Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Sorsogon Travel Agents
One of the advocates of eco-tourism in the Bicol Region is Sorsogon City. This third class city is located at the southernmost tip municipality in Luzon. Sorsogon City is considered to be the ‘Gateway to Southern Philippines’ and one of the leading cities in terms of urban lifestyle and economic progress.
Best Place for Eco-Tourism
If a tourist or a visitor is really inclined with nature or would just like to hang out with nature, then the province of is considered to be one big eco-tour destination. Eco-tourism is really a flourishing industry in Sorsogon. All the Eco-Tourism related activities and spots are within easy access with the seat of government and the capital situated in Sorsogon City. The Butanding or Whale Shark Interaction, one of the highly anticipated itineraries, is also included as a tourist package.
This interaction with these lovable sea critters could be experienced at the waters of Bacon District of Sorsogon City, Magallanes, Castilla, Pillar and Donsol. Checking out some exotic flora and fauna could happen at Mount Bulusan Natural Park and the captivating Buluan Mountain Lake Resort. Marine Sanctuaries and attractive dive sites also define what eco-tourism is all about in Sorsogon City. Numinous caves with mystical folk legends could also be explored. Sorsogon’s historical and cultural heritage could also be realized around the place because of the old historic ruins and churches that withstood the tests of time.
Summing it up, tourists or visitors could do a lot of things in Sorsogon City. From rigorous physical activities such as snorkeling, swimming, diving, etc., to just chilling it out and communing with the nature by the beach side, Sorsogon offers a total package of relaxing with wonders of nature.
The Sorsogon Adventure
Sorsogon City has a lot in store for its visitors and tourists who really are nature lovers. To keep up with the pace of the growing wave of eco-tourism in Sorsogon City, travel agencies are supported. One of the noted travel and tours agencies is the Whale Shark Adventure and Tours. They offer great adventure packages that will make a tourist’s stay very memorable. Most of their itineraries are aquatic related events such as snorkeling, diving and of course butanding or whale shark interaction.
Nature has its own way of giving relaxation and relief to tired and overly stressed bodies. Therefore it is a simple reminder to at least appreciate and respect Mother Nature. Sorsogon City has been a manifestation of a caring child for Mother Nature as the place promotes, preserves and improves the beauty of Mother Nature. Everybody is called to be a nature lover.
Sorsogon Transportation
Overview
The beautiful province of Sorsogon has stunning beaches and other tourist destinations that draw visitors to it. Hopping around the surrounding areas of Sorsogon is also very much possible with the ease and comfort that Sorsogon transportation provides. In fact, the different modes of Sorsogon transportation can be availed of by just about anyone and this is especially true for tourists. Knowing how to get to Sorsogon and around the city is a big plus especially if one is planning to cut down on vacationing expenses.
Getting to Sorsogon
Sorsogon can be found on the southernmost tip of the Luzon island and having said that, there are various modes of Sorsogon transportation that one can take to get to this province. For those who are coming from Manila and even Angeles City, there are two options to get here and these are via plane and via land. If one is coming from the southern part of the Philippines though, an option is to ride a ferry.
If one’s starting point is Manila and one is looking to avail of the cheapest mode of Sorsogon transportation, it would be wise to take the bus. The bus ride has two parts, the first of which will get one from Manila to Legazpi City. This bus ride will take about 10 to 12 hours and from Legazpi City, Sorsogon is accessible via another bus ride of less than an hour. The fare is less than Php1000 but if one wants to get there faster, there’s also the option of taking the plane.
Flying to Sorsogon is possible by hopping on a 45 minute flight from Manila to Legazpi City. Depending on the time of year that one travelled, there might be promotional offers that will bring down plane ticket rates to about Php1500. From Legazpi City, the only way to get to Sorsogon is to take the bus. The major airlines that transport people from Manila to Legazpi 3 to 4 times a week are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.
Getting Around Sorsogon City
The standard means of Sorsogon transportation are available once one is within the city limits such as jeepneys and tricycles. If one is making several stops at the town, the best mode of Sorsogon transportation would be the tricycle. Jeepneys are also an option and for those who need to go outside of Sorsgon’s perimeter, then there are the busses that traverse the national roads.
