LUPI: Where the sea Whispers and Hearts Welcome
23 June 2025
By Duoi Ampilan
#LUPI: Where the sea Whispers and Hearts Welcome
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, lies a hidden gem that lingers in the soul long after you leave, it is Barangay Lupi.
More than just a coastal community, Lupi is a testament to resilience, warmth, and the quiet beauty of simple living. Facing the vast embrace of the Philippine Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean, this place is not just defined by its geography, but by the spirit of its people.
The long stretch of shoreline in Lupi is more than just sand and waves—it’s a canvas of dreams. Local resorts, though humble, pulse with untapped potential, waiting to share their charm with the world. The sea breeze carries whispers of opportunity, inviting travelers to discover its untouched beauty. Here, tourism isn’t just an industry; it’s a future waiting to unfold, a chance for Lupi’s stories to be told beyond its shores.
But what truly makes Lupi unforgettable is its people, their kindness as boundless as the ocean they live beside. I was welcomed not as a visitor, but as family. A simple gesture, a gift of Ibus, sticky rice lovingly wrapped in banana leaves, which spoke volumes of their generosity.
Then came the invitation to share a meal, where I tasted Tarukog, a humble yet soulful dish of seashells bathed in rich coconut milk and spiced with chilies. Each bite was a reminder that the best flavors in life are seasoned with love.
And then, the unexpected delight called Dulceng Tangkwa or Kundol jam with pili nuts, a sweet revelation that lingered on my tongue. It was more than just a first taste; it was a memory made, a story to carry home.
Lupi’s people don’t just live by the sea. They celebrate it. Empty seashells, often discarded elsewhere, are transformed into intricate decorations and delicate curtains, turning the ordinary into art. It’s a beautiful reflection of their resourcefulness, their ability to find beauty in what others might overlook.
My visit was fleeting, just half a day, but it left an imprint on my heart. If such warmth and wonder could be found in mere hours, what treasures would unfold with more time? What stories remain untold, what laughter unshared, what dreams still hidden?
Lupi is more than a place. It’s a reminder that the most profound journeys aren’t about distance, but about connection. That sometimes, the richest experiences come not from grand destinations, but from the open hearts of those who call them home.
One day, I’ll return. And when I do, I know Lupi will welcome me back, not just as a guest, but as a friend.
Because in Lupi, the sea doesn’t just touch the land, it touches the soul.
