Sorsogon is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Sorsogon City and borders the province of Albay to the north. Sorsogon is at the tip of the Bicol Peninsula and faces the island of Samar to the southeast across the San Bernardino Strait

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/786/phsealsorsogonzo4.png (http://imageshack.us)

Festivals
Most of the inhabitants of the province belong to the ethnolinguistic Bicolano and Bisakol groups. Sorsogon was once a part of Albay and once also included Masbate. Sorsogueños are very religious and funloving. Being mostly Roman Catholics, they are active in every festivity celebrated throughout the year. For instance, like any other Filipino ethnolinguistic groups, they celebrate the fiesta of the Patron Saints Peter and Paul in Sorsogon city every June. Also, by the last week of October, the Kasangayahan festival is celebrated in the whole province. At the midst of the latter festivity, myriads of botanical shows, and painting are conducted. Most of the people will hang out in carnivals and concerts. Another occasion is the Pili festival, which includes street dancing by locals donning Pili nut costumes, cooking competitions, fireworks displays, and even a nutcracking session along the road by the locals. Every barangay has its own fiesta and Patron saint which are highlighted by yearly buffet feast in every Sorsogueño home.

During the Holy Week season (celebrated as early as week of March or 1st week of April), people flock to the Saints Peter and Paul cathedral and start the procession with carts bearing statues of Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion.

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Minorities
Minorities in the province include Muslim immigrants from Mindanao, who engage in street vending and small shop businesses. Their mosque is situated inside Sitio Bolangan on the outskirts of the city. There is also a significant small Chinese population who are mostly owners of hardware stores and commodity shops (some of whom have intermarried with the natives) and dwell in the business center. Indian (called "Bumbay") communities are also present. They engage in money lending businesses--coloquially called "five-six".

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Education and language
Education is highly valued as an investment for the future, attested by state and private schools and colleges which dot the province. Almost all people understand Tagalog and Bicolano. The local language spoken by Sorsogueños varies from district to municipalities. To illusrate, the form of Bisakol (called Waray Sorsogon) spoken in Barcelona, Gubat, Irosin, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog and Bulusan slightly differs from the form (called Masbate Sorsogon) spoken in the city of Sorsogon and the municipalities of Magallanes, Juban and Casiguran. North of Sorsogon City, in Castilla, Pilar, Donsol, and Bacon (merged with Sorsogon city; see History), a form of Bikol is spoken. The former municipalities mentioned use words and intonations from Visayan languages such as Waray-Waray, Cebuano and Ilonggo, and Bisakol is considered a Warayan language like Waray-Waray of Samar and Leyte. The latter is similar to the Bikol spoken by Darageños and Legaspiños in Albay province. English is also understood by everyone, with the exception of illiterates. It is used in all government documents, schools, and businesses. This language has also become increasingly important as businesses such as call centers, and medical transcription demands prospective applicants knowledgeable in this language.

POLITICAL:

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/3475/sorsogonprovincedetailru3.th.png (http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sorsogonprovincedetailru3.png)

City
Sorsogon City
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Municipalities
Barcelona
Bulan
Bulusan
Casiguran
Castilla
Donsol
Gubat
Irosin
Juban
Magallanes
Matnog
Pilar
Prieto Diaz
Santa Magdalena

Sorsogon - Bicol's Whaleshark Paradise
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Sorsogon is situated at the southernmost tip of Luzon. As a part of the gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao, the province is a melting pot of cultures and influences. From its earliest days as a trading post frequented by Chinese and Malay merchants, Sorsogon has evolved into a center of trade and commerce in the Bicol Region.

Sorsogon offers the visitor a wide variety of diversions from scuba diving to snorkeling, sport fishing, swimming, boating, island hopping, mountain climbing, biking, hiking, spelunking, or just simply touching base with nature. The tourist, too, can revel in Sorsogon’s pageantry and celebration during its numerous festivals and fiestas, and experience its rich cultural heritage.

In Sorsogon, you will never run out of things to do, sights to see, places to explore, folk celebrations to join and enjoy. This is Sorsogon, the Land of Kasaggayahan – a land of peace and serenity, and happy, hospitable people.
Geography
The province of Sorsogon on the north extends westward from 124° to 123° longitude and on the north-south axis from 120° to 130° north latitude. Forming a triangle shape, it is bounded on the north by the province of Albay and Albay Gulf, on the south by Samar and San Bernardino strait; on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by Burias Island and Ticao Pass.
Political Subdivision
The ratification on December 16, 2000 of Republic Act 8806, which merges the towns of Bacon and Sorsogon and converting them into Sorsogon City, reduced the composition of the province into 14 municipalities and one component city. Sorsogon City serves as the capital. The province has 541 barangays and two congressional districts.
Population The NSO Survey of Population in 2000 shows that Sorsogon has a total population of 650,535.
Language/Dialects
The Bicol dialect is spoken in the province, being at the gateway between the Visayas and Luzon through the Bicol Region. Sorsogon’s brand of Bicol, however, is a unique mixture of the Visayas and Bicol dialects. Most of the natives can speak English and Filipino fluently.
Climate
Generally, the climate is pleasant the whole year round with only two pronounced seasons: rainy from July to December and dry from January to June.
Major Industries
Sorsogon is rich in natural resources but many of them remain undeveloped. The major crops are abaca and copra. The province boasts of producing the best hemp in the Bicol Region. Its fishing industry ranks next. Freshwater and offshore fishing resources are not yet fully developed. There are plenty of raw materials for cottage industries. The province has untouched deposits of sulfur, kaolin, limestone, and coal

Sorsogon Municipal Bldg.

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Rizal Beach

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Must See in Sorosogon:

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Welcome to SoRsOgOn!!! My Favorite Province!

Sorsogon Municipal Bldg.

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2987/sorswq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Emerson, Sorsogon is now a city. ;)

SORSOGON: WHALE SHARKS MAKE DONSOL TOURISM HUB

DONSOL, SORSOGON, JUNE 1, 2006 (STAR) (AP) Cocooned in rural seclusion, this placid little town long kept a big but unintended secret: in the first half of the year, the sea swarms with the world’s largest fish.

Whale sharks — some as big as a bus — put on an annual show for local folks for generations, roaming close to shore and seemingly unafraid of humans, who left the fish alone.

Then in 1997, a group of visitors got wind of the creatures, known locally as "butanding." The visitors were enthralled by the sharks’ gentleness, swimming like gigantic dolphins, Donsol Mayor Salve Ocaya says.

Word got round, helped by the Internet, and before long tourists began descending on laid-back Donsol, tucked amid coconut groves and hills away from the main road in Sorsogon.

Then-US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone and a few other diplomats visited last year. President Arroyo came in April and left ecstatic after a 20-minute encounter with a mammoth whale shark.

"The whale sharks brought us to the limelight," Ocaya said.

The town is still adjusting.

"We’re trying to cope with the arrival of so many visitors, many of them from as far as Europe. But we don’t have enough resorts," the mayor said.

"And have you seen our bridge?" the mayor asked, referring to a long, narrow span that can handle only one car at a time crossing a mangrove-lined river to the village of Dancalan, the staging area for boat trips to watch the whale sharks.

Donsol is among the latest to organize in-water viewing of the big fish — a sometimes nerve-racking attraction offered in a few places like Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, Belize in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Seychelles.

Whale sharks, which can grow as long as 54 feet and weigh up to 34 tons, are an eye-popping sight up close. But they don’t eat meat, surviving by sucking seawater into their gaping mouths and sieving plankton and tiny crustaceans on their gill rakers, marine experts say.

Little is known about the nature of whale sharks, which roam warm tropical seas. They congregate in Donsol’s murky waters from January to June, probably because of the abundance of plankton, says the local branch of the conservation group World Wildlife Fund.

For the Philippines, which is struggling to lure foreign tourists amid law-and-order problems, Donsol has become a surprise draw.

Just 900 tourists visited the town in 1998, the year after word of the sharks got out. Last year saw 7,600 visitors — a third of them foreigners, said Donsol’s tourism officer, Salvador Adrao Jr.

On a recent day, SUVs rumbled down a muddy hillside road in palm-lined Dancalan and disgorged dozens of tourists at the small, government-run visitor center, which collects boat rental and guide fees and arranges daylong expeditions. Villagers rented snorkels and rubber fins and peddle souvenirs. Police armed with M-16 rifles watched over the early-morning bustle.

A motorboat set out with five tourists laden with life vests, snorkels, dive masks and fins, a whale shark spotter perched atop a pole, shading his eyes from the sun. After about an hour, he yelled, "There! There!" pointing to what looked like a small, gray submarine just under the waves.

The boat erupted in sudden commotion as the boat maneuvered close to the whale shark.

Carlos Pendor, a stocky, sunburned guide, cajoled two jittery tourists to jump off the boat. He dragged them to the side, yelling "Look down!" A 23-foot whale shark, its gray-green back dotted with faint lines and pale-white spots, swam tranquilly, its flat head and body gently swaying.

At close range, the whale shark was so huge it was hard to see in its entirety. But by the time the tourists grabbed a breath of air, it was gone.

Twenty-three other boats bobbed in the waters off Donsol. Most sputtered back to shore by lunch, each encountering five to 10 whale sharks.

"It was sort of scary because out of nowhere came this huge, square face," said Eliot Bikales, a housewife from Hamden, Connecticut.

"It was like ‘Jaws,’" her 10-year-old daughter, Maral, butted in. But she said that after her fears eased, "It was OK. It felt like they were my friends."

Sid Lucero, a young Filipino actor, said facing such a huge creature nearly moved him to tears.

"It hit me straight in the heart," he said. "Looking at this huge creature reminded me that there is a higher being."

Thanks to the new tourism, the sharks have created about 1,000 seasonal jobs in Donsol, a poor farming and fishing town of about 40,000 people once said to have been a communist rebel stronghold.

A construction boom fosters a new sense of hope.

On what used to be a barren beach stand five small inns. But their 50 rooms are inadequate for the hundreds of tourists who flock in the peak months of March and April, prompting plans for construction of a hotel, along with a concrete road to Dancalan. There is talk of a small airport.

Donsol, however, is wary about damaging the pristine conditions that lure the sharks. Projects like a pier have been junked. Only 25 dive boats — down from nearly 50 — are allowed at sea at one time, the mayor said.

The town is also waging war against poachers, helped by the World Wildlife Fund and USAID. Poachers hunt the sharks for lucrative Asian markets like Taiwan, where there is a strong demand for pricey shark fin’s soup.

Although Donsol has been designated a sanctuary, whale sharks face danger when they slip beyond its waters. Villagers say they have seen sharks with spear wounds and slashed fins or tails. One — dubbed "Lucky" — has a long nylon rope dangling from its tail, indicating it may have escaped from poachers.

Dancalan’s seaside visitor center has become a conservation outpost. "The whale shark has only one natural enemy — your appetite for shark fin’s soup," a sign says. Tourists are required to watch a video about whale shark protection before going out to sea.

