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.

Confessions of a Photographer's Wife

This is a repost from my mommy journals blog, for all photography enthusiasts having a difficult time convincing their gal on the oftentimes misunderstood hobby they get themselves into :) just thought i'd share it with you... have fun reading!
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Two years ago when hubby and I were in the middle of an event in Cebu, our point and shoot camera suddenly died a natural death. Probably due to old age or to the numerous bruises it got due to misuse (hehe..i have the habit of dropping it when i have something exciting I want to take a picture of), at that time, it just decided to stop working. So on the spot, we decided to purchase a DSLR camera, but later did I discover that hubby has been researching the net beforehand about photography and using a professional camera so you can imagine how good he was at that point in convincing me to buy that dslr cam on the store window we were looking at. And I guess after that, you can say the rest was history...

this is one of Mr. OSG's earlier photos.

I am writing this for all the ladies out there who has her man hooked into photography and doesn’t have an inkling about it. So here are my takes on the different issues and lessons i learned along the way...

• Photography as I figured has a lot of different facets. There’s macro photography, seascape and landscape photography, portraits, events photography, underwater photography, among others. If your man is hooked, understand which facet he is interested in. It will give you an idea on what to expect.

• Macro and underwater photography, I’m not that familiar with since hubby has not taken an interest in it yet (Thank God! Since I heard the gears can be really pricey!). Now landscape photography is different. When hubby tells me he’s going to shoot landscapes… I always make sure he brings his telephoto or his wide-angle lens. Without it I’m not sure because he might be shooting “other” landscapes I’m sure I wouldn’t like much...hehe! With his telephoto (this is the long lens that looks like your office thermos) I am assured that he can’t take shots up close as in a portrait shoot since he must be really far from his subject to use it. :D

• Photography is a hobby that requires talent and a good eye in the artistic aspect of framing a subject, so the more I keep on limiting his subjects, the more he looks for even more interesting and exotic things to shoot! So I figured, why not let him choose whatever  he wishes to concentrate on, at least I know he's shooting something he is happy about and when your happy with your subject, the better output he comes up with. Plus the fact that he leaves the more exotic subjects alone :).

• Photography can be a really expensive hobby. Taking really artistic photos means being equipped with the best gears available. If your man is uber rich then I say why nag him about it since you obviously have extras to spare. But if not, then discuss how he can profit from his hobby. You never know, he might even rake in a lot of moolah with this hobby especially if he's gotten really good at it.

• What's up with all these models posing for my hubby's cam? At first I don't feel comfortable with hubby taking pictures of others besides me and myself (since we always believe that our hubbies should only have eyes for us diba?). But then I realized, what the heck, why not be your hubby's make-up artist! At least besides him saving money on MUAs, you get your eye on him all through the entire shoot! hehe..

Ms. Krystal Vee, during Mr. OSG's attendance at a Librodo workshop :)

• Don't fret, portraiture in photography is not just about taking someone's profile or so pictures in exotic poses. Its an art in itself. Often times, the photographer should be somehow in touch with their feminine side to take really artistic pictures that are worth keeping. They invest in time not only during the shoot but during post processing so their subject comes out looking really good in their portraits. In short its not personal so don't take it personally.

• Last off but definitely worth mentioning.. photography is a hobby that's also a good stress buster. So if your man lives a stressful life on the job, just understand that this hobby takes worries and future heart attacks off his mind. Its definitely a better distraction for him than most, believe me. 

Another of Mr. OSG's photograph for a campaign against hunger for the Rotary Club of Polomolok 101.

My advise for you -- the male photo hobbyist...

don't ask.. but that's moi :) hehe

 You know how women often find it difficult to digest why the interest in shooting models? Before you earn the support of your partner in pursuing your chosen hobby in Portraiture photography, I highly recommend taking good portraits of your partner first! Your lady might not admit that she wants you to take a photo of her but seriously, underneath all the pretense she really wants you to take her portraits! Believe me, it is flattering for a wife or a girlfriend for that matter if you insist on taking their portraits or practice your craft on them first. What more can I say, vanity is somehow inherent among our species. So produce portraits of your partner that are worthy of praise, then I'm sure the green monster won't bother you again every time you shoot models' portraits no matter how vavavooom they are :)

Postscript: of course these are my opinion and it happens to be my blog, so for violent reactions, please address them to my hubby. Since i major-major support him, he'll be more than willing to answer you in support of my blogging hobby. hehe.. have a nice day! 

Lumba Kalabaw at the Pinyahan Festival

Going Japanese at RaiRaiKen

I'm not much of a Japanese food lover, but in General Santos city, hubby and I love dining at RaiRaiKen. They have the best California Maki  in the city. For me it is a complete meal in itself. I no longer have to order other entrees since the  fusion of the cucumber, imitation crab stick and mango is mouth watering especially when dipped in the wasabi-kikkoman soy sauce.

Another meal we love to order is the Bento meal, a delightful concoction of chicken tori karaage, ebi tempura, beef yakiniku, fried gyoza, yasai salad, tamago and miso soup.

The complete Bento Meal

love the thin slices of beef

 

They also have the yummiest Ramens, or egg noodle soups. So if you are craving for Japanese cuisine that won't put a hole in your pocket, head off to RaiRaiKen. They have two branches in Gen. Santos City - one at the Ground floor level of KCC Mall and the other at Robinson's Place Gensan Mall. 

So I say let's eat! Itadakimasu!

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.

