The days that were supposed to be my rest from my impromptu week-long sojourn through the northern parts of Luzon turned into another week of adventure at the opposite end of the island. The question that greeted me as I put down my bag: “We’re going off to Bicol in a few hours, wanna tag along?”

I could not say no. I was unpacking and repacking my bags, charging my cams, transferring photos, finishing odds and ends and before I knew it we were rolling towards Southern Luzon.

Five raging waterfalls, innumerable treks, a smoldering hot spring, one chilly cold spring resort, two beaches, a sprawling deer farm, one mountain, countless wakeboards, two awkward spills, and numerous local dishes; it was infinitely better than resting.