Dolefil’s Surgical Mission 2013

Just recently, I have been lucky to be invited along with the Sox Bloggers to experience first-hand Dolefil’s Surgical Mission 2013. I have been in Polomolok for more than a decade now. I know for a fact that there are a number of impoverished communities  in the municipality, so the Surgical Mission is a welcome relief to the people of Polomolok and other communities in and around region 12.

Gala Builders Supply - Our Story

Gala Hardware at Mabuhay Rd. cor Nunez Sts., General Santos City

 Finally! Something to blog about (brag about actually - excuse the pun :) ) ... I've been blogging for almost three years now, raving about other people's business establishments and giving my honest opinion about their place, their food and etc. I've always been a bit shy to talk about our business, much less to blog about it here in Pinay Travelogue. But the time has come that I've finally have something to blog ("brag") about when Gala Builders Supply, our bread and butter, was recognized by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) as a Bronze recipient of its Bagwis Awards 2012. 

The Bagwis Award is awarded to business establishments that adhere to strict consumer laws such as selling only items with PS/ICC marks for products with mandatory standards, having consumer welfare desks and giving quality customer care to clients. The Bagwis Program aims to give due recognition to business establishments, that are compliant with all trade laws implemented by the DTI. Apart from this, it also encourages establishments to participate in government programs to become socially responsible businesses and provide safe and quality products and services to consumers. Consequently, the interests and welfare of consumers are protected and they are guaranteed to get the best value for their money.

The Bagwis Award comes as a surprise for both Mr. OSG and me, since we are not even aware there was a business ethics standards, let alone an awards committee giving recognition to small businesses such as ours. As far as we were concerned, we try our best to conduct our business by being honest to our customers and providing them with the best service our people can offer. It is also a fact that we value our people as partners since they are after all part and parcel in whatever success we attain. We owe it to them for whatever accolades our store gets. (Is this famas speech material or what? hehe)

Gala Builders Supply has come a long way. From one store in Cannery site, Polomolok in the year 2000 when we started, we have now expanded to three stores in all. One in Poblacion, Polomolok and another newly opened in Purok Malakas, Gen. Santos city (photo above). I remember when we started, we only had around 20-30 bags of cement a few hardware materials for sale and P20,000 pesos in revolving capital. At the time we started, Mr. OSG is the designated delivery driver and manager and I was the saleslady and cashier. Our staff at the time is only three heads, when you buy something from them in the morning, they will be the same ones to deliver the orders in the afternoon hehe. We know and embody the meaning of "multi-tasking". You can ask our loyal staff, some of whom are still with us till this day. 

We had humble beginnings, and we have worked hard for more than a decade now, building what Gala Builders Supply is today. Of course, at the end of the day, we still have our own share of headaches and stress but when we look back at what we've accomplished, our business has given us a wonderful learning experience. We still continue to improve and rise up amidst all our mistakes businesswise. The Bagwis Awards is the cherry on top  of the cake and we are so proud to have been recognized. Thank you, this means a lot to us. 

A True Blue South Cotabateño

Its been more than a decade since I’ve moved here in South Cotabato. So the question of whether I am now eligible to be called a true South Cotabateño still remains to be answered. To most of you who are from this beautiful province, but are scattered all across the globe in search of greener pastures, let me tell you what I loved about your province, this often misunderstood part of Mindanao and why I came to love living here. Then maybe you can decide for yourselves whether or not I am worthy of being called a true blue South Cotabatenean.

Pictures courtesy of our official lensman: Mr. Omar S. Gallinero :) Taken from his collection of photos. 

1. The T’boli Tribe. What I love about this tribe is their adeptness in preserving their culture despite the modern times. Their culture has been shared to tourists and guests all around South Cotabato. I think the region should thank them for sharing their culture with us and hoping that they get to preserve it for years to come so our children can also enjoy the richness of their way of life. To get a taste of their culture, you can read about some of them in this post here.

2. T’nalak fabric. Although most would not classify it as a fabric or cloth, due to its course texture, the T’nalak fabric is highly revered in the T’boli tribe. This cloth is part of every T’boli’s culture and way of life. You can say that it is similar to the importance the Scottish people give to their kilts. The T’bolis consider the T’nalak part and parcel of every significant event in their life such as in birth, marriage or even in death. And it is in this deep veneration for the T’nalak that South Cotabato adapted it to symbolize the richness of the region’s culture.

