Day 2 started early with breakfast at Residencia del Hamor Full View in the Bacon District. (See Day 1 here)
The spread was simple but satisfying—featuring classic Filipino breakfast staples like tocino, danggit, and tinapa (beef), paired with sumang balinghoy and sweetened saba bananas. It was the kind of hearty meal you need before another full day of travel.
Once everyone was ready, we boarded the Sorsogon City bus and headed to Consan’s in Prieto Diaz.
Our stop here was brief. Consan’s is a modest beachside destination with white sand and accommodation options depending on the needs of guests. While the beachfront itself is relatively small, it has its own charm.
According to locals, during low tide, the seawater recedes significantly—revealing sandy stretches and rocky seabeds that allow visitors to walk and explore the shoreline.
We took a few photos and quickly moved on, as something much bigger awaited us.
Upon arriving in Prieto Diaz, we were greeted with an energetic and heartfelt welcome.
Performers were already in place, ready to welcome the media and tour operators. The energy was immediate and infectious.
What made it even more special was the presence of Mayor Romy Domasian, who personally greeted and shook hands with each of us—a gesture that truly reflected the town’s hospitality.
The highlight of the welcome was the performance of local IP dancers from the Agta Tabangon/Cimaron community. Their presentation was both powerful and moving, showcasing a deep connection to their heritage.
After the welcome, we proceeded to one of Prieto Diaz’s proudest attractions—the Mangrove Ecopark.
The ecopark is a natural treasure, home to diverse mangrove species that serve as a sanctuary for wildlife. It also plays a crucial role in protecting the coastal environment.
Visitors can enjoy activities like boating, kayaking, and bird watching, making it ideal for eco-adventures and educational tours.
Our boatman shared valuable insights throughout the tour—not just about the area, but also about their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the mangroves. His passion for the ecosystem was evident and inspiring.
In 2020, the Prieto Diaz Mangrove Ecosystem was awarded first place in the Best Mangrove Award in the Bicol Region—recognizing outstanding mangrove rehabilitation and management by local government units and communities.
After the tour, we were given a demonstration of how danggit is prepared.
It was fascinating to watch how quickly and skillfully they removed the fish bones before laying them out under the sun to dry. The process was both efficient and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Then came lunch—and it was nothing short of a feast.
We were served a wide array of seafood dishes including adobong saang, ginataang danggit, fried danggit, crabs, fish, and crayfish.
To put it simply—we were spoiled.
Before leaving, some of us also took the opportunity to buy pasalubong, as local products here were noticeably more affordable compared to other places.
After returning to Residencia del Hamor Full View, we attended a press conference that gathered key officials from across the province.
Present were Representatives Marie Bernadette Escudero (1st District) and Manuel Fortes Jr. (2nd District), along with mayors and tourism officers from Sorsogon’s 14 municipalities and one city.
The session included a question-and-answer segment focused on tourism development, initiatives, and future plans for the province.
Following the formal discussion, media participants had the chance to engage with local officials, while tour operators conducted business-to-business meetings with tourism representatives from different towns.
After a short break, we prepared for the official launch of the Sorsogon ‘All In’ tourism campaign.
The evening was marked by a strong sense of pride and hospitality, as Sorsogon welcomed key tourism leaders and stakeholders.
The province positioned itself as a destination where natural beauty meets purposeful governance—highlighting attractions such as the beaches of Subic, Rizal, and Dancalan, the world-famous whale shark encounters in Donsol, and the serene Bulusan Lake.
Beyond the destinations, the night was filled with performances from talented local artists—through dance and music—that truly showcased the creative spirit of Sorsogon.
One of the most memorable moments was seeing Governor Jose Edwin “Boboy” Hamor himself join the performers on stage. It’s not every day you see a governor personally entertaining guests—it added a unique and heartfelt touch to the evening.
The celebration ended with a raffle and an abundance of pasalubong from the different municipalities. It genuinely felt like Christmas, with guests receiving generous tokens from across the province.
Day 2 in Sorsogon was not just about visiting places—it was about experiencing the people, their culture, and their way of welcoming guests.
From coastal communities to cultural showcases, every stop felt intentional and meaningful.
Sorsogon didn’t just present its destinations—it made sure you felt them.
And by the end of the day, one thing was clear: They didn’t just say “All In”—they truly meant it.
