Retracing Daraga
Daraga, Albay was exactly where we usually stay when in Bicol during summers. We had cousins there (who are now mostly in Manila). And just in the neighbourhood is the remarkable Daraga Church properly named as Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church. This Roman Catholic church standing on a scenic hill was built in 1772. Several sections of the church were declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2007.
Coming back here on our third day on assignment, I fondly saw myself running around the church during my childhood days and ending up looking at Mt Mayon in amazement. The church may look spruced up with its newly painted white facade, the grounds have better paved roads and new establishments overlooking the municipality and Mt Mayon but the look of awe haven’t changed. There’s comfort in the familiarity yet movement in the changes. It good to be back in Albay.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
