First Glimpse of Mt. Sabrina Garden Resort

Up in the hills (Mt. Sabrina), hidden from view of the public's prying eyes sits Jam's Garden Resto-Bar. The handsome property started as a venue for countless prenup shoots done in the area, well mostly by Mr. OSG :).  Maybe due to the picturesque view in these hills, The owner Ms. Sol Mananquil, decided to invest in the property and put up a permanent structure which is perfect for garden weddings. 

I love the view from up here, where you can see all the way to Sarangani Bay. 

According to photographer extraordinaire -- Mr. OSG (excuse me for being biased :), sunsets here are breathtaking. So if you are planning on having a garden wedding, you might want to consider having it here at Jam's Garden Resto-Bar.

I remember MR. OSG telling me a story about the first garden wedding that was held here at Jam's Garden and Resto-bar, they had no covered areas yet, and the wedding party was constantly getting worried should the heavens shower them on their very special day. According to the owner, she will put up a permanent structure if the wedding goes well without a hitch. Well, I suppose the heavens wanted future brides to enjoy the place so true enough, we can see and enjoy the new buildings put up in the  area. Here are a few of the pictures from that wedding...

Their restaurant on the other hand, sits with pride in the highest peak of the entire establishment. 

From my visit there, I think, they can comfortably sit around 50 people inside the air conditioned hall and about 20 more in the restaurant's entrance. 

 This is of course just my guess-timate so you might want to see for yourself how many of your guests can be seated comfortably if you prefer the covered area.

For inquiries, you can get in touch with them through these numbers: (0917) 708-1693 or (083) 553-2763 .

Lemlunay Fever

For the snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, Lemlunay Resort never fails to impress...

It was my first time at this picturesque resort I have heard so much about. And clearly, it doesn't disappoint as the magnificent view of the Sarangani Bay and the neighboring towns of Glan even Balut Island can be seen from the Tinoto Wall or the cliff that is Lemlunay.

You will never have an idle time at this resort since they have a myriad of activities available for their guests. If you don't  feel like snorkeling or diving, you can rent their Hobie Cat for a measly P1500 for a maximum of 6 passengers for 30 mins. Just make sure though that the wind is strong so you don't accidentally just float in the water with no direction :)

For those who just want to chillax and wade in the water with the kids, you can enjoy their infinity pool. It has a magnificent view of the bay and a wonderful spot for day dreaming (well, at least for me). 

Their Poolside Cabins are perfect for families of four which you can rent for P3,000. What's good about it is, the rate includes breakfast for two. 

The rooms inside the Poolside Cabins have two double bed, so if you are there with friends or with the kids, four people can sleep comfortably. Or for the fifth wheel in the group, you can opt to rent additional mattress at P200/each. :)

The Garden View Cabins (picture below) which is good for two persons will set you back for P1,200 and the Ocean View Cabins (sorry.. didnt get a chance to take photos) costs P2,500 per night. all includes breakfast for two. 

moi.. :)

Lemlunay Diving Resort is a paradise located at the edge of Tinoto Reef at Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province. For more info, you can visit their website at www.lemlunayresort.com or call them at 083 228 1704 or text them at 0928 5244528.  

12th Lubi-Lubi Festival

In Glan, Sarangani Province, they have a high regard for the coconut. The coconut after all is a major source of livelihood in this area of Southern Mindanao. It is the reverence they hold for the coconut that   they celebrate the Lubi Lubi sa Glan Festival every 8th of October. 

Lubi lubi is a native name for the coconut. They celebrate its benefits and multiple uses by a dance festival. Grooving their feet to the rythm of drums.  

They also give reverence not only to the lubi lubi but to their patron saint, Sta. Catalina de Alexandria

What I love about this festival is the painted faces and bodies of the participants. You can see a variety of painted faces and colorful costumes here. Often, I marvel at the intricacies of each costume's detail. 

Truly they go all the way when it comes to the Lubi lubi festival. And then it also helps that the prize money here is a whopping one hundred thousand pesos for the lucky winner! :) At least it only shows that the local government here give importance and therefore really alot budget to this festival.

Glan offers not only its pristine beaches but a wealth of culture and the arts. 

