A woman with glasses and dark, curly hair stands in front of a vintage map of the Philippines, holding a black clutch and wearing a beige dress with short sleeves.

"Home of the First Welcome in Sorsogon."

Black and white photo of four people standing together, engaged in conversation, at the R.P. Japan Trade Unions meeting in the Philippines, February 8, 1977, at the Manila Garden Hotel.
An elderly man and woman sitting at a table outdoors, smiling and wearing glasses, with tropical greenery and thatched-roof huts in the background.

As the very first Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited hotel in Sorsogon, Fernandos Hotel takes great pride in its enduring legacy of integrity, excellence, and heartfelt service. For over 30 years, Fernandos has never once closed its doors — a true testament to its resilience and unwavering commitment to meaningful, memorable hospitality. Built on a foundation of trust, tradition, and personal warmth, we remain the beloved “home away from home” for generations of travelers visiting Sorsogon City. 

Carrying forward his vision, his eldest son, Fernando “Jun” Duran Jr., together with  his wife, Ms. Cecilia Hsu Duran, co-founded Fernando’s Hotel. Jun Duran, a visionary in his own right, served three consecutive terms as Mayor of Sorsogon’s capital town from 1988 to 1998, playing a key role in its development and transition toward cityhood. It was during this time that the foundation of Fernando’s Hotel was laid — a blend of civic leadership, family legacy, and a commitment to serve.

The hotel’s story begins with Dr. Fernando Duran Sr., a distinguished physician, philanthropist, and public servant. A man of vision and compassion, he served as a two-term Assemblyman (the equivalent of Congressman during the Commonwealth Government) from 1931 to 1938 and was also a Technical Advisor to President Manuel L. Quezon, contributing to national development during a pivotal time in Philippine history. His donation of land later paved the way for the establishment of the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital in Macabog — a legacy of generosity that continues to benefit the community to this day. His lifelong commitment to service and leadership remains a guiding light for Fernando’s Hotel.

At the heart of the hotel is Ms. Cecilia Hsu Duran, A devoted wife, mother, and entrepreneur, she has nurtured Fernando’s Hotel with grace, dedication, and a deeply personal touch since its founding in 1994. Before returning to her hometown roots, Cecilia worked as a licensed tourist guide in Manila for more than 15 years an experience that gave her deep insight into Filipino culture, global guest expectations, and the evolving dynamics of the tourism industry. This experience would later prove invaluable, shaping her approach to hospitality and playing a transformative role in the development of Sorsogon tourism. 

Ms. Cecilia’s passion for hospitality extended far beyond the walls of the hotel. As the first Chairperson of the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council, she played a crucial role in shaping and promoting the province’s tourism industry. Her efforts were formally recognized by the Department of Tourism, naming her a valued Tourism Development Partner. 

Together, during Jun’s mayoralty and Cecilia’s leadership in the Provincial Tourism Board, Sorsogon witnessed key milestones that laid the groundwork for its rise as a tourism powerhouse. These include the historic signing of Fisheries Administrative Order No. 193 in 1998 under President Fidel V. Ramos, which made the catching or killing of whale sharks (butanding) illegal in Philippine waters — a landmark step for marine protection. Another proud moment during their public service years was the national recognition of the Kasanggayahan Festival, which was officially included in the Philippine calendar of festivals — a celebration especially close to the hotel’s heart, as Fernando’s Hotel opened during Kasanggayahan 30 years ago. The festival’s signature event, “Pantomina sa Tinampo,” which brings the traditional Pantomina dance into the city streets, was a beloved pet project of Mayor Jun Duran and remains a vibrant symbol of Sorsogon’s cultural identity.

Today, the legacy continues through the third generation of the Duran family — children and grandchildren who remain actively involved in day-to-day operations, carrying forward a tradition of excellence, warmth, and integrity.  

VISION

“To be the preferred hotel for families and travelers, offering comfort, tasty food, and a safe, sustainable environment.”

MISSION

“To provide warm, reliable service and create positive, memorable experiences for every guest.”

  • Certificate of Appreciation awarded to Mrs. Cecilia H. Duran for participating in the Bulusan Eco-Trek 96 from May 24 to 27, 1996, sponsored by Mountain Mountaineers Inc. and Sorsogon Outdoor Recreation Development Association Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Region V, and the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Council. The certificate is signed by three officials and dated May 31, 1996, in Legazpi City.

  • A trophy plaque from the Department of Tourism-Region V in the Philippines, awarded to Cecilia H. Duran for pioneering whale shark watching activities in Donsol, Sorsogon, dated September 26th, 2013, signed by Maria O. Ravanilla.

  • Yellow certificate with red border from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sorsogon Chapter, awarded to Cecilia H. Duran at Fernando's Hotel for being a bonafide member, dated May 2, 2012, signed by Zita Habadab and Mark Joseph Garque.

  • Certificate of attendance issued by the Department of Tourism Philippines to Cecilia Duran for participating in the Bicol Regional Tourism Council Assembly on May 2, 1996, at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City.

  • Certificate of Attendance issued by the Department of Tourism in the Philippines, awarded to Cecilia Duran for participating in the 1st National Assembly of Tourism Councils on November 22, 1995, at the Philippine International Convention Center, signed by Eduardo P. Pilapil.

  • Certificate of Participation awarded to Cecilia Duran for participating in the Mt. Bulusan Volcano National Park Biodiversity Conservation Consultation and Planning Workshop held on February 21 and 22, 1996 at the Mateo Hot and Cold Springs Resort, Monbon, Irosin, Sorsogon. Signed by Harry Garrido, Project Coordinator; Florencia Dorotan, President; and Dorothy B. Navarro, Executive Director.

  • Certificate of Attendance from the Department of Tourism awarded to Cecilia H. Duran for participation in the 4th National Assembly of Tourism Councils in 1998, signed by Gemma Cruz-Araneta.

Ideally situated in the heart of Sorsogon City, Fernando’s Hotel offers both convenience and calm. Within walking distance of government offices, attractions, and business centers, the hotel sits on a spacious property of over half a hectare — an urban oasis where privacy, greenery, and serenity come together. It is also proudly recognized as the birthplace of the Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Program, a pioneering eco-tourism initiative that has since gained global attention and brought lasting pride to the region.  

More than just a hotel, Fernando’s is a living legacy — a symbol of family, community, and enduring hospitality. With every guest welcomed through its doors, the spirit of service that started with a family’s love for Sorsogon lives on.