The whale sharks, however, seem to be their own best ambassadors. Many visitors return to shore transformed into advocates.

"They are national treasures that need to be protected," said Bikales, the Connecticut housewife.

Emerson, Sorsogon is now a city. ;)

yes i know the municipality of Sorsogon and Bacon ajoining to become a city of sorosogon. i just love the pic.im sorry about the name of the building.

"Butanding"


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Donsol Sunset



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SORSOGON CITY — At least 725 indigent students in Sorsogon province will benefit from the government’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) during the summer vacation.

This was learned from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sorsogon provincial head Jose Banda who said local government units (LGUs) and some private establishments in the province have committed to provide summer jobs to the students in support of the SPES.

Banda said that the DOLE has allotted some P1,165,574.28 covering the 40 per cent of the wages of SPES beneficiaries, while the remaining 60 per cent will be shouldered by the hiring LGUs and private establishments.

Breakdown of the SPES beneficiaries to be accommodated by different offices is as follows: Provincial Government with 178; LGU Sorsogon City, 180; LGU Donsol, 12; LGU Pilar, 23; LGU Castilla, 55; LGU Juban, 21; LGU Irosin, 22; LGU Bulan, 72; LGU Matnog, 20; LGU Barcelona, 45; LGU Gubat, 75; LGU Prieto Diaz, 13; while Annunciation College in this City and Saint Anthony Credit Cooperative in Gubat town will be hiring 5 and 4 students, respectively.

Banda said that regular SPES workers, who have been already employed in the previous SPES program, will have a contract of 30 days up to a maximum of 45 days while the new entrants will be hired for 20 days.

“SPES workers can earn from P168 up to P200 per day from the LGUs depending on the area of their employment and as much as P182 per day from the private employers,” he added.

Bulan, Sorsogon

Bulan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 82,688 people in 15,683 households.

Major export of this town are from its coastal waters, agricultural lands produce Copra, abacá fiber.

Most of the revenues come from the fishing port of Bulan and businesses.

There are three commercial banks in Bulan with one ATM. These are the Philippine National Bank, the Metropolitan Banking and Trust Co. (with ATM), and the Allied Banking Corporation. Bulan has a branch of the Banco Sorsogon and Rural Bank of San Jacinto, Masbate.

Bulan has fixed landline phones from Digitel and PLDT. Mobile or cellular networks that are present include Globe and Smart.

There are a lot of computer and Internet cafes downtown.

The Primary Education in Bulan are divided into two Districts, The Bulan North District comprising all the Barangays towards the North coastal Barangays, to the interior land locked northern Barangays. The Bulan South District comprises the southern Coastal Barangays.

Bulan is politically subdivided into 63 barangays.

A. Bonifacio
Abad Santos
Aguinaldo
Antipolo
Zone I Pob. (Bgy. 1)
Zone II Pob. (Bgy. 2- Ilawod)
Zone III Pob. (Bgy. 3- Kanipaan)
Zone IV Pob. (Bgy. 4 - Bay-bay)
Zone V Pob. (Bgy. 5)
Zone VI Pob. (Bgy. 6)
Bical
Beguin
Bonga
Butag
Cadandanan
Calomagon
Calpi
Cocok-Cabitan
Daganas
Danao
Dolos
E. Quirino
Fabrica
Gate
Benigno S. Aquino (Imelda)
Inararan
J. Gerona
Jamorawon
Libertad (kalye-putol)
Lajong
Magsaysay
Managanaga
Marinab
Nasuje
Montecalvario
N. Roque (Rizal)
Namo
Obrero
Osmeña
Otavi
Padre Diaz
Palale
J.P. Laurel (Pon-od)
Quezon
R. Gerona
Recto
M. Roxas
Sagrada
San Francisco (pulot)
San Isidro
San Juan Bag-o
San Juan Daan
San Rafael
San Ramon
San Vicente (project)
Santa Remedios
Santa Teresita
Sigad
Somagongsong
G. Del Pilar (Tanga)
Taromata
Zone VII Pob. (Bgy. 7- Iraya)
Zone VIII Pob. (Bgy. 8- Loyo)

Fast facts:

*Don't you know that Sorsogon is the most literate province in the Bicol Region? Yup. It's true. It has a literacy rate of 87%.

*Eastern coasts of Sorsogon is home to some of the finest white-sand beaches in Bicol region. Its popular Rizal Beach is located on an eastern town --> Gubat.

*The first ever Christian Mass in Luzon island is at Gibalon, Magallanes, Sorsogon.

*The southernmost town of Luzon is Matnog, Sorsogon, a jump-off point for Visayans entering Luzon.

** Thanks, bonixx for creating this thread for Sorsoganons! My mom's parents grew up in Sorsogon. Aside from this province's natural beauty, my roots are particularly the reason why I LOVE THIS PROVINCE.

Fast facts:

*Don't you know that Sorsogon is the most literate province in the Bicol Region? Yup. It's true. It has a literacy rate of 87%.

*Eastern coasts of Sorsogon is home to some of the finest white-sand beaches in Bicol region. Its popular Rizal Beach is located on an eastern town --> Gubat.

*The first ever Christian Mass in Luzon island is at Gibalon, Magallanes, Sorsogon.

*The southernmost town of Luzon is Matnog, Sorsogon, a jump-off point for Visayans entering Luzon.

** Thanks, bonixx for creating this thread for Sorsoganons! My mom's parents grew up in Sorsogon. Aside from this province's natural beauty, my roots are particularly the reason why I LOVE THIS PROVINCE.


WOW Sorsogon is one of the best kept of Bicol Region, WC and my pleasure! the things that i cant forget in Sorsogon is its Natural Beauty,Ambience i cant Explain but it was so Different than Other Places ,the Fresh Air, Bacon town now a District, Solemly Quietly relaxing,Angd i hope il do some whale shark watching..

WOW Sorsogon is one of the best kept of Bicol Region, WC and my pleasure! the things that i cant forget in Sorsogon is its Natural Beauty,Ambience i cant Explain but it was so Different than Other Places ,the Fresh Air, Bacon town now a District, Solemly Quietly relaxing,Angd i hope il do some whale shark watching..

It's like the 'Batangas' of Bicol... heheh... we have the same observation of Sorsogon...

It's like the 'Batangas' of Bicol... heheh... we have the same observation of Sorsogon...

absolutely a Great Province in the great region of Bicol ,tol u can also post some Pic and news about Sorsogon and bicol. Welcome tayong lahat dito.

Correct me if I'm wrong but is it Sorsogon City the venue of the Pili Festival? That ambrosiac nut that I love so much that I missed the taste.

How is the Matnog Ferry Terminal? Back then when we went to Mindanao in Xmas 1996, we stayed there for more than a day because buses are prioritized first before private cars.

I never saw Sorsogon in broad daylight except Matnog. Im willing to go back there. :D

Correct me if I'm wrong but is it Sorsogon City the venue of the Pili Festival? That ambrosiac nut that I love so much that I missed the taste.

Yep. That's it. :okay:

well u should try JOVY'S pili nuts -banana Chips -cashew nuts etc available in robinsons ,SM,South,Metro Gaisano,sta. Lucia supermarkets, warehouse located at bgy.San Isidro,Bacon,Sorsogon City.

Correct me if I'm wrong but is it Sorsogon City the venue of the Pili Festival? That ambrosiac nut that I love so much that I missed the taste.

How is the Matnog Ferry Terminal? Back then when we went to Mindanao in Xmas 1996, we stayed there for more than a day because buses are prioritized first before private cars.

I never saw Sorsogon in broad daylight except Matnog. Im willing to go back there. :D

U should... This is a wonderful province. I love going back here again and again... :D

sorsogon city main street reminds me a cleaner version of morayta cor Epanya in manila showing a cathedral bell tower rising above the city skyline

SORSOGON CITY

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Sorsogon folk honor Magsaysay awardee

First posted 06:03am (Mla time) Oct 30, 2006
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on page A18 of the October 30, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


SORSOGON CITY -- Proud province-mates, friends and family members feted Eugenia Duran Apostol, the first and only Sorsogon native to have received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, in a testimonial dinner on Saturday evening here.

The dinner, hosted by the Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc. (KFI), should have been part of the culminating activity of the Kasanggayahan festival, an annual celebration marking the foundation of the province.

But after Typhoon “Milenyo” ravaged the province, the festival was cancelled.

The simple dinner was attended by local personalities from the church, civic, business and local governments led by Bishops Arturo Bastes and Jesus Varela, KFI chair Monsignor Francisco Monje, business and civic leader Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Jovic Duran and Bobet Lee.

In her message, Apostol thanked her province-mates for the honor as she recalled an incident which could have totally altered her life.

Had it not been for the kindness of an unknown bus conductor who guided her home when she got lost when she was just about 5 years old, her family had almost given up on her that time.

A daughter of Sorsogon’s former representative to the National Assembly, Apostol received the prestigious RM award for journalism, literature and creative communication arts in recognition of her effective use of mass media for the benefit of the general public.

Apostol courageously published Mr. and Ms. magazine, which was critical of the Marcos dictatorship during the martial law period.

She is the prime mover of the Save our Sorsogon (SOS), which raises funds for the victims of Milenyo, and a benefactor of the Sorsogon Museum now being built at the old provincial hospital.

Apostol founded the Inquirer in 1986. Bobby Labalan, Inquirer Southern Luzon

Source: http://news.inq7.net/archive_article/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=29494

wow,natatanging Anak ng Sorsogon.

Town dreams of riches in pearl farms

First posted 01:01am (Mla time) Nov 02, 2006
By Bobby Labalan
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on Page A15 of the November 2, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


DAVAO and Palawan will soon face a stiff competitor in pearl production once a pearl farm started four years ago in Castilla town, 25 kilometers from Sorsogon City, goes on full operation.

Castilla Mayor Renato Laurenaria said the municipality had forged a memorandum of agreement with the Bicol University for the implementation of a more thorough and scientific study and implementation of pearl farming, which, he hoped, would generate more income for its people.

As part of the agreement, the BU Research and Development Center would be established in Barangay Cogon.

“If other provinces can, certainly we can do it also here,” Laurenaria had said in pushing for the establishment of the pearl farm in the village before the municipal council.

The mayor said that after the 2001 elections, he learned that Davao and Palawan pearl farm operators were sourcing out their oysters, locally known as “pisay,” from his town.

“Why allow the raw materials to be taken out from our seas when we can also study pearl farming and give our people additional income?” he challenged the shell gatherers who supplied the bivalve mollusks to the other provinces.

Castilla is a third-class municipality (average annual income: P21 million-P27 million) with a population of about 49,000 and a land area of 18,000 hectares.

Good quality

Ronel Dioneda, a marine biologist and head of the research center, said the oysters that abound in Cogon were of good quality and very ideal for pearl production.

According to him, two kinds of pearl oysters are found in the municipal waters, which are part of the Sorsogon Bay: The white-lipped (Pinctada maxima) and black-lipped (Pinctada margaritifera). “The former is better than the latter in terms of production,” Dioneda said.

