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I needed to take a breather from what was happening around me. It has also been a while since I last went on a solo backpacking trip and getting lost in the Philippines. Armed with the drive to get another PH province checked out, I went off to explore a province that has been on my list for years - Sorsogon!!! My first stop is its rising capital… Sorsogon City.  Finally conquered my 69th province... Sorsogon! Located at the center of the province, Sorsogon City is dubbed as the “Gateway to Southern Philippines”. Excavations in Bacon and in the upper streams of Sorsogon rivers have showed human settlements that pre-dates the arrival of the Spaniards in the area. Originally, Bacon and Sorsogon was a separate visita. It was merged in 2000 to create Sorsogon City. The city is now one of the emerging cities with its growing population and a vibrant economic climate. Museo Sorsogon Inaugurated and opened in 2021, the Museo Sorsogon serves as a repository of the province’s history and culture. This was going to be my first stop in my #GOT69Sorsogon travel. The museum is housed at the former provincial jailhouse building. It gave me a brief of the province and the destinations I intend to visit.
The building is the restored Old Provincial Jail of Sorsogon. It was renovated and adoptedly reused with its original structure largely retained. The first floor used to be the jail house while the second floor use to house the Court of First Instance. Its American-colonial architecture is largely intact even after it was renovated. It is considered an Important Cultural Property of the province.
The museum is divided into 10 galleries that will introduce you to the province and will walk you through the different time period of Sorsogon - from pre-Hispanic periods to its recent history. It is a repository of artifacts from the past that showcases the resiliency and bravery of the Sorsoganons. It also briefs you on its development as an economic capital and the products that it has been known for. All this information with the historical structure as its backdrop. Sorsogon Provincial Capitol and Rizal Park At the heart of the city is the Sorsogon Provincial Capitol - the center of governance of the province. The sprawling compound is complete with heritage buildings, open-space parks, and sporting facilities. This is one of the favorite early morning or late afternoon hangout spots of locals. Don’t be surprised if you also find young students practicing for their school presentations.  The Sorsogon Provincial Capitol is a sprawling complex with government offices, sports facilities, and parks. The Provincial Capitol Building was built and restored under a Neo-Classical architecture. It is considered as an Important Cultural Property for its heritage and historical value. It was restored during the term of Chiz Escudero as Governor and was re-opened in 2021 to the public. The structure stands sturdy and commanding at the heart of the city.
The Capitol Park is situated in front of the Capitol Building. The park is a sprawling open-space park complete with American-period fountains with images of female Sorsoganons with an empowered role in development. At the heart of the park is the Rizal Monument that was installed in 1923 to honor our national hero. The park can be as laidback on a Sunday morning or a buzzing space as locals enjoy a simple afternoon. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral (Sorsogon Cathedral) The Sorsogon Cathedral or the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Sorsogon. It was originally under the parish mission of Bacon and became an independent parish in 1628. It was declared a Cathedral and as the seat of the Diocese in 1951.  The St. Peter and Paul Cathedral serves as the seat of the Diocese of Sorsogon. The church was built facing the Sorsogon Bay. The original stone church was inaugurated in 1660 and the earthquake in 1954 prompted the parish to demolish and re-construct it under a neo-Gothic architecture. With its eclectic design, the two bell towers and its dome stand out on the skyline of the city. A carving of two keys and a sword is significantly emblazoned on the facade of the church.
The detailed designs on the facade extends to the interior of the church. The intricate ceiling designs and the pillars directs your attention to the altar. The retablo glows in gold with its intricate carvings. It is highlighted by the images of the Crucified Christ with two of the city’s patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul, standing adjacent to the image of Jesus Christ. Overall, the church blends in the urban landscape of Sorsogon and remains to keep a strong hold on the faith of the Sorsogonons. Rompeolas Lighthouse and Park A short distance from the church is a baywalk esplanade that has become an early morning and/or late afternoon hangout spot of locals. Rompeolas is a Spanish term for breakwater. The park was historically a beach area and a tourist destination because it provides an amazing view of the Sorsogon Bay with Mount Bulusan on the background. It was developed as an esplanade that comes to life in the late afternoon rolling on to the night.
