Batch 68's Trip To Sorsogon
Here are some backdated photos of a trip we did to Sorsogon and the scenic towns of Bulan Donsol, Bacon (where Sirangan Hotel is located).
We left on the evening of Holy Wednesday and arrived Easter morning. It was a 12
hour trip via South Luzon Expressway. The group consisted of Bebet, Liway, John
Tan, myself, Ruby Yulo and daughter and John Tan Jr. plus 2 drivers. We were
focused on reaching Donsol to see the whale sharks, visit Caloy Corsiga's farm
in Bulan , and stay at the beautiful hotel facing the Pacific Ocean. Through
Bebet we also met and entertained generously by Governor Sally Lee of Sorsogon.
It was the morning of Holy Thursday when we entered Naga. There we saw the
sacrificial way of the cross and the "penitencia" walk. It was 10 a.m when we
reached Donsol. Luckily, the whale sharks didn't shy away. We saw 3 adults and
one baby that was hovering around our boat. First upon arrival , you register
every member of your party and hire the boat with the guide and the whale shark
spotter. Then you rent the goggles and snorkling mask. The whole party gets in
the big motorized banca and they take you to the spot where the whale sharks are
spotted. The guide gives the signal to don the mask and goggles and you get
ready to jump in the water. The sight when you look down into this 30 ft long
black and white spotted,gentle mammal will give you such a different experience.
The banca ride alone was so pleasant with the perfect scenic view.
That evening we were guided in our visita iglesia of 7 churches by Gov Lee. It
was truly a gratifying experience to observe vigil in candlelit old churches,
and to see the preparation for the Good Friday procession (where people walked
barefeet).
By lunchtime of Good Friday , we reached Bulan to visit caloy's farm . We had
fresh crabs from his fish pond , chilled tuba, Bicol express, laing , adobong
pusit, boiled pili, and homemade rice cakes. After a little siesta, we joined
the procession .That was quite a serious procession because people walked
barefeet. After a light snack, we proceeded to Sirangan hotel in Bacon, Sorsogon.
The hotel is owned by Vicky Duran and her Spanish husband. It had 8 bedroom
suites , all individually and tastefully decorated . We had the Abaca room.
Bread was prepared fresh early morning with great coffee. All the linens are
imported from Spain.
Saturday morning , we toured Lake Bulusan , a hot spring resort, and masacrot
mineral water resort. Sorsogon really has so much to offer the water sports
enthusiasts and the gourmet afficionados.
On our way home, we were awed by the perfect beauty of Mayon Volcano. This vacation I would highly recommend batchmates from abroad. But to better enjoy it here is a suggestion - fly to Legaspi first and hire a car or send your driver ahead to meet you at Legazpi airport. You will save 11 hours. - Odette Wallace