The musings of a wandergeselle about faith, literature, music, dancing, culture, food, travels, art, fashion, photography, life experiences, and everything in-between from journée to journée.
Today’s longer article will be more like a photo journal because I’ll be sharing more photos than narrating my experiences. But the running theme will be about making a move or moving.
And it’s not just any move, it’s a bold one. One that takes you away from your comfort zone to a foreign place surrounded by strangers. One that entails a major life change more like making a fresh start.
And if it’s a bold move, then it’ll require bigger faith. Thus, your life mantra must be in big, bold letters, too, just like mine. And I meant it literally. 😉
Philippians 4:13 in every season.
These are the essentials when you are making a big move in your life literally and figuratively – a devotional, the Bible, and God at the center. Just to make sure you are making the right move. 🙏
And as a continuation of my “firsts” here in Sorsogon City, I’ll start with the first event that I attended – the Kasanggayahan Festival. Check out the calendar of events in this article to know more about the activities lined up until October 28.
The Kasanggayahan Spirit Is On
Bago pa mahulas ang makeup. lol
Always my fave concert OOTN when going solo.
First fireworks display of the Kasanggayahan Festival.
I attended the event just to get a feel of Sarah G. and Matteo Guidicelli’s concert vibe in Sor Ci – I think it’s better to watch the Facebook live coverage of it. 😃
This is the main reason why I attend concerts – street food. 😅
Agri-Trade, Travel, Tourism, & Food EXPO
Bago ulit mahulas ang makeup sa tindi ng init. 😃
I prefer to visit places like this when there are fewer people. Fewer people means fewer photo bombers.
The perfect place to hang out at night w/ your barkadasduring the festival.
Fiesta feels.
There are so many shops to choose from representing the different LGUsall around the Sorsogon Province.
“Dagos Tabi” means “Welcome.”
I’m not sure if there are performances held here at night because there’s a stage in the middle.
And I wasn’t informed that they take photos of their customers. It’s a good thing I dressed up a little bit kaso hindi nakapag-retouch ng makeup. lol 📷: Barcelogan Sizzling House
Dairy Box for cold drinks.
And it REALLY was ice cold – much like the slurpees of 7/11.
This Beautiful Sorsogon tarp reminded me that as a Bicolana, I still haven’t visited most of these tourist destinations in Sorsogon.
I was supposed to visit the museum, too. But it was closed during that day because of a private tour.
Other Must-Try Restos And Shops In The Poblacion
This will be my favorite carinderia in the area because it’s located in the block across our street. 😃
My Dad and sister loved these creamy buko pies. I bought the Ube and Yema flavors.It was love at first taste for me with the Yema Buko Pie. 😋
When craving for maki, SUSHI SORis my go-to Japanese resto. Their maki platters can also be a perfect pasalubongsince it is located in SM City Sorsogon.
Back To Home Base
My failed attempt to have a decent selfie photo with Peekah, our Senior cat. lol
I was lucky enough to get a good shot with Polly. And then a few selfies later…
Polly: “Gaaaaah, Muuuuum!!! Stop harassing me with your cheesy and corny selfie photos! Enough alreadyyyyyyyyy.” 😂 E sorry, na-miss ko kayo eh. 😄
But they never say “no” to playtime using a feather.
And then plakda sa aking bilbil. lol
Food For The Fam
When I’m alone, I always skip breakfast because I wake up late.
But Dad’s an early riser so I cook them breakfast whenever Iam in Bulan.‘Di rin ako makaluto ng danggit dito sa apt. 😄
Breakfast of Champions
This is Atsarang Ubod or pickled heart of the coconut tree. Tia Naty, one of my titas, is an expert when making this. Atsarang Ubod is the perfect pair for any fried viand.
Green, Green Grass Of Home
I’d like to thank my 3rd sister for replanting Mom’s Caladiums/Heart of Jesus, and they are growing pretty well. Aren’t they gorgeous? 😍
A very huge Heart of Jesus. ♥️
While I was checking out this pine tree, which is one of Dad and Mom’s favorite plants in the garden, there was this one butterfly that hovered around me quite too close I can almost touch it.
I have a strong feeling that this is Mom, and she’s still watching her garden. 😊 I miss our gardening convos, Mom. ♥️
Sadly, one of the chimckens was already eaten by our neighbor. 😞
If you see me with scratches and bruises, the garden’s to blame – taking photos ofze plants with all their thorns and protruding branches is not easy peasy. 😩
Thank God for Netflix, watching movies now has no limits when I’m in Bulan – I miss binge-watching with Mom, too. ♥️
Because mirror selfies can mirror your self. Vain then? lol
And now I’m back in the city. It’s a good thing Dad’s scheduled follow-up checkup falls on a Saturday. Hopefully, I’ll be done with work by then. 🙏
If you’re also being called by God to make a big move in your life, I hope this reminder from my women’s devotional book will give you the encouragement that you need. ♥️
Moving Part 1
Moving Part 2
“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
It looks like the #everyFridayblogpost is making a comeback. 😉 I am praying I can commit to the schedule though. Meanwhile, here’s a continuation of my “firsts” in Sorsogon City.
But first, I’d like to share a little bit of info about the Province of Sorsogon also known as “The Land of Kasanggayahan.”“Kasanggayahan” means prosperity, and the entire province celebrates its foundation through the Kasanggayahan Festival. It is almost a month-long celebration held from October 14 – October 28. If you’d like to know more about the activities lined up for this year’s Kasanggayahan Festival, you may check out the Facebook page of the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Office.
