Here you go guys! The Final Schedule for the Biggest Festival ever! Join the fun this summer at the Butanding Festival 2012 happening in Donsol, Sorsogon! Spread the word and see you there!

Day 0 / May 13 / Sunday
4:30 AM Big Run Cross-Country Half Marathon
5:00 PM Opening Holy Mass

Day 1 / May 14 / Monday
7:00 AM Flag Ceremony
8:00 AM Motorcade and Opening Program
9:00 AM Agri-Trade Fair: Big Trades. Big Buys Opening (ongoing from May 11 to 20, 2012)
9:00 AM Big Shots Photo Contest Opening (Exhibit and registration ongoing from May 13 to 20, 2012)
1:00 PM Big Bites Culinary Fest Launch and Chefs’ Showdown
3:00 PM Mutya ng Donsol Talent Show
4:00 PM Big Bingo Bonanza
6:00 PM Pasaling Donsolanon Cultural Show
9:00 PM Butanding Bay Fun (featuring a Manila band)

Day 2 / May 15 / Tuesday
8:00 AM Sibid-Sibid Race Craze: Big Race of the Mini Boats
1:00 PM Derby sa Donsol
4:00 PM Big Bingo Bonanza
7:00 PM Suruntukan 2012 Boxing Competition
7:00 PM Big Summer Style Fashion Show
9:00 PM Butanding Bay Fun
(featuring local bands)

Day 3 / May 16 / Wednesday
9:00 AM Green Summit (Day 1)
9:00 AM Plant for Life: Grand Homecoming Mangrove Planting
4:00 PM Big Bingo Bonanza
6:30 PM Ilaw: A Lantern Release and Thanksgiving Ritual for the Feast of St. Joseph
7:00 PM Grand Homecoming Party
8:00 PM VIP Night
9:00 PM Butanding Bay Fun (featuring local bands)

Day 4 / May 17 / Thursday
8:00 AM Whatta Whale Sight! Butanding Watching Competition
9:00 AM Green Summit (Day 2)
1:00 PM Wacky Race: Big Sprint with a Twist
3:00 PM Little Mr. & Ms. Butanding Festival 2012
4:00 PM Big Bingo Bonanza
7:00 PM Mutya ng Donsol Coronation Night
9:00 PM Butanding Bay Fun
(featuring local bands)

Day 5 / May 18 / Friday
7:00 AM Maritime Parade of the Butanding Replicas
8:00 AM Green Summit (Day 3)
8:00 AM Butanding Parade and Mini Festival of Festivals
2:00 PM Awarding Ceremonies for the Butanding Parade and Mini Festival of Festivals
4:00 PM Big Bingo Bonanza
7:00 PM Bigtime Videoke Challenge (First Elimination Round)
9:00 PM Barangay Night (featuring GMA stars)
9:00 PM Butanding Bay Fun (featuring local bands)

Day 6 / May 19 / Saturday
9:00 AM Thanksgiving Mass
8:00 AM On the Dot Dart Competition
8:00 AM Big Battle of the Guns Airsoft Competition
4:00 PM Big Bingo Bonanza
7:00 PM Bigtime Videoke Challenge (Second Elimination Round)
9:00 PM Baraylihan sa Park (Mister and Misis)
9:00 PM Butanding Bay Fun (featuring Manila band)

Day 7 / May 20 / Sunday
10:00 AM Awarding Ceremonies for the Big Bites Culinary Fest, Big Shots, and Agri-Trade Fair
2:00 PM Grand Big Bingo Bonanza
7:00 PM Grand Finals: Bigtime Videoke Challenge
9:00 PM Big Hits: Joey Ayala and Festival Closing Program and Grand Fireworks

For info on the available accommodations, click here.

For more info, visit:

• Butanding Festival Official Website
• Butanding Festival on Facebook

There are so many choices!

RESORTS

AGM BEACHFRONT RESORT
Contact: +639173813404 / +639196882264
Email: agmresort@gmail.com
Visit: http://www.agmresort.com/

AMOR FARM BEACH RESORT
Contact Nos.: 09095181150 /09176941687
Email: info_amorbeachresort@yahoo.com
Visit: www.amorfarmbeachresort.com

CASABIANCA BEACH RESORT
furnished duplex cottages
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
c/o Mr. Jun-Jun Belmonte
0906-309-9372; 0920-2739-984
vicejjb_58@yahoo.com, casabiancadonsol@yahoo.com
Visit: http://casabiancadonsol.multiply.com/
Total No. of Rooms: 1 4
Accommodation Capacity: 48 pax
Fan/bath P800
Villas 3pax 1500PhP
Sunset Rooms 4pax 2000PhP