Given that this festival has already been on for 12 years, we wondered why  it was not well documented. Why do I think that? I tried googling it and I only came up with LGU published posts. So I wondered, why do photographers (and bloggers alike) seem to shy away from attending this festival when the street dancing was one of the most colorful we've ever been to. And then the 3 photo hobbyists from the camera club who came all the way to Glan had to stop shooting since the place intended for photographers were suddenly blocked by people from Glan themselves.  Blocking their view therefore preventing them from taking any more photos. :) Poor crowd control? Maybe.

So sad, when photographers (and bloggers alike) should have been their partners in promoting this event. They are also like tourists so to speak. If people here, start being really friendly to tourists (well, bloggers and photo hobbyists included) maybe more people would start enjoying this festival along with the locals.. --just my two cents worth on this, no offense meant. :)

A-Montana Resort - an A Class Resort!

A-Montana Resort (previously known as Isla Parilya) is a charming cove-like resort situated in Brgy. Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani Province. The resort is surrounded by a huge fishing pen which gives its visitors a sense of isolation, of quiet relaxation and peace. It is perfect for tourists who crave for a hushed respite amidst a busy life in the city.

Its facilities are newly improved and includes among others a kidney shaped swimming pool with a man-made waterfall. A perfect hit for families with kids. The swimming pool area is also a perfect venue for garden weddings and celebrations of other occasions.

While the kids are swimming, the daddies can while away their time and enjoy fishing around the resort. Fishing gear and bait are provided by the resort for a minimal fee.

The rooms in the resort remind me of Dos Palmas in Palawan, only miniature in context. The rooms are situated in concrete stilts above the water, with a boardwalk connecting everything to the main hall or the front desk. 

They also have a restaurant, the Formosa Café serving most Filipino dishes as well as an assortment of seafood at a reasonable rates. Guests need not bring food and drinks inside the resort. The Blue Emperor Bar also serves liquor and a variety of drinks.

They also have a big banquet and conference facility for corporate or company events which  is aptly named Sarangani Cove. Room rates start at P1,800 for the standard matrimonial or twin, P2,500 for a suite room, P3,500 for a family room, and P4,500 for the family deluxe room inside Sarangani Cove. For big groups, they have the Double Deck Room at P7,000 and Dorm Type Room at P4,000. All rooms are air-conditioned with TV, hot and cold shower and are all Wi-Fi ready. 

For further inquiries, you may contact them through their email: amontanaresort@pldtdsl.net or through any of these numbers: 083-826-6699/ 553-8553/ 553-0220/ 553-0110/ 301-333

Adrenaline Pumping Seven Falls Zipline

Lake Sebu in South Cotabato  is slowly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Mindanao. If you are within the vicinity, make sure to visit the Seven Falls Zipline. Adrenaline junkies will get more than just the usual thrill that comes with the ride, but a visual treat of the breathtaking view of the falls and surrounding greenery.

The zipline consists of two lines, the first one spans 740 meters and 200 meters in height, readily one of the highest zipline in south east asia. Jump off is at falls no. 1 also known as Dongon Falls (or Hikong Alu in the local dialect which means passage). Once strapped, you can go in pairs or in threesome depending on your combined weight. For the brave, why not go alone to fully experience the exhilaration that comes with the feeling of flying. :) 

Your first zipline will take you directly to the fifth falls or Hikong Ukol (meaning wildflower in T'boli) . I assure you that the experience is one of the picturesque rides you will ever have in a zipline. You will be in awe of the magnificent view of the four falls - the second falls (Hikong Bente or unmeasurable falls, being the tallest of all the seven), the third (Hikong B'lebel meaning coil or zigzag), the fourth (Hikong Lowig which means booth) and fifth falls (Hikong Ukol).

The second zipline spans about 400m which takes you from falls no. 5 (Hikong Ukol) to falls no. 2 (Hikong Bente). Of course if you don't like the thrill the comes with the ziplines, you can always trek down from falls no. 1/Hikong Alu to falls no. 2/Hikong Bente. There are paved pathways which makes it easier, but its a long walk from falls 1 to 2, so be sure too wear comfortable walking shoes. You can always bring your car to the 2nd falls nevertheless. :)  Falls six  Hikong K’fo-I (“Short”) and seven Hikong Tonok (“Soil”) on the other hand is a bit far from the rest of the falls and we were told would take a longer trek down the valley, so we didn't bother finding it.