A Journey of Faith
I am documenting this new season being in a new place surrounded by new faces because I want to look back on the experience someday and see the goodness of the Lord and how He has kept His promises though I was doubtful and fearful to obey at first. My coming to live here in Sor Ci isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.
It was already a calling from God, which He already revealed in 2019 through this perfect rainbow (my first) that my husband and I saw in Albay en route to Manila. And along with the perfect rainbow, this was the Bible verse that God has communicated to me:
“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:15
The Continuation
So, what are my other “firsts” in the city? I am going to start with “ukay-ukay.” lol This part of the city has lots of “ukay-ukay” shops, and it is so tempting to hoard because most of the clothes they sell are still of excellent quality. One of my favorite “ukayans” is the one located along Peralta St. near Victory Sorsogon.
Fabulous ukay finds. 👌First time ko mamalengke sa Sorsogon City public market, and it is surprisingly clean. When craving for something cold, konting lakad lang, solb na. 😃 This is located in front of Sorsogon East Central School.
First bakeshop na binilhan ko, and next on my list isto try Al Sinugba Grill House.
The next stop is not a “first” per se, but it’s the first time that I tried out the “tusok-tusok” stalls at Sorsogon City’s Rompeolas and Boulevard by myself. “Isaw manok” is my favorite, but it looks like I have a new favorite – “bopis,” which is grilled cow’s lungs. Mahilig kasi ang mga Bicolano sa salitang “baga” kaya pati baga ng baka o baboy kasama sa mga iniihaw na tusok-tusok. Iyo baga. 😅✌️
These food stalls open during the afternoon only.Tambayan everywhere.“Bopis”They also have the tastiest Calamares.This is another ihaw-ihaw stall.
Bought Betamax and Isaw Manok. 😋
Ito ang tunay kong na-miss. 🥰
Hindi po ako naglilihi pero sadyang nag-crave lang. 😅
Chasing sunsets whenever I can.
At dito lang ako sa Sor Ci nakakita ng ganitong nut na tinitinda kasama ng mga mani. I forgot what’s it called. Balikan ko nga si Kuya taga-tinda nang makabili ulit. 😃 His stall is located across DIY along De Vera Street.
The Bikol Sorsogon dialect though is so different from Bikol Bulan, which is the language that we commonly use in my hometown. The phrase “that’s right” or “iyo baga” in Bikol Sorsogon is “mao baga” in our local dialect. Ang “kanin” magkaiba din ang tawag sa amin sa Bulan at dito sa Sorsogon. Tuloy tinitigan lang ako ng tindera nang pagsabi ko, “Te, duwa tabi na kinunot nyan duwa na luto.” Gaaaaah, dirilot na ako kay hamo-hamo baga istorya ko sin Bikol. 😆 Help, please? English or Filipino na lang kaya. lol
And of course, last but not least will be my favorite – my first volunteering event at The Lewis College here in Sorsogon City organized by Every Nation Campus – Sorsogon through Victory Sorsogon. ♥️
“Every Nation Campus is the global campus ministry of Every Nation. We are a global community of students who believe that changing the world starts when we change the campus. We are committed to empowering the next generation for LIFE by teaching and imparting Leadership, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence.” – ENC Philippines
If you are a student who wants to be part of this movement, you may visit ENC’s website for more details on how to join. If you are also a young professional, you can also take part in what ENC is doing in the lives of the students by being a LIFE Coach.
Every Nation Campus – Sorsogon during the first day of classes @ The Lewis College.LIFE Coaches and MentorsThe photo before kami dinumog ng mga estudyante. 😃I wasn’t expecting to see BumbleBee on campus grounds. Sadly, he didn’t transform to an Autobot while we were there. Sigh.I may have not pursued a career as a licensed secondary education teacher, but the calling to be a teacher (and forever a student) of life remains. 🙂
The bookmark that changed my life – I’m passing it on to the next generation. 🙏
LIFE Group session led by Pastor/Doc Allan, Kuya Cois, Ma’am Mutya, and assisted by Ate Jhin, Ate Grace, and yours truly. Thank You, Lord, for the lives of the hardworking admin team behind Victory Sorsogon and Every Nation Campus – Sorsogon. 🙏
I am praying for the perfect time to study these courses, so I can share them to the two awesome ladies assigned to me to pray for who are BS Entrepreneurship freshies. 🙏
Some of the skills that the next generation needs so they will be well-equipped to address society’s future challenges.
First communion @ Victory Sorsogon.
Indeed, when God asks us to do something and we obey willingly, He follows it through and provides us with everything we need. And even if we don’t know why we have to do it and how we’re going to do it, God will reveal His provisions and purpose later on. But always, they will all be for His glory and His kingdom. 🙏🙂
YouVersion Bible App Daily Devo
YouVersion Bible App Daily Devo
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
“Seek God’s will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:6
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:33
P.S. I am not sure if this is what will really happen, but it looks like students who will be discipled through Every Nation Campus – Sorsogon might be some of the volunteers I was praying for in some articles I wrote last year. Nothing is impossible with God, they say. And did I hear myself say, Amen? 😊
P.P.S. And all of these started because of Mom – we will be remembering and cherishing precious memories of her on her 1st death anniversary on Tuesday. 🙏
The Journeyman's Moments 