The dynamic team of La Luma cabins and cafe, all proud Bicolanos
It’s a secret that Sorsogon could no longer keep. There is a sanctuary called La Luma, a cabin-boutique hotel in the capital city, that is set to capture the hearts of even the most avid travelers.
Ready to welcome you at the Suarez Compound in Barangay Bibincahan, La Luma has the bustling city scenery in close proximity. Rejuvenating hot springs are nearby, with Instagrammable views of the serene countryside.
Dr. Lambert L. Angeles, the brainchild of La Luma, with the main centerpiece of the property in the background
“La Luma means ‘the old new,’ or ‘ang makabagong luma,’” explains Lambert L. Angeles, the brainchild behind the posh resort. “But La Luma is a portmanteau of my name (Lambert), my dad’s (Luis) and my mom’s (Marilyn).”
Dr. Lambert L. Angeles, the brainchild of La Luma, with the main centerpiece of the property in the background
Initially planning a rest house or a retirement retreat for his parents, Angeles instead renovated what used to be a small house in the 7500-sqm property.
In 2023, he decided to reconfigure the design to a boutique hotel, which was quite a challenge to his architects because there was a tremendous change in the building plan.
“We had to troubleshoot some of the construction changes to fit the new requirements,” Angeles says. “Luckily, we did it! We made it happen. La Luma was built this year and is still continuously developing into something trailblazing in our town.”
Casa Luis, a six room, boutique hotel that’s part of La Luma’s chain of establishments
With its rustic Filipino-Hispanic industrial-inspired look, the hotel blends harmony, romance and history in an idyllic setting. Its charming interiors feature solihiya cabinets, intricate woodworks, capiz lamps, cement-finished walls and wood-crafted artworks.
“I am the visionary of this project. Most of my inspiration comes from my childhood and the influence of my parents, especially my father, who has impeccable taste in Filipino ancestral houses and old furniture,” shares Angeles. “It feels like a blast from the past. I am also fascinated with the architectural design of Intramuros and Vigan, those are some of my favorite tourist destinations in the Philippines.”
The Phase 1 Project, which includes the main banquet hall/events place, has around 500 sqm of floor area while the six bedrooms occupy about 250 sqm of floor area.
One of the masterpieces of La Luma (events hall) is the massive Butanding (whale shark) chandelier that lightens up the whole place, designed by Dr Angeles himself, with the help of craftsmen of Donsol, Sorsogon (famous for butanding sightings every summer seasons)
The bedrooms are inspired by old houses in the Philippines, yet with a modern and minimalist aesthetic. A sumptuous Standard Room goes for P5,000 a night with breakfast for two people. The rooms are named Harana, Kundiman, Indak, and Paraluman. The tasteful Suite Rooms are called Ligaya, and Luwalhati, and go for P7,000 good for two people with free breakfast.
“Our furniture pieces are made by our own karpenteros. We just buy old capiz windows and old wood and then Architect Luwalhati Dioneda would design the tables to our own specifications. In this way, we can make our furniture more budget-friendly and in line with La Luma’s quiet-luxury concept,” Angeles shares
Angeles is a dentist by profession. His LA Dental Center has three branches in the Bicol Region, located in Sorsogon City, Legazpi City and Tabaco City. He is currently part of JIAHS Kitchen, a Middle Eastern restaurant located in Legazpi City, and Southbank Cafe and Lounge in BGC. He is also part of LA ProdHouse, a dynamic production company based in Metro Manila.
Angeles, however, admits that he is an artist by heart. So, the hotel has the feel of a living art gallery, with artworks on splendid display all over the place.
“The pieces of art are my prized possessions. I love art, let’s start from there. If I were not a dentist, I would have been in the field of arts --- as a painter, sculptor or designer,” Angeles shares. “Art is priceless for me. It is also timeless. It is for all walks of life and it is something that we should appreciate. That is why I don’t have limitations when it comes to art. As long as it is beautiful in my eyes, a conversation piece or even a bit controversial, as long as it is interesting, I’ll keep it and show it to our guests.”
Untitled design - 17
Sorsogon, as the “Gateway to Southern Philippines,” serves as a vibrant transshipment point from the Visayas and Mindanao provinces.
“Napakaganda ng Sorsogon! Name an iconic tourist destination in the Philippines, we got a local version for it in our town. You want Boracay fine sand? We have Subic Matnog, in Matnog, Sorsogon City, which has fine and pinkish sand and has a protected school of fishes,” gushes Angeles.
His fervent wish for La Luma is that it will be known as a hospitality hub and food destination not just in our region.
“We pray our space will be noticed by non-Bicolanos and international visitors as well. We hope sooner or later our lovely province will be discovered by the rest of the world,” says Angeles.
Angeles ensures that the hotel will give visitors an unforgettable Sorsogon escapade:
“Discover Filipino design, hospitality and comfort that is truly Sorsoganon. As we proudly say, ‘Gayon Ciudad, Gayon Sorsogon’ (Beautiful City, Beautiful Sorsogon)! With the La Luma Experience. You get superlative service, timeless style, and local storytelling coming together in perfect harmony with nature.”