Last May my auntie invited us to go for a vacation in Bicol and I
immediately said YES because I am so missing my mother’s hometown in Barcelona
Sorsogon which I have visited 12 years ago. Our vacation also coincided with
the Barcelona’s town fiesta so felt like a grand reunion happened during our
stay where we met our relatives in our family tree. The feeling is so nostalgic. I felt personal
joy within myself that somehow i've come and seen again the place where once
upon a time my mom spends her childhood days.
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| Barcelona Sorsogon |
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| Barcelona Sorsogon |
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| Barcelona Sorsogon St. Joseph parish |
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| Barcelona Sorsogon St. Joseph parish |
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| Barcelona Sorsogon Sunset |
The big bonus during our vacation was an introduction to
some places I never expected Sorsogon province would have. Some of the new born
places for tourism that we have visited are the following:
1. Mount Bulusan Volcano National Park
Mount Bulusan is one of the active volcanoes in the
Philippines located in Sorsogon. This mystical volcano will surely capture
anyone’s attention with its evident magnificence. On this active volcano’s feet
lies Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, a nature sanctuary perfectly hidden in the
middle of a lush rainforest and a scenic lake as a centerpiece. The lake is one
of Sorsogon’s major attractions. According to locals this lake is perpetually
green because of the presence of algae and is surrounded by luxuriant trees
that contribute to an even greener landscape. Bulusan Lake is gradually
creating a name in tourism industry that's why tourist-friendly activities have
been introduced along the perimeter of the lake. Kayaking, boating and water
bikes while Hiking/trekking along the inner and outer crater are also offered
to more adventurous visitors.
2. Island Hopping in Matnog
Juag Lagoon is a fish sanctuary and lobster farm included in
the island hopping package in Matnog. It is like a real-life huge aquarium
where visitors can feed and swim with sea creatures. Fish feeding is done
through a raft and you must buy small fishes or pellets to feed huge
fishes. Fishes here are everywhere, of
different sizes and colors. Very noticeable in here are the huge groupers just
as big as a whole arm.
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| Matnog Island hopping |
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| This is how clear the water is while heading Juag Lagoon |
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| Juan lagoon Matnog |
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| Juan lagoon Matnog |
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| Juan lagoon Matnog |
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| Juan lagoon Matnog |
On the other hand, there is Subic Beach located in Subic
Daco, in Matnog Sorsogon. It is a 30-minute boat ride from Matnog, Sorsogon
Port. Tourist fee is 75 pesos per head and boat rental for island hopping is
1600php for day tour and 2000php for overnight. Subic beach is an unexplored
virgin island with pinkish sand, clear aquamarine waters, cool breeze air, and
a very tranquil atmosphere. It is known for its white sand with a touch of pink
because of crushed red corals. The tranquility of the place invites
travelers to frolic on the island’s pinkish-white beach or take a dip in the
placid, cold waters. Subic beach in Matnog Sorsogon is truly a hidden gem
of the province and we are so lucky to explore and enjoy this island at its
unspoiled state.
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| Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
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| Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
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| Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
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| Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
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| The clear and cold water of Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
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| Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
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| Subic beach Matnog Sorsogon |
3. Natural Springs
Masacrot Springs in Bulusan, Sorsogon is a flowing natural
cold spring with green lagoon. This body of water was surrounded by cool shade
of trees. Dipping into this cold spring was really refreshing! The soda water -
like taste of this cold spring was the reason why it's called masacrot
(mapakla)! This spring has been naturally carved from the Bulusan soil. There
are lots of trees around. The water was so crisp and clear. No fuss. Pure
nature.
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| Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon |
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| Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon |
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| Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon |
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| Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon |
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| Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon |
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| Masacrot Cold Spring Sorsogon |
Another hot spring in Sorsogon is San Benon Hot Spring,
located in Irosin, Sorsogon just few kilometers from Masacrot Springs. San Benon's hot
spring water was so relaxing and soothing to the nerves. Its sulfuric healing
properties is said to be really good to the muscles and nerves. It was quite
hot in the beginning but I got use to it eventually.
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| San Benon hotspring Sorsogon |
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| San Benon hotspring Sorsogon |
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| San Benon hotspring Sorsogo |
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| San Benon hotspring Sorsogo |
We really enjoyed our vacation in my mother’s hometown. Not only we have got
the chance to meet our relatives on our mother side but as travelers, me and my
cousin Karl realized
that our mother's hometown (Sorsogon) has lot of things to offer that we really
didn't expect to visit and discover. Sorsogon surely has something that you
will enjoy. Thank you to our Aunt Nancy and her siblings for letting us see and
experience the hidden treasures of Sorsogon. Truly a hidden Paradise
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| Rizal beach Sorsogon |
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| Fedillaga Clan |
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