Before the local scientists came in about a year ago, he said, the oyster farming practice was more of a hit-and-miss. The farmers had adopted the technique from past dealings with pearl farmers from Davao and Palawan.

But with the signing of the MOA, Dioneda and his team are introducing scientific methods to maximize production.

The marine biologist stressed that one good thing about the industry was that it was sea-based, which would compel the community to keep their seas safe from illegal fishing activities, like dynamite and cyanide fishing.

Initially, the BU team identified five barangays—Buenavista, Macalaya, Tomalaytay, Quirapi and Cogon—where farms could be safely established. One farm is already operational in Cogon.

‘Irritating’ oysters

Pearl production starts with the introduction of a foreign object, called an “irritant,” into the oyster, Dioneda explained. The oyster instinctively protects itself by expelling the object or, in most instances, by coating the foreign object with calcium carbonate or nacre.

Nacre is secreted by the epithelial cells of the mantle tissue of certain species of mollusk. It is continually deposited on the inner surface of the shell (the iridescent nacreous layer commonly known as the “mother of pearl”), both as a means to smooth the shell itself and as a defense against parasitic organisms.

Another farming method, Dioneda explained, was the implantation of a small oyster tissue in the gonad of the oyster which will induce secretion of nacre to cover the mantle and the implant. This method produces the best quality pearl, he said.

A good quality pearl is produced in 18-24 months and determined by the thickness of the nacre, the scientist said. Since it takes time to produce pearls, he said, the center would adopt the modular system to ensure production at least every month.

Each oyster is good for two productions of high quality pearls and has a life span of up to four years.

The BU team has already started research on the mass production of oysters to ensure continuous supply of stocks for long-term production. It had earlier conducted stock assessment and spat collection, Dioneda said.

All the information as well as the technology would be turned over to the local government and the community, as agreed upon.

Potential

Cogon barangay chief Manuel Pareja, a local pioneer in pearl production, said he saw good potential for the industry in Castilla.

He had been supplying pearl oysters to the Davao and Palawan farms for almost 20 years, until Laurenaria urged him to go into farming himself.

Pareja supported his children’s education through college by selling oysters to the farms. He buys live oysters at P140 per kilo. Some oysters weigh as much as two kilos each.

Divers get the shells from depths of up to 40 meters and the stocks had to be acclimatized to the shallow area, Pareja said.

At present, Cogon has more than 800 oysters; the produce are sold to jewelry makers in Manila.

Mayor Laurenaria explained that aside from the pearls, the community could derive other income from related industries like shell decor making, farm souvenirs, oyster meat production and ecotourism.

During the recent visit to Sorsogon of US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Sen. Richard Gordon, Laurenaria gifted each of them with a souvenir oyster shell with a pearl implant made by the local community.

The BU team is expected to complete its research work by yearend and pearl farm production and expansion could go full blast by next year, he said.

“We need to have more income-generating programs for our people, lest they fall victim to the sweet nothings of the New People’s Army,” Laurenaria said. He is the only local official in the province who has declared an all-out war against the communist NPA.

source: http://news.inq7.net/archive_article/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=30065

Wow Mon siguro mas lalaki pa ang local generated income ng Castilla pag nagkataon, magandang Balita para sa Bicol yan another trade Mark.

May LCC na ba sa Sorsogon? Nakita ko kasi sa isang bag ng LCC, kasama yung sorsogon or baka plastic bag ng Robertson yung nakita ko. Correct me please.

May LCC na ba sa Sorsogon? Nakita ko kasi sa isang bag ng LCC, kasama yung sorsogon or baka plastic bag ng Robertson yung nakita ko. Correct me please.

yes nakita ko nga rin may sorsogon sa plastic ng LCC, as far as i know wala pang LCC sa Sorsogon nakita ko dun is Robertson and LKY.^^

First time to see Sorsogon in pictures... Thanks!

May LCC na ba sa Sorsogon? Nakita ko kasi sa isang bag ng LCC, kasama yung sorsogon or baka plastic bag ng Robertson yung nakita ko. Correct me please.

It's just an LCC Supermarket, not a mall. ;)

It's just an LCC Supermarket, not a mall. ;)


waaaah utol i mis U, ahehehe hindi ko nkita ang LCC Supermarket sa Sorosogon ,san b naka locate un ?

First time to see Sorsogon in pictures... Thanks!

thank U din sa pagbisita dito sa Sorsogon thread ,i hope regularly makapagpost ka dito and share some pics too. Mabuhay ang Bicol Region

^^ Mabuhay!:cheers: Yeah, If I have... I'm definitely willing to share it.... Welcome pala...:)

^^ Mabuhay!:cheers: Yeah, If I have... I'm definitely willing to share it.... Welcome pala...:)

welcome utol Garlz!^^

Q:Hindi naman kukain ng tao or other mammals ang whale shark di ba?

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/barcelona_church.jpg
Church in Barcelona, Sorsogon

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/Barcelona-church.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7382/1704/640/DSC01267.jpg
Botong Twin Falls-the left side consists of a mild sulfuric liquid, and the right side is pure spring water.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7382/1704/640/DSC01287.jpg
View of the mountain range dividing the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon

^^ both pics at the PNOC Eco-Park (http://www.sorsogontourism.com/places_of_interest.htm#pnoc%20ecopark)

Source
(http://holazoclan.blogspot.com/2006/09/eco-tourism-park-of-sorsogon.html)

Q:Hindi naman kukain ng tao or other mammals ang whale shark di ba?

very friendly ang Whale shark and besides its vegetarian ahehehe,planktons ang paborito nila

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/barcelona_church.jpg
Church in Barcelona, Sorsogon

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/Barcelona-church.jpg



How Glorious! nice Pics Dxpsycho, another reason why Sorsogon is so beautiful.

Donsol, Sorsogon

http://images.erhaann.multiply.com/image/4/photos/3/orig/13/P4150177.JPG?et=kBbG3gSOgPSnDdUDhyFRRA

http://images.erhaann.multiply.com/image/7/photos/3/orig/5/P4140132.JPG?et=Z1UgE0rD%2Bx6iN50Sk7FAVQ

http://images.erhaann.multiply.com/image/7/photos/3/orig/9/P4140136.JPG?et=2YoFLuXX%2CufClP4JSX0KOw

nice picture Dx

<-- so wanna do that whale shark interaction thing

waaaah utol i mis U, ahehehe hindi ko nkita ang LCC Supermarket sa Sorosogon ,san b naka locate un ?

Hindi ko alam kung saan ang location ng LCC Supremarket-Sorsogon. Nakita ko lang naman sa plastic eh. :D Na-miss mo ako? Hmmmm..... :D

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/barcelona_church.jpg
Church in Barcelona, Sorsogon

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/Barcelona-church.jpg

Beautiful pics, Dex. :okay:

Hindi ko alam kung saan ang location ng LCC Supremarket-Sorsogon. Nakita ko lang naman sa plastic eh. :D Na-miss mo ako? Hmmmm..... :D

ah ok, aheheheh nagpunta kasi ako dun hindi ko nakita,sabagay medyo malawak din naman ang Sorsogon City.OO naman :lol:

utol pano ba mag enlarge ng pic sa photobucket hindi kasi nawowork kahit e resize ko.



Beautiful pics, Dex. :okay:

absolutely!^^

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/barcelona_church.jpg
Church in Barcelona, Sorsogon

http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/Barcelona-church.jpg

Isn't this the church that is made out of egg yolk? This is by far the most interesting church in Bicol...

<-- so wanna do that whale shark interaction thing
^^ me too,kahit takot,cge lang,:)

Isn't this the church that is made out of egg yolk? This is by far the most interesting church in Bicol...

Church made of egg yolk?? :wtf:

http://photos.camperspoint.com/photos/Sorsogon_20040929-12:28:49
^^Crystal-clear waters - Bulan, Sorsogon

http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/ppdo-sor/image/capitol.jpg
Sorsogon Provincial Capitol at night

^^ Maganda pala capitol ng Sorsogon. :okay:

@Dex: Garo sige kang lakwatsa sa Albay tapos Sorsogon ah! :lol:

yeah, i love Sorsogon. I have lots of friends from that province. :)

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/27856096.butanding.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/27856399.butanding3.jpg

Cue in the "Jaws" Soundtrack! Haha...Kidding -- Whale Sharks won't bite. :D

Source (http://www.pbase.com/kage/donsol)

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/35983886.100_0572_resize.JPG
^^ Lake Bulusan

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/35983895.100_0583_resize.JPG
^^ Emerald green Lake Bulusan

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/35983897.100_0589_resize.JPG
^^ Bulusan Volcano

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/58510774.PilarSorsogonIMG_1448.jpg
Aside from Pili nuts, Sorsogon province is also known for its seafood, especially Crabs. No wonder visitors to this province are welcomed by a huge replica of a crab in Bulabog, Sorsogon City. :)

Photo by Aaron Vicencio (http://www.pbase.com/aaronvicencio/sorsogon2006)

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/35400092.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/matnog_port07.jpg
^^ Matnog Seaport, Sorsogon

Photos by Ramon Garra
(http://www.trekearth.com/members/tamoy/)
http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/dsc044021.jpg
^^View of Mt. Bulusan, from a vessel leaving the Matnog Port

Photo by Walter Moraga
(http://www.trekearth.com/members/wmoraga/)

The crab pic made me hungry...waaah..

^^ Natawa naman ako sayo Dex. Hehe. Nice photos, BTW. :okay:

Isn't this the church that is made out of egg yolk? This is by far the most interesting church in Bicol...
I'd love to take a bite..:jk:
Maybe you mean egg whites mixed with mortar, as a binding medium? hehe

I'd love to take a bite..:jk:
Maybe you mean egg whites mixed with mortar, as a binding medium? hehe

Baka yun na yun, I forgot the exact details bsta may kasama pang corals ang paggawa plus I think butter, basta yellow substance. I forgot na tlga...

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/1352432-Sts_PeterPaul_Cathedral-Province_of_Sorsogon.jpg
^^ Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Sorsogon City

i miss Rizal beach. i havent visited my province since last year.

taga-sorsogon ka pala myx. :)

taga-sorsogon ka pala myx. :)

yup. sa mother side.

kamusta naman yung Bacon beach? :lol: yun ang pinaka ayokong beach. ang daming sea creatures sa shoreline pag low-tide tapos medyo madumi pa yung beach. :ohno:

Isang beses pa lang ako nakapunta sa beach sa Bacon. Sa Tolong Gapo yata yun. yup, medyo madumi nga.

yup. sa mother side.

kamusta naman yung Bacon beach? :lol: yun ang pinaka ayokong beach. ang daming sea creatures sa shoreline pag low-tide tapos medyo madumi pa yung beach. :ohno:

Dun ka na lang sa Rizal Beach sa Gubat... Andaming beaches sa Sorsogon na magaganda

hello mga Sorsoganons!!! i mis this thread so far so good it nice to be back. thank Mon ,your a hero for this thread.