Sorsogon Festivals and Events
Sorsogon, like most provinces in the Philippines, have its own customs and traditions that are influenced by the nearby provinces. Many of the Sorsogon festivals and events are offshoots of Christian religious traditions and are given a local distinct variation.
Kasanggayahan Festival
The Kasanggayahan Festival, perhaps, is the largest celebration for the whole province of Sorsogon. Celebrated during the month of October every year, this festival is the commemoration of the declaration of Sorsogon as a province. Before Sorsogon became a province in the Bicol region, it used to be part of Albay, which is another province in the region.
This festival is included in the Department of Tourism’s list of festivals and celebrations in the Philippines. With the term “kasanggayahan” meaning prosperity, the festival showcases the local products including products from the pili tree and other agricultural products.
The Pantomina sa Tinampo is one of the features of the Kasanggayahan Festival that makes it different from the other thanksgiving festivals in the country. Pantomina sa Tinampo is a native regional dance, which is the dance of the doves. This pantomime (pantomina) dance of love and courtship is done on the streets (tinampo), because of which it was termed “Pantomina sa Tinampo.”
Pili Festival
Because pili products are bountiful in Sorsogon and in the rest of the Bicol region, it is easy to understand that the people of Sorsogon have devoted a festival that features this valuable nut. The Pili Festival is held every June 28-29, which are also the feast days of their patrons St. Peter and St. Paul.
Different dance groups composed of young men and women follows the beats of the percussion instruments as they show the different products that are made from the pili tree. These groups certainly prepares for this celebration as they have appropriate costumes and props to make their presentation more appealing, relevant and lively.
The most well known pili product is its nut, which is known to compete with macadamia nuts and almonds in terms of quality and distinct taste.
Holy Week Celebration
In addition to Christmas and the New Year, the commemoration of the Passion of Jesus Christ is also one of the most anticipated celebrations in the country. Although Christianity was brought to the Philippines by the Spanish colonizers, the Filipinos were able to make the Holy Week Celebration a local tradition through the incorporation of native practices and materials.
In Sorsogon, the locals come to the Cathedral of St. Peter and Saint Paul from which they start a barefoot procession as they take the statue of Jesus to the crucifixion.
Apart from these festivals, each municipality and town in Sorsogon celebrates their fiestas depending on the feast days of their patron saints. This is another way to showcase the culture and the products of the place and to thank God for their blessings.
Sorsogon Travel Guide
One of the tourist destinations in the southern region of the Philippines, Sorsogon province offers special places to all travelers and vacationers in the place. For people who are in search for the famous tourist attractions in Sorsogon, Philippines, they can always refer to Sorsogon travel guides since these feature hospitality service providers and restaurants where people can sleep and dine during their stay in the area. Additionally, the travel guides also offer instructions on how to get the famous tourist spots in the province.
Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions in Sorsogon, Philippines, are main features in Sorsogon travel guides. For those who like to have a tour to the famous spots in the province, they can always refer to the travel guides for detailed information on how to reach the natural attractions and manmade attractions in Sorsogon, Philippines. Hence, some of the natural attractions that are worth visiting in the province are Masacrot Springs, Palogtok Falls, and Paguriran Island. Meanwhile, for people who have interest in visiting manmade tourist spots in the area, they can always go to beautiful beach resorts, namely Dancalan Beach Resort, Rizal Beach Resort, and Libanon Beach Resort, or they can visit parks like Sorsogon Provincial Capitol Park, Bulusan National Park, as well as PNOC Eco-Park.
Hotels
After a tiring day traveling to the famous tourist destinations in the province, there are attractive hospitality service providers in Sorsogon, Philippines, where people can have a relaxing sleep. For those who are in search for lodges and inns that offer affordable accommodation rates, most Sorsogon travel guides offer information on any of these hospitality service providers, Manuel’s Lodging House, Saint Peter Lodging House, and Magtangob Lodging House. However, for those who prefer to stay in hotels, they can make advance reservations in Hotel Maria Concepcion, Hotel Olympus, and Central Hotel.
Restaurants
Dining is another feature in many Sorsogon travel guides. For tourists who like to dine in restaurants that offer delectable Filipino dishes, they can try the specialties of Kalundan Restaurant, Dahon Saging Restaurant, and Manoy’s Fastfood. In addition, there are fast food franchises that have affordable meals such as Jollibee, Mike and Jerry Fastfood, as well as Jane’s Fastfood. For the exact locations of these restaurants in Sorsogon, Philippines, they can refer to Sorsogon travel guides for them to easily find the dining places. With the attractive features of Sorsogon travel guides, tourists can surely have a worry-free vacation in one of the beautiful provinces of the Philippines, Sorsogon.