3. T’nalak Festival. Aptly called since it holds the T’nalak fabric in high esteem. This festival is a tribute to the T’boli tribes, the first settlers in South Cotabato. I love that this festival showcases T’nalak in a variety of forms, there even has a fashion show using the fabric in modern, hip designs. The street dancing alone is a fun-filled event celebrating the South Cotabatenean’s veneration for the T’nalak and the T’bolis of South Cotabato. 

4. Lake Sebu. Oftentimes referred to as the summer capital of the southern Philippines. What I love about Lake Sebu besides its cool climate is the tranquil view of the lake. We always bring guests from Manila here.

5. Seven falls. Needless to say, the 7 falls is a true gem. I mean, who ever comes across not one or two but seven (!) falls in one place, right? At first, even before I set my eyes on them it sounded crazy… I mean seven falls? :) But then I know most of first time tourists will be in awe of the beauty of these falls. It is nature’s hand at its finest. I do recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for first time guests. Read more about the seven falls here.

6. The Majestic Mt. Matutum. Of course I couldn’t fail to mention this resplendent mountain towering over all of us in South Cotabato. Despite the qualms that this is a dormant volcano… Mt. Matutum gives the people of South Cotabato a reason for its fertile lands. I don’t know maybe once upon a time it erupted, but the fertile soil surrounding it continues to give farmers a bountiful harvest all year. During the summer months, I was told that it is also an exhilarating feeling to climb the summits of this revered mountain, but I have yet to see this for myself. :) In plane rides over the region, you just know you are in South Cotabato once Mt. Matutum comes into view in your airplane windows. 

7. Kape Alamid. or otherwise known as Civet Coffee. I've been a coffee lover for how many years now, and I just can't find another coffee to equal the robustness of the civet coffee harvested from the coffee trees in Mt. Matutum. Let's just not discuss where the coffee bean actually passes through that gives it that delectable taste. But this makes it to my list of  top 15. :)

photo courtesy of  http://www.telegraph.co.uk

 


8. Pineapples. This is the fruit of life for the South Cotabatenean. Many of the people here breathe (as in literally :) ) and have livelihood thanks to this fruit. I vouch for the truth that the South Cotabatenean - grown pineapple is the sweetest in all the world. 

9. Dolefil. Call me biased or what, but living in Polomolok, South Cotabato, Dolefil has always been an integral part of my everyday existence. My prejudice comes from the fact that most of the people here have a dependable livelihood (well probably me included) because of the existence of this multinational fruit company. And… Polomolok will not be world famous for it’s sweet tasting pineapples if not for Dole Phils. So excuse my being blunt in including them in my top 15 list of favorites. :)

 

10. Kalsangi. Of course Dolefil’s Club Kalsangi also made the cut to my list. Where else can you find a top of the class residential area comparable to Baguio’s Camp John Hay or Clark field’s loghouses other than at Kalsangi? It Is worth mentioning since our country’s leaders such as President Ramos, President Erap, even the late President Marcos and President Cory have all spent the day or night within its boundaries. Its streets are all lined with big acacia and macademia trees. It even boasts of a 9-hole golf course which is one of the best and well maintained in Mindanao. To read more about Club Kalsangi, click here. 

11. Polomolok Sunsets. Living in Polomolok, I’ve come to love my Polomolok sunsets. It’s a rare treat for someone like me from the Metro waking up to a glorious sunrise and ending the day with a breathtaking sunsets. It is only in these parts of Mindanao where we rarely experience monsoon rains or typhoons for days at a row so the sun gets to shine its rays all throughout the region. More pictures on my Polomolok sunsets here.

12.Ukay – ukay. South Cotabato of course is also famous for its “ukay-ukay” or to literally “dig” hordes of used clothes and what have yous for a bargain. I wouldn’t forget the bargaining prowess I picked up in these flea markets. 

13. Fresh food. The standard of living here is not high compared to highly urbanized regions. There is an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, plentiful seafood, poultry and meat. It is an adage here that when you live in South Cotabato, you will never go hungry since most of the country’s food come from here. The biggest piggery can be found at Koronadal city. There are also a number of cattle raisers and poultry farms. Not to mention vegetables and fruit farms dotting the entire region. So if you are from Manila, some of your food comes from here. We can literally have steak and vegetable sidings each day here if we wish without burning a hole in our pockets. 

