Sand Castles in Rizal Beach, Gubat Sorsogon

If you're going to Sorsogon, Philippines you'll probably ask your travel guide for the best places to hang out. There are a lot of places and of course beaches. And if it comes to beaches, I would say the best beach in Sorsogon, you might also try traveling to the Municipality of Gubat and to its world-famous "Rizal Beach".

Gubat is just a ride from the City of Sorsogon. You can be there by bus or car or by passenger jeepney. You won't believe it! the jeepney fare from Sorsogon City to Gubat is only 10 pesos per passenger. The jeepney terminal is located along Manook Street. Named after Don Pedro Manook, a descendant of Rajah Sikatuna, who happens to be the first Gobernadorcillo (Mayor) of Gubat, Manook Street is a busy commercial hub in Gubat where you can find the public market, banks, stores, and transport terminals for jeepneys and tricycles.

At the Gubat public market, I'm sure you will enjoy shopping for native foods like mouth-watering pili, suman or ibos, timitim, hinagum, and linukay. You might also try freshly caught "angul" fish at the wet market, which is best when steamed (sinaing), crabs, and prawns. There, you can also feast your eyes on an array of dried fishes of different kinds, including dried squids.

Native handicrafts made of abaca (hemp) and sea shells can also be purchased as souvenirs at very reasonable prices. This also includes hats, slippers, home decors, bracelets and necklaces, coin purses, and even cellphone accessories. Gubat really is a tourist spot. Very interesting though, you can also find in Gubat the "ukay-ukay" things. Para nang Baguio City.

If you're security conscious, you need not worry. There is constant police visibility in the town and I can vouch for this there are no robbers and pickpockets in Gubat. Besides, Gubateños are friendly and very accommodating.

Rizal Beach is located at Barangay Rizal. By going there you would pass by the stretch of beaches from Dangkalan Beach passing to Buenavista and then to Rizal Beach. It is indeed a "good view" watching this site, as a long time ago Spaniards called this place "Buena vista". There are inns and hotels there like the Veramaris Hotel which is perfect for a unique and enjoyable stay along the beach.

This week Gubat celebrated its foundation and occasions for the homecoming  ("baragat") and reunions and Gubateños all over the world. "Baragat" for Gubateños not only means meeting old friends and enemies but also going to your roots to help. It also held its town fiesta in honor of its patron Saint, San Antonio de Padua. Legend tells it that the great saint then saved the town from an impending rape and onslaught of arriving pirates at Gubat Bay by brandishing a sword atop the belfry of the 17th-century San Antonio De Padua Parish Church and driving them away to panic. Novena prayers for the saint are also said to aid in the good voyage and for pregnant moms wanting to have baby girls. The cultural show "Guinubat Festival", which tells the saga of Bintolan and the raid of a horde of swordfish (locally known as "bugiw"), where the town got its name, is also held annually to highlight the event.

While in Rizal Beach, you've only got three things to do. First, enjoy the beach and try surfing. Second, enjoy friendship and warm accommodation, and third, enjoy the experience.

For me, I've got four. Add the time when my daughter learned how to build sand castles. Cool!

External links:
Gubat, Sorsogon by Wikipedia
Rizal Beach: Gubat Sorsogon by Gloria Gamat
Discover Gubat - Learn Some Things About Gubat Sorsogon