SOSOGON FESTIVAL 2010 - STREET DANCE COMPETITION

Balig-ang

“ Lipote (Syzygium curranii) – Also called bahag, baligang or igot. This fruit species is INDIGENOUS to the Philippines. The tree is medium-sized, 9 meters or more high. The fruits are borne in compact clusters, small up to 20mm in diameter, round, dark red to black, rather dry but of pleasant acid flacor. The fruit is used in the making of preserces, wine, pickle, beverages and jelly. It is a good source of protein.” (http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/lipote-igot-bahag)

I shook this with sugar and salt. That would explain the "messy look" from all the juice that came out from it. Aside from Hagis, this is another fruit indigenous to Bicol. I am one of the lucky ones who get to enjoy this fruit every summer in Sorsogon. Yumyum!!!

Prieto Diaz

Prieto Diaz is a 5th class municipality in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 18,925 people in 3,623 households. (wikipedia)

Can't say much about this place right now - the place of my paternal roots. I haven't had the chance to really explore it just yet but I already felt that it has a lot of potentials to be one of the ecotourism destinations in the province.

The GK Village itself is a nice place, considering that you know what a Gawad Kalinga Community stands for (bayanihan, a sense of camaraderie, empathy, altruism). Here, the residents sell their very own home-grown veggies for extra income.

And there's Sabang Beach...unexploited beach that only the locals have the privilege to enjoy.... only because it is still practically unknown to tourists.

i heard there's a mangrove forest here. will definitely go there next time...

Bulusan Volcano National Park

Now there's a mini souvenir shop, kayaking, a 2km trail...

soon, there will be ziplining, wall climbing and rappelling too!

Hagis

I've never tasted or seen hagis (Syzygium tripinnatum (B) Merr) in any other part of the planet than here in Sorsogon (well, I've only been to Hongkong and most parts of the Philippines fyi=)). And so I guess this fruit deserves a space in my blog.


Hagis is a personal favorite ever since I was a kid. I think May is a Hagis Season so it was a pleasant surprise when I saw this heap of red delights as early as first week of April for only Php10.00!


This fruit is really sour but I enjoy this best when mixed with salt and sugar. I used to finish this all up in just one-sitting...but not anymore. My addiction for everything sour has taken toll on my teeth and can't take the "pangingilo" anymore. Yikes, just looking at it makes me salivate and crave for it...c",)

EDC-BGPF

Energy Development Corporation - Bacman Geothermal Production Field formerly PNOC is probably the most convenient ecotourism destination I have been to. It has a lot to offer in its premises making it a certified one-stop tourist spot. Flora, fauna, rare animals, breathtaking sceneries, natural resources....it's all in there.

the rig welcomes the guests

look at all the steam it produces!

the scenery

wall climbing facility

monkeys and wild boars

the butterfly garden

the famous botong twin falls

the really amazing inang maharang boiling mud lake

It is also where we could find one of the largest fruit bats in the world. Unfortunately, we hadn't had much time to explore the bat caves during our visit. But I would definitely won't miss it next time.

Cafe Rosita

i got hooked with the cozy little cafe in a nearby town the minute i stepped right inside and tasted their chicken paprika. i really craved for it that we would take that 20-minute drive to gubat, sorsogon to satisfy my taste buds.

save of course the fact that to get a change of feel, my hubby and my friends go here for chitchats, dinner, snacks or just to kill time.

the warm lights, the garden setting, the welcoming staff and of course cathy, the owner who at times serves us herself - these all are major bonuses to their already delectable treats.

being a wifi zone is also a plus...the internet cafe right beside it serves as entertainment for teeners who come with their parents on sundays while waiting for their orders

the flat screen tv attracted my hubby the most

the set of sungka did not escape my friends' interest. during a visit with my hubby, bro-in-law and his wife, hubby and kuya even had a sungka tournament ala olympics bringing out the child in them.

the little wood set and the little pond with kermit there (or frog prince) and the lone fish took my kiddo's fancy

i exceptionally liked the music they play which gives you a feeling of "aaaaaawww...." so soothing really.

it's just a perfect place to unwind and relax after a hard day's work in my own kitchen kingdom.