14. South Cotabatenean Charm and Hospitality. Part of the wealth of any place comes from its people. Guests can be prepared to be welcomed warmly in this parts of the island. South Cotabateneans know how to treat guests amiably. 

15. Peaceful living. These parts of the island, I am proud to note that people here live peacefully. There are no Muslim-Christian conflicts here. Nor are there an abundance of street thugs or pickpockets for that matter. Maybe it is one of the reasons why many people have come to relocate in South Cotabato (well me included :)).

“This is my submission for the T'nalak Festival 2012 Blog Writing Contest, which is made possible with the support of sponsors such as Hon. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr and the province of South Cotabato, Sun Cellular - get two days of unlimited text to all networks for only ₱15 with SUN TEXTALL15, Dole Philippines, Representative Teddy Casiño & Bayan Muna Party-List,  KCC Malls, SouthCotabato.Org and South Cotabato News.”

Taste and Feel of the New Gala

Gala Bakeshop is setting new heights in the local bakery business. With the intro of breads made from the “Gala Blend” a secret bread recipe developed exclusively for Gala Bakeshop. So loyal customers can be assured of consistency of quality and taste in all of their breads regardless whether you buy your bread from the Cannery, Polomolok branch or from the Mabuhay Rd, Gensan branch. The people at Gala Bakeshop continues to develop new tastes in breads and cakes inside their test kitchen at Cannery branch Polomolok which is still spearheaded by Gala’s matriarch and founder – Mrs. Marita G.

Among other things new in Gala is the intro of its new and improved logo… (shown on the lower right of their Cookies and Creme Cake).

Gala Enterprises’ main branch also had a major makeover this year to keep up with the modernity of the times. The facade had a major make-over featuring the grocery, bakery and the hardware sections of Gala Enterprises. Excuse the wires.. because although Gala has a new look, we can't do anything about the wires from the electric posts. :) 

People from Cannery, Polomolok would love the new look, along with a Refreshment area upstairs where customers can enjoy Gala’s delicious breads and other fares. 

Enjoy these yummy treats in the Refreshment area of Gala Enterprises: 


Gala's own Halo-Halo... to beat the summer heat, get a load of this cool treat.It has more "halo" than its other counterparts in the area trust me!

Short orders are also available, like the much ordered Batchoy and the yummylicious Spaghetti they serve with garlic bread. To find out what separates this pasta from the same fare served in other eateries... is for you to find out! 

And of course, who could forget Gala's delectable Meatbread (with choices of pork, chicken or tuna filling). It is clearly a bestseller! More and more people from the area are ordering this yummy bread not just for 'merienda' but for 'pasalubongs' when they go to Manila. 

 To sample these treats, head on over to a Gala Bakeshop near you.They have branches in the Polomolok-Gensan areas:

• Cannery Site, Polomolok - right across Dolefil Pedestrian Gate
• Zennia St., Polomolok
• Miranda St., Poblacion, Polomolok - right across the public market
• Block 8, Dadiangas Heights, General Santos City
• Pendatun and Santol Streets,General Santos City (near the oval plaza)
• Mabuhay Road, General Santos City (at the road going to ABS-CBN studio)

Dolefil's "Light a Tree, Light a Life" truly worthwhile project!

Dole's VP and Managing Director Mr. Simon Denye 

My first time to experience Dolefil's Light a Tree, Light a Life project, I was so excited since I've been hearing about it for years and haven't really experienced the lighting of their trees, much less seen one live. I know you start to wonder, living in Polomolok, how come this is my first time? 

The Light a Tree project of Dolefil is an inter-division contest wherein employees decorate their Christmas trees (Norfolk Pine trees to be precise) inside the company premises - in the pedestrian walkway. So you see, its only for the eyes of the employees. I have to be really convincing so the guard will let me in and take a peek which during the past years, I never get to do. :)

But this project is not only limited to the enjoyment of Dolefil's employees so to speak. It is a very worthwhile endeavor wherein each division has an identified charity. Dolefil will then give a generous donation to the charity of the winning tree/division.  

So having said that, you could just imagine the effort put by each division in their trees... like this one for example. They even have a mini-conveyor run by a thin Santa. Maybe if Santa lost his reindeers and opted for this bicycle, he wouldn't be bothered with a big round belly! 