DANCALAN BEACH RESORT
Contact No.: 09052182973 / 09994450030
Email: Donsol_dancalanbeachresort@yahoo.com
Visit: Dancalan Beach Resort on Facebook
Total No.of Rooms: 14
Accommodation Capacity: 40 pax
AC Room 3pax 2000PhP
Non-AC Room 2pax 1000PhP

ELYSIA BEACH RESORT
Contact Nos.: 09175474466 / 09273482340 / 09264759762
Email: elysia.live.co.kr
Visit: www.elysia-donsol.com
Total No.of Rooms: 15
Accommodation Capacity: 40 pax
Deluxe Room 1-2pax 3150PhP Extra: 300
Super Deluxe 1-3pax 3550PhP Extra: 300

GIDDY’S PLACE DIVE RESORT 
Contact No.: 09178488881
Email: info@giddysplace.com
Visit: http://www.giddysplace.com/
Total No. of Rooms: 11pax
Accommodation Capacity: 48 pax
Back Packers 2pax 1200PhP
Family Room 4pax 4500PhP
Standard Room 2pax 2500PhP
Deluxe 2pax 3000PhP

SHORELINE BEACH RESORT & RESTO
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Contact No. 0919-420-8237
c/o Lizel Idjao
Visit: Shoreline Beach Resort & Resto on Facebook

VITTON BEACH RESORT
With restaurant/Snorkeling Equipment for hire
nicely furnished/ all with terrace
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Contact No. 0927-912-6313
c/o Nora Morales
Alternatively:
Contact Nos.: 09279126313 / 09228796818
Email: vittonandwoodlandresort@gmail.com, vittonbeach@ymail.com
For more info, you may visit http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/bicol/vitton-beach-resort.html
Total No. of Rooms: 49
Accommodation Capacity: 109 pax
Standard 4pax 2000PhP Extra: 300
Family 4pax 3700PhP Extra: 300
Queen Deluxe 4pax 3200PhP Extra: 300
Single Deluxe 2pax 2000PhP Extra: 300

WOODLAND BEACH RESORT
With restaurant/ offers diving/ big cottages
Pangpang, Donsol Sorsogon
Contact No. 0921-969-9544
c/o Maricho Bigayan
Alternatively:
Contact Nos.: 09279126313 / 09228796818
Email: vittonandwoodlandresort@gmail.com, vittonbeach@ymail.com
Visit: http://woodland.resort-philippines.com/
Total No.of Rooms: 24
Accommodation Capacity: 76 pax
Rates:  fan P800
Single Deluxe 2pax 1700PhP Extra: 300
Standard 3pax 2000PhP Extra: 300
Duplex 4pax 2200PhP Extra: 300

HOMESTAYS

AGULUZ HOMESTAY
Total No. of Rooms: 5
Accommodation Capacity: 10 pax
Fan Room 2pax 700PhP
AC Room 2pax 1500PhP
AC Room w/ CR 2pax 1800PhP
Contact No.:09189420897

AJL HERNANDEZ’ GUEST & RESTHOUSE
Location: Poso, Donsol
c/o Andrew Hernandez
Contact No.: 09274529405
Total No. of Rooms: 4
Accommodation Capacity: 8 – 10 pax
AC Room 2pax 1000PhP

BALAY NI INDAY
Rate: P150/head
Location: Barangay Boroan, Donsol
c/o Hilda Belmonte

LOLA ERNA’S HOMESTAY
furnished but very basic accommodation
Location: in front of the river bridge
Contact NoS. 0906-7625955, 09351815101
c/o Lola Erna
Total No. of Rooms: 4
Accomodation Capacity: 8 – 10 pax
Fan Room 2pax 800PhP

RABULAN’S HOMESTAY
Kitchen available/ 3 big rooms
Location: near the market
Rates: fan/bath P300/600
Contact No. 0927-5997944

SANTIAGO’S HOMESTAY
Location: Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
c/o Ederlina Santiago
Total No. of Rooms: 4
Accomodation Capacity: 8 – 10 pax
AC Room 2pax 1300PhP
Fan Room 2pax 500PhP
Contact Nos.: 09393108758

VILLA JOLEE LODGING INN
Total No. of Rooms: 5
Accomodation Capacity: 10 pax
AC Room 2pax 1500PhP
Contact Nos.: 09085606666 / 09189170713

VISITOR’S INN
Contact No.  Tel. No. (056) 491-1109/421-3180
Rates: AC – P1,200.00 (good for 4 pax); P1,850.00 (good for 7 pax)
c/o Hilda Belmonte

DOT-V Accredited Homestay Sites

Owner: Luisito Magdamit
Address: Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Owner: Minerva P. Manlangit
Address: Boang, Rawis, Donsol Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639182120457

Owner: Tessie P. Polo
Address: Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Owner: Elsa M. Macandog
Address: Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639193450327

