Category Archives: PHILIPPINE PROVINCES

Mateo Hot and Cold Spring Resort (Irosin, Sorsogon)

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Mateo Hot and Cold Spring Resort

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our trek at Zoe’s Resort Adventure Park in Bulusan town, we were then driven 14.4 kms. (a 26-min. drive), via the Pan Philippine Highway/AH26 plus a rough road, to the rebranded Mateo Hot and Cold Spring Resort in the adjoining town of Irosin for some therapeutic swimming.

Check out “Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park”

Entrance pavilion

Formerly known  as San Benon Hot and Cold Springs (locals still call this place simply as San Benon), it is now owned and operated (starting April11, 2012) by ARAMARU Resort Corporation of Mr. Reyrold A. Mateo.  The resort was named the DDr. Eliseo Mateo, the original owner.

Located at the foot of 1,547 m. high Mt. Bulusan (one of the most active volcanoes in the world) in a forest 4 kms. northeast of the town, it has three man-made pools with a mixture of sulfuric, steaming (Hot Swimming Pool), lukewarm (Lukewarm Swimming Pool) and cool waters (Cold Pool).

Lukewarm Swimming Pool

This is a nice, well maintained place to balance and harmonize our body and mind, to unwind, relax, enjoy and find peace in a quiet and secluded place or just have a picnic with the family and friends during weekends and holidays.

Hot Swimming Pool

Hot jacuzzi

As I came from a trek to two waterfalls, I decided to soak myself in the natural hot spring. Soaking in its hot, crystal-clear waters have many health benefits.

Cold Pool

A good therapy, soaking in the heated pool is extremely beneficial to those who suffer from arthritis plus the buoyancy of the water relaxes the muscles (increasing their range in motion), supports and reduces stress on the joints (encouraging freer movement), and increases the heart rate (while lowering the blood pressure than raising it as does other forms of exercise) with less strain on the heart. A nice place to visit.

Picnic sheds

Picnic sheds

Mateo Hot and Cold Springs: Sitio San Benon, Brgy. Monbon, Irosin 4707, Sorsogon.  Open daily, 8AM -11 PM (weekdays), 8 AM-12 midnight (weekends).  Mobile number: (0948) 137-0098 (Ms. Jovy O. Fuellas) and (0909) 213-6152 (Ms. Jackie Lou F. Baeza). E-mail: aramaru2012@yahoo.com. Entrance fee: Php65 (day swim, 6 AM -5 PM), Php75 (night swim, 5 PM – 10 PM), Php25 (children below 4 ft.) and free (children 3 ft. and below).

You can also rent a cottage for Php 250 (small cottage, 20 pax), Php350 (big cottage, 30 pax), Php500 (Cottage #9 & #41, 35 pax), Php600 (Cottage #12, 30 pax), Php800 (Cottage #17 – #10, 40 pax),  Php700 (open cabana, 40 pax),  Php1,000 (cabana with fan #1, 45 pax),  Php1,100 (cabana with fan #2, 45 pax) and Php1,600 (Paulina, 60 pax).

Aircon room rates   for 2 pax: Php1,200 (overnight 12 hours, 6 PM – 6 AM) and  Php2,200 (overnight of 1 day, 2 PM – 12 noon).  Family room rates for 5 pax: : Php3,000 (overnight 12 hours, 6 PM – 6 AM) and  Php5,000 (overnight of 1 day, 2 PM – 12 noon). Aircon room rates for 4 pax: Php1,800 (overnight 12 hours, 6 PM – 6 AM) and  Php2,800 (overnight of 1 day, 2 PM – 12 noon).  Aircon room rates for 3 pax: Php1,500 (overnight 12 hours, 6 PM – 6 AM) and  Php2,500 (overnight of 1 day, 2 PM – 12 noon).

How to Get There: Irosin is located 556.4 kms. (a 12.5–hr. drive), via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26,  from Manila and 43.4 kms. (a 45–hr. drive), via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26,  from Sorsogon City.  From the Municipal Hall, the spring is a 10-15-min. drive.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Irosin Municipal Tourism Office: E-mail: tourism@irosin.gov.ph.  Website: www.tourism.irosin.gov.ph. Mobile number: (0977) 382-2298. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IrosinTourismOfficial

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

The Pili Haven (Irosin, Sorsogon)

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The Pili Haven

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our hike to two of three waterfalls at Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park in Bulusan, we again boarded our coaster for the short 9.3-km. (20-min.) drive to The Pili Haven along the highway in the adjoining town of Irosin.

