Republic Act No. 8806, which became a law in August 16, 2006 and was ratified by the constituents of the then municipalities of Sorsogon and Bacon that resulted in the merging of the municipalities, paved the way to the birth  of Sorsogon City.

          Sorsogon originated from the word "Sosogon" which means trace. This, after the colonizer, in their attempt to reach there destination, ask the local inhabitants for directions. Unable to understand the language, used by the visitors, the local folks just answered  them "SOSOGON", at the same time pointing towards the river, in a gesture of showing them the route. Thus, colonizer named the place "SOSOGON", which later on became SOLSOGON, and is now known as the famous CITY OF SORSOGON.

         With the making of the City Sorsogon though the ratification of a plebiscite on December 16, 2000, it is but fitting to give tribute to its foundation. Thus, the Sosogon Festival was conceptualized and celebrated, with its first festivity held last December of 2007. The festival is aimed primary at giving significance on the birth of the city of Sorsogon which showcases and highlights the history and merging of the two former municipalities.

MISS SOSOGON-PILI FESTIVAL

STREET DANCE COMPETITION SOSOGON-PILI FESTIVAL

AWARDING

…it’s ORIGIN            SOSOGON…                            …TO TRACE…

            This, after the colonizers, in their attempt to reach their destination, asked the local inhabitants for directions. Unable to understand the language used by the visitors, the local folks just answered them ‘SOSOGON’ at the same time pointing towards the river, in a gesture of showing them the course. Thus, the Spanish colonizers named the place ‘SOSOGON’, which later on became SOLSOGON. 

            It was once then called the municipality of Sorsogon and Bacon. With one magic act of the unwavering talent of the sharp but passionate Senator Chiz Escudero who was then a young Congressman authored Republic Act 8806 with the people voting unanimously. RA 8806 was signed into law on August 16, 2000, and ratified through a plebiscite on December 16, 2000, which give birth to what we now know as Sorsogon City. Two forces with its own unique populace, resources, scenery, and grace; hence a place of peculiar package. 

            December 16, 2000 is a momentous and significant event in the City and to commemorate such Sosogon Festival was conceptualized. Its first celebration was held last December of 2007. It highlights and showcases the history of the City of Sorsogon; different scintillating melodies filled the nights of December, sparkling lights as the celebration coincides with the Christmas festivities, elegant and alluring beauties in the City as they sooth our dreams, polished and flamingo-like dancers as they paraded in the long streets of the City were the first package of the first ever Sosogon Festival.

 SOSOGON-PILI FESTIVAL 

            The December 2008 celebration was added with pili spice. As the City from its birth celebrate the events accenting PILI festival as the City’s prime tourist attraction. The years organizer conceptualized festivities which tourists witness two festivities in one major fete. 

            ‘Sosogon an dalan paduman sa malinig asin dalisay na kapalibutan’ was the Sosogon Festival 2008 theme. The City Government deemed it imperative to add the previous years Pili celebrations to the Sosogon Festival which gave rise to what we dubbed as the Sosogon-Pili Festival with environmental issues as its focus. Present concerns on our environment alarm the Local Chief Executive; thus he sees to it that in every program, awareness can be imparted on the growing concern of changing temperature, rapid melting of glaciers and green house gases emissions that continuously plague the atmosphere. The celebrations were not only for merry making nor for shouting and laughing, it also caters to issues concerning environment. 

            Eight years have passed but the events were instilled in the hearts and minds of the people whose future was restored amidst political chaos. The celebration started at 4:00 o’clock in the morning with the Misa de Aguinaldo to bless the commencement of the festivities, then followed by a short program where people who have been a part of the merging of the then two municipalities traced back and testified. To add color to the celebration a Lyre and Drum Exhibition with nine (9) participating schools joining the parade with people laughing and cheering at the background.

           Sparkling lights, dazzling street islands and gleaming edifices were the festivals decoration. It is beyond doubt Fireworks display, street and edifices lighting bagged as the most applauded and wowed events.

           The quest for the Miss Sosogon Festival 2008 opened the outlook of Bicolanos’ towards the City’s competence to host a regionwide beauty and brains competition. Sixteen official candidates vied for the title coming from the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon. The two and half hour show ended up with a warm and outstanding applause to the newly crowned Miss Sosogon festival 2008 Ms. Socorro Angeline P. Ravanilla, Ms. Joanne Marie Ebid Miss Sosogon Festival ECO-TOURISM of the City of Sorsogon, Ms. Norify Tendenilla of Naga City as Ms. Sosogon festival TRADE AND COMMERCE 2008, Ms. Rachel Vargas of the municipality of Pili, Camarines Sur  as Miss Sosogon Festival AGRO-INDUSTRIAL 2008. A night of alluring beauties and graces spiced  up with exceptional presentation.

The festival also embraced programs for the family. Mommy, daddy , ate and bunso danced  to the happy tune of novelty songs as they welcomed other families. Clowns wowed the kids with their balloon antics and frolics.

Dances…dances…

           Festival street dance showcased the history, culture and ethnicity of the City of Sorsogon with five participating contingents from Sorsogon National High School, Celestino G. Tabuena Memorial National High School, The Lewis College, Buhatan Integrated School, Computer Communication Development Institute with six other Barangays namely Rizal, Capuy, Abuyog, Talisay and Sirangan, tribu Katandog and the Alternative Learning System of the DepEd. Participants in their colorful and creatively designed costumes showed-off as they depicted the City’s history.

Dance sport competition in the afternoon and Hip-hop Invitational Competition in the evening lined-up the festivities. Another region wide competition with cartwheel on the left, pa de buree on the right were truly appreciated.

          The City Government with the competent leadership of Hon. Leovic R. Dioneda continuously  deliver public service not only through food packs and porridges but also programs that nurture the soul.

Ms. Sosogon Festival Activities

Screening of Candidates

Personality Enhancement Workshop

Courtesy Call to the Mayor

Press Conference

Swimsuit Pictorial

Swimsuit Pictorial @ the Beach

Radio Guesting

Sponsor's Day

TV Guesting (Sararo, Sarabay Program @AITV)

Rehearsals

CIVIC PARADE

General Rehearshals

PAGEANT AND CORONATION NIGHT

SOSOGON-PILI FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY

POINT PERSON