It has been three years since LionhearTV last joined a media experience tour like this—something I personally experienced back in 2022. So when this opportunity came, even with a lot already on my plate, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I knew it would be a packed itinerary, and I told myself I’d just find a way to balance work while on the road.
Knowing how they organize their tours, I already expected a packed itinerary—just like my previous experience. I figured I’d just find a way to keep working while on the trip.
Our journey started in Quezon City, covering roughly 370 kilometers to Sorsogon. Past 5:00 p.m., the Lucky 3 bus carrying media representatives and tour operators finally departed.
It was a long and exhausting ride. Coming from two mediacons earlier that day, I barely had the energy to keep track of our stops. I found myself dozing off multiple times, occasionally checking my watch and Google Maps to see how far along we were.
But everything changed the next morning.
At around 8:00 a.m., while passing through Guinobatan, Albay, we were greeted by a clear and majestic view of Mayon Volcano—one you simply cannot ignore.
We immediately got off the bus for a quick photo stop. Locals say that when Mayon reveals itself to you, it’s a sign of a warm welcome.
And it truly felt that way. Despite the lack of sleep, the moment was refreshing. There’s something about Mayon—its symmetry, its presence—that makes you pause and appreciate it fully.
By around 9:00 a.m., as we entered Sorsogon City, we made a brief stop at Pepita Park’s Crab Rest Area in Barangay Bucalbucalan.
It’s easy to spot—thanks to the crowd and the iconic giant blue crab structure.
According to the marker at the entrance, the site was built in 1974 under the Highway Beautification Projects of the Ferdinand Marcos Sr. administration, chaired by Pepita Aquino. Decades later, it continues to serve as a popular stop for motorists.
Our next destination was Museo Sorsogon.
Originally constructed in 1916 as a provincial jail and courthouse, the building has been repurposed into a museum through the initiative of then Governor (now Senator) Francis Joseph G. Escudero.
Instead of demolishing the structure, it was preserved and given new life.
The museum houses ten galleries showcasing the province’s history—from early communities to the revolutionary and American periods. It also features artifacts from locals and the National Museum.
Just beside the museum is the Sorsogon City DRRMO—and this part really impressed me.
It felt like almost every corner of the province is being monitored.
Given Sorsogon’s vulnerability to typhoons, flooding, and volcanic activity due to its geographic location, this system plays a critical role in public safety. The province reportedly experiences an average of nine typhoons annually, with numbers increasing due to climate change.
As a traveler, it’s reassuring to know that systems like this are in place.
After that, we headed to Siama Hotel for a quick stop—and some well-deserved snacks.
Simple, but satisfying.
We were served classic Filipino merienda favorites—palitaw, suman, turon, pancit, and fresh buko. It was the kind of meal that hits differently after a long journey.
Next stop: the Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts.
More than just a venue, it serves as a creative hub for film, broadcast, literary, and visual arts in the province.
With a seating capacity of 515, along with exhibit rooms and performance spaces, it clearly supports local talent. Its pili nut-inspired design gives it a unique Sorsoganon identity.
We also watched a short presentation about the origins of the towns in Sorsogon, adding more context to the province’s cultural roots.
By late afternoon, we checked in at Residencia del Hamor Full View in the Bacon District.
The resort boasts what is said to be the longest infinity pool in the country—stretching 191 meters. And the sunset view? Absolutely worth it.
We had a few hours to rest before heading out again.
Our final stop for Day 1 was San Benon Hot Spring Resort in Irosin.
Located near Bulusan Volcano, the resort features naturally heated sulfuric pools with varying temperatures.
We were treated to a full dinner—and I genuinely enjoyed the meal.
I wasn’t able to fully enjoy the pools since I wasn’t feeling well, likely due to exhaustion from the trip. Still, I dipped my feet into the warm water—and even that was enough to relax.
By the time we got back to the resort, I was completely exhausted—but fulfilled.
We covered so much in just one day.
And it made me realize something: no matter how tiring the journey is, you hardly feel it when you’re genuinely enjoying the experience.
More than the destinations, what made it memorable were the people—the tour operators, the locals, and everyone in Sorsogon who welcomed us with warmth.
And for Day 1, I can honestly say—I had a great time.