Check out “Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park”

The Pili Haven, an agri-eco tourism site operated by Angkie Agri Enterprises, features everything about pili (Canarium ovatum), from its multiple uses to how they were processed and eaten. The pili tree, a low-maintenance crop, is the rarest nut in the world and the Bicol Region’s main produce.  It grows in rich volcanic soil. The Pili Haven has a beautiful view of Mt. Bulusan.

Pili tree (Canarium ovatum)

Upon arrival, we proceeded to their Resto Hut where a merienda awaited us.  Here, we were all welcomed by Ms. Myra Zandra Navarro-Gestida.  The brains behind Pili Haven, she was formerly an OFW working in Dubai who decided to return to the Philippines to take care of her mother who was diagnosed with amyitrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Myra also took over the already established but struggling Vicky’s Pili and Food Products.  The enterprise recovered and became even bigger.   In 2017, it was awarded as DTI Go Lokal! Top Seller.

Ms. Myra Zandra Navarro-Gestida

Lomi, a delicious and filling comfort food, was served to us was.  We also all tried out a delectable array of bili-based delicacies -pili tarts, mazapan de pili and pili macaroons.  We were also served their signature kalamansi-flavored lemonada de ricah, a sort of a margarita with Himalayan salt on the rim of the glass.

Resto Hut

Resto Hut also serves s other specialties made with local ingredients that feature pili oil such as spaghetti with oil, panic with pili, and others. They say that actress Heart Evangelista loves going to this restaurant.

Pili tarts

Mazapan de Pili

The place features a nursery for pili, a pili plantation, and a plant for the production of pili oil, pili sweets (Mazapan de Pili, Honeyed Pili, Sugar-coated Pili, Buding, Molido, Pili with Himalayan Salt, etc.), Pili Oil, and pili souvenir items.

An A-frame hut accommodation

Within the grounds is a restored red jeepney.  The first jeepney of the owners (Navarro family), it was used this as a transportation in the 1990’s to deliver pili en route to Irosin-Bulusan-Sorsogon.

An Instagrammable spot

They also have cottage rooms for accommodation and several Instagrammable sections for photo shoots and selfies. After our merienda and before departing The Pili Haven, some us shopped for some pasalubong at Vicky’s Pili and Food Products which sells local handicrafts, tea, juices (melon juice, pandan coco juice, etc.) and their other products.

Vicky’s Pili and Food Products

The Pili Haven also has a 24/7 commuters’ restaurant (Rapid Eats and Take-Away) that serves breakfast (spamsilog, cornsilog, mami, etc.), snacks and lunch and dinner (kinunot, ginataang langka, ginataang kalabaw, pork humba, igado, pakbet, chicken curry, pork sisig, Bicol express, tortang talong, kaldereta, pangat na isda, lumpia gulay, sinigang na bangus, paksiw na isda, ampalaya guisado, etc.) for travelers.

Rapid Eats and Take-Away

Arts & Craft Nook

Pili Haven: National Highway, Brgy. Gulang-Gulang,Irosin 4707, Sorsogon.  Mobile number: (0939) 907-5325 and (0945) 722-9182.  E-mail: thepilihaven@gmail.com.  Open 8 AM – 5 PM.

How to Get There: Irosin is located 556.4 kms. (a 12.5–hr. drive), via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26,  from Manila and 43.4 kms. (a 45–hr. drive), via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26,  from Sorsogon City.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Irosin Municipal Tourism Office: E-mail: tourism@irosin.gov.ph.  Website: www.tourism.irosin.gov.ph. Mobile number: (0977) 382-2298. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IrosinTourismOfficial

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park (Bulusan, Sorsogon)

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Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After lunch at Balay Buhay sa Uma Farm, we proceeded to the nearby Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park driving across a long rough road before getting to the resort.  This eco-tourism site, a 10-min. drive from Lake Bulusan, offers outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and laid-back facilities for visiting families and children.