For this tree, they used recycled materials like scrap pouches (you know, the tetra pack ones they use for packaging  fruits and juices? yep.. thats the one below ) as their poinsettias. 

this one even used drums as base for their snow men..

Another division were very creative in using used straws for lanterns and tree ornament...

And who would even think that the IT division had thought of using old mouse as ladbugs on their way to their Christmas tree like below...

And I just have to show off this tree, my personal favorite.. 

this division had a small mini-Dole plantation around their tree...

So to recap, it was a very nice experience having seen these trees. A rather nice and exciting evening  for all the Sox Bloggers in attendance, thanks to our gracious host, Dole Phils., to Ms. Gwyn Ebol and of course to the Bariles who never fails to give us an exciting event to look forward to. :)

Have an exciting Christmas! May you find the proper venue in sharing your blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the example of this Light a Tree Project. Christmas after all, is a season not only for tinsels and lights and decorations.. but it is the season for giving! 

Gala Bakeshop...making the finest bread in town

Gala Bakeshop (unbeknownst to all) has been making bread for more than 30 years. It started as a small store selling a few buns of bread in the 1980s by a teacher cum housewife (Ms. Marita S. Gallinero) to help augment their dying tailoring business.

 
Gala (pronounced originally as gey-LAH) got its name from the gala uniforms worn by the PMA cadets.  It was aptly named, since Gala Enterprises started as a tailoring business. It evolved as a bakery, refreshment and general merchandise store  in 1981.

Today, Gala Bakeshop is known for good quality breads and pastries. The leader in utilizing advanced methods in bread making, Gala Bakeshop also prides itself as one of the cleanest bakeries in the entire SOCSARGEN area - that's according to the Dept. of Health locally auditing their bakeries annually.

Gala Bakeshop produces the yummiest fare in the bread-making business. Its very own "Gala Blend®" which is patented and is being ordered direct from a manufacturing firm in Manila ensures the consistency of taste for all of its breads and pastries. So you can be assured that the ensaymada you love will still taste the same in any of its branch bakeries in Polomolok or in Gensan.

 
Let me give you a brief intro of some of my personal favorites: 

The Cheese Roll - a soft bun with soft edam cheese filling rolled in Gala's signature sweet dough, topped with a brush of butter and sugar. It is one of Gala Bakeshop's best sellers. It flies off the display rack freshly baked as quickly as you can say supercalifrajilisticexpialidocious! :)

The Regular Ensaymada -  sure you wonder what sets this lowly ensaymada apart from the numerous counterparts sold all around, well... this one has the same sweet dough made from Gala Blend® and a surprise filling of oozing sweetened monggo or ube. The special ensaymada is softer than its regular variety comparable to the soft ensaymadas sold in big malls in the metropolis. I even have friends in Manila who still request that I bring the regular ensaymada as pasalubongs every time I go home. 

The Fruity Muffins -  muffins is a cross between a bread and a cake. With that in mind, Gala Bakeshop's fruity muffin is basically more a cake-like type of muffin. This lip-smacking muffin is topped with glazed fruits and nuts. It has a longer shelf life compared to other pastries.  And it's taste improves the longer it sits on the shelf' (well, not that it usually happens), but it kinda reminds me of a fruit cake wherein the longer you wait to eat it, the yummier it gets. Perfect for baons for school kids.

The Spanish bread - although also categorized as a normal everyday bread, Gala Bakeshop's twist lies in the streusel type of filling combined with the sweet tangy taste of pineapples. Once you taste it, you will never look at the ordinary spanish bread the same way again! :)

The Cream Bread/ Diet Bread -  another signature bread of Gala Bakeshop, it prides itself with one of the softest (bubble free) and tastiest "tasty" or cream bread. It is so soft that even your kids would love to eat it without any filling or palaman. My little girl can totally vouch for that! And those who are diabetic can still enjoy their "Diet Bread" since it is made with less sugar and very low in GI. 

There is still a lot of delectable fare that is worth mentioning like the Chocolate-mint cookies I am so fond of or the Biscocho like toasted bread, along with their signature cakes sold at reasonably low prices compared to its counterparts but not compromising the taste and over all look. 

