A Facebook friend shared a post about a day of free entry of a museum inside a newly opened boutique hotel in our province called La Luma that was on soft launch few months ago. I checked it out and instantly amazed with its old charm, so I decided to send a message for a collaboration with our Facebook page, Lantuag sa Sorsogon. Fast forward to now, the Facebook reel of our La Luma feature has reached 130, 000+ views. You may check it HERE. So I decided to also share this via a blog post. My sister has personally interviewed Doc.LA Angeles, the owner himself of La Luma.
Sister: "What is the story behind the name, La luma?"
Doc LA: "Let’s start with the name itself. La Luma stands for if you’re going to research on Google for the “old new” or “makabagong luma. Actually for me it is a bit personal. Lambert Luis Marilyn. Given under my parent’s name a tribute project for my mom and dad to give gratitude to both of my parents who gave so much to our community her in Sorsogon. They were nurse and dentist. Gratitude through an establishment supposedly a rest-house for them but turned out to be a boutique hotel. Small establishments that cater I think less than 8 rooms."
Sister: "You mentioned on Facebook post that La Luma is aims to become the Vigan of Sorsogon. How will you incorporate this idea while building La Luma?"
Doc. LA: "Ok, when we're creating La Luma I am super fascinated with the infrastructures of Vigan. I went to the North. I have a good friend whose name is Sheena who was a previous admin of Intramuros. We were actually invited for a quick view when I was still paddling with UP dragon boat team. I was really fascinated those old infrastructures made way way back during the war etc. the arches, cobblestones I find them very interesting that is why we opted to the idea of having a Hispanic colonial design for the establishment."
I have seen the influence of precolonial infrastrucure around Bicol Region but we want to stand out a little bit focusing on the simplicity of the arches beauty of cement finish all while dressing it up with woods and old things to look prehistoric spot."
(La Luma is) modern sa labas but pagpasok mo sa loob parang you traveled in time. The things are old but the things are new. I was just really lucky working with some of Bicol’s best architects artistically in line really grateful to them Architect Chi Dioneda, Architect Raf Bustamante, Architech Mac Jasareno, and Architect Nico Dondonilla. These are the 4 architects who help us curate La Luma.
We are actually on the phase one of La Luma as we want La Luma to grow in the future to showcase more architectural designs and showcase artistic more scupltures paintings etc.
Sister: "Speaking of paintings and artifacts, where did you source these?"
Doc. LA: "I got these from old families. They are the owners of these old things. They got rid of these and we purchased them. Surprisingly they are not that expensive. I have an impeccable line of paintings both locals and international artists.
One of my favorite artists right now is Daryl Evasco from Irosin, Sorsogon. More than being featured on TV and other publications, Daryl is somewhat to look out for. He is really good in his craft. I am super proud of Kuya Daryl and at the same time I am super proud of him. He is making a name for the entire Sorsoganon because of his work. I have 5 of his artworks here in La Luma."
Sister: "Do you plan to collaborate with Sorsogon local artists?"
Doc. LA: "I am super excited working with new and young artists right now. I hope this will open to budding artists of Sorsogon. I hope La Luma will cater and showcase their artworks (here). Sana magkaroon ng 1 or 2 months show like an exhibit to young artists of Sorsogon. I am very much willing to produce this. I am very much willing to welcome them here in La Luma."
Sister: "Mag o-open ba kayo ng day tour?"
Doc. LA: "At the moment, there will be no day tour but starting July we will open our cafe. With every order from La Luma cafe, it comes with free pass for our customers who want to have a look of La Luma."
La Luma too aims to become one of the next gastronomic destinations of Sorsogon City.We are planning La Luma cafe to be a tour of flavors from different towns in the Philippines. We are hoping our cook and chef will help us curate an entry of selections na coming from Pampanga, Ilocos etc. but of course highlighting the taste of Bicol pa rin.
La Luma cafe is open from Friday, Saturday and Sunday by reservation to have quality control for now as we welcome guests and clients. mOST PROBably in the near future there will be selections of food available by weekly basis or dinnertime.
We are really excited for the cafe. Every week we want to post for different food selections for La Luma. "
Sister: "What are the sustainable efforts of La Luma?"
Doc. LA: "I think the most significant sustainable effort of La Luma is we saved all the trees inside this establishment. Not a single tree was cut off during the construction of La Luma. We retrofitted the establishment inside the property. Kami yung nag adjust sa mga puno. Kung may mga pinutol kami na puno, most probably these are coconut trees with permits."
Sister: "How do you make sure they are cooking authentic way?"
Doc. LA: "Honestly, right now we only have one cook. Our cook is local and from our house. We started from the same person because we already know the taste and flavor that (he/she) produces. I am also in talks with a chef from Manila and I hope Chef Anthony will be joining the team this July."
Sister: "Any dish from the menu that La Luma you want to be known for?
Doc. LA: "O my God, first I really want La Luma to have a staple kick we are going to release our very own pili cake. Because Sorsogon is the land of the Pili. We want to give tribute to pili itself. I am working with a baker. She is basically not a pastry chef but someone who has deep passion for baking. Her name is Charity Brajas I am looking forward to work with her she is actually the woman behind the up and coming pili cake of La Luma."
Sister: "Do you plan to hold heritage events, cooking class or collaborate with local Sorsoganons know to offer local food or anything that highlights Sorsoganon heritage?
Doc. LA: "That is actually a very good idea. I am very much willing to work with DOT that is one thing for sure. From there, a collaboration can be explored so those ideas can come true."
Sister: "What is your long term goal for La Luma? Do you want it one of a kind or expansion in another location is also part of it?"
Doc. LA: "Well first I want to be one of a kind but hoping for an expansion. Like I said this is just phase one. It is an intro(duction) to what La Luma management and admin can offer. I really want La Luma to be one of the best culture-centric most authentic Filipino hotel in Sorsogon City."
Sister: "Are pets allowed in La Luma?"
Doc. LA: "Yes, La Luma is pet friendly but with reservations. I wish can answer you that but my manager will answer that for you. With respect to the owners pet I hope people will also respect our rules and regulations for guests with pets here in La luma.
I do have dogs just so you know. We have a heart for dogs but again our items here are more of relic so we want to make sure that these things are not destroyed."
Sister: “Is there anything we haven’t asked that you would like to share with us about this accommodation?”
Doc. LA: "La luma is a continuous efforts of different minds and artists in Sorsogon City from the architects to the artists it is a collaboration of artistic culture na aabangan ng lahat. We are not hoping for an immediate profit for this one. For now we really want to showcase different local talents in Sorsogon through La Luma."
So if you ever find yourself in Sorsogon City and wondering where to stay, La Luma Boutique Hotel Sorsogon is definitely worth checking out. It’s not your typical hotel—it’s a space filled with stories, art, and a lot of heart. From the carefully preserved trees to the vintage pieces and local artworks, every corner feels intentional. For me, it’s more than just a place to stay—it’s a place that reflects who we are as Sorsoganons. No doubt, the best hotel in Sorsogon City right now is La Luma.
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