A Summer Glimpse Of Sorsogon Province (Episode 6)

After that "not-too-heavy-not-too-light" breakfast, "side-dished" with jokes and all-out laughter, we left Mateo Hot & Cold Springs Resort, Brgy. Monbon, Irosin, Sorsogon about 8:46 A.M., bound for Route 5 - Matnog, Sorsogon.

Matnog is a third class municipality in the province of Sorsogon. It lies at the southernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula of Luzon Island.

Local elders say that the name Matnog comes from the word "matonog" (very audible) - that describes to the loud sound of the waves. The native people of Matnog are the Agta, Tabangon, and Cimaron Tribe. The site of one of the busiest seaports in the Philippines, it is the jump off point to the Visayas and Mindanao.

A consortium of Filipino and Japanese investors are leading the establishment of an Ecological Model City or Eco City in this town. The "Eco City" is a 50-hectare development zone which will feature eco-friendly industrial and manufacturing plants. It will include an international airport to be built inside the zone.

Transportation includes buses going to and from Metro Manila and Bulan, Sorsogon and ferries going to and from Allen, Northern Samar and/or San Isidro, Northern Samar.

We arrived at Matnog Tourism Office (MTO), after about an hour drive from Irosin, to register for the island hopping - i.e., Tikling Beach, Juag Fish Sanctuary, Subic Beach, and Calintaan Caves - and booking of sea transport - motorized banca.  Personally, I would like to commend the staff of MTO for the hospitality and fast accommodation.

We had our lunch at Subic Beach and after passing Calintaan Caves, we were on our way back home to Polangui, Albay, about 2:30 P.M., from Matnog Ferry Terminal.

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Batch '68 for the warmest welcome you gave to me, after not seeing you for 49 long years.  Truly, it's an amazing experience with you, GUYS! - Miles

THE GOOD NEWS
On-Traack

A Summer Glimpse Of Sorsogon Province (Episode 5)

We left Bulusan Volcano Natural Park about 6:35 P.M. bound for Route 4 - Mateo Hot & Cold Springs Resort at Brgy. Monbon, Irosin, Sorsogon - where we will stay overnight.

It was a very stressful day; so, we just took our supper at a cottage by the pool [because it's a no-no to eat inside, and even at the porch, of your checked-in room].  After which, the usual bedtime routine.  We did our thing in the morning of the second day (18th of April) of the escapade.

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

Irosin is a second class municipality in the province of Sorsogon.  It is the only land-locked municipality of the province.

Irosin has many potential tourist spots varying from natural parks, hot and cold springs, viewing areas and historical landmark. The famous tourism attractions in the municipality are the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort, St. Michael Archangel Roman Catholic Hilltop Church and protected areas. The Bolos Crystal Spring and the Valley View Park where eateries, kiosks and parking spaces were set up had become a rest area for truckers and travelers plying the Maharlika Highway. Another potential tourist attraction is the Mapaso mineral hot spring famous for its purported healing qualities. Irosin is an ideal jump-off site for mountaineering and ecological trek that is becoming popular among tourists both foreign and local. The municipality is an entry and exit area to Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, one of the remaining tropical forests and is a protected area in the Bicol Region. Mount Jormajam and Mount Mara-ot Banwa are the other alternative places for mountaineering and ecological trekking.

The most common cultural activities in the municipality are the annual santacruzan, barangay fiestas and town fiesta where Paray Festival is showcased. The Paray Festival in September culminates with the street play Viva San Miguel, celebrated in honor of Saint Michael Archangel, the patron saint of Irosin.  [End of Episode 5]

[Coming soon Episode 6]

THE GOOD NEWS
On-Track

A Summer Glimpse Of Sorsogon Province (Episode 4)

From Barcelona, Sorsogon, we jumped off for Route 3 - Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, Bulusan, Sorsogon, about 5:45 P.M., still the first day.

The Bulusan Volcano Natural Park is a 3,673-hectare (9,080-acre) protected area of rainforest surrounding Mount Bulusan in the Philippines. It was first designated as a National Park by Proclamation No. 811 on June 7, 1935. Under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) of 1992 managed by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR), the park was reclassified as a Natural Park by Proclamation No. 421 on November 27, 2000. The area features the volcano itself, the Bulusan Lake, the two other mountains known as the Sharp Peak and Hormahan and Lake Aguingay . The Park is located at the south central part of Sorsogon Province, bounded by five municipalities such as Bulusan, Barcelona, Irosin, Juban and Casiguran.