Owner: Dominador M. Jimenez
Address: Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Owner: Nigel Smith
Address: Small Batangas, Santa Cruz, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639196246544

Owner: Felino N. Melitante
Address: Sta. Cruz, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639068239891

Owner: Elena C. Bongon
Address: Boang St., Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639207215157

Owner: Maricho C. Bigayan
Address: Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639219699544

Contact DOT-accredited HOME-STAYS
Inn-Keepers Association (DIKA)
Contact No. 0921-9699544

Donsol – the “Whale shark Capital of the World” is located at the southern boundary of the Bicol Peninsula, east of the province of Sorsogon. This third class municipality is the home of magnificent wonders of nature. It takes pride in their abundant gifts of nature that fascinated tourists for more than 10 years. Some of the remarkable must-see attractions in this town is the Donsol River that serves as the venue for annual festival events such as the fluvial parade and year-long attractions like Firefly Watching. Moreover, Donsol’s beach coast has taken tourists captive for its beautiful scenery that is most beautiful during sunset. But aside from that, the lush woodlands of Donsol also make it a perfect place to go nature sight-seeing. One may not take time to appreciate the town proper that appears mundane and quiet but in it lies a rich and vibrant culture.

Province: Sorsogon
Region: V (Bicol)
District: 1st District
No. of Brgys: 51
Income Classification: 3rd Class Municipality
Telecommunicatiions: Smart, Sun and Globe
Local Festival: Butanding Festival
Population: 101,833,938

• Dive with Manta Rays

Concurrent to the presence of the butanding are the manta rays, which also visit the waters of Donsol and nearby Ticao Island, Masbate at just about the same time. Divers frequent Ticao Island’s Manta Bowl Shoal and San Miguel Island for its several dive sites. The area is a known habitat of the manta ray—the world’s biggest rays. Divers can take an hour and a half boat ride from Donsol to Ticao Island to dive with the manta rays.

• River Cruising and Firefly Watching at Donsol River

When the sun sets, Donsol River comes to life with the light of a thousand fireflies and the murmur of visitors on bancas out on a firefly watching tour. Each banca stops on a spot in the mangrove that line the river to get closer to the fireflies. Here, the fireflies flicker and twinkle, which is meant to attract their mate, while leaving visitors in awe. While you’re at it, look further up and trace the constellations in the sky above. The river cruise provides the best of both land and sky—an amazing symphony of stars and fireflies in a cool, dark night in Donsol.

• Island Hop from Donsol to Ticao Island

From Donsol, go on an island hopping adventure towards Ticao Island. With a picnic basket and your snorkelling (or diving) gear ready, the boat will take you to Ticao to explore corals, caves and even a waterfall that flows directly to the sea. The ride takes about one and a half to two hours.

• Source: Text and Images from the Official Butanding Festival 2012 website; except the map of Sorsogon lifted from Wikipedia.

Butanding Festival is held every summer in the Municipality of Donsol in the Province of Sorsogon. It is held in honor of the gentle giants that are the whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and their annual return to the vicinity of Donsol. Contributing greatly to the development of the town’s economy and tourism, the whale shark’s peak attendance is  annually anticipated and greatly welcomed by the locals who are directly involved in looking out for the butanding’s well-being.

With the continual increase of sightings of the whale sharks, Butanding Festival would be celebrated more grandly to celebrate and compliment the population increase of the whale sharks. A week-long activity, Butanding Festival would feature all the anticipated festival trimmings of themed parades, street dancing, delicious delicacies, fun music, and much, much more.

FESTIVAL EVENTS

CULINARY FEST

Aimed to showcase the locality’s delicious native dishes, food lovers can dig in and indulge on the great number of grilled, stewed, boiled, braised, fried, and smoked food choices. From Bicol Express, laing, pinangat, and kinunot to pili preparations and more, the flavors of Bicol await local and foreign foodies. The week-long food fair offers Bicolano foods and delicacies for everyone to enjoy.

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

With the natural beauty of Donsol as a ready backdrop, captured moments throughout the festival will surely leave lasting impressions and good memories worth recalling and sharing with friends. Photographers across the region and the country are invited to take part in this competition and make a full creative use of their lenses as they capture the stories unknowingly told by people, the butanding, and the festival.

SUMMIT ON ECO TOURISM

Being one of the country’s first eco-tourism hubs, Donsol will hold the very first regional summit on eco-tourism. With the Butanding as the main tourist attraction, a campaign on ensuring the proper conservation of the whale shark has been further initiated. A project in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environmental and National Resources (DENR), the Climate Change Academy of the Philippines as well as other private institutions, the summit aims to promote and advocate eco-tourism.

AGRI TRADE FAIR

With Donsol’s rich natural resources, the town’s homegrown products will be given a spotlight in the festival’s agro-trade fair. Various national agencies will take part in this activity such the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). But more importantly, local Bicol manufacturers would also participate and display products in this fair.

