provoking and people are easy to speculate that long time ago, an asteroid crashed into the hill and is most likely the villain for the crater formation and perhaps it could be a resting place of some sort of giant, supernatural being. Kawa-Kawa is a 200 meter plus high hill developed into natural park that has awed tourists and visitors ever since. A lot of attractions and recreational activities and facilities for all ages have been added thus making it a perfect family destination.


       I first came here when I was in my freshman year in college. Back then, I was enticed by my friends who've been there before to visit because it's bizarre in nature. They said it has no solid hilltop and once you're at the top, you will go down a little bit to be at the center of the hill. I was like, "How did you get to the top if there's no hilltop?" Its both intriguing and interesting at the same time so I decided to go see for myself. (Ok, enough with the events in the past 🤗)

Divine Mercy Shrine and Carmelite Monastery
       I just arrived from Dubai after two years of rigorous work and went here since it's only a stone throws away from our town. Halfway through the hilltop, you will find the Divine Mercy Shrine and Carmelite Monastery. It was still under construction the last time I've been here. It is so grand both in design and space and the thought that the place is so serene and it sits on a hillside overlooking the city of Ligao and nearby towns is just so meditating.




The Last Supper
       Once you see the life size diorama of the Last Supper, that is when the actual trek to the top begins. Well, you can take pictures of course but just be decent enough. On the side, you can buy candle and offer a prayer.

The Last Supper
Trek starts here

Stations of the Cross
       En route to the hilltop and at the hilltop itself you will be glad to see the 14 Stations of the Cross represented in a life-sized, three dimensional concrete statues where you can offer a prayer as you are reminded of the life, the passion, and death of Jesus Christ. During Lenten Season, the hill is favorite pilgrimage site.





 Flora
       The hill is covered by different species of trees, flowering and non-flowering plants. Pineapples and bananas were also being grown on the slopes seasonally. During summer, the crater and the slopes of the hill turns into a vast sunflower farm so much to the delight of the visitors. It's paradise!






Fauna
    In addition to the huge collection of floras, some faunas are also present. A mini zoo can be found in some parts of the hilltop and the crater. Deers, eagles and owls to mention some are to be found.



Unparalleled Views
    It may be quite tiring to reach the summit and then traverse the circular walkways on the hilltop but it'll be utterly worth it. The views from the top is just so relaxing and panoramic. You can see the whole of Ligao City, Oas, Polangui, parts of Guinobatan and the Albay's mountain ranges. It is also one of the few spots I know where you can view the province's "Tulong Bulod" (Three Mountains) which goes by the names Malinao, Masaraga and the feisty and ever beautiful Mayon. But to my disappointment, Mayon is hiding in thick clouds when I visit.



Mount Masaraga (right) and Mount Malinao (left, background)

 Recreational Facilities
     The hill is perfect picnic place. Aside from the vast lawns on top, there are also huts where you can rest and eat. One can just bring a mat or blanket and some foods and you are bound to an ultimate picnic experience on top of the hill. Moreover, recreational facilities are to be found too. You can rent an All Terrain Vehicle if you're fond of the extreme sport. Obstacle courses like that of a military can be enjoyed as well.

Bambusetum
        See Bambusetum blog HERE.

Sunflower Farm
       As I mentioned above, parts of the hill turns into a sunflower farm during summer. Well, Ligao is called the Sunflower City. A festival is also being celebrated in honor of the lovely flower.

Entrance
       Kawa-Kawa is for you, for me, and for everyone. It's totally free.

Other Facilities
       Souevenir shops and restaurants can be found at the foot of the hill. There are also few store on top of the hill which sells beverages and snacks. Comfort rooms are also available.

How to get there?
     Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park is located in Tuburan Ligao City, Albay. To get there, if you're coming from Oas or Polangui town, take the jeep bound to Legazpi and tell the driver to drop you off at Kawa-Kawa. If you're coming from Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi, take the jeep going to Polangui/Oas/Ligao and tell the driver the same. From where the driver dropped you off, there are tricycles that can take you to the foot of the hill.
Mga etiketa:

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