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

As the natural habitats declined over the years as a result of extensive kaingin, heavy hunting, and human settling, cooperating municipalities especially Bulusan and Irosin joined hands in responding to conservation efforts. Plans have been drawn with the support from DENR, local communities, local government units, non-government organizations and concerned citizens for the rehabilitation of affected areas and protection of still remaining untouched forests. Eco-tourism has been encouraged to give more job to the locals to limit the use of produce found in the park.  [End of Episode 4]

[Coming soon Episode 5]

THE GOOD NEWS
On-Track

A Summer Glimpse Of Sorsogon Province (Episode 3)

We left Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp about 4:45 P.M. of the same day; and, made a stop over in Barcelona, Sorsogon, before going to Route 3 - Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, Bulusan, Sorsogon.

Barcelona is a fifth class municipality in Sorsogon Province, Philippines, bounded by Gubat in the north, Bulusan in the south, Casiguran in the west and Pacific Ocean in the east.

The site of Barcelona was originally part of Gubat and Bulusan. The town's name was known as Danlog, taken from the name of a local river. The change of name to Barcelona was recommended by a Spanish official that saw some similarities with Barcelona, Catalonia (Spain).  Until 1868, it was part of the parish of St. James the Great of Bulusan. After 1868, it took St. Joseph as its patron saint and celebrates their town fiesta on May 19.  On April 16, 1886, it became a pueblo civil.

Barcelona is best known for its abundant supply of coconuts, copra, and root crops such as sweet potato & cassava.  [End of Episode 3]

See pics at...web.facebook.com/miloarbo

[Coming soon Episode 4]

THE GOOD NEWS

On-Track

A Summer Glimpse Of Sorsogon Province (Episode 2)

In bound for Route 2 - Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp, Barangay Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon.  About 4:00 P.M., we arrived at the very natural place and experienced the well known Filipino hospitality and got an authentic glimpse of the simple life in the province, in a home away from home, right at the oceanfront, far away from traffic, pollution and stress. 

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

You can feel the beach vibe, breath in the fresh air, relax in the hammock area, go for a surf with the locals or enjoy a home-cooked meal while watching the sunset behind the palms.

Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp, is a non-profit organization consisting of young and passionate local volunteers.  The income (from the entrance fee, amenities, and other services) helps them to maintain and develop an even greener camp, makes it financially possible for the boys and girls of their community to go to school and college and helps to fund health and environment educational projects for the area.  [End of Episode 2]

See pics at...web.facebook.com/miloarbo

[Coming soon Episode 3]

THE GOOD NEWS
On-Track

A Summer Glimpse Of Sorsogon Province (Episode 1)

Sorsogon, is a province in the Philippines located in the Bicol Region (Region V). It is the southernmost province in Luzon and is subdivided into fourteen municipalities (towns) and one city. Its capital is Sorsogon City (formerly the towns of Sorsogon and Bacon) and borders the province of Albay to the north and the island province of Masbate to the southwest.

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

Sorsogon is at the tip of the Bicol Peninsula and faces the island of Samar to the southeast across the San Bernardino Strait and Ticao Island to the southwest. Sorsogueños is how the people of Sorsogon call themselves.

 

A 2-day escapade would give you a brief experience of some of the beautiful places in the province.

After attending the 12th Albay High School of Polangui - Polangui General Comprehensive High School (AHSP-PGCHS) General Reunion last 15 April 2017, Batch '68, for this year's get-together, had a summer glimpse of Sorsogon on the 17th and 18th of April.

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

We left Polangui, Albay at around 7:00 A.M. of the first day and passed by Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church (also Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church), commonly known as Daraga Church in Daraga, Albay for a moment; then, bound for Route 1 - Paguriran Island & Lagoon in Barangay Sawanga, Bacon, Sorsogon City.

See pics at... web.facebook.com/miloarbo

We took our lunch here and waited for the low tide (usually from noon time to early afternoon) to go, on foot, to the island - which is about 150-200 meters from the shoreline.  The lagoon is still of sea water where you can have a refreshing dip.  There is no entrance fee; only for the cottage where you can place all your stuff.  You can also stay overnight in an air-conditioned room - of course, for a charge. [End of Episode 1]

[Coming soon Episode 2]

THE GOOD NEWS

On-Track