For the zipline ride, be prepared to shell out P250 (or P200 during weekdays), that will cover both ziplines.

Help Save Tuka Marine Sanctuary

When you come to Tuka Marine Park, you will be in awe of the beauty of its beaches.  It is divided into four coves, so there are different choices for the avid beach lover.

This one is taken at Tuka cove 3 where the stretch of sand is perfect even for families with little kids who love to wade on the shallow waters. With its clear water, you can see a variety of small fish swimming alongside you. A great way to spend the time looking for Nemo. :)

But for me, I've always known Tuka Marine Park as a sanctuary for a number of different species of fish and other marine life, with rich coral reefs. Well, that was years ago. I wish I had underwater photos to vouch for the beauty of its coral reefs before. It is a 10-ha protected reef area spanning 2 small coves south of Buko Mountain as we were told. It includes fringing reefs with a  20-70o slope.

So it came as a shock that during the last SEx Tour (Soccsksargen Experience Tour) with other bloggers just recently, the beautiful coral gardens were not as they used to be. An infestation of the Crown-of-thorns starfish has done a lot of damage on its live coral reefs. Photos below will show the damage these pests have done on the coral gardens in the area.

Excuse my photos, it is taken with my point and shoot camera in a dicapac :)

The crown-of-thorns has done extensive damage to this once rich coral gardens

For your info, the crown-of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) is a large nocturnal sea star that preys upon coral polyps. The crown-of-thorns receives its name from venomous thorn-like spines that cover its body. It is endemic to tropical coral reeds in the Red Sea, The Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. As a solitary animal, they feed alone and maintain constant distance between themselves and other members of their species. (Information taken from the wikipedia).

taken at Tuka about 2 yrs ago, there were just a few of these then

This is the only starfish we may not grow fond of. :) As it may grow to about a foot across, it feeds on live corals by climbing onto reef structures, and then extrude their stomach onto the coral. This releases digestive enzymes that allow the starfish to absorb nutrients from the liquefied coral tissue. The crown-of-thorns also preys on brittle stars in a similar fashion.They are voracious predators. An individual starfish can consume up to 6 square metres (65 sq ft) of living coral reef per year. (also from the wikipedia)

Photo courtesy of Mr. Jeff Jeffords  of dive gallery

It is hard to control an infestation of this type since the crown-of-thorns when under stress can create outbreaks and, if dismembered, can regenerate from each severed or damaged limb, creating more sea stars. Therefore, controlling the crown-of-thorns is difficult and much care is required. 

The people of Kiamba are calling on Scuba clubs and scuba enthusiasts/volunteers to help harvest these one by one since it is the only way to prevent further damage on Tuka's coral reefs. For more information , please get in touch with Ms Michelle Lopez-Solon, or Mr. Avel Manansala.

Whitewater Tubing at Pangi River

If you want an adrenaline pumped experience, you have to try Whitewater tubing over at barangay New La Union, Maitum in Sarangani Province. For a minimal fee of P130, you are treated to an exciting tube ride along the 1.6 km stretch of Maitum's Pangi river. 

The fee already includes gears like safety helmets and lifevests along with your personal tube guide who will accompany you all through out the ride making sure you and your huge inflatable tube are steered free from the boulders scattered in the river -- the same huge boulders which makes this ride even more exciting. :)

Once you're all geared up and ready to go, you will be taken a few minutes ride up the river trail to where you will start the water tubing experience. But not after the briefing about safety measures and what to expect before you take the plunge. Then you're all set to go!

The first time I tried water tubing, I remembered to close my mouth and refrain from screaming to keep drinking gallons of water but I couldn't do anything about the water coming in through my nostrils! The water though freezing cold is really clean, just like drinking bottled mineral water so I guess gulping gallons of it all through out the ride wasn't bad at all. :) 

After the adrenaline rush, you almost want to have a go at water tubing again and again. Truly an experience you wouldn't want to miss once you are in Maitum I tell you. Here are some pictures of my water tubing experience about 2 or 3 years ago. :)

Maitum is 127 kms from Gen. Santos City, there are air-conditioned vans plying trips here for a one way fare of P140. If you want to try water tubing, you can ride a motrocycle (habl-habal) at P25/person from the national highway in barangay Pangi or by tricycle at P100 one way trip from Poblacion. 