Butterfly Bread

But... it might take too much of your time reading, so for the meantime, I suggest that you head on over to Gala Bakeshop and try them out for yourselves! Find out for yourselves if this blogger is kidding when I say that Gala Bakeshop makes one of the finest breads in town! - or in the region!

 Gala Bakeshop's main branch is located right in front of Dolefil's employee entrance over at Asuncion Village, Cannery Site and two satellite branches in the Polomolok - Poblacion area...  one at Zennia St and one at Miranda St.. 

Gala Bakeshop now has three branches in General Santos city:

• at Block 8, Dadiangas Heights 
• another at corner Pendatun and Santol Sts. 
• newly opened branch at Mabuhay Road

Come visit and taste our breads to see for yourself what this blogger is raving about. :) 

SEx Tour - Part Deux (The SOCCSKSARGEN Experience Tour)

My first time to join the SEx Tour (thats the SOCCSKSARGEN Experience dear readers), I was all geared up for a jam-packed itinerary and I wasn't disappointed...

I only had time to join Day One of the three day tour but it was well worth it. We started off at the break of dawn to Maitum, a quaint town in Sarangani province.

Upon arriving at the municipal hall, we were in awe of the mini-museum they have at the second floor with the display of the unearthed archaeological treasures that date back circa 5 BC to AD 225. We were told that the ones on display are just a few of the pieces and most of the valuable items were on display at the National Museum in Manila.

Then we were treated to a sumptuous breakfast feast at the home of our gracious host, Ms. Beth Ramos-Palma Gil. Their hospitality is evident in the yummy food we never seem to get enough of. I loved the bangsi, the black and brown rice as well as the salted egg all washed down with refreshing glasses of lemongrass and turmeric juice.

After breakfast, we simply had to try the Whitewater Tubing at Pangi river. It was an adrenaline packed tube ride coursing through 1.6km of the river's raging waters. It was a challenge keeping yourself afloat on the rubber tube as well as making sure you don't swallow gallons of ice cold water in the process. :)

Then we had to rush over to Kiamba for another appointment with their Tourism Staff. Luckily Peter Pilot was a very efficient and fast driver. I felt I was cast in the Fast and Furious movie just seating in the backseat. hehe. The Kiambans prepared another feast for us complete with a lechon de leche! yum!

Bloggers at Kiamba with our host from the Tourism office

Our full stomachs didn't hinder us in catching a boat ride to Tuka Marine Sanctuary. A protected area about 20minutes from Kiamba's pier. It had a beautiful beach but they pointed out that the coral reefs might have been a sight to behold if not for the infestation of crown of thorns. More on this in another blog. :)

After snorkeling for about half an hour, we were once again on the road and headed off to Kalsangi Clubhouse in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Our tummies were so happy with the heavy snacks they prepared for us. And we were treated to an enlightening AVP (audio-visual presentation) of the beginnings of Dole and the various worthwhile community projects they are involved in. Truly, Dole Phils is an asset to the Filipino community in Southern Mindanao not only providing jobs but making a difference in the lives of its sponsored communities.

The day was topped off by another gastronomic feast at Piyesta Restaurant at Robinson's Place Gensan. But due to over fatigue with the loaded itinerary, I wasn't able to join them for dinner. But I bet it is another delicious treat since Piyesta is known for good food.

After this experience, I couldn't wait for the next SEx tour.. Special thanks to all our sponsors and event organizers, most especially to Mr. Bariles, Avel Manansala for making all of these happen.

The Elusive Dolefil Club Kalsangi

On the foot of the majestic Mt. Matutum lies a secret village that are known only to the locals of Polomolok and GenSan. First timers will have a hard time finding it since it is not plotted on tourist maps. It is situated in the middle of Dole Philippines' 10,000 hectares of pineapple plantation. I'm not even sure I'm allowed to blog about it.hehe. It just makes me  feel proud in knowing that there is such a place in faraway Mindanao.

Of course there are reasons for its elusiveness. Dole Kalsangi is home to the multinational company’s ex-pats and top management. I could understand since some management positions in top companies as big as Dolefil hold sensitive positions. So let us not wonder why it is one of the safest places down south. Security there can be quite stiff mind you so if you’re planning to visit the place, I suggest you befriend one of the residents living there so they can vouch for you when you suddenly appear at the gate since the security guards won’t let you in not unless you have a sponsor from the company.