Dun ka na lang sa Rizal Beach sa Gubat... Andaming beaches sa Sorsogon na magaganda

yup. dun nga kami madalas eh. kaya lang creepy yung dadaanan na cementery. :lol:

yup. dun nga kami madalas eh. kaya lang creepy yung dadaanan na cementery. :lol:

How many times na? Ngek... may sementeryo pala dun... Ilang beses na rin kasi akong nakapunta rito pero di ko napansin na may sementeryo pala...

ako napuntahan ko sa yung sementeryo sa bacon,pero di ko alam na malapit pala yun sa dagat... malinis naman yung sementeryo and may cellsite sa gitna ahhehehe

How many times na? Ngek... may sementeryo pala dun... Ilang beses na rin kasi akong nakapunta rito pero di ko napansin na may sementeryo pala...

how many times? di ko na mabilang sa dami.. :lol:

dati nakita pa namin si elizabeth oropeza kasama yung anak niya nung elem pa ako. tapos di ko alam na magiging classmate ko pala yung anak niya sa HS. :lol: small world talaga. :D

basta meron sementeryo dun bago ka makapunta sa rizal beach. kaya nga pumipikit ako pag dumadaan kami dun..

hmm.. tapos miss ko na rin yung mga alimasag/alimango sa bucalbucalan(?). halos lahat ata dun ng tao kamaganak namin.. :lol:

how many times? di ko na mabilang sa dami.. :lol:

dati nakita pa namin si elizabeth oropeza kasama yung anak niya nung elem pa ako. tapos di ko alam na magiging classmate ko pala yung anak niya sa HS. :lol: small world talaga. :D

basta meron sementeryo dun bago ka makapunta sa rizal beach. kaya nga pumipikit ako pag dumadaan kami dun..

hmm.. tapos miss ko na rin yung mga alimasag/alimango sa bucalbucalan(?). halos lahat ata dun ng tao kamaganak namin.. :lol:

naks... it's a small world tlga... may mga relatives din kami sa Sorsogon pero nasa northern parts naman. Dati every year kaming pumupunta nang Rizal kaso nagsawa na rin kami...

Pacquiao wins over Morales @ Round 3 TKO


Congratulations Manny!Congratulations Pilipinas!^^ :cheers:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00243_00c-nasol-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00241_00c-nasol-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00205_00c-nasol-1.jpg

Photos by C. Nasol

When you visit Sorsogon, never fail to remember to give the magnificent Rizal Beach and its white sand a visit. And if you visit this spectacular paradise, choose only the original Rizal Beach resort. With these "aviso", you will never regret following it... Relaxation is just a mile away, experience the soft white sand under your feet and see the beautiful sunset of the Switzerland of the east, Sorsogon province, only at Rizal Beach Resort
- located in the town of Gubat, Sorsogon Province, Bicol, Philippines.

oh dyxpsycho, that is GORGEOUS, JUST BREATHTAKING please post in on the photoalbum thread or the photography thread in samahan.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00243_00c-nasol-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00241_00c-nasol-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00205_00c-nasol-1.jpg

Photos by C. Nasol

wowow! truly majestic. thanks for pics guys.

RiSe and ShInE, SoRsOgOn!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!

is sorsogon actaully the whale shark capital of the world? because when articles about whale shark, the philippines is never been mentioned. thanks

is sorsogon actaully the whale shark capital of the world? because when articles about whale shark, the philippines is never been mentioned. thanks

I think so... Because ill just read it when im searching for Sorsogons Article,But im not sure that the Government of Sorsogon Counting the whale Shark all over the world and declaring that...ahehe

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00241_00c-nasol-1.jpg


the world's smallest fish can be found here, right?

That picture of the lake with the boy fishing is amazing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC00241_00c-nasol-1.jpg


the world's smallest fish can be found here, right?

If that lake is Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur, then you could find the world's smallest fish there. :)

is sorsogon actaully the whale shark capital of the world? because when articles about whale shark, the philippines is never been mentioned. thanks

If you will read one of Time Magazine's articles in 2004, it mentioned whaleshark encounter as the "Best Animal Encounter" in Asia. Alongside with that, it also mentioned Donsol, Sorsogon in its heading...

If you will read one of Time Magazine's articles in 2004, it mentioned whaleshark encounter as the "Best Animal Encounter" in Asia. Alongside with that, it also mentioned Donsol, Sorsogon in its heading...

wow utol Mond...sa Wakas may kongkretong sagot na about whaleshark in Sorsogon alamko talaga may nabasa ako thats why ginawa ko syang title ng thread.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/sorsogonchurch-bobandzai.jpg
Church in Sorsogon City | Photo by bobandzai

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/sorsogoncityhall-bobandzai.jpg
Sorsogon Provincial Hall | Photo by bobandzai

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/baconchurch-baconsorsogon.jpg
Bacon Church | Photo by BaconSorsogon

All photos from flickr

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/bulusanlake-terenzever.jpg
Mysterious Bulusan Lake | Photo by terenzever

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/bulusanlake-litratista.jpg
Emerald Bulusan Lake | Photo by litratista

All photos from flickr

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/3gapo-baconsorsogon.jpg
Tolong Gapo (Three Rocks) Beach | Photo by BaconSorsogon

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/stamagdalena-bobandzai.jpg
Sta. Magdalena Beach | Photo by bobandzai

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/sorbeach-litratista.jpg
Cove in Sorsogon | Photo by Litratista

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/irosinhotsprings-bobandzai.jpg
Irosin Hot Springs | Photo by bobandzai

All photos from flickr

dex, you got city photos of sorsogon?

i miss going to robertsons and graceland.. hope im not too busy this summer so i could visit again..

Two things...

1. I like Bacon Church's unique formations. There's no other Bicolano church I've seen like that before... I just like it...

2. The beaches!!! I miss Sorsogon's beaches! They're ecstatic! There's one island in Bacon, named "Paguriran," that really took my breath away. I haven't been there, I only saw photos of it... :D!

next year residente na ko ng San Isidro,Bacon,Sorsogon City and Promise Magpopost ako ng Mga pic ng City Proper.

^^ correction lang, 'tol... Bacon is part of Sorsogon Province not Sorsogon City... Diyan ka na ba magtatrabaho?

^^ correction lang, 'tol... Bacon is part of Sorsogon Province not Sorsogon City... Diyan ka na ba magtatrabaho?


ang alam ko tol Bacon is now a District of Sorsogon City kasi nag merged sila para makomply sa cityhood ang Sorsogon...hindi dun kami titira ng magiging wife ko.ahehehe

Ah, thanx for the info... Congratz sa inyo 2. hehehe

Ah, thanx for the info... Congratz sa inyo 2. hehehe


Invite ko kayo pag malapit na ahehe...sa ayaw nyo at sa gusto ahehe..:lol:

Kelan kaya ako makakapunta jan... Kahit saang bahagi ng Sorsogon di ko pa napuntahan.... Hanggang Albay lang hehehe

Kelan kaya ako makakapunta jan... Kahit saang bahagi ng Sorsogon di ko pa napuntahan.... Hanggang Albay lang hehehe

ganon ba, eh di magkakaron ka na ng dahilan na makapunta ng Sorsogon ahehe... Gusto ko kayong mameet mga utol sina Kevinb,Mond87,Monsi,Dxp...etc.

Sana importante ang magiging dahilan ko kasi sayang ng pera.... Pero hindi natin alam who knows baka makapunta me diyan ng wala sa oras...:)

Sana importante ang magiging dahilan ko kasi sayang ng pera.... Pero hindi natin alam who knows baka makapunta me diyan ng wala sa oras...:)

hayaan mo utol may service tayo pag nagkataon ahehehe... basta invite ko kayo.:lol:

Mabuti yan kung may service hehehe. Sino bang ayaw diyan....hehehe Siguradong makakasama me niyan lalo't libre hehehe.

Mabuti yan kung may service hehehe. Sino bang ayaw diyan....hehehe Siguradong makakasama me niyan lalo't libre hehehe.

:cheers: tol what a coincidence puro 8 and last number of post ng Naga,Sorosogon and Lucena at this moment ano kaya ibig sabihin nun?
Mukhang Swerte ah....

ang alam ko tol Bacon is now a District of Sorsogon City kasi nag merged sila para makomply sa cityhood ang Sorsogon...hindi dun kami titira ng magiging wife ko.ahehehe

Korek! :okay: That's also the reason why biglang nag-jump sa 100K ang population ng Sorsogon. Eh dati hindi naman.

Korek! :okay: That's also the reason why biglang nag-jump sa 100K ang population ng Sorsogon. Eh dati hindi naman.

ahehehe...hay salamat tumama din:lol: ...

Siguro swerte talaga kasi bihira mangyari ito eh....

Siguro swerte talaga kasi bihira mangyari ito eh....

Tol baka magkatotoo na yang signature mo ahehehe...^^

Baka nga... magtakeoff na totally ang whole Philippines....Well, that good for all of us...

Baka nga... magtakeoff na totally ang whole Philippines....Well, that good for all of us...

infairness,Pero maganda talaga ang nararamadaman ko sa year na ito...new hope...new projects for us...

^^ Me, either.. Maraming infrastructure projects ang under construction ngayon. Hindi lang basta basta project but mega projects....Ngayon lang ata ito ngyari...

^^ Me, either.. Maraming infrastructure projects ang under construction ngayon. Hindi lang basta basta project but mega projects....Ngayon lang ata ito ngyari...

:cheers: Yes and ang maganda hindi na halos sa MMla nakafocus ang projects.

Yap, decentralized na. This is probably because of PGMA's super regions...

Yap, decentralized na. This is probably because of PGMA's super regions...

Aba kung makakatulong talaga ng malaki yang Superegions na yan bakit ba hindi...

I hope tuloy tuloy na ito... TODO NA 'TO! hehehe

I hope tuloy tuloy na ito... TODO NA 'TO! hehehe


yes ,i hope this comming election doesn't change the trend...

Utol Bonixx, sigurado ka ba??? Heheh... sa Bacon din kasi namin gaganapin ang feasibility studies, baka makita na kita sa personal! Heheh... kelan ba, tol, ang exact date?

Utol Bonixx, sigurado ka ba??? Heheh... sa Bacon din kasi namin gaganapin ang feasibility studies, baka makita na kita sa personal! Heheh... kelan ba, tol, ang exact date?

sa Januray,2008 pa utol magiging resident na ko ng Bacon.:)

^^Anlayo pa pala... this year kasi ang feasibility studies namin... heheh... sayang...

^^Anlayo pa pala... this year kasi ang feasibility studies namin... heheh... sayang...


pagmay time ba akopupunta jan sa Legazpi aheheh...Basta magkikitakita tayo...

^^ I can't wait to see you,tol... heheh... gusto ko rin nga bumisita sa quezon, dun sa mga pinsan ko...