Check out “Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm”

Here, we were to trek two (Kambal Busay and Hidden Falls) of their three waterfalls (the other is Hulugan Falls). A tour guide was assigned to us as we can get lost in the vast space inside Zoe’s Resort and the waterfalls are quite far from each other.

Getting to the jump-off point via tractor

At the main entrance, we were given the option to get to the jump-off point for the trek to Kambal Busay via tractor.  Most of the ladies chose this option while the rest (including me) just walked for about 5 mins..

SCAD Kapehan

Fresh buko being prepared for us at SCAD Kapehan

We soon reached Scad Kapehan, the resort’s al fresco cafeteria, where we were treated to fresh buko (coconut) juice. From the cafeteria, we could already hear the sound of and see, from up the stairs, Kambal Busay Falls.

View of Kambal Busay Falls from SCAD Kapehan

After this refreshing treat, I proceeded down the 119-step stairway (this would be Calvary on my return) that lead to Kambal Busay Falls.

My guide Ms. Rachel Romano at the 119-step stairway leading down to the falls

At the base of the stairway, I espied the beautiful, 30-ft. high Kambal Busay Falls in all its glory.  Its basin was quite safe to swim and some of us did so.  There was a rope that you can hold onto so you can stand directly under the falls.

Kambal Busay Falls.  The boulder in the middle cuts the falls into two, hence the name

The author at Kambal Busay Falls

To get to Hidden Falls, I had to hike much further (about 10-15 mins.), traversing cascades of water and slippery rocks and boulders.

Downstream from Kambal Busay Falls

Cascades of water along the trail to Hidden Falls

Literally hidden inside a cave-like entrance, the fall’s current is strong and pools into what looks like a deep basin.

Improvised walkways and handrails such as these made trekking to Hidden Falls much easier

A short set of wooden stairs and walkways with bamboo handrails led up to a huge boulder where I can take a peek of the waterfall.

The author resting along the way (photo: Ms. Joan April Chang)

The 23-ft. high Hulugan Falls, the last one and the farthest, is 1 km. (a 30-45-min. hike) away from the main entrance. In Irosin (where the falls is located), it called Naglahaw Falls (from the word naglalahao meaning “to fall down”) and its entry point is coming from Danao Irosin lake, a 10-15 min. hike. It is fed by several rivers and tributaries from nearby localities and even water from the crevices of Bulusan Volcano.

The author at Hidden Falls

For those who want to stay longer in the resort, Zoe’s Resort has different varieties of cottages: umbrella (Php250), casa (Php500) and hall. The halls are two casas combined cost between Php1, 500 – Php2, 000.  The resort also has two swimming pools (the Cold Spring and the Bloody Pool).  The one for the adults has a depth of 7 ft. and one for the kids has a depth of 3 ft.

Idyllic scenes such as these make you want to linger longer

Aside from the tractor ride (Php50 per pax), you can also try ATV (Php150 per 15 mins.) to the 3 waterfalls and bamboo rafting in their manmade lake (Php20 per pax).

One of the resort’s two swimming pools

Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park: Brgy. San Roque, Bulusan 4704, Sorsogon.  E-mail: zoesresort@gmail.com.  Mobile number: (0948) 620-7196 and (0919) 578- 4079. Open daily, 6 AM – 6 PM. Entrance fee: Php150/pax.  Tour guide fee: Php150 (for 2 pax) and Php350 (up to 10 pax).

How to Get There: Bulusan is located 557.3 kms. (a 13-hr. drive  via Pan Philippine Highway/AH26) from Manila and 44.5 kms. (a 55-min. drive) via the Junction Abuyog-Gubat-Ariman Rd., from Sorsogon City.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Bulusan Municipal Tourism Office: www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan.

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm (Bulusan, Sorsogon)

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Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our visit to Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center, we proceeded, on a short 2.8-km. (7-min.) drive, via Bulusan Lake Rd., to the secluded Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm for lunch. The 3-hectare Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm (literally meaning “house of farm life”), a combination of a resort, bee farm and restaurant, is located on the slopes of the 1,565 m. high Mt. Bulusan in a verdant area in Sorsogon.