Upon entering Kalsangi, it feels as though you are not in Mindanao. Its streets are lined with Norfolk pine trees, Macademia trees (yep they have that there!), and other big trees complete with big wild ferns you only see in high altitude places. The cabin log houses remind me of Subic or Camp John Hay in Baguio.

Dole Kalsangi boasts not only of the elite living quarters of Dolefil's top brass but also of the premiere 9-hole golf course that is a favorite of many golfers in these parts. Its golf course is lined with a number of Norfolk and Pine trees that make you feel that you are playing golf somewhere in Europe. It's clubhouse is comparable to those in high society villages in the metro. It has an Olympic sized pool, kiddie playground and a restaurant that serves yummy delicacies that make lunches and dinners a festive occasion that most celebrate birthdays, anniversary among others.

To get there, you must first ask for a sponsor from any Dole regular employee. Then ask to guide you to the roads going to Club Kalsangi. Its not open for everybody so make sure you find a sponsor first, since they are the only gate pass you will need. :) Hope you get the chance to see for your own eyes the beauty of Club Kalsangi in Polomolok, South Cotabato

Christmas in Polland

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly..." so the song goes. But here in Polland (or Polomolok Land to those who are from here), Christmas is evident in the lights and display of the various cooperative offices lining Cannery Road. Its so nice to see that they have adorned their offices with the Christmas belen, twinkly lights and all the paraphernalia of the season.

My favorite display so far is the one by Unified Engineering Coop wherein they made a Christmas Village complete with a pineapple merry-go-round and ferris wheel. Its the first time in Polomolok that traffic starts as early as 6pm and onwards on this part of Cannery road as residents and their guests flock to the display to have their picture taken not only in the Christmas village of sorts but to pose next to a human sized Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman with his friends. I was so happy to note that the kids most especially (and the kids at heart like me) appreciate the display so much that their eyes pop out to take in every detail. And you wish its Christmas the whole year round. :) Its just too bad Mr. OSG always forgets to bring his camera so we didn't get to take our own pictures. Pictures below are courtesy of Ms. Yvon Buenavista.

The Christmas Village at Polomolok c/o Ms. Yvon Buenavista

Trappistine Monastery of Our Lady of Mt Matutum..a Place of Solace and Peace

Deep in the highlands of Landan in Polomolok, South Cotabato lies a quaint monastery run by the Trappistine nuns. These nuns are under the Cistercian order which started in France around the year 1098. The Trappistine Monastery of the Our Lady of Mt. Matutum is a place of prayer, meditation and reflection. They open their doors to the public once a week during the offering of the Sunday mass.

Its refreshing to note that such a place exists in the middle of pineapple fields and rolling hills in faraway Landan. The steep drive up the monastery leads to their guest house (not one where you can book your vacations mind you). The guest house as it is aptly called houses the monasteries’ visitors who are on retreat or recollection. They find solace in prayer at the Trappistine Monastery since the place is so close to nature. The breathtaking view of the towering Mt. Matutum and the huge trees and foliage around it brings an atmosphere of peace and perfect commune with our Creator.

Since the Trappistine nuns live a life of solitude and prayer, they only ask their visitors to observe utmost silence within their grounds. Small children are not encouraged to be brought along especially inside the chapel during the offering of the Holy Mass. The nuns of the order follow a disciplined life of prayer and work. They support themselves by selling pastries, prayer books, posters and other religious artifacts. Their rum balls and mango tarts are personal favorites and they are a very good “pasalubongs”.

I personally love the simple but fine lined architecture of the monastery. Its red tiled roofings and modern feel of its edifice. It never fails to surprise our bakasyunistas whenever we have the chance to take them there. They are often astonished that such a place exists in remote but very accessible town of Landan. But oftentimes I have to remind them that it is a place of “worship” not a tourist spot so we have to be discreet in snapping photos and maintain the atmosphere of silence within its grounds.

To go to there, one can ride a motorcycle from Poblacion Polomolok or from Bgy. Cannery, Polomolok. A taxi from GenSan or a rented van would also work out fine since Landan is roughly about 13kms from Poblacion Polomolok. The Trappistine Monastery schedules its masses at 10AM every Sunday. For retreats or recollections or for orders of their yummy treats and souvenir items, you can reach them at this number: 63 920 4377367

view on the way to landan..