^^ me too utol,oo ba sabihan mo lang ako pagpupunta ka ng Quezon sasamahan kita ahehehe..well i miss Alimango of Sorsogon super sarap kahiut simpleng luto lang

^^ me too utol,oo ba sabihan mo lang ako pagpupunta ka ng Quezon sasamahan kita ahehehe..well i miss Alimango of Sorsogon super sarap kahiut simpleng luto lang

Teka, ba't ka pala lilipat nang Sorsogon? Taga-sorsogon ba gf mo?

Teka, ba't ka pala lilipat nang Sorsogon? Taga-sorsogon ba gf mo?

yes:cheers:

[/SIZE][/B]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/baconchurch-baconsorsogon.jpg
Bacon Church | Photo by BaconSorsogon

All photos from flickr


Such a beautiful structure yet ruined by careless addition on the main entrance and lousy paint job. Unfortunately most if not all structures in the country are similarly afflicted.

yes:cheers:

kaya pala... good for you... maganda ba?

Such a beautiful structure yet ruined by careless addition on the main entrance and lousy paint job. Unfortunately most if not all structures in the country are similarly afflicted.

I agree with you, jbkayaker... I like the church but somehow there's something wrong with it. But, anyways, it's still God's home so it's still perfect...

kaya pala... good for you... maganda ba?

para sakin maganda sya:) mabait pa...

I agree with you, jbkayaker... I like the church but somehow there's something wrong with it. But, anyways, it's still God's home so it's still perfect...

How did you know it was perfect? :) Kidding aside, authorities should take into consideration the whole structure and not just what the budget can afford when it comes to restoration of a structure.

para sakin maganda sya:) mabait pa...

Oo naman... ikaw pa?

Hindi na pala kami matutuloy dito sa Sorsogon. Nakahanap na kami ng mas malapit na lugar...

Oo naman... ikaw pa?

Hindi na pala kami matutuloy dito sa Sorsogon. Nakahanap na kami ng mas malapit na lugar...

:lol:
Tol,san na kayo mag pifeasive?

Such a beautiful structure yet ruined by careless addition on the main entrance and lousy paint job. Unfortunately most if not all structures in the country are similarly afflicted.

Yeah, they have a habit of ruining historic buildings with tasteless renovations. What is that blue thing blocking the church entrance- an inflatable pool?!:ohno:

:ohno: I thought there's already a movement to preserve Bicol's churches. Too bad for Bacon's church, its neoclassical flavor is all but destroyed by these tasteless additions.

:lol:
Tol,san na kayo mag pifeasive?

Sa Jovellar, Albay na kami... :(

Sa Jovellar, Albay na kami... :(

Ok na din budgetwise ika nga...well good luck sa feasive nyo...hope to see you soon.

:ohno: I thought there's already a movement to preserve Bicol's churches. Too bad for Bacon's church, its neoclassical flavor is all but destroyed by these tasteless additions.


well utol... lets apreciate na lang yung church in otherside it looks like churches in Austria...

Ok na din budgetwise ika nga...well good luck sa feasive nyo...hope to see you soon.

Salamat!!!

Salamat!!!


Welcome utol...

ot: ano pala yung cheapest airline from manila to legazpi? balak ko kasing pumunta sa sorsogon before or after holy week. :D

^ cebu pacific. twice daily na yung flights nya Legazpi-Manila vv. lowest go fare yata is Php288

^^ salamat.. excluded ba yung tax, airport fee, etc.?

^ yup, wala pa dyan yung tax and other fees..check mo na lang sa website nila. baka maabutan mo pa yung piso (Php1) fares nila.

^ yup, wala pa dyan yung tax and other fees..check mo na lang sa website nila. baka maabutan mo pa yung piso (Php1) fares nila.

Utol anong Estimate pag kasama na yung Tax?

^ depende kung marami na ang nakapagbook sa particular flight na yun..kung swerte ka, pwedeng as low as Php1,100.

kung nakapag book ka nung Piso fares promo nila, pwedeng as low as Php785 one-way LGP-MNL daw. Kaso tapos na yata yung promo.

^ depende kung marami na ang nakapagbook sa particular flight na yun..kung swerte ka, pwedeng as low as Php1,100.

kung nakapag book ka nung Piso fares promo nila, pwedeng as low as Php785 one-way LGP-MNL daw. Kaso tapos na yata yung promo.

Thank you sa info utol,pero kalimitan naman palagi may promo sa mga travel agencies...compare sa bus mas reasonable talaga pag may discount ang airfare

8 airport projects set for 2007 completion

The national government is set to complete this year eight airport projects worth some P15.5 billion that would further promote tourism and logistics by providing a more efficient mode of transport for goods and passengers.

Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Remonde said these eight airport projects are part of the 31 priority airport projects costing P94.37 billion targeted to be completed by 2011 under the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), to enhance the competitive advantages of the country’s five super regions.

At a media briefing held in Malacañang, attended by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi, Remonde said the opening of 10 new airports and improvement of 21 others are part of the social payback from the implementation of fiscal and other economic reforms of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

At a media briefing held in Malacañang, attended by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi, Remonde said the opening of 10 new airports and improvement of 21 others are part of the social payback from the implementation of fiscal and other economic reforms of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

“We have sufficient funding for all these projects. These are part of the social dividends from the reform agenda of the President. This is where your EVAT (expanded value-added tax) goes,” Remonde said.

Included in the eight airport projects set for completion this year is the Bulan Sorsogon airport together with that of Casiguran, Quezon; Kalibo, New Iloilo, New Bacolod, in Western Visayas; and Siargao, Ozamis, and Cotabato airports in Mindanao.

Of the 31 airport projects, Remonde said 16 are being improved or constructed in Central Philippines; six in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle; seven in Mindanao, and two in the Luzon Urban Beltway that would improve the transport of agricultural products and provide access to key tourism destinations nationwide.

On the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Remonde said remedial works need to be completed first before its targeted rolling opening, originally set this month, can push through.

NAIA manager Alfonso Cusi said the March 31 opening has been postponed on the recommendation of the Hong Kong-based consultants hired by MIAA that found deficiencies in the construction of NAIA-3. (PIA 5 Dispatch)

source:bicol mail (http://www.bicolmail.com/)

P300-M domestic airport to rise in southern tip of Luzon
By Danny Calleja
Correspondent

BULAN, Sorsogon—A P300-million commercial air transport hub will soon rise at a vast plain of this prime coastal town as one component of the government’s P15.5-billion eight-airport project set for completion this year.

It will be called the Bulan Domestic Airport and preparations for the full-blown implementation of this project such as site and right-of-way acquisitions and architectural surveys, among others, have been completed and “we are only awaiting the initial release of funds so that the construction proper is started,” Sorsogon Second District Rep. Jose Solis said over the weekend.

Once completed and made operational, this facility will formalize Bicol’s entry into the five super regions in the country with enhanced competitive advantages in terms of tourism and efficient mode of transport for goods and passengers, Solis said.

This eight-airport project that includes one in Casiguran, Quezon; Kalibo, Aklan; Iloilo; Bacolod; Western Visayas; Siargao, Ozamis and Cotabato is part of the 31 priority airport projects costing P94.37 billion that are targeted to be completed by 2011 under the government’s Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).

Under this program, 10 new airports would be constructed and 21 others would be improved as among the social paybacks from the implementation of fiscal and other economic reforms of the Arroyo administration, Solis said.

At least 16 of them are in the Central Philippines, six in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, seven in Mindanao and two in the Luzon Urban Beltway that would improve the transport of agricultural products and provide access to key tourism destinations nationwide, he said.

Insofar as Bicol region is concerned, Solis said Bulan Airport would not only decongest the existing Legazpi Domestic Airport in Albay but serve as the main facility for air cargoes and passengers coming in and going out of Sorsogon and Ticao Island of Masbate.

Source: Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/032...economy05.html)

Great news for Sorsogon! :applause:

^ does that mean no more international airport in albay?

we don't know LOL :lol:

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Photo from Sorsogon Update

ey peeps jaz a few questiosn lang...

how much does it cost for the whale watching activity? yung boat, spotter etc...

ilang ang max capacity ng pumpboat?

gaano kahaba ang whale interaction?

how many hourstravel time form legazpi to donsol.

and usually ano oras nag start ang whate watching.

i need this info kasi ako incharge sa team building dito sa office. original plan ko kasi is Corregidor, but i might drop the plan and just change it to Legazpi/donsol

Thanks!

hmm, wala ako masyado info about Donsol and Butanding interaction :(

Try coordinating with the dept of tourism.

REGIONAL OFFICE V
MS. MARIA ONG-RAVANILLA, Regional Director
Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City 4500
Tel.: (6352) 482 0712 / 482 0813 / 482 0811
Fax: (6352) 820 5066
Cell. Phone: (0918) 2120 788

We're going on a road trip to Bulan, Sorsogon next week. I'm going to take as many pics as I can..hehe

We're going to Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon! I might post some pics too!

^ cool :okay:

ok thanks DXpsycho. neways.. feeling ko di matutuloy ang Donsol, pero most probably ang legazpi trip ko matutuloy talaga.

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Sunrise at Magallanes, Sorsogon
Photo by slow.drive

^^ Tol Dx?is it taken From Sorsogon?wow...

^ yup, wala pa dyan yung tax and other fees..check mo na lang sa website nila. baka maabutan mo pa yung piso (Php1) fares nila.

nagpabook ako.. 1,500 yung sa morning.. ang mahal.. haha.... pinagalitan ako... :lol:

^kelan ka punta Sorsogon

^ does that mean no more international airport in albay?

Hindi naman siguro. The airport to be built in Daraga will cater to a different class, same case with the one to be built in Bulan.

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Beach @ Sta. Magdalena
by Elvin Marcelo

Camelot in Sorsogon
by benedict anover (Flickr)

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Pantomina sa Tinampo
Photo by Manny Ferrer

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Beach @ Sta. Magdalena
by Elvin Marcelo

Wow... thanx, kuya dex. You are making me more excited about going to Sta. Magdalena this coming thursday and friday!

^^ wow! nice spot ang tubig very clear!!! saan yan sa sta Magdalena?i mean what particullar Beach

P300-M domestic airport to rise in southern tip of Luzon
By Danny Calleja
Correspondent

BULAN, Sorsogon—A P300-million commercial air transport hub will soon rise at a vast plain of this prime coastal town as one component of the government’s P15.5-billion eight-airport project set for completion this year.

It will be called the Bulan Domestic Airport and preparations for the full-blown implementation of this project such as site and right-of-way acquisitions and architectural surveys, among others, have been completed and “we are only awaiting the initial release of funds so that the construction proper is started,” Sorsogon Second District Rep. Jose Solis said over the weekend.

Once completed and made operational, this facility will formalize Bicol’s entry into the five super regions in the country with enhanced competitive advantages in terms of tourism and efficient mode of transport for goods and passengers, Solis said.

This eight-airport project that includes one in Casiguran, Quezon; Kalibo, Aklan; Iloilo; Bacolod; Western Visayas; Siargao, Ozamis and Cotabato is part of the 31 priority airport projects costing P94.37 billion that are targeted to be completed by 2011 under the government’s Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).

