The tale behind Mayon Volcano is as mythically colorful as the landscapes of Bicol itself—a story of tragedy in love and immortality after death. There are varying versions of the myth surrounding the majestic cone, but in one of the stories, it is said that there was once a maiden named Daragang Magayon, daughter of Makusog. Daragang Magayon, literally beautiful maiden, was so beautiful that men all over the land would want to get her hand in marriage, including the arrogant Pagtuga. Magayon, however, had been stingy in giving her attention to anyone.

One day, Magayon was bathing in the river when she started to drown. Panganoron passed by and having seen what was happening, rescued Magayon. He eventually started courting her, leading to their engagement.

Pagtuga learned of the relationship and he abducted Makusog, only to be released in exchange of Magayon’s hand in marriage. Upon hearing that, Panganoron rallied his own warriors and waged war against Pagtuga. Pagtuga was killed. Just as Magayon was running towards Panganoron, one of Pagtuga’s warrior shot an arrow to Panganoron, fatally wounding him. Magayon then took a knife tucked in Panganoron’s side. She shouted her beloved’s name before taking her own life.

Makusog buried the lovers together, and over time, a mound started to grow at the place where they were buried. That mound would grow to be Mayon Volcano.

Hawak ko pa mahal, itong ating punyal
Simula n[an]g itarak, lagi nang kaulayaw
Simula n[an]g dumaloy, dugo ng kamatayan 
Tangi[ ] kong kapiling, bulkang aking libingan

Lorna Salvosa Agpay,  Ang Pag Ibig Ni Daragang Magayon, 21 October 1999

The majesty of Mayon Volcano is the reflection of the myth of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron—serene in its beauty but intense in its wrath .Eruptions are frequent with devastating ones recorded in the past, the most famous of which was what happened in Cagsawa. Despite its temperament, people are naturally drawn to its beauty. People who visit Bicol did not really visit the region if they missed seeing Mayon.

We wanted to make the most out of our visit in Bicol, of course. As such, save for the Cagsawa Ruins which we have already visited in the past, we went to every location where Mayon could be seen from breathtaking angles, ones that would feel new to us. That was where FarmPlate came in, dubbed as the happiest place in Bicol.

The entrance and shop of FarmPlate.

A private farm turned tourist spot, FarmPlate started to gain popularity in the 2020s. It features different aesthetically designed structures along the hilly landscapes of Gabawan in Daraga, Albay, with the Mayon Volcano standing at its backdrop. It is a place of relaxation, perfect for families and friends, or a place to step back and reflect which is suitable for solitary travelers. With the emergence of social media that further boosts the popularity of FarmPlate, it has gained its spot in the tourism map of Bicolandia.

The first attraction that we visited in the farm was the Little Chapel of FarmPlate. It is an oratory that can seat a few, built in a cottage chapel design. The interior was rustic, with the images of The Lord, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Padre Pio in the altar area. True to being a chapel, it provides a serene, solemn place where people could spend time in silent prayer and reflection.

The exterior of the Little Chapel of FarmPlate.

After the time we spent in the chapel, we went on to explore more of FarmPlate. It has various attractions that are all picture-worthy, all complementing the theme of a rural environment accentuated by the iconic Mayon in the horizon beyond the lush greens.

FarmPlate Barn.

Kite flying atop the hill.

FarmPlate have gained a right to its slogan in a way not immediately apparent. The Happiest Place in Bicol. It is a very happy place because families and friends who go to that place make it rightfully so. It is a very happy place because Mayon Volcano formed the land and made it fertile, forming a haven where man and nature can co-exist with the latter having the upper hand. It is a very happy place because it is within the dominion of the abode of Magayon—a place endowed with a mythical tale as colorful as the verdant albeit sometimes ash-laden landscapes of Albay.

Noon came to pass and the afternoon has started crawling but there was still no sign of the sun. Despite the gloom, however, there was nothing gloomy with our journey. From our midnight journey’s first stop in Naga City, all the way to Sorsogon and then back in Albay, there was happiness despite the physical exhaustion. There was joy, and that was more than enough for us to carry on.