Everyone woke up in high spirits on Day 3 of our Sorsogon trip. Even our tour guide—an Agta Tabangon—set the mood early in the morning by singing ‘Lubi-Lubi,’ instantly energizing the group for another packed day.
Our first stop was Buenavista in Gubat, Sorsogon—a rising surfing destination facing the majestic Pacific Ocean.
Buenavista is quickly becoming one of the most promising surf spots in the province and the Bicol Region. The area is currently being developed as a major tourism project of the local government, with surfing positioned as its main attraction.
The coastline offers a perfect mix of raw natural beauty and adventure—ideal for both seasoned surfers and curious beginners.
We were warmly welcomed by Gubat Mayor Ronnel “Nono” Lim, who personally received the delegates. A ceremonial re-enactment of the turnover of surfboards was also held, symbolizing the continued support for the town’s surfing initiatives.
From the coast, we traveled to Barcelona, Sorsogon, where history took center stage.
Our first stop was the Barcelona Ruins Park, the town’s main historical attraction. The ruins are remnants of Spanish colonial-era government buildings, constructed using stone, coral, and lime.
What remains today are traces of the Presidencia—once the seat of government—and the Escuela Pia, an old school for children. Nearby stands the well-preserved St. Joseph Parish Church, a strong symbol of the town’s enduring heritage.
Originally known as Danlog, the town became a Spanish pueblo in 1866, carrying with it a rich narrative shaped by colonial history and religious influence.
We were warmly welcomed by Barcelona Mayor Atty. Cynthia Falcotelo-Fortes, together with her husband, Congressman Manuel Fortes Jr., making the visit even more memorable.
Our journey continued to Bulusan, one of the oldest municipalities in Sorsogon, founded in 1630 and closely tied to the history of Mt. Bulusan.
We were welcomed by Mayor Wennie Rafallo-Romano and local officials, who hosted a significant event—the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Bulusan–Biri Ecotourism Alliance.
This partnership between Bulusan, Sorsogon and Biri, Northern Samar reflects a shared commitment to strengthening ecotourism, protecting natural resources, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for both municipalities.
After the formalities, we headed to one of the most peaceful destinations of the trip—Bulusan Lake.
Surrounded by dense forest and enriched by volcanic soil, Bulusan Lake is part of a thriving ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal life.
We spent the afternoon here, enjoying both the scenery and a well-prepared lunch. One of the highlights for me was getting to eat suso again—a dish I had truly missed.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area, including kayaking, boating, biking, trekking, and even lakeside picnics.
Our group opted to rent a raft and head toward the middle of the lake, while others chose to relax with a massage. Either way, it was the perfect place to slow down and recharge.
Our next stop brought us to Casiguran, Sorsogon, where we visited the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Shrine.
The towering image of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands as a symbol of strong faith among Sorsoganons. Surrounded by a peaceful natural setting, the shrine offers a sense of calm, hope, and reflection for visitors.
Unfortunately, we arrived too early to see the pink roses that illuminate beautifully at night—but the place was still serene and meaningful.
We ended the day with a dinner held at the plaza of the Sorsogon Provincial Capitol.
The evening was filled with great food and an impressive variety of dishes. But more than that, it was the performances that truly stood out.
Local singers delivered heartfelt musical numbers, while young dancers performed the traditional Pantomina, adding a strong cultural touch to the night.
It was a celebration that brought everyone together—guests, locals, and officials alike.
Day 3 was a perfect mix of adventure, history, nature, and culture.
From surfing shores to heritage sites, from peaceful lakes to meaningful cultural exchanges—every stop revealed a different side of Sorsogon.
But beyond the destinations, what truly stood out was the hospitality.
The warmth of the people, the sincerity of the welcome, and the pride they have for their province made the experience even more special.
And after three days, one thing became even clearer: Sorsogon still has so much more to offer—and so much more waiting to be explored.