Sorsogon Hospitals and Health Care
Sorsogon is one of the provinces in the Philippines that people should pass by if they will travel from Luzon to Visayas. To address the health problems experienced by residents in the area, numerous public and private Sorsogon hospitals and health care were established and opened. Some of the governmental institutions that people can visit if they need medical help are the Andres Bonifacio Memorial Hospital as well as the Irosin District Hospital. Individuals who prefer to be admitted in private medical establishments can always go to the Saint Peter and Paul Hospital.
Andres Bonifacio Memorial Hospital
This medical establishment is situated at the City of Trece Martirez in Casiguran. As one of the public health care units in Sorsogon, it provides free medical assistance programs to local people. Aside from free consultations, this institution offers discounted medical supplies and medicines to patients who cannot afford to pay costly medical bills. To ensure patients of good quality services, the institute hires registered and competitive physicians who will help them. For emergency cases, this health care establishment has a spacious emergency room where patients with serious health conditions can be treated immediately.
Irosin Distric Hospital
Irosin District Hospital is another public health care unit that can be found in the province of Sorsogon. Since it is situated along Maharlika Highway at San Pedro in Irosin, patients will not have a hard time finding this medical establishment. To help patients who need immediate medical assistance, it assigns responsible, competitive and reliable health care staff at the emergency room. In addition to this, this institute has laboratory facilities that are useful in identifying the cause of health problems that are commonly experienced by patients. The other facilities that patients can see at this health care establishment are wards, private rooms and an outpatient section.
Saint Peter and Paul Hospital
To serve individuals who like to be admitted and treated in any of the private Sorsogon hospitals and health care facilities, the city government of Sorsogon approved the opening of Saint Peter and Paul Hospital. As a private medical establishment, people can expect efficient and good quality services at this place. The rooms are air-conditioned and the outpatient area is well-ventilated. Consultation fees at this place range from 200 pesos to 400 pesos. Additionally, patients can ask their physicians for discounts to lessen their medical bills. Moreover, this institute is willing to make special arrangements with healthcard holders. Located along T. Dino Highway at Balogo in Sorsogon City, the establishment is accessible to the various modes of land transportation available in the area. For immediate medical help, patients can call the staff of this health care unit at (056) 211-1035.
Sorsogon Education
Dubbed as the ‘Gateway to Southern Philippines,’ the City of Sorsogon is very proud to present a number of colleges and universities, where students are guaranteed to experience superior quality education. All of these academic establishments contribute greatly to the overall success and development of a good Sorsogon education system.
WRI Computer College
Specializing in the area of information technology, people can find WRI Computer College at Esperanza Building, just along Gogon Street in the area of Bibincahan. The school aims to cultivate the potential skills of its students through its comprehensive academic programs. There are several two-year courses available including Computer Secretarial and Computer Programming. Furthermore, there are also much shorter programs available inside this school such as the Certificate in Software Development and the Professional Caregiver Course.
Veritas College of Irosin
An accredited tertiary school that focuses on the field of technology, Veritas College of Irosin is found within Barangay San Julian, which is still part of the efficient Sorsogon education system. After graduating from this college, students can expect to become globally competitive individuals, especially when it comes to the workplace. It provides technical courses like Electrical Technology, Electronic Data Processing and Automotive Technology, each of which takes only two years to finish. In addition, this college also offers short computer technology courses such as Data Encoding.
Sorsogon National Agricultural School
Aside from focusing on the importance of agriculture in society, Sorsogon National Agricultural School provides people with highly affordable but good quality education. For individuals who wish to enroll in technical courses, the available options include Farm Tool and Welding Fabrication, Agribusiness Technology as well as Automotive Technology. For students who do not have enough money to study, they can apply for various kinds of scholarships. This is the best option for highly skilled and intellectual students who are encountering financial problems.
