Subic Beach of Matnog, Sorsogon

Now, now not everyone is familiar with what Sorsogon has to offer. People mostly think that Sorsogon is filled only with mountains. True, but remember that Philippines is an island surrounded by sea and for sure there is an island that is gifted with a nice-relaxing beach.

One of these island is the Subic beach located at the southernmost place of Bicol Region at Matnog, Sorsogon. A very cheap alternative way to relax without spending too much money.

The place is like Caramoan of Camarines Sur, a perfect island that people could enjoy. Pure-fine-white sand like Boracay, a perfect view of the blue sea and cool natural shades. These are just some of this island has to offer.

You can ask some people around specially the fisherman if they could get you some fresh fish or some Lato - an edible seaweed perfectly matched with a pinch of salt and a lemon.

Tourist Destination

Aside from the beautiful beach, there are two other destination that you could ask your helmsman to tour you around the place.

You can ask them to show you the caves and if you have time you can snorkel on selected nearby caves and take pictures together with the corals and fishes.

Setting aside the caves you can visit the fish pen or what they all call fish sanctuary. There is actually no fee to visit the place but it is wise to buy food for the fish and have fun feeding them.
Places to Stay

For a not much developed but popular beach you will be amazed that there is a nice room to stay that cost only 2000 Pesos. If you could not afford that much you can choose to put up a tent for free on the seaside preferably under the tree.

How to get there

If you are not from Bicol. It would be wise to start at the Legazpi Grand Terminal and take a van for only 90 Pesos that would take you to Sorsogon Terminal, it takes an hour to travel going there.

From Sorsogon Terminal take a Jeepney going to Matnog Pier for only 90 Pesos with three hours travel and expect the Jeep to be fully loaded.

From Matnog Pier, ask someone where the trip going to Subic Beach and they will lead you to where the Motor Boat or Kumpit is located. No worries, people here are friendly but carry your own baggage to be safe. The Motor boat would cost only 1500 Pesos for a 12 seater passenger and it would take 30-45 Minutes of travel.

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Caramoan Island of Camarines Sur

Caramoan Feeder Port

Caramoan Islands (or also known as Caramoan Peninsula) is one of the famous places in Southern part of Luzon. Filled with natural beauties and wonderful beaches. It was later been popularized when the Survivor used some of the islands for covering the reality TV show since 2008 and still being used today.

Why Named Caramoan?

Image Taken by Samsung Wave Phone at Souvenir Shop

Transcription:

Caramoan was first called as Guta de Leche by dutch travelers frequenting the peninsula, the named derived from the milk drop stalagmites found among the rocks of Gata Port. Later the Spaniards called it Caraha - referring to sea turrles abundant along the beach shores. It was later renamed to what is called today as Caramoan in 1687 by Spanish friar Francisco Dele Cruz U Oropesa.

Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of Camarines Sur situated at the heart of the Caramoan Peninsula at the southern tip of Lzuzon.

Image Taken by Samsung Wave Phone at Souvenir Shop

Transcription:

Here in Caramoan you can see big and small islands , craggy peaks, sheer cliffs and imposing limestone rock formation, powerdery white and pink-sand beaches, crystal clear water stream and magnificient diving spots that will captivate your heart and senses to make you in love with this unexploted slice of Eden.

It's an island with respect, a paradise for people who know better to believe in Paradise.

Tourist Destination

Among the green scenery there are many tourist destination inside the island of Caramoan.

Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel

Aisle inside the Church

Closer view on the Altar

Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel was originally made out of block of corals by mixed with egg whites coated with Tisa. Caramoan together with the Church and its records was been burned when it was colonized by Moros. According to further studies and records of proof gathered from Portugal and Spain by the late Gov. Luis Villafuerte (father of Gov. L-Rey, Gov. of Camarines sur), the Church has been put up by the Franciscan Missionaries in the late 16th centurie. Until now the researchers still conduct further studies regarding its history and records.

PEA located on the right side of the Church

Beside the Historical Church is a unique PEA (abbreviation for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration). A place for adoring or honouring the Eucharistic Presence of Christ

Jump Shot at Haponan Island

Caramoan have beautiful islands and beaches and each of this islands have their own characteristics. From white sand, island with activity area, snorkeling and rock climbing.