Under this program, 10 new airports would be constructed and 21 others would be improved as among the social paybacks from the implementation of fiscal and other economic reforms of the Arroyo administration, Solis said.

At least 16 of them are in the Central Philippines, six in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, seven in Mindanao and two in the Luzon Urban Beltway that would improve the transport of agricultural products and provide access to key tourism destinations nationwide, he said.

Insofar as Bicol region is concerned, Solis said Bulan Airport would not only decongest the existing Legazpi Domestic Airport in Albay but serve as the main facility for air cargoes and passengers coming in and going out of Sorsogon and Ticao Island of Masbate.

Source: Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/032...economy05.html)

Great news for Sorsogon! :applause:

Bakit sa Bulan itatayo? Why not in Donsol? Is Bulan more progressive than Donsol? No offense meant, please.

^^ Bulan is more progressive than Donsol. It is the only first-class town in Sorsogon... I think the reason why Bulan was chosen is its strategic location. It houses a seaport leading to Masbate. I think the target market of that airport will be people living in Southern Sorsogon, Masbate, and Northern Samar thanks to Bulan's location...

^^ I see. And that's what I've also heard - Bulan is the only first-class municipalit in Sorsogon. Malapit lang naman siguro pati ang Donsol sa Bulan kaya okay lang siguro na dun ang airport.

^^ Mejo malayo-layo na ng konti ang Donsol pero people going to Donsol have two choices: either Legazpi airport or Bulan airport. I think Donsol is closer to Legazpi than it is to Bulan. Just a theory, though. Btw, I'm glad you're here, kuya kevs! 3 tayo nina Bonixx na nandidito... I'm so happy! heheh...

^^ I see. I'd love to interact with whale sharks. Kailan kaya un

BTW, Kuya Kevs? Freshie ka ba?

^^Junior... pero from what i've seen parang mas matanda ka sa akin ng konti kaya tinawag kitang kuya...

^^ and di ba may proposed hotel sa Donsol with Misibis?

I think Donsol is closer to Legazpi than it is to Bulan. Just a theory, though.

I checked out the map of Sorsogon and found out that Donsol is closer to Legazpi than to Bulan, so your theory is correct. :colgate:

^^Junior... pero from what i've seen parang mas matanda ka sa akin ng konti kaya tinawag kitang kuya...

From what you've seen? Pics ko ba sinasabi mo?

^^Yup!

Bonixx, do you know who's the man behind the Misibis and the Embarcadero? It is Zaldy Co! I can't believe how speedy he is expanding his real estate business... Too fast, I think he has to slow down...

I checked out the map of Sorsogon and found out that Donsol is closer to Legazpi than to Bulan, so your theory is correct. :colgate:



From what you've seen? Pics ko ba sinasabi mo?

:rofl:hindi naman cguro

We're going on a road trip to Bulan, Sorsogon next week. I'm going to take as many pics as I can..hehe

Change of plans, we're going to Rizal Beach in Gubat instead :okay:

^^Yup!

:eek: Do I look that old?! I'm only 18! :gaah:

:nocrook:

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Shell Chandeliers

Great photos, dex!

We've been to Sta. Magdalena for 2 days. I took some photos with my sony digicam but unfortunately, the corresponding usb cable was lost! I couldn't find it, maybe it was only misplaced (and I'm crossing my fingers). Dex, what digicam do you use? Is it Sony? Perhaps I can borrow its usb from you for the sake of posting the pictures here...

About the beaches in Sta. Magdalena? They were great! My mom said that the whiteness of its sand can rival Boracay's. Even more astounding is the fact that some foreign tourists say that this beach is better than Boracay...

I'm so eager to post the pics here! Super!

:eek: Do I look that old?! I'm only 18! :gaah:

:nocrook:

Gosh... I thought you're already 21... heheh... but don't worry, I always see people my age older than I thought...

just heared from the news, pumutok daw yung mt. bulusan? is mount bulusan located in Sorsogon? Sorry, Di ko lam e:lol:

Gosh... I thought you're already 21... heheh... but don't worry, I always see people my age older than I thought...

Nakakasuya ka man daw ay! :lol: Anyway, I look much younger, and cuter not to mention, in person. :lol: :jk:

just heared from the news, pumutok daw yung mt. bulusan? is mount bulusan located in Sorsogon? Sorry, Di ko lam e:lol:

Yes, it is. :)

^kelan ka punta Sorsogon

sa thursday na.. excited nako kasi may pocket money.. haha... magkakapera na ulit ako.. :carrot:

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I don't know where exactly this beach is. Maybe somewhere in Sta. Magdalena.

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All photos by empress_cza (http://www.flickr.com/people/33647094@N00/)

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Photos by Vincent Alcanzare (http://www.flickr.com/photos/16384354@N00/)

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THE ISLAND PROVINCE OF MASBATE

The Province of Masbate lies at the center of the Philippine Archipelago between latitudes 11 degrees 43 minutes north and 21 degrees 36 minutes north, 123 degrees 9 minutes east and 124 degrees 15 minutes east. It is composed of a wedge-shaped mainland (Masbate), two major islands (Ticao and Burias) and 14 small islands. It is bounded on the north by the Bicol Mainland, on the south by the Visayan Sea, on the west by Sibuyan Sea and on the east by the Burias Pass, Ticao Pass and Samar Sea.

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The province covers a total land area of 4,047.7 square kilometers. It is politically subdivided into three congressional districts, 20 municipalities, one city and 550 barangays. Masbate had a population of 707,668 as of the 2000 census, growing at an average rate of 1.71 percent from 1995 to 2000. The province had an average population density of 174.8 persons per square kilometer.

Masbate is the biggest cattle raising province in the region. Its main economic activity is agriculture with copra, rice, corn and tobacco as its main products. Fishing is also a major industry in the province. Until lately, the province is the site of the biggest gold mining operation in the region. Other minerals found in the island province are manganese and limestone.

Due to its geographic location, Masbate is a melting pot of dialects and cultures. Residents in the capital town of Masbate speak the native Masbateño with a mixture of the Bicol dialect; natives of Cataingan, Palanas, and Dimasalang along its east coast use Samar-Visayan; residents from Pio V. Corpus, Cataingan and Placer in the south speak Bohol and Cebu Visayan; along the western coast of Mandaon and Balud, people converse in Ilongo and Capiceño; natives of the Burias island talk in variants of the Bicol dialect and Visayan due mainly to the droves of migrants to the island during the sixties.

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Rodeo Masbateño

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Cattle raising is the trademark of the province as well as the major source of livelihood. Rodeo Filipino, celebrated provincewide every March 18, highlights the Masbate Livestock Week. Featured are various sports activities such as the grand rodeo parade, agro-livestock fair, individual and group competitions in bull riding, steer wristling, carabao race, and other traditional Filipino

Limestone Hills

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Located in Kalanay at Aroroy, the Limestone Hills are believed to have been inhabited by the Kalanay people. These early inhabitants of the province practiced jar burials. On-site excavations, in fact, yielded human bones.

Catandayagan Falls

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The well-known falls located at Tical Island is one of the most beautiful the province has to offer. Its water cascades from 60 feet down to its base, where multi-colored fishes cavort. Catandayagan is accessible within an hour by motorboat from the provincial capital, also called Masbate.

Aroroy Beach
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Natural beauty at its most unspoiled is the dominating feature of Aroroy Beach. This well recommended destination is fast becoming a popular attraction among excursionists

Bat-ongan Caves
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This series of caves located in Mandaon at Masbate is the perfect site for the daring and adventurous. Bat-ongan Caves is approximately 10 kilometers from the subterranean river to Mandaon town.

Underwater Cave
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The cave is located in Claveria, within the jurisdiction of Barangay Boca Engaño, with an entrance that is undersea. During high tide, it will take even an unskilled diver only a few seconds to enter the cave; it is neck-deep during low tide. Inside Underwater Cave are will-sealed human caskets carved out of solid wood. Believed to be 500 years old, these caskets still c

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The body of water within the area of Burias island in Sorsogon, and Ticao island in Masbate is known as Ticao pass. Like Donsol's waters, it has a dense concentration of plankton, krill, and small fish, making it ideal as a feeding ground for mantas.

Ticao, one of the three major islands of Masbate, has received scant attention from tourists. Then news of manta sightings in the area that would later on be called the Manta Bowl reached local and foreign divers - mostly Japanese - who started visiting the area to get a glimpse of the friendly creatures close to their hearts.

Unlike sightings in dive sites elsewhere, the mantas of Ticao are big. They are also almost a guarantee, aside from the fact that they are known to linger for a while and sometimes even get near adventure-seeking divers. It is estimated that an average of three manta rays are being killed in Ticao every week. This is equivalent to 144 mantas killed each year but the number could even be higher.

Source: The Manta Network (http://www.mantas.org/index.php?name=News&catid=4)

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Photo by aldask

The manta ray, or giant manta (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having been nearly 7.6 meters (25 ft) across its pectoral fins (or "wings") and weighed in at 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). It ranges throughout the tropical seas of the world, typically around coral reefs. Mantas are most commonly black above and white below, but some are blue on their backs. A giant manta's eyes are located at the base of the cephalic lobes on each side of the head, and unlike other rays the mouth is found at the anterior edge of its head. To breathe, like other rays, the manta has five pairs of gills on the underside.

Source: Wikipedia

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Photos by Michael Kimmig
(http://www.flickr.com/people/kimmig/)
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Photo by archgerardo

Celebrating its own cowboy culture, each year Masbate City holds the colourful Rodeo Masbateno. Featuring all the usual rodeo attractions typical to rodeo events in the US, visitors can expect a lively show of bronco riding, steer racing and roping. The event also has its own local flavour and includes events such as the popular carabao (water buffalo) races. Other events include livestock shows, animal parades, a carnival and a large craft and trade fair

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Photos by Aaron Vicencio (http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronvicencio/)

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The city is the center of trading activities in the province. It serves as the intra-distributor of almost all commodities being traded to other municipalities in the entire province. Masbate’s main products are copra and marine resources such as fish. These are traded to Manila, Lucena, Legazpi, and Cebu cities. Other traded products such as dried fish, crabs, prawn, bangus, livestock, and rice are coming from the neighboring municipalities of Milagros, Baleno, Balud, Mandaon, Aroroy, Mobo, Uson, Dimasalang, Palanas, Placer, Pio. V. Corpus and Cawayan.

The city has existing trading relation with Manila, Cebu, Lucena, Iligan, Roxas, Iloilo, Tacloban, Ormoc, Legaspi, Naga, Daet and Sorsogon. These are the main destinations of the products traded by the city and those of the other municipalities passing through the city’s port. Copra, cattle, and aquamarine products are also shipped-out to Metro Manila, Cebu, Batangas and Lucena, etc. Shrimps, crabs and prawns are shipped to Japan, mud crabs to Taiwan, headless squid to USA and Japan, crab meat to USA and scallops to Europe.