You can also get in touch with the ff. people for group tours or any information on Maitum and I'm sure they will happily oblige to assist you in your trip there. Ms. Elizabeth Ramos-Palma Gil (Information Officer) 0921-5944228; Arnelito Ramirez (Tourism Operations Assistant) 0918-6133022; Arlex Narte (Tourism Operations Assistant) 0919-3738007

Visit also my previous blogs on Maitum:

• Experiencing Maitum
• SEx Tour
• Opulent and Antiquated Maitum

Bon Appetit at Cresing's

One of the things I enjoyed the most on the SEx Tour (Soccsksargen Tour) is the hospitality of our hosts especially when it comes to food. I know my waist line is groaning over the intake of too much food.. but its hard to pretend I'm on  a diet when I am faced with all these yummy food. :)

At Maitum, a local town at the province of Sarangani, we were treated to a sumptuous breakfast by our gracious host, Ms Beth Ramos-Palma Gil. We enjoyed the fried bangsi with sidings of chopped cucumber, turnips as well as the salted eggs, shells paired with three different kinds of rice. The food was washed down by glasses of lemongrass iced tea and hot turmeric beverage which I can't seem to get enough of.

 

My favorite among the fare however is the salted eggs served with tomatoes. What differentiates it from other salted eggs that's readily available in the groceries is that Cresing's salted eggs have just the right amount of saltiness. Not too much, just right. It was like eating without the guilt of destroying your liver with too much saltiness. hehe. So for this reason, I bought two trays of these for me to enjoy at home. 

I also loved the lemongrass with lemonade cold drink. It was my first time to try something like it, I was so used to the commercial iced teas sold in most eateries. It has the sweet smell of the lemongrass with the tangy sour taste of lemons. The hot turmeric on the other hand is also rich in vitamins A and C not to mention a good concoction to lower cholesterol (which I was having too much of at the time hehe) and calms nervous disorders. Its just too bad there weren't any left for us to buy and bring home.

Other than these, Cresing's has a number of must try products such as their famous rice and corn coffee, the wild turmeric powder and the black rice, brown rice, organic rice and anything to do with rice :)

Cresing's Food Products is located at Purok Namnama (no wonder their food is so nomnom good!), Maitum, Sarangani Province. You can also text your orders at +63919 3045279 or email them at cresings_maitum@yahoo.com

For more about Cresing's from another bloggers perspective, check out: The Food Kiosk;  Dabawpinoy  or The Bariles' blogs.

Experiencing Maitum

When the opportunity for me to visit Maitum again came through the Sox Bloggers SEX tour (excuse me but that means Soccsksargen Experience Tour :). I just had to tag along and experience Maitum for a second time. Upon arriving at the Maitum municipal hall, pictures of last year's festival greeted us, i was so proud to see some pictures by Mr. OSG along with pictures from other photo hobbyists displayed in panels in the lobby.

Upstairs, they have a mini archaeological and ethnographic exhibit, which just proves the richness of Maitum's past and culture.

The dioramas of the burial caves was exquisitely done giving tourists like us a proper perspective of how the caves really look like from both the outside and the inside. 

Maitum is 127 kms from Gen. Santos City, there are air-conditioned vans plying trips here for a one way fare of P140. If you want to try water tubing, you can ride a motorcycle (habal-habal) at P25/person from the national highway in barangay Pangi or by tricycle at P100 one way trip from Poblacion. 

You can also get in touch with the ff. people for group tours or any information on Maitum and I'm sure they will happily oblige to assist you in your trip there:
**Ms. Elizabeth Ramos-Palma Gil (Information Officer) 0921-5944228;
**Arnelito Ramirez (Tourism Operations Assistant) 0918-6133022;
**Arlex Narte (Tourism Operations Assistant) 0919-3738007

Visit also my previous blog on Maitum here.