There are also some islands that are exclusive only for Survivor coverage. It would be better to coordinate with the tour guide to save time before going to a particular island.


Places to Stay

Sight and Sand

Sight and Sand's Eating Area

Inside the Compound of Sight and Sand

There are many places to stay while inside the islands but it would be much better to take a package deals to save your expenses. There are usually two package option that tourist could choose from, 2 Days and 1 night or 3 days and 2 nights. Commonly both package includes air-con room accommodation, foods good for 3 meals and transportation inside the island.

How to get there

Bangka - a type of vessel

The most accessible route going to Caramoan island is to take a fair from Naga via van going to Sabang Port which usually take one hour travel.

And from Sabang Port you could take Bangka (a type of vessel) going to Guijalo Port that would take one and a half to two hours.

Jeepney

Trike

From Guijalo Port, a maximum of 15 minutes, depending on the location, going to the center of the town where inns and hotels are located.

Reminder

While in Sabang Port be observant and watch carefully with your baggage. Some people claim that there are some thief baggage carrier.
Excluded from fare in bangka, 5 to 15 Pesos may be charge to carry you inside the bangka.

Mention

The author would like to extend its gratitude to 

Mr. Genaro Galang from Sight and Sand

and Mr.  Janroy Villarette, informative part time tour guide

Trusted Contact

Genaro Galang

Place to Stay: Sight and Sand

Contact Number: 09179629977
Email: caramoan.adventures@gmail.com
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/caramoan.adventures

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Basud Bridge of Sto. Domingo, Albay

If you have come to visit Sto. Domingo then you may have come across with the famous Basud Bridge, a metal bridge that connects the first and second district of Albay. This so called bridge was the first metal bridge version of Basud.
The current Basud bridge was constructed under the Regime of the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in cooperation of the Albay Governor Fernando Gonzalez, Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman, Sto. Domingo Mayor Herbie Aguas and British Charge Affairs and Chief of Mission Robert Fitchett. Basud Bridge was said to cost approximately P65.88 Million with the length of 96-Meter.

Basud bridge is not just any ordinary bridge, it also serves as one of the famous training ground of many organization for rappelling because of its rocky environment and thrilling excitement.

The bridge is also famous of its clear view of Mayon Volcano and its even more fascinating whenever the lava is leaking out of the Mayon's tip and on the other side of the bridge is the relaxing view of Albay Golf which was believed to be the large gulf in the southern part of Luzon island. Under the bridge are the boulders and sand that flowed out from Mayon which is also one of the source of income by local firms in the local area.

Here is one of the Public Record by DPWH Supporting Document in relation of Basud Bridge

PGMA Inaurugates Two Vital Bridges in Albay
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/offices/region/05/news_archive_05.asp

Transcription:

Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced the inauguration of two major bridges in Albay province: Basud Bridge and Quinale Bridge located in Sto. Domingo and Polangui, respectively on February 2, 2006. These two bridges are under the President’s Bridge Replacement Projects funded by the Government of the Philippines and by the UK (United Kingdom) Assisted Bridge Program”, explained DPWH R5 Regional Director Orlando B. Roces. “Basud Bridge is vital for the smooth, safe and fast passage to and from Tabaco City to its neighboring municipalities as well as those passengers en route for the Island Province of Catanduanes taking ferry boat from Tabaco”, added the good director. ARD Oscar C. Cristobal briefs PGMA on the Project Profile of Basud Br. Inaugural Drive Basud Bridge, Sto. Domingo, Albay Kinale Bridge Inaugural Drive Kinale Bridge, Polangui, Albay Basud Bridge is a Multi-Year Funded Project with a total project cost of P65,870,806.33. Pre-construction activities started in 2002. The project was finally completed in November 2004. Like Basud Bridge, Quinale is also a Multi-Funded Project with a total budget allocation of P24,638,367.50. This bridge links the Municipalities of Libon and Polanqui to major arterial road networks. The project aims to promote the socio-economic development of the area. From the positive feedbacks that we received from the local residents and from those visiting Albay province, since the opening of these bridges to traffic, I believe that we in DPWH, being the infrastructure arm of the government is on the right track in giving our service to the public”, concluded RD Roces.

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