It's my 3rd and last day in Sorsogon. Despite being so tired visiting the different interesting sites in the province the previous day, I tried to wake up early to catch the sunrise and be able to roam around Sorsogon City. It has been my "home" for 2 days already and I'm really loving the simple way of life in this provincial city.
Just a block away from my hostel - Mercedes Country Lodge, is the Sorsogon Provincial Capitol Park. Here, I saw the 1923 statue of Dr. Jose Rizal and the capitol building. I just stayed here while observing the people around.
The centerpiece of the complex is the provincial capitol building built during the American period. It features Roman Doric columns on its facade with stairs leading to the main entrance.
It rained the previous night and it's wet everywhere, but still, I caught some locals enjoying the park while the others are jogging around the complex.
I then proceeded to the Sorsogon City Baywalk. It is also known as Rempeolas, Spanish word for "where the waves cavort" as it is located in the old Sorsogon Pier. A favorite rendezvous among the locals especially during late afternoons as it provides awesome view as the sun sets at a snail's pace and hides behind Pinaculan Island.
Although there is a new port, small inter-island cargo vessels still dock here once in a while.
The park also provides an exceptional panoramic view of Mt. Bulusan across Sorsogon bay. Amazing!
What I like most about this place is the fresh air as well as the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the city center.
I just sat on the benches and enjoyed the view. Truly relaxing!
My next stop was the Sorsogon Cathedral or the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral along the national highway. It is a newly renovated church and looks very regal with it's huge dome and pointed spires.
In front of it is the equally beautiful Archbishop's Palace.
Indeed, life in a provincial city is simple and relaxing! I really had a fun and relaxing time just walking around the city and interacting with the locals.
This is part of my solo adventure in Sorsogon that happened last October 21-23, 2011. Sorsogon is the 43rd province on my list. It's my 12th solo trip and marks my 4th time to set foot on Bicol Region (Region 5). Join me as I discover the different sights I saw, places I've conquered and activities I did in this southernmost province of Luzon. | |
Map By: Wikipedia |
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One of my sisters is currently working in Sorsogon...I hope I could pay her a visit one of these days and explore like you do.
ReplyDeletethanks Ding! Enjoy Sorosogon po... :)
DeleteThanks for this post Mervz. I'm planning tovisit this city this month. Now I know what are the places to see. Walking distance lang ba from the Provincial Capitol ang baywalk at cathedral?
ReplyDeleteyup! walking distance lang po... medyu mas malayo nga lang yung bay walk... just ask the locals kung saan yung old pier... :)
DeleteIt's definitely more fun in the Philippines!!! Sorsogon, next in our list! :)
ReplyDeleteyes indeed! thanks po... enjoy Sorsogon! :)
Deleteoh gawd, these made me a bit teary-eyed. the place where i first gave backpacking a shot. and that was a decade ago.
ReplyDeleteoh... it bring back the old times... hehehe! nice to know that... thanks Ron! :)
DeleteThe setting of the city is just relaxing with the view of the calm sea with the mountains, saan ka pa? Sorsogon na! Hehe.
ReplyDeleteoh yes! add to that the nice people around... thanks Edmar!
Deletei really wish i could go to sorsogan this year. hope work allows me to.
ReplyDeletevisit na po! i'm sure you'll enjoy Sorsogon! :)
DeleteLast day mo nah!!!
ReplyDeleteI always have that feeling when I'm on a certain place and you're about to leave it..
The realization that you might not come back..
The mutual feeling being glad that you've been there and also sad that you are leaving..
It probably one of the factors why I'm addicted to travelling..
More so with you Merv's.. The travel bug hit you hard!
Travelling all the provinces in the Philippines is no mean feat.. that makes you a very inspiring adventurer.. keep it up! :)
yeah, that's the hardest part of traveling... knowing na pauwi ka na... ang hirap especially yung tipong madami ka pang gustong puntahan... nakakatamad umuwi...hehehe! thanks po! :)
Deletegusto ko rin magtungo jan.. dami pang kelangan i-enjoy jan sa pinas, kaya nga it's more fun.. :P
ReplyDeleteoh yes! ang dami pang pwedeng i-explore... isa ang sorsogon sa mga gusto kong balikan... soon! thanks po! :)
DeleteParang masarap tumambay sa baywalk at dusk!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful is sorsogon. Next trip our sorsogon!
ReplyDeleteSorsogon Cathedral new building is no long an old historical building. The one one was replaced by this new. What a poor mind..... where is now the heritage....
ReplyDeletehongganda pala ng facade nya. nakakahiya naman, d ko pa napuntahan yan! haha
ReplyDelete