Pinaculan Island is now connected to the baywalk with a concrete road. The lighthouse of the pier stands atop the hill of the island. The road network to the island now makes it accessible to explore the lighthouse and enjoy its views and sea breeze. Previously a hanging bridge was the means to get to the lighthouse. At present, only a short part of the road is still being constructed that would complete the planned road connection to the island and the lighthouse.
The port of Sorsogon is also the best spot to catch the sunset when you are in the city. The baywalk gives you a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and hills that stands between Legazpi and Sorsogon, the coastal areas on the east of the city, Mount Bulusan on the south, and an amazing afternoon sunset on the west. You get to enjoy the view of the setting sun while enjoying the sea breeze from Sorsogon Bay. Colosseum Sorsogon As the night starts setting in, you can hop on a trike and visit the Colosseum Sorsogon. This newly constructed structure is fast becoming an icon and attraction in the city. The colosseum is a sports venue with a seating capacity of 12,000. The site was originally where the Balogo Sports Complex. It hosted the 2023 Palarong Pambansa.  Colosseum Sorsogon is fast becoming a tourism attraction in the city. The Duterte Administration was instrumental in the re-development of the old complex to what it is now. It alloted Php887 million to the project that aims to improve development of young talents from the region and the country. It was ONLY inaugurated by the present administration this 2024. Far beyond being an attraction, the Colosseum Sorsogon is a legacy that aims to promote sports among the youth. Paguriran Island and Lagoon Paguriran Island and Lagoon is THE tourism icon of the SorCi. This island beach spot is popular for its island that is just a few meters from the mainland. It is so near that you can walk going to the island when the tide is low. This unique feature along the north coast of the city creates a small lagoon between Paguriran and mainland Sorsogon.  Paguriran Island and Lagoon is a beauty to behold. The spot facing the island is a simple resort with basic accommodations and picnic huts that dot the shoreline. As I was just there to enjoy the place in less than an hour, I opted to stay under the shade of a coconut tree and just enjoy the view and the feeling of being present in the moment. I took off my shoes and just enjoyed the feel of its powdery cream colored sand on my feet. It was a feast for the senses as I breathed in the breeze, felt the sand and sun on my skin, and enjoyed the cold waters on my feet.
Paguriran Island and Lagoon will also make you realize how big the city of Sorsogon is. The fastest and shortest was to get there is to ride an aircon bus to Prieto Diaz and then hire a motorcycle to this beach spot. The trike trip would be a good 30-minute ride on a paved road. Just make sure to make an arrangement with the trike driver to pick you up at a designated time because public transport in the area is a challenge. POST TRAVEL NOTES Sorsogon City is definitely a fast-rising economic destination that also values its rich history, culture, and natural resources. It is finally stepping out of the perfect-cone shadows to create its own unique brand of tourism - from heritage to high adrenalin activities to its natural attractions. The city gives you a taste of what the province is all about in a quick brief before you go to the details as you visit other Sorsogon destinations. The city is a one-stop destination kaya SorCi na!  Let's continue my Sorsogon adventure on my next blog. Similar to what I have shared with Mike, one of the curators of Museo Sorsogon, there are a lot of beautiful destinations in the Philippines that is often hiding behind the shadows of the more popular destinations. But when given the opportunity to showcase their brand of tourism, they are able to bring to the front what makes their destinations uniquely amazing. We should explore the Philippines more, not the usual destinations, but destinations that trigger your interest. Who knows you might be discovering a destination that will soon become a “superstar” destination. Watch out for the release of my Sorsogon City Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: There are regular flights from major airport hubs in the Philippines to the most scenic international airport in the Philippines, Daraga in Albay. You can then take a van from the airport to SM Legazpi where you can take another van to SM City Sorsogon. Tricycle and jeeps are the best was to get around the city. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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