Solis Institute of Technology
Another good tertiary school that focuses on technical courses, Solis Institute of Technology is found within the area of Managa-naga, which is part of the Bulan municipality. Just like all the budget schools out there, this place provides good quality education at highly reasonable rates. Some of most popular courses available here are Computer Secretarial, Information Technology and Computer Hardware Servicing. People are guaranteed to learn a lot from this school because it has passed the strict accreditation standards of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, or simply TESDA.
Bicol University Extension
One of the topnotch educational institutions in the province of Sorsogon, Bicol University has established an extension campus within the area of Gubat. Just like its main campus, this place offers interesting academic programs and courses including the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology.
Sorsogon Government Sites
‘Dagos Tabi!’
This simple phrase is an expression of the warmest and friendliest expression of Bicolanos (natives of Bicol Region) conveying ‘You are most welcome, please come in!’ A visit to the place of Bicolandia would never be considered complete without a communion with Mother Nature and the best place to do that is by going and staying at Sorsogon City. The city boosts and takes pride of its eco-tourism package. The presence of wonderful marine environment (blessed with Whale Sharks or Butandings, marine sanctuaries and best beaches) and Mount Bulusan Natural Park that is full of striking flora and fauna. For these reasons, tourists can enjoy land and aquatic activities such as hiking, biking, mountain climbing, spelunking, beachcombing, sunbathing, islang-hopping, boating, swimming, sport fishing, snorkeling and SCUBA diving.
Reasons to Celebrate in Sorsogon City
There are a lot of reasons why the locals of the city of Sorsogon have a lot of festivals or feast the whole year round. These fiestas have cultural and religious heritage that explain and express what Sorsogon City is all about. The Hin-ay Festival is commemorated in honor of St.Michael the Archangel in the town of Irosin. Beauty pageant, food festival and trade fairs are some of the noted activities during the fiesta. Every second week of the month of June, the Ginubat Festival is being held at the town of Gubat. The highlight of the said event is the street dance down the streets of the town defined by dancers in colorful attires. A long fluvial parade or procession is the highlight of the Butanding Arribada Festival. The feast is held to welcome the return of the Whale Sharks or Butanding. The town of Bulan is on a festive mode every May as they celebrate the Padaraw Festival. Creative street dancing and ethnic music are some noted activities as forms of thanksgiving to God’s goodness. In honor of Saints Paul and Peter, the Pili Festival is being celebrated every 28-29th of June annually. In commemoration of the foundation of Sorsogon as a province, the Kasanggayahan Festival is being observed. This is Sorsogon-wide festival and Sorsogon City is the focal point of activities. This feast showcases how Sorsogon as a province had prospered and developed throughout the years (kasanggayahan, Bicol word for prosperity or abundance).
The City of Sorsogon and Promoting their Eco-Tourism
For the past years up to the present, the economic development of Sorsogon City and the province itself strongly relies on its Eco-Tourism. The influx of people all over the Philippines and around the world has contributed to its commercial stability. The local government of Sorsogon City, with the help of their official website (http://www.sorsogontourism.com/) tries to make the wonders of Sorsogon City accessible through the World Wide Web. The website is definitely the first thing a tourist should check for information and possible assistance. The Land of Kasanggayahan is definitely just a few clicks away.
Sorsogon Hotels and Resorts
Overview
The Bicol Region is the province where Sorsogon can be found and it has 14 towns, the capital city being Sorsogon City. Because the Bicol region is quite a distance from Manila, when staying in this area it’s a good idea to find a hotel where one can stay at that will be mindful of all of one’s needs.
Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon
Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon is found in Bacon District which is an hour drive from Legazpi City. This hotel has been built on an expansive lot and facilities include a gym, business center, swimming pool and because it is so near the beach, diving is an activity that is commonly done here. The Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon is a 5-star hotel and they also offer massage and spa services. Booking online is available through their website with instant confirmation. Aside from the great services they provide, food is excellent at the Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon and there is room service available no matter what time of day. Since this hotel is a distance from the capital city, transportation can be arranged with front desk for a trip to the town and they also offer package tours. Room rates at Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon start at Php 3000 during off peak while during peak season the deluxe room rate is Php 5000.
Villa Isabel
However, if something closer to Sorsogon City is what one needs, then something that’s a little closer to it compared to Sirangan Beach Resort Sorsogon is Villa Isabel. Villa Isabel is actually just a small hotel with only 10 rooms and this means that their team is more dedicated to upgrading the service they provide their guests. Villa Isabel is right in the heart of Sorsogon City on Flores Street in Burabod. From the outside, this hotel looks like a very big house, a hacienda to be precise, and among the activities they are able to offer their guests are package tours and whale shark interaction. Villa Isabel is also a favorite among locals for events such as weddings and birthdays since their packages are very affordable, starting at Php 300 per head. The amenities of Villa Isabel include a bar where aside from the cocktails that they serve, one can karaoke one’s favorite songs. The banquet hall has a very romantic atmosphere. The rooms at Villa Isabel are tastefully furnished, modern, fully air conditioned with functioning hot and cold showers and the rates start at Php 200 per night.
Sorsogon Shopping
Because Sorsogon is has a wide agricultural area and long shorelines, its products are a combination of those coming from the farms and those come from the sea. Thus, the province provides many options for people of different tastes and lifestyles.
Pili Nut
The pili nut is one of the most popular products of the Bicol region. Almost every province and municipality in the region has their way of preparing food products from this nut. The most common pili preparations are the sugarcoated pili nuts and the pili candies. You will also find pili tarts that are being sold in near Sorsogon tourist spots.
Rice
Rice is a staple food in the Philippines and many of the agricultural areas in the country cultivate rice to support the demands of the population. During your travel to Sorsogon, you are likely to find that many of the inland areas are utilized as farms for rice and crops. You will find palays being dried near the roads.
Food Products from Coconuts
Coconuts are also abundant agricultural products in Sorsogon. It is known to most people that there are many products that may be processed from the coconut tree. The fruit may be eaten fresh and the juice may be served as refreshments. The stem may be processed into coco lumber that is used for furniture and houses. The leaves may be used as broomsticks. Some handicrafts may also be made from coconut products.
Before you leave Sorsogon, one of the coconut products that you must try is the wine made from the juice of the fruit. It has a unique character that you will want to take home some bottles so that your friends can also try it.
Seafoods
Because the province of Sorsogon is bordered waters, the province is also rich in seafood products that are cooked the traditional way. Local fishes, mud crabs, blue crabs and prawns are usually cooked in gata (coconut milk) and spiced with the local sili (pepper).
Upon knowing what the local products of Sorsogon are, it is hard to resist not being able to try them or to take some home with you. The best way to find a selection of quality Sorsogon products is to come to local public market. There, the products are less expensive than if you purchase them near the tourist destinations, bus stops and ports. If you intend to buy quantities of products, don’t forget to try asking for a discount.
Sorsogon Destination Guides
Overview
The economic boom of Sorsogon the past couple of years has led to more businesses relocating to this area and more revenue for the local government. What’s good though about this region is that despite the economic advances it has made, it remains true to its heritage and many Sorsogon destinations are being taken care of by the government and preserved.
Rizal Beach
The province of Sorsogon has its share of magnificent and picturesque beaches that are not like other beaches in the Philippines. Take for instance Rizal Beach which is the most well known Sorsogon destination when it comes to beaches. Found in Gubat, Rizal Beach is about half an hour drive from the city itself and this long stretch of fine white sand makes it a great picnic location for locals and visitors. Rizal Beach has a line of small hotels and resorts that are affordable so in case one is thinking about spending a night or two here, it’s very possible. Day trips to Rizal Beach can also be made by families who just want to enjoy being outdoors or couples who just want to spend a romantic afternoon together. What’s good about this Sorsogon destination is that to go to Rizal Beach will not cost one anything unless of course one opts to stay in one of the resorts. If one wants to do some water sports aside from swimming, the resorts here have equipment for rent to both guests and non-guests.
Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort
Veering away from beaches but still on the topic of water and swimming, Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort is a great Sorsogon destination found in Irosin. Although Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort is in essence a hotel, day trippers are welcome to enjoy the hot and cold springs. It’s actually rare to find both hot and cold springs in one Sorsogon destination so going here is definitely a unique experience and a very relaxing one at that. Many believe that the hot springs at the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort have therapeutic effects but although no one is one hundred percent certain whether it does, it is still very relaxing to just take a dip in it. The hot water at the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort comes from a nearby volcano, Bulusan Volcano. This Sorosogon destination is very famous in the region because there is no place that even comes close to what the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort offers.