PLAZA CONCERTS

Loved by many locals, this festival can never do away with the annual concerts. This year, music legends like Joey Ayala and Lolita Karbon will belt their hearts out. Various performers will also rock the stage and show bands like Patanao and Lagrimas will take the center stage. But of course, above all these is a cultural show to showcase talents of the locals

BIG RUN

As Butanding Festival’s grand opening event, the marathon marks the festival’s new image – a bigger and bolder Butanding Festival 2012!

This will happen on May 13. For more details, click here -> BIG RUN CROSS-COUNTRY HALF MARATHON! 1st Donsol Off-road Cross-Country Marathon

LITTLE MR. and MS. BUTANDING

The town of Donsol, having beautiful sights to see, is further blessed with beautiful people that fully compliment the scenery. As an eco-tourism advocate, the town chooses among the local beauties this year’s Butanding Little Ambassador.

BAY FUN BEACH PLAZA

A stroll on the beach at night is a must in Donsol. With the sound of the waves and the cool breeze brushing swiftly upon one’s cheek, this experience is too wonderful to be just imagined. With the addition of dazzling lights and cool sounds, plus good food and great friends, make your summer more fun and enjoyable at the beach.

WACKY RACE

Strolling along the shores of Donsol is fun in broad daylight. Imagine doing it with swimming fins on. Now, let us put it a notch higher by making a race out of it. Are you laughing?
Wacky race is organized for the child and young at heart. Bringing out the best kid in you, this festival event is a fun, fun experience that can be experienced and shared by the whole family.

SUMMER FASHION SHOW

Local Bicol fashion designers and national clothing brands will come together for this big summer fashion show. The event will benefit a chosen charity of the Donsol Tourism Office.

BOXING COMPETITION

A current fad not only among the Sorsoganons but in the wide world of sports, an amateur boxing competition adds more thrill and action with the players’ exhibition of strength, power, agility and will to win.

COCK DERBY

Not simply a game but a form of passion for the men of Donsol, a fighting-cock competition has always been a staple form of entertainment for the locals, not just in Sorsogon, but in the whole country.

BOAT RACE

A ride on Donsol’s very own sibid-sibid is just one of the many ways to savor the lifestyle of Sorsoganons. With a twist of making it into a competition, tourists and participants can be assured of the extra excitement it will bring to the festival.

BINGO BONANZA

A favorite game and pastime by most Sorsoganons, Bingo brings double entertainment as players take their chances on cards and Lady Luck.

MS. TEEN PHILIPPINES

As an eco-tourism advocate, the town chooses among the local beauties this year’s Butanding Ambassador. See them all in a parade of beauty and find out who it’s going to be this year’s Ms. Teen Philippines winner.

Check back for the detailed schedule of these events!

All images and information lifted from the official Butanding Festival website at www.butandingfestival.com. They are also on Facebook, click here to visit.

Calling all runners!

BIG RUN CROSS-COUNTRY HALF MARATHON!
1st Donsol Off-road Cross-Country Marathon

Join the celebration as we launch Donsol’s Butanding Festival 2012!

May 13, 2012
Assembly: Rizal Park
Marathon Route: Donsol Proper – Brgy. Tinanogan and Nearby Barangays
Categories: 21K | 5K | 3K
Gun Time:
21K – 5:30 AM
5K – 6:00 AM
3K – 6:30 AM

Prizes:
21K
Champion- Php 8,000
1st Runner up – Php 5,500
2nd Runner up – Php 4,000

5K
Champion – Php 2,000
1st Runner up – Php 1,500
2nd Runner up – Php 1,000

3K
Champion – Php 1,500
1st Runner up – Php 1,000
2nd Runner up – Php 750

First 500 Registrants get FREE SINGLET
21K Reg. Fee- Php 500 with FREE SINGLET for the first 250 Registrants
5K Reg. Fee- Php 250 with FREE SINGLET for the first 150 Registrants
3K Reg. Fee- Php 200 with FREE SINGLET for the first 100 Registrants
*inclusive of race bibs and drinking water
*trophy awaits Champion, 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up
Finisher’s Medal to the first 20 finisher for 21K

Registration Sites:

• Donsol Municipal Hall, Brgy Awii
  Donsol, Sorsogon
• Donsol Tourism Office
  Brgy. Dancalan,
  Donsol, Sorsogon
• Fineapply Creative Communications
  Units 3 & 4 Calderon Bldg.,
  Brgy. Cruzada, Washington Drive,
  Legazpi City
• LCC Mall, Legazpi
  Ground Floor
• RES | TOE | RUN
  2F Embarcadero de Legazpi
  Port Area, Legazpi City

For more details, visit
www.ButandingFestival.com