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

Big Appetite only at Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant

This is my first hand at blogging about a restaurant and the food we love. It comes not as a surprise since Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant is easily one of our favorite restaurants in GenSan. Every Sunday, we take our daughter on lunch dates after attending mass here. When asked which ones she loves to order, she will readily answer "the stetty". The Super Duper Spaghetti is a pasta dish with kids in mind. The fusion of sweetness and sourness of the sauce is just right even for picky eaters, topped with loads of cheese cubes and a little white sauce that my little girl can't get enough of. But it has been our habit to ask the servers to split it in half so we can take home the other half in case my little girl's attention drifts off her pasta. :)

Another of her favorite is the Dippy Doodle Doo Jr., a meal comprised of chicken fingers deep fried in a yummy mixture of bread crumbs and other herbs accompanied with a sweet and mild tangy honey mustard sauce. It is a a big hit with our little girl since it is boneless and easy to hold for little fingers, not to mention easily grabbed by daddy when she is looking the other way. :)

Another favorite is the Bermuda Triangle salad. What we love about this salad is not so much the mix of greens such as the romaine lettuce but the grilled chicken and beef with cheese sticks and croutons that come with it. If you are on a diet, then this salad is a meal in itself.

For birthdays or family dinners (with a party of about 4-5 pax), then I recommend the Fisherman's Catch or the Belly Buster. It is a combination of two or more dish in a huge platter. The Fisherman's Catch for example already has fish steak, gambas and shrimp-mushroom skewer and a few greens on the side.. yum!

The Belly Buster on the other hand is a healthy serving of grilled porkchops, a slab of baby back ribs and onion rings and greens on the side. This is a total winner especially for meat lovers, a must order for sharing! As its name implies, your belly will just explode with gooey goodness from this complete meal.

 This dish is the Wild Wild West Steak. Another favorite of hubby who never fails to get one for himself just as long as his triglycerides and bad cholesterol is under control. :) It is grilled so the taste has none of the greasy meat taste. Another perfect dish for meat lovers.

  

My personal favorite pasta however is the Raging Sausage Pasta, a fussili pasta what with the spicy and tasty sausages and fresh tomatoes that tickle the palate of your taste buds with just the right amount of spiciness. But I'm gonna have to leave your imaginations run wild with this dish since in my haste to eat it, I forgot to take pictures of it.. hehe. It wouldn't look good if I take snapshots of my leftovers for you. So trust me when I say it is one of the best pastas in Gen. Santos city.. What are you waiting for? Go head out to Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant over at Robinsons Place Gensan and order one for yourself! 

Untouched Beauty of Tuka Beach

My first time in Tuka Marine Park, I was wowed by its pristine waters and natural beauty both in the island and the colorful life under the sea. It is located in Kiamba, Sarangani Province about an hour and a half drive from Gen. Santos City.

The Tuka Marine Park as I learned is a protected marine sanctuary divided into four coves but the most accessible and usually the one perfect for tourists like us is Tuka 3. So that's where we were headed after all of us (our family of three with my hubby's small clan) were hoarded in a big motor boat provided for us by hubby's friend Mr. Allan de Lima.

The view of Tuka from the boat was splendid, with the natural foliage of coconut trees and other greens  that seem to cover the entire island. They weren't kidding when they said that this is a protected area. The whole island was untouched.. and so we were told that what we take here, our garbage and all, we have to bring back home. What we were allowed to take along with us in abundance though were pictures. :)

This is Tuka2, on the other side of the island is Tuka3 (Taken last summer, sorry wasn't a blogger then, would've blogged about this sooner :)

Another photo of the island as we approach the beach. Love the way that lone tree stands proud and tall on top of the hill here.

The Tuka Marine Cove 3 is about 600 meters stretch of yellowish white sand. Kids can readily wade in the shallow part of the beach as the sand is smooth even for bare feet. But then again, its still best to have your kids wear their swimming shoes just in case. Life vests and snorkeling gear are also a must here so you get to enjoy the beautiful corals and  rich underwater sea life.

As you can see, the water is crystal clear, like in a swimming pool "only salty" according to the kids who had a wonderful time since they can see the small fish swimming alongside them even without their goggles :)

I remember while snorkeling here, I got so awed by the corals and the variety of fish I saw that I forgot that I was already far from the beach. And then I noticed I was having a difficult time going back because of the underwater current, pulling me away from the beach..and lo and behold as I peeked in my goggles 

again, a number of jellyfish were going my way! It gave me the scare of my life..not so much as the current
 but the jellyfish! Luckily, one of the divers that came with us saw me and towed me back to the beach. I survived with a few scratches from the jellyfish.. I didn't realize I was on their turf :) The divers informed me that sometimes when the water is a bit warm enough, jellyfish are present in the deeper part of the water. But don't worry though, there weren't a lot of them near the shallow parts :) Maybe its just me, very attractive for jellyfish attack! hehe.

We had a nice time at Tuka beach all thanks to Mr. Allan de Lima who brought us there. For more info on Tuka Marine Park, you can also check out Mr Bariles' blog about it here.

To go there, you can take a van going to Kiamba from the terminal at North Osmeña St, the fare would be around P90-P120. Ask to be dropped at the Kiamba wharf, from there you can find fishing boats you can rent and haggle your way  to take you to Tuka Beach..ask the locals which cove is best for swimming at the time. For our case though, we were taken to beach/cove3. But its always best to take along a local who knows Tuka Marine Park well so you get to enjoy the whole day here. There are no accommodations or cottages there so you're going to have to rough it  out there and leave as soon as the sun goes down. (Unless you want to sleep under the light of the stars and the shelter of the coconut tree ala survivor style). 

PROVINCIAL TOURISM OFFICE
Provincial Capitol