by Joana May Bellen
A lot of people tend to visit certain places where they can unwind and relieve themselves from stress and overflowing concerns. As part of the Gen Z, I am aware and I admit that our generation is the ultimate source of this trend. And yes, count me in! I love to explore and go to new adventures by visiting different destination to escape negativity, worries, and melancholic days in my life.
I remember those days in the midst of pandemic, we felt like we are prisoned in our own home and there are many limitations place on our shoulders. We are not allowed to go out unless we have a very crucial purpose to do outside of our house. Honestly, the months that have passed seems like it was just 2 weeks of our existence because there’s always a feeling of phlegmatic, isolation and at the same time, idleness. Every day I woke up, I wished that everything returns to its normal place. And thankfully, somehow it was granted. One day, the tie in our hands were loosened. We are slowly getting our right and freedom to live on the outside world and leave behind the four corners of our room.
That was the time when I insisted that we should at least go somewhere to unwind. At first, no one in my family countenanced my idea because they know that it will only cost us a lot. But soon, my parents realized that maybe I needed it to take a break since I was too occupied doing my school works. Eventually, my brother together with his friends planned a road trip. Although, they are a group of men, I didn’t hesitate to asked my mother’s approval to join them and thankfully she said yes. I was so happy to the point that I even give up my money just to add it for the expenses of gasoline. We ended up visiting one of the prominent tourist attraction in Albay, the “CAGRARAY ECO PARK”. This place is known for its magnificent and superb view of nature and the remarkable structure inside of the park. Two of the best attraction here is the big amphitheater and the exceptional chapel. I never imagined that if it’s not in the midst of pandemic, I will not be able to visit this tourist attraction for the first time. Actually, it is situated in our municipality, in one of the barangay island here in Bacacay, Albay.
Once you said a tourist attraction, the first thing you should expect is that it has an entrance fee. Speaking of, I remembered how we absent-mindedly entered the location of the park and forgot to pay in the gate. We were so fast because we are still riding on motorcycles but all of the drivers have stopped when everyone of us heard someone shouted from behind and made us stop. At first we are clueless why that person yell which made us all stop and stare at her. But when the lady opened her palm and stretched it in front of us, we all realize our mistake. We all laughed and got embarrassed at the same time. Well, that was one of the unforgettable moments I bear in mind as I ended my first visit in Eco Park.Fast forward. Recently, just a week ago, I once again have the opportunity to visit the known park in our area. Nothing has changed, wherever your eyes look, it will be filled with mesmerizing and breathtaking views. For the record, it was my second-time visit so I didn’t let any minute to be just a waste of time. This time, I took a lot of photos since I am with my brother who have a photography skill to make me look taller in photos. Honestly speaking, every corner of this eco park is instagrammable and picture perfect!
The Lit Creatives 