Check out “Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center”

The ornately designed gate, a backdrop for group picture taking, welcomed us. Upon arrival, we walk through the trellis lined pathway planted with summer blooms of hyacinth and bougainvillea.

Dining Pavilion

After a good 10 minute walk, we arrived at a small pavilion (open till 5 PM) built with bamboo, wood and other native materials, where a well laid lunch buffet table featuring local Bicolano food was served.

The author (left) at the Dining Pavilion (photo: Mr. Marlon Atun)

 

Fare included healthy options consisting of Bicol dishes such as adobadong suso (boiled edible freshwater snails in coconut milk), tinolang manok, deep-fried tilapia, pork belly salad (lechon kawali with salted egg), enseladang pako and pipino plus fruits in season, all washed down by melon juice.

Pork belly salad

Adobadong Suso

Deep-fried tilapia

A good, very attractive, relaxing, refreshing and colorful place to stay, there’s no internet, no TV, just peace and quiet.  Its garden has so many plants, trees and flowers, as well as fish ponds.

For those who want to swim or escape the summer heat, there’s Batis sa Uma, a very refreshing and nice, mountain fed cold water swimming area located at the farther end of the bee farm.

The author at Batis sa Uma (photo: Mr. Marlon Atun)

Batis sa Uma

Picnic huts beside Batis sa Uma

Along the way, we passed through the scenic view of the bee hives located on both sides of the trail.

Bee colonies

As its name implies, the place has an amazing 2,400 colonies of stingless ligwan (Apis cerana) and pukyutan (Apis dorsata) bees.  The bee farm started in 2003 with 38 colonies of European honey bees (Alis mellifera) which did not do well in this climate. In 2004, they shifted to 5 colonies of indigenous stingless bees brought by slash and burn farmers.

During the December 2015 Typhoon Nona, many colonies were lost.  From these colonies, they harvest pollen (about 230 kgs. each year), propolis (about 180 kgs. each year) and honey (about 750 kgs. each year packed in 25 kg. containers).

To harvest pollen, they remove a coconut shell and take out the contents.  From the bee pots made of cerumen, they then take out the yellow-brown lumps of pollen.  In partial shade, they scatter the contents.

Red button ginger (Costus woodsonii)

The bees come, collect the cerumen (but not the pollen) and take it back to their hive. The pollen is dried for three days and then packaged in bags and sold to wholesale buyers.  The propolis, on the other hand, is just washed with water and dried.

Aside from swimming, other activities you can do here are fish feeding, gardening and honey tasting.

Orange Bauhinia (Kock’s Bauhinia)

Philippine Catmon (Palali)

Easter Lily Vine (Herald’s Trumpet)

The DOT-accredited agri-tourism farmsite also sells a lot of organic products such as wild honey, honey-based products (soap, lotion, shampoo, etc.), turmeric tea and even pili oil, all produced by the farm.

Native-style cottages

For those who want to stay overnight, there are small, quite nice, native-style cottage with balcony. The air is cool so you don’t even need to use the fan.

The farm resort also has a reception area where you can hold wedding banquets or seminars.

Salon de Floren

Salon de Ligwan – serves hot and cold coffee, pasta and fries

The author (left) at Salon de Ligwan

Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm: Purok Bacolod, Brgy, San Roque Bulusan, 4704 Sorsogon.  Tel: (02) 8986 4355.  E-mail: balaybuhaybeefarm@gmail.com. Website: www.balaybuhaysauma.com. Mobile number: (0910) 918-8599.  Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM.  Entrance fee: Php50 (if buying food) and Php100 (if touring). GPS coordinates: 12.73943,124.09711.

How to Get There: Bulusan is located 557.3 kms. (a 13-hr. drive  via Pan Philippine Highway/AH26) from Manila and 44.5 kms. (a 55-min. drive) via the Junction Abuyog-Gubat-Ariman Rd., from Sorsogon City.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Bulusan Municipal Tourism Office: www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan. 

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center (Sorsogon)

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Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our short stopover at Casiguran Settlement, we again boarded our coaster for the hour-long, 3.4 km. drive to Bulusan Lake in Bulusan town.  This would be my second visit to the lake, the first over ten years ago (June 26, 2012). Upon arrival, I was surprised by how much the park has improved since my first visit.