The city is importing products mainly from Manila, Lucena, Cebu and Legaspi. These are mostly rice, bakery raw materials, transport vehicles and appliances, farm inputs, construction materials and basic commodities. These are also traded by the city to other municipalities in the whole province.

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Masbate Airport

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Quezon St.

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Masbate Church

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Downtown Masbate

Source (http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/philippines/masbate/lib/gallery)

WoW, A thread for Masbate....

DO you have pics sa Aroroy Masbate? I've also been to Matalangtalang beach, very nice white sand beach. I've also been to Tinago beach in Aroroy.

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Photos by Mike Williams

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Photo by Third Gonzalez

:okay: wow! May Thread na ang Masbate:cheers: ...kakapanood ko pa lang tungkol sa Masbate,Hotspot for politics ang Masbate...

Congratulations to Masbate thread.... Lots of info na naman...

^^thank you sa mga naggagandahang mgalarawan 'tol Dx!...I cant find pics of Bulan Sorsogon specially yung port .

^^ Beautiful!!! An dami palang magagandang beaches sa Sorsogon... Kelan kaya ako makakatour?

^^ yes ahehehe...sana makapunta tayo sa Matnog aheheh

I remember my highschool teacher from Masbate that his province is really poor. It's not true afterall after seeing this photos & reading on its developments.

Nice photos! Astig yung pic ng nipa huts na nasa tabi ng swamp. Mukhang old pinas. :)

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Sorsogon City | Photo by adkins.liwayway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/56933349@N00/)

^^thank you sa mga naggagandahang mgalarawan 'tol Dx!...I cant find pics of Bulan Sorsogon specially yung port .

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Port of Bulan | Photo by Marvin Almodal (http://community.webshots.com/user/marvinalmodal?track_pagetag=/page/photo/travel/philippines&track_action=/MediaInfo/MediaAuthor)

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Masbate Downtown | Photo by Aaron Vicencio (http://www.pbase.com/aaronvicencio/masbate2006&page=all)

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I don't know where exactly this beach is. Maybe somewhere in Sta. Magdalena.

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All photos by empress_cza (http://www.flickr.com/people/33647094@N00/)

I don't know but this is not the beach we've been to. I might post the pics next week. I really miss Sta. Magdalena... Great pics of Sorsogon anyway! This is why I think Sorsogon is the most beautiful province in Bicol, if not, in Southern Luzon...

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Port of Bulan | Photo by Marvin Almodal (http://community.webshots.com/user/marvinalmodal?track_pagetag=/page/photo/travel/philippines&track_action=/MediaInfo/MediaAuthor)

:cheers2: Wow ! grabe kang mag research utol...Thank you, looks so clean and organized...

^^nice pics too of downtown Sorsogon City...nakikita ko na dun sa Pic yung saint Louisse de marilac...

san ba yang matnog na yan? ang ganda ng beach....

gusto ko sanang kumuha ng maraming pics sa downtown sorsogon kaso sabi ng tito ko dami daw snatcher... kaya natakot ako.. haha...

san ba yang matnog na yan? ang ganda ng beach....

gusto ko sanang kumuha ng maraming pics sa downtown sorsogon kaso sabi ng tito ko dami daw snatcher... kaya natakot ako.. haha...

Matnog is the southernmost town of Sorsogon and of the whole Luzon island. Jump-off point na siya papuntang Visayas. I've never been there though... Maybe Dex knows the way... :)

Masbate earns P35M from tourist arrivals (http://www.bayanihan.org/html/article.php/20070420100627312)

The island province of Masbate got P35 million in cash receipts from more than 73,000 tourists who visited from April 2006 to April this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office in Bicol reported Friday.

During the ceremonial kick-off of the Rodeo Festival and Cattle Racing here, DOT regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said Masbate is now kicking up in the tourist arrivals and ranks 3rd (from rank 5th) in terms of income generation from tourism.

“The Rodeo Festival and the different tourist attractions brought the province in the global map,” Ravanilla said.

She strongly believed that Masbate has the capability to surpass the tourist arrivals of Camarines Sur and Albay provinces. “Masbateños must be aggressive in the promotion and development of their tourism facilities, particularly accommodations and other infrastructures,” she said.

The Rodeo Masbateño Festival is now on its 12th year and highlighted by the cattle racing competition participated in by 22 teams from the local ranchers and schools coming from other regions.

“The Rodeo Festival is a celebration to showcase the way of life of the Masbateño,” Ravanilla added.

She noted that due to the yearly festival, hostelries are now mushrooming. “We truly commend the local entrepreneurs for venturing and investing in the tourism industry. For so long cattle and fishing are the two major source of livelihood in Masbate but because of rapid tourism growth the employment rate for tourism sector was increased starting 2000 to 2007,” she said.

Provincial Tourism Council (PTC) president Jose “Kokie” Medina also said that every year, they introduce new activities to add more color to the festival.

“This year we included the fire works display sponsored by the DOT and next year we will launch the Festival of Festivals Street Dancing Competition to be participated in by 20 municipalities and one city.”

“In addition, the PTC has conceptualized Traditional Medicine Tourism this is similar to the Medical Tourism being promoted by the DOT,” Medina added.

He explained that in traditional medicine tourism, all trained local residents can provide health related services like massage using indigenous techniques and using herbal plants for therapy.

“We have trained local ‘Hilots’ in all barangays and we are happy to note that MosPhil Airlines (an airline company from Moscow) and Sea Air have expressed their pledges to arrange the package tours from Russia to Masbate and other parts in the Philippines,” Medina said.

san ba yang matnog na yan? ang ganda ng beach....

gusto ko sanang kumuha ng maraming pics sa downtown sorsogon kaso sabi ng tito ko dami daw snatcher... kaya natakot ako.. haha...


Ganun ba?hindi naman kasi nakapunta na ko ng Sorsogon city hindi naman yun naging problema ko,yung dialect ang medyo nahirapan ako umintindi:lol:

I had never the chance to visit Masbate main and Burias island (which is more on the side of Camarines Sur), What i only know about Masbate are the cattle, which in one time my father bought around 50 heads, and also the political warlords fighting each other . I have been to Marinduque island, but Masbate is much more industrialized and bigger in size.

This thread give me a glimpse about the Masbate's simple way of life, but truly adventurous, and it's beautiful environment.

It's truly amazing and thanks DXPSYCHO for creating this thread. I will never be naive about this beautiful island.:banana:

san ba yang matnog na yan? ang ganda ng beach....

gusto ko sanang kumuha ng maraming pics sa downtown sorsogon kaso sabi ng tito ko dami daw snatcher... kaya natakot ako.. haha...

Downtown Sorsogon is one of the most beautiful downtowns I've seen in Bicol... heheh... Madami bang snatcher? Baka tinakot ka lang ng tito mo... U have to ask more peeps to validate the reliability of his statement... ;)

Wow, I didn't know that the former sorsogon town and Bacon town were merged to form the city of sorsogon. I wish the small towns of Camarines Sur (Camaligan, Gainza etc.) would also do this. And also the smallest city of Bicol which is Naga:lol:

Wow, I didn't know that the former sorsogon town and Bacon town were merged to form the city of sorsogon. I wish the small towns of Camarines Sur (Camaligan, Gainza etc.) would also do this. And also the smallest city of Bicol which is Naga:lol:

There are really many small towns in Cam Sur. I think they need to be consolidated...

^^
They're not considered small but tiny:lol: There's nothing wrong with the size, it's just that there's a very little improvement and their income class is also low. And I think that the progress will come when these neighboring municipalities are further organized into a single town. The only problem is the personal intentions of the politicians in each towns, so i think it's still far from the possibility to merge these towns.:lol:


*sorry for the off-topic

^^That's why there's a Metro Naga Dev't Council... Heheh...

About Sorsogon city, it has an income of 267,000,000 in 2005. I think only a little portion of it belongs to Old Bacon...

What an lovely little island paradise this. Stopped there for a day while on my way to Lantangan (Masbate Island).
Despite the extensive typhoon damage this was a lovely island with a view from the lighthouse at sunset that just can't be beat.

Anyone else been to or from Jintatolo?

Cheers
Brad
Philippine Railways SIG
http://www.geocities.com/alcogoodwin/PhilippineRailways.html

Did you mean Jintotolo Island in Masbate?

Pics my friend. discovery abounds everytime you check the visayas thread!

There are really many small towns in Cam Sur. I think they need to be consolidated...

That's what I'm also thinking. Very small municipalities like Camaligan, which is actually a former part of Naga, and Gainza should be consolidated. Tapos hindi naman productive. Tapos sa Camaligan pa, corrupt masyado ang incumbent mayor. :ohno:

^^
masyado pa talagaang malayong ma-merge yang mga small towns at ang Naga. Sa approval ng mga tao pwede pa pero sa mga present mayors at sa bulok nating congressman:ohno: May possibility pa naman. Kung mapalitan yang mga mayors (not robredo) at congressman natin this election:lol:. Kung saka-sakaling mamerge sila (kahit di na kasama ang Naga), lahat sana ng towns dito sa District II productive. Dapat imerge na ang camaligan, gainza, milaor, bombon, magarao, canaman. Kung titingnan nga natin ang size nila pag-minerge mas maliit parin sa ibang towns.

* sorry again for the off-topic hehehe.

Did you mean Jintotolo Island in Masbate?

No! I mean't Jintotolo Island.
I stopped there on the way to Masbate. They are two different islands.

Brad
PhilippineRailways SIG
http://www.geocities.com/alcogoodwin/PhilippineRailways.html

Pics my friend. discovery abounds everytime you check the visayas thread!


Seem to have trouble placing pics on this forum. Tried in another thread with little luck :-(

Brad

^^
masyado pa talagaang malayong ma-merge yang mga small towns at ang Naga. Sa approval ng mga tao pwede pa pero sa mga present mayors at sa bulok nating congressman:ohno: May possibility pa naman. Kung mapalitan yang mga mayors (not robredo) at congressman natin this election:lol:. Kung saka-sakaling mamerge sila (kahit di na kasama ang Naga), lahat sana ng towns dito sa District II productive. Dapat imerge na ang camaligan, gainza, milaor, bombon, magarao, canaman. Kung titingnan nga natin ang size nila pag-minerge mas maliit parin sa ibang towns.

* sorry again for the off-topic hehehe.

You can continue this in the Naga forums... heheh...

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9809/1822763bg2.jpg
Downtown Sorsogon City | Photo by Joanna Saavedra

Sorsogon State College

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P750-M budgeted for five Masbate sea ports
(http://biz.balita.ph/html/article.php?story=20070430095118588)
The National government has set aside a total of P750 million for the construction of five additional sea ports in the province of Masbate. The seaports, seen to radically reduce travel time; the cost of travel; and of bottoms, would be built in the municipalities of Cawayan, Esperanza, Aroroy, Batuan and San Pascual.

The projects, components of the government's super-region concept of development, are due for full implementation by the last quarter of the current year. Masbate vice governor Vicente Omer Revil said P150 million were set aside for each of the sea port projects under the "roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro)" project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Strong Republic Nautical Highway program.

