For many Filipinos residing outside their hometown, Holy Week is a chance to reunite with their families and reconnect with their faith. On Holy Thursday, Roman Catholics participate in one of the most common traditions in the Philippines—the Visita Iglesia. The tradition of visiting seven churches is a way for people to reflect on the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Families and friends coordinate with the churches they wish to visit.
Beyond being named one of the top domestic destinations during the holiday season for Filipino travelers, the province of Sorsogon has so much more to offer, from its picturesque natural spots down to its rich culture and historical churches, which are perfect for your upcoming Visita Iglesia trip. From the book “Diamond Jubilee 1951: Remembering, Rejoicing, Responding” of the Diocese of Sorsogon, these are some of the notable and historical churches in Sorsogon that you can visit within a day’s trip.
- HOLY FAMILY (Brgy. Putiao, Pilar, Sorsogon)
Located along the national highway, Holy Family Parish is the first barrio parish to ever be canonized in 1916. This church will begin the Visita Iglesia trip for those who come from outside Sorsogon or for the locals who prefer visiting from the upper end down to the lower part of the province.
- OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY (Brgy. Cumadcad, Castilla, Sorsogon)
A gift of gratitude—the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary parish was canonically established on August 19, 1974. This church is also situated along the national highway in Brgy. Cumadcad. The original church building was funded by parishioners from Wanna Eickel, Germany, to give thanksgiving to God for helping them recover from the Havoc Wrought in World War II.
- STS. PETER AND PAUL CATHEDRAL (Brgy. Sirangan, Sorsogon City)
The patron saint of the said church was not originally Sts. Peter and Paul, but St. Anthony, who was a very popular saint amongst the Fransiscan order. However, it was said that the church was completely destroyed during a devastating flood in the 1680s, but the image of Sts. Peter and Paul miraculously survived the damage of the storm. With that, an issuance of a decree by the Nueva Caceres made them the new patron saints of the Sorsogon Parochial Church. Because of other natural disasters, a new church was constructed in the current location of the cathedral. What is now known as the Sorsogon Cathedral was made possible by Rdo. Padre Pio Imperial, which took over 13 years to build, starting from 1869 to 1882.
- OUR LADY OF FATIMA (Brgy. Almendras-Cogon, Sorsogon City)
Our Lady of Fatima was once a chapel that gave home to the bishop of Sorsogon after the private chapel was burned down on April 26, 1967. As the population of devotees to Our Lady of Fatima grew, the Our Lady of Fatima parish was made possible on July 16, 1987. Fr. Lino Rosero also became the founding pastor.
- OUR LADY OF ANNUNCIATION (Brgy. Poblacion, Bacon, Sorsogon City)
This church in Bacon is the second parish to be canonized in 1617, after Casiguran. The parish was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the solemnity of the Annunciation. Rdo. Padre Felix Huertas christened the parish and named the place after a plant called “bacong” that often grew in the area.
- ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA (Brgy. Pinontingan, Gubat, Sorsogon)
The town of Gubat was once part of Bulusan, which later became a municipality of Albay in 1764, and eventually became a town of Sorsogon in 1894. The term “gubat” meant raid, which became a call among the natives whenever there was a sighting of an invasion or barter trade. The church was initially a missionary settlement and was established as a parish on June 13, 1771. St. Anthony of Padua became the patron saint of the church. Coincidentally, the saint’s feast day is celebrated on the same date as the church’s establishment.
- ST. JOSEPH (Brgy. Poblacion Central, Barcelona, Sorsogon)
The municipality of Barcelona was once named “Danlog,” which is a poetic term that refers to the swift flow of a river. However, the Spanish government officials and missionaries changed the name of this coastal town to Barcelona as it resembled the city of Spain. Barcelona became an independent town on April 16, 1866. The church was canonically established in 1868, having St. Joseph as their patron saint. At present, the church stands as one of the oldest preserved churches in Bicol and was recently restored by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2020.
During your soulful visits in between one church and another, Sorsogon province also offers different convenient places you can stop by for lunch and snacks to quench your thirst and cravings for a mouthwatering feast.
Ethay’s Ube-Buko Pie and Food Products (Castilla, Sorsogon)
If you are looking for something sweet and refreshing, this place best serves ube-buko pie, and other food products that are not only ideal to eat while traveling but also serve as a perfect pasalubong for your loved ones. This place is located along the national highway near Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary parish.
D’Cozy Place (Bacon, Sorsogon)
D’Cozy Place definitely lives up to its name, having a comfortable ambience and serving Filipino foods that remind one of being at home. Since it is located across Bacon Boulevard, you can also enjoy the amazing view of the ocean while taking delight in their sizzling plates and big servings of pancit—and beat the heat with their overflowing haluhalo.
Victorio’s Grill (Bacon, Sorsogon)
If you want something fresh from the ocean, Victorio’s Grill might just be the perfect place. Their seafood platters and selection of coffee and beverages elevate the whole dining experience. It is located in Sitio Gabao, San Roque, Bacon District, Sorsogon City.
Manda’s Cafe (Gubat, Sorsogon)
Craving for a light dinner after the trip? Manda’s Cafe definitely got your back with their variety of pasta, drinks, cakes, and pastries. Their Scandinavian interior design and light ambience set a cozy vibe for its customers, and a sip of their best selling milk tea might just be a relaxing way to end the day. It is located in Brgy. Luna-Candol, Gubat, Sorsogon. I Samantha Totanes