Check out “Casiguran Settlement” and “Eco-Friendly Kayaking at Lake Bulusan”

The new facilities include a 1,002.5-square meter, Php60 million Bulusan Lake Eco-Tourism Center to cater to tourists, with a road network and parking area.  Inaugurated, after a massive two-year restoration and rehabilitation, last March 5, 2022 by then Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Bulusan Mayor Michael Guysayko (with DOT Regional Director Herbie Aguas , DENR Bicol Director Francisco Milla, Jr. and other officials in attendance),  it is accredited by the Department of Tourism as a Tourism Recreation Center.

The author (left) on an E-jeep

The center has a registration booth, an alfresco coffee shop and a restaurant called Sagurong Restaurant, a spa massage spa, and a souvenir shop where one can buy pasalubong including local arts and crafts.

Lake Bulusan

 

Our coaster as well as other private vehicles are not allowed to enter the park so, from the Ecotourism Center, we all boarded e-jeeps (there are three available) that took us to the entrance to Bulusan Volcano National Park (dubbed as the “Switzerland of the Orient”), a 3,672-hectare protected landscape located at an elevation of 635 m. on the southeast flank of Mount Bulusan, an active stratovolcano, where Bulusan Lake, a small. Round crater lake, is nestled within.

For those who prefer to walk, the lake is a 20-30-min. hike. The natural park is also home to the Bulusan Eco-Adventours, which was launched coinciding with the blessing and inauguration of the tourism center.

Single and tandem kayaks for rent

The lake remained as peaceful and beautiful as I remembered it to be.  Aside from Lake Bulusan, the park also covers Lakes(Aguingay (where water accumulates during the rainy season) and Blackbird (found at the mountain’s crater) and its rainforests are home to endemic flora and fauna.

The upper view deck

Flora include the Forestia philippensis, Pinanga insignis and the newly discovered Schefflina bulusanicum (an aquatic plant) and Pronephrium bulusanicum (a type of fern); jade vine (Stronglylodon macrobothrys); ground orchids (Phojus tankervillea); tall, centuries-old tindalo (Afzeliarrhomboidea) trees and mountain agoho (Casuarina rumphiana).

Food bar and dining hall

Fauna found here include the Luzon Hornbill, Philippine Fairy Bluebird, Philippine Warty Pig, South Luzon Cloud Rat Spotted Wood Kingfisher, Philippine Frogmouth, etc.).

Imelda and I all suited up and ready to go kayaking….. (photo: Mr. Marlon Atun)

Multipurpose facilities were built near Bulusan Lake. They include a food bar or dining area with comfort rooms and ramps, waiting shed, souvenir shop, ticket booth and queue sheds.  However, its main feature was an upper view deck overlooking the lake which offers an overview of the lake and its surrounding mountains.

On our way…. ((photo: Mr. Marlon Atun)

Bulusan Lake was still a sight to behold. This emerald-green, still lake spans 16 hectares and is 33 m. deep.  As in the past, the best way to appreciate the beauty of the lake is to take a boat ride on the emerald green water.

Meeting up with a local fisherman

While the others enjoyed the surrounding from the park’s viewing deck, I geared up and rented kayak.  Five others rented a boat paddled by a guide.  Joining me at my two-seater kayak was fellow senior citizen Ms. Maria Imelda Favi. It was a tiring yet peaceful activity as we paddled our way around the lake, admiring the scenic and lush view of the surrounding rainforest.  In the middle of the lake, we met up with a local fishing for tilapia on his banca.  Check out our kayaking video here.

Paddle boating at the lake (photo: Ms. Joan April Chang)

Aside from boat riding, you can also try fishing and stand up paddleboarding.   You can also take a leisurely walk along the perimeter of the lake where the guides can help in pointing out interesting flora and fauna.

Bulusan Lake Ecotourism Center: Brgy. San Roque, Bulusan, Sorsogon.  Mobile number: (090) 505-0988. Facebook: www.facebook.com/bulusanlake  and www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan.