As the locals' counterpart, Revil said, the provincial government and the municipalities concerned will undertake the construction and rehabilitation of roads leading to the seaports. "This project is an inter-modal transport system. It connects the islands of the entire archipelago, using RoRo vessels to spur inter-island farm trade and to improve the nationwide distribution of our local products and develop local tourism," according to Revil.

The opening of the five new sea ports will, no doubt, reduce transport costs anywhere between 37% to 43% for passengers and by an estimated 24% to 34% for cargo. "It will also reduce travel time - for those coming from Batangas or Lucena and Cebu to Masbate."

"The local government units will introduce a new package of incentives to entice shipping companies to expand and modernize the RoRo and fast craft vessels," the official also said. (PNA)

Source: Balita.org

DMCI inks power deal with Masbate co-op (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=64230)
By Abigail L. Ho
Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines -- DMCI Holdings Corp. has signed an agreement with the Masbate Electric Cooperative (Maselco) in the island province of Masbate to supply Maselco with 13 megawatts of electricity at P7.07 a kilowatt-hour. The rate is much lower than the P12 per kWh price of electricity from the government’s National Power Corp. (Napocor).

Masbate at present has only eight megawatts of electricity.

The Department of Energy said that with DMCI supplying power, Maselco could serve the province’s customer base of 560,000, from its present coverage of only 125,000. Masbate, the country’s second poorest province, currently gets its supply from Napocor’s Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG).

As with other Napocor-SPUG areas, Masbate was opened for private sector participation, with the help of International Finance Corp. Other Napocor-SPUG areas offered to private power producers include Tablas, Romblon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, mainland Palawan, Catanduanes, Bantayan Island, Occidental Mindoro, Camotes Island, Siquijor, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Masbate is the eighth Napocor-SPUG area to be privatized since December 2005.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9809/1822763bg2.jpg
Downtown Sorsogon City | Photo by Joanna Saavedra


i like this shot!!! di mo akalaing nasa Sorsogon ka...nung andun ako sa Sorsogon akala ko nasa Morayta cor. Espanya ako:lol:

Manta rays in waters off Ticao island
in Masbate lure tourists (http://businessmirror.com.ph/05092007/economy05.html)
By Danny O. Calleja
Correspondent


TICAO ISLAND, Masbate—This sleepy island between Sorsogon and Masbate mainland whose territorial waters boast of being sanctuary of manta ray, an exciting yet endangered sea creature, is eyeing a prominent place in the country’s ecotourism map.

“This is not an ambitious aspiration. In fact, we do not even intend to modernize our place to be attractive to tourists. What brings them here is the natural beauty of our island and, of course, the fabulous manta ray,” according to Benjamin Espiloy, the mayor of Monreal town, one of the four municipalities within the island.

Monreal lies at the heart of the elliptical-shaped island that stretches parallel with Ticao Pass on the north side from the boundary of Burias Pass down to San Bernardino Strait off the coast of Bulan town in Sorsogon province.

The municipality has no good roads for convenient land transportation and enjoys no steady supply of electricity. It is the nearest access point to a vast section of Ticao Pass considered as Manta Bowl.

The area has been placed under government protection to preserve the endangered population of manta ray, a cartilaginous fish locally called pasa-pasa.

Since the declaration of the bowl as protected area about two years ago, catching, slaughtering, selling and eating manta ray had been prohibited.

Manta ray is an edible fish species whose meat used to command prices between P40 and P60 per kilo in the local market.

Also known as “Devil Ray” because of the two major fins positioned like horns on its head, these natural sea wonder that grows up to 24 feet in length and weighs about 600 kilograms have been offering exciting experiences to deep sea divers frequenting the area since its presence was discovered and given publicity over three years ago.

Manta ray, considered “bird of the sea,” is among the five largest fish species in the world.

There are several dive spots within the about 48-square-mile bowl—the Rentees Reef, Coral Garden, House Reef and some more that are newly discovered and yet to be named.

In summer last year, according to Marti Calleja, a resort operator and dive expedition organizer, some 500 tourists, mostly European scuba divers, arrived on the island and conquered the depth of the bowl while having interaction with manta rays that are harmless to humans.

Every expedition could make at least 10 sightings of manta ray during the peak season, which is between December and May when the sea is calm, Calleja said.

Outside this season, he said, diving is difficult and risky because of strong current that develops whirlpool effects on the bowl.

“Ticao Pass is, indeed, an ideal place for diving activities. In fact, its richness in marine ecosystem had already made it to the international diving map,” Calleja added.

Unlike the shallow seawater sanctuary of whale sharks at the nearby town of Donsol, Sorsogon, that had been regularly drawing thousands of tourists every year, the Manta Bowl is between 12 and 20 fathoms.

Local and national government policies for the preservation and protection of whale sharks not only in Donsol but in all other adjacent areas are already in place and the awareness and compliance of local residents to these policies are no longer a problem.

On manta ray, however, although fisherfolks here are already aware that it is an endangered species considered as among the world’s priceless treasures, “illegal fishing like the use of dynamite and cyanide near or within the protected area were yet to be totally curtailed,” Espiloy said.

These illegal fishers do not necessarily come from Monreal or from the three other municipalities of the island but from as far as Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and the neighboring Visayan areas, he said.

Mayor Helen Bunan of San Fernando town, the biggest among the four Ticao municipalities, said the local government units (LGUs) on the island are in the process of formalizing a common manta ray preservation program so that each town works in harmony with each other toward this end.

“All the LGUs of Ticao Island, given the fact that its entirety is beneficiary to the booming local ecotourism industry, understand very well that we should act as one in pursuing this initiative and we are doing that,” Bunan said.

The other two Ticao municipalities are Batuan and San Jacinto and their officials agree with the rest insofar as this matter is concerned, she said.

There is a long-term coastal development and management program being formulated and when finalized among the LGUs, it would provide for the establishment of a fish sanctuary, mangrove reforestation and the opening of alternative sources of livelihood for coastal families to dissuade them from illegal fishing, Bunan said.

The fish sanctuary declaration would cover not only the Manta Bowl but also the areas surrounding it, she added.

“That is all we need to do in the first place to be able to harness to its fullest the ecotourism potentials of the island. We have to preserve the natural beauty of our place and protect from extinction the manta ray,” Espiloy said.

The island may require more facilities like resorts to support the growing number of tourist arrivals and this would be the role of investors showing interest in putting up businesses on the island, he said.

At present, there are only four resorts operating in the area—one in Monreal and three in San Jacinto.

Those facilities need not be as modern as those found in other tourist destinations, as Espiloy said, “Our guests prefer the natural beauty of the island and they wanted the place to remain as natural as it is for them to enjoy the serenity of its surroundings”.

^^Bonixx, I think the whole Sorsogon city looks much better than this one that's being conveyed by the photo... Anyways, we have different perspectives...

It looks like a city in Mindanao to me, parang Muslim ang dating :D

It looks like a city in Mindanao to me, parang Muslim ang dating :D

If you are making that judgment based on that photo alone, you have only seen the "tail" of an "elephant." Sorsogon city is much better than that one in the photo. Trust me...

how come Jollibee and Chowking and them doesn't have an outlet in Iriga City?
even Ligao and Sorsogon has one now

^^
There's a Jollibee in Iriga. I'm not just sure with Chow King.

An antenna on a church tower? If it's not a bulletin board nor banderitas it's something else, when will the clergy in the Philippines learn. I was hoping it was a scaffolding for maintenance but I highly doubt it.

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^^ yes Sorsogon City have Jollibee,Chowking and Greenwich...meron din silang Graceland and ang paborito kong kainan dun yung Mango Grill...sarap

Nice photo. Mukhang malinis ang Sorsogon City. :)

^^That's why there's a Metro Naga Dev't Council... Heheh...

About Sorsogon city, it has an income of 267,000,000 in 2005. I think only a little portion of it belongs to Old Bacon...

I'm confused:shifty: Which one is the recent and which is the:ancient:

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/research/20070507_newterritories8.jpg

Here's the source (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472585) of the article

Sorsogon on Flickr

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Dawn in Bulan | Photo by frencelt

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Sorsogon Bay | Photo by winwel

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Ibos!! | Photo by Litratista

Masbate on flickr

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Cattle at Burias Island

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Burias Island

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Rodeo!

All Photos by xtyhnne

@Sind, I can't provide you an answer on w/c one is the more recent. Basta, all I can say is that there is a huge disparity b/w the figures given by DOF and those given by COA. Take for example, Ligao's total income. In DOF, it only have a total income of 18.3 million. On the other hand, COA provided me an info that its total income for 2005 is 220.6 million. Here's my source: http://www.coa.gov.ph/Audit/AAR.htm

^^ yes Sorsogon City have Jollibee,Chowking and Greenwich...meron din silang Graceland and ang paborito kong kainan dun yung Mango Grill...sarap

Talo pa ng Sorsogon City ang Iriga City, dun Jollibee pa lang wala pang McDo, Greenwich, Chowking, etc...

^^Liblib kasi ang Iriga... :lol:

^^ganun ba ahehehe yung Iriga ang natatandaan ko malaki din yung CBD nya and fully concentrated sa isang lugar... ang alam ko wala pang Mc Do sa Sorsogon last year ewan ko lang ngayon

What I meant by "liblib" is "hindi masyadong dinadaanan ng mga motorista." Weheheh... Sorsogon kasi lahat ng papuntang Samar and back, makakadaan sa Sorsogon. Nasa nat'l highway kasi tong ciudad na to. On the other hand, Buhi na lang talaga ang bayan after Iriga from the nat'l highway.

About sa CBD, malaki naman yung Sorsogon saka very active as I've observed. Dinaanan namin to last Holy Thursday and Black Saturday and parang andami pa ring namimili.

i like this shot!!! di mo akalaing nasa Sorsogon ka...nung andun ako sa Sorsogon akala ko nasa Morayta cor. Espanya ako:lol:

A request to all current and future mayors/governors/congressmen and women:

Could we please have decent-sized pavements so that pedestrians are not squashed between the traffic and buildings?

Thanks, maraming salamat po, arigato, shukran!

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/9809/1822763bg2.jpg
Downtown Sorsogon City | Photo by Joanna Saavedra

A request to all current and future mayors/governors/congressmen and women:

Could we please have decent-sized pavements so that pedestrians are not squashed between the traffic and buildings?

Thanks, maraming salamat po, arigato, shukran!

^^Liblib kasi ang Iriga... :lol:

grabe ka naman. I have some friends from Iriga, gustong gusto nila mga malls. Siguro, mataas rin ang purchasing power ng mga irigueño marami nga ako naririnig na nagririnconada sa LCC eh. I'm just wondering kung bakit ganun nga ang Iriga ngayon, kung bakit walang masyadong establishments like malls at fast food chains.

^ they have tons of hardware stores.
but i do like iriga's park/plaza. i think its one of the best looking parks in bicol

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cityparkaa-1.jpg

That has skating rink right? COOL. :)

Great photos! :)