Admission: Php50 (adults), Php25 (student or Bulusan resident with valid ID) and free (senior citizen and PWD with valid ID).  Environmental fee: Php10.  Shuttle service: Php35. Eco-guides fee: Php150/hr.  Massage: Php250. Paddling guide for kayak and stand up paddleboading: Php100. Trekking: Php10/pax.  Boating: Php00 for five pax, inclusive of two paddlers.

Parking fees: Php20 (motorcycles), Php30 (tricycle), Php50 (cars/SUV), Php60 (jeepney/coaster), Php70 (truck) and Php150 (bus)

How to Get There: Bulusan is located 557.3 kms. (a 13-hr. drive  via Pan Philippine Highway/AH26) from Manila and 44.5 kms. (a 55-min. drive) via the Junction Abuyog-Gubat-Ariman Rd., from Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City, ride a jeep bound for Bulusan (1 hour). Then charter a tricycle to Bulusan Lake (about 15-20 minutes).

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Bulusan Municipal Tourism Office: www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan.

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Barcelona Ruins Park (Sorsogon)

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Barcelona Ruins Park

Part of the Sorsogon Countryside Tour

Across the road from the Church of St. Joseph the Worker, built along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, is the Barcelona Ruins Park.  Located here are the ruins of a school building (for children of wealthy “illustrados”), at te southeastern tip of the park, and the prominent, two storey “La Presidencia,” at the northwestern tip of the park.

Check out “Church of St. Joseph the Worker”

Ruins of the Presidencia

Also within the park is a modern, solar-powered lighthouse (erected in 1994 through a grant from the British government) and a “Barcelona SORSOGON” sign, a trend among towns, cities and landmarks this decade. A great place to relax and view the bay for the locals, at some of its areas, there’s free WiFi connection.

Built in 1874, the nearly century and a half La Presidencia was the seat of the Spanish Colonial-era gobernadorcillo (“little governor”). Massive in size, this structure also doubled as a watchtower and fortress against Moro pirate attack.

In the event of a retreat from the attacks, there was originally an underground tunnel leading to the aforementioned church but was closed to prevent thieves from accessing religious relics in the church.

The solar-powered lighthouse

During the Japanese Occupation in World War II, it was used by the Japanese as a garrison.  After the war, it was again used as the seat of the municipal government.

The park sea wall

However, a series of typhoons, ripped the building’s roof and the building was abandoned.  Today, it is a historical landmark of the town.

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS

The feeling of mystery makes vegetation in ruins more appealing and enjoyable to visitors but it is a known fact that vegetation causes physical damage and deterioration to standing structures in archaeological sites and monuments thereby increasing the risk of collapse and danger to those underneath.  I suggest removal of such greenery.

A new Spanish-inspired, two-storey municipal hall building was built in 2020.

The new Barcelona Municipal Hall

Barcelona Ruins Park: Poblacion Central, Barcelona, Sorsogon.

How to Get There: Barcelona is located 548.5 kms. (an 11.25-hour drive) from Manila and 27 kms. southeast of Sorsogon City.  From Sorsogon City, take a jeepney to Gubat then transfer to another jeepney at Barcelona.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Barcelona Municipal Tourism Office: mobile numbers (0908) 927-6481 and (0917) 348-7084.

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Church of St. Joseph the Worker (Barcelona, Sorsogon)

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Church of St. Joseph the Worker

Part of the Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After breakfast at Residencia del Hamor in Casiguran, we all boarded our coaster for the short 13.5-km. (20-min.) drive to the adjoining town of Barcelona.  Along the highway, we made a stopover at the fortress-like Church of St. Joseph the Worker.

The Baroque-style facade

Also known as Barcelona Church, the church was built in 1874 (during the term of Gobernadorcillo Juan Evasco) by Franciscan friars on a coral foundation.

The author at Barcelona Church

One of the oldest, most beautiful and well-preserved churches in the Bicol Region, it also has 1.5-meter thick walls made of hand-hewned anapog patched together by beaten egg whites mixed with lime and tuba (coconut wine).

Bas-relief indicating the year “1874”

From the church, an underground tunnel once lead to the town’s Spanish-era presidencia , across the street at the Barcelona Ruins Park, but it was closed to prevent thieves from accessing religious relics in the church.  Beside the church is Curia, a coffee shop.

Check out “Barcelona Ruins Park” 

The church’s historical plaque

AUTHOR’S NOTES

The Baroque two-level façade has a semicircular arched main entrance flanked by fluted pilasters and semicircular arched niches.

The second level has a statued niche, above which is a triangular pediment (above which is a square central bell tower flanked by a balustrade) with a centrally located oculus, flanked by circular windows.  Attention is focused on the central segment because of its advancing mass.

The church’s modern interior

The church has undergone several restoration works, the most recent being last May 2019. The church’s modern interior has beautiful stained glass windows and ceiling paintings,

The main altar area

Church of St. Joseph the Worker: Poblacion Central, Barcelona, Sorsogon. Feast of St. Joseph the Worker: May 19.

How to Get There: Barcelona is located 548.5 kms. (an 11.25-hour drive) from Manila and 27 kms. southeast of Sorsogon City.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Barcelona Municipal Tourism Office: mobile numbers (0908) 927-6481 and (0917) 348-7084.

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Casiguran Settlement (Sorsogon)

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Casiguran Settlement

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After breakfast and checking out at Villa Isabel Hotel in Sorsogon City, we again boarded our coaster for the short 22.5 km. (30 min.) drive to Casiguran town.  Accompanying us was Mr. Angel Ayala, the former Information and Tourism Officer of Casiguran.  Our destination was to be the Casiguran Settlement, a housing project of Gov. Jose Edwin “Boboy” B. Hamor when he was still mayor (2016-2022) of Casiguran.  The sight of a monumental, multi-arched portal along the road signaled our arrival at our destination.

A row of brightly painted, pastel colored housing units

Sitting on 14 hectares of land reclaimed from the sea, this settlement houses 500 plus units for informal settlers whose income mainly relies on fishing and farming.  Built in 2017, the LGU awarded one 35 sq. m. (5 by 7 m.), one-storey unit per family, giving them a more decent and spacious home within this well-regulated community. All the families need to do is pay 10 pesos per day for five years after which their units will be fully awarded to them.  They are not allowed to sell or rent out their units.

The monumental, multi-arched portal and Plaza Escudero

At the center of Casiguran Settlement is Plaza Escudero, a vast,, grassy open space for recreational activities such as biking, jogging and other exercise activities.  Here, we had a stunning view of the Sorsogon Range.  Opposite the monumental portal is the equally monumental Statue of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, modeled after the image of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, it serves as the community’s main attraction..  The statue sits atop a terraced mound and can be reached by a flight of steps.

Statue of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

Flanking these monumental structures are the housing units painted in bright, eye-catching pastel colors.  The Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is a few streets away from the Casiguran Settlement,

AUTHOR’S COMMENT:

With its monumental structures, vast open spaces and majestic and pleasant views of the mountains and the sea, the Casiguran Settlement has the potential to be a major tourist attraction and pilgrimage site of the town as well as the province.

Casiguran Settlement: Brgy. Central, Casiguran, Sorsogon.

How to Get There: Casiguran is located 537.9 kms. (a 12.5–hr. drive) from Manila and 23.2 kms. (a 30 min. drive) from Sorsogon City,  all via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. 

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Casiguran Tourism Office: www.facebook.com/LGU Casiguran Sorsogon. 

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel

Rompeolas Bay Walk (Sorsogon City, Sorsogon)

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Rompeolas Bay Walk.  In the foreground is the standee while in the background is the partially cloud-shrouded Mt. Bulusan

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our tour of the Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts, we were driven 4 kms. to Rompeolas Bay Walk.  Also known as the Sorsogon City Bay Walk, it is located along Sorsogon Bay.

Check out “Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts”

Splendido de Rompeolas

Our creamy halo-halo

Here, we had a merienda of creamy halo-halo at Splendido de Rompeolas Restobar & Grill, one of a number of restaurants at the Rompeolas Food Court that serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and merenda meals. It is being developed by the provincial government as a tourist zone.

Rompeolas Food Court

Sports Bar 83, Boardroom Snacks & Games Cafe

Its name was derived from the Spanish word romper meaning “where the waves cavort.” At Rompeolas, Pinaculan Island, the “Rompeolas Sorsogon City” standee as well as picturesque views of Sorsogon Bay and, on a clear day, Mount Bulusan can be seen from afar.

Sorsogon Pier

It also has a fairyland view of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, with its colorful, dome and pointed steeples.

View of the dome and spires of the Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral

The site of the old Sorsogon Pier (which juts into Sorsogon Bay), this pleasant, arrowhead-shaped promenade, with fresh sea air (especially in the morning), gets really crowded with students out on date, kids out on a day of fun (there is a playground), and those who just can’t get enough of the glorious and spectacular, reddish-orange  Sorsogon sunset over Pinaculan Island. It is also crowded during sunrise, with people exercising or jogging to start their day.

View of the sunset over Pinaculan Island from the causeway

The adjacent quiet, 3-hectare, tadpole-shaped Pinaculan Island, site of a lighthouse, was once only connected to the mainland, at Brgy. Bitan-o-Dalipay, during low tide.

Pinaculan Island

Today, it is now connected to the mainland via a causeway (built around 2012) and an aesthetically pleasing hanging bridge crossing over to Brgy. Bitan-o-Dalipay. 

The hanging bridge

On October 31, 2019, during Sorsogon’s Kasanggayahan Festival, a total of 7,127 Sorsogon residents, including Gov. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and his wife actress Heart Evangelista, performed the Pantomina sa Tinampo (the Bicolano courtship dance mimicking the movement of doves in  courtship) from Fatima Church to Bulwagan and Rompeolas Baywalk. In doing so, Sorsogon now holds a Guinness World Record for the largest Philippine folk dance. Swapnil Dangarikar of India, official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, witnessed the historic performance.

Pinaculan Lighthouse

The 4-lane, 5.52-km. long Sorsogon City Coastal Rd., opened last August 30, 2020, connects Rompeolas Bay Walk with Brgy. Balogo.  It bypasses Sorsogon City’s main thoroughfare along Maharlika Highway. Providing a pleasant view of Sorsogon’s coastline, it also doubles as a protection against storm surges.

 

Rompeolas Bay Walk: Brgy. Talisay, Sorsogon City 4700, Sorsogon. Coordinates 12.96481,124.0041.

Splendido de Rompeolas Restobar & Grill: Pier Site, Rompeolas, Brgy. Talisay, Sorsogon City 4700, Sorsogon. Mobile number: (0912) 105-9950.

How to Get There: Sorsogon City is located 517.5 kms. (a 12–hr. drive) from Manila via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. 

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel

Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts (Sorsogon City, Sorsogon)

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Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

The 2-storey, 2,638 sq. m., P77.6 million Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts (SCCA), also known as just the Sorsogon Cultural Center, is a state-of-the-art facility for audio and visual presentations.  It  is regarded as the second national cultural center of the Philippines, the first being the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Manila.

Inauguration plaque

A grand place to cover film and broadcast arts, as well as literary and visual arts, its presence will encourage local artists to pursue their passion through numerous workshops, seminars, anthologies, exhibits, symposia, competitions, and awards. It aims to establish good network among local and regional artists as well as cultural workers in the country. The center will also be a venue for local communities for organizing their leisure, providing opportunities for self-expression, initiatives and cultural education.

Mohri & P.A. Associates, Inc. was the consultant (site evaluation & analysis, architectural conceptual planning and design, detailed architectural and engineering design, and budgetary project cost estimates) for the theater. Construction of the venue began on October 16, 2017 and it was inaugurated on December 3, 2022.

Outdoor lounge lobby

The facility has a total seating capacity of 515 (338 seats on ground floor and 177 seats on the mid-floor level) and houses exhibit rooms, offices, an outdoor lobby, lounge lobby, vestibule, spectators’ area, orchestra pit and stage for performances and shows.

Lounge lobby ceiling

Run and managed by the Sorsogon Foundation for Culture and the Arts, it is itself distinct as it is shaped like a pili nut which makes it uniquely Sorsoganon.

Performance stage and lower seating area

Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts: Sorsogon City Government Complex Diversion Road, Brgy. Cabid-An, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.

How to Get There: Sorsogon City is located 517.5 kms. (a 12–hr. drive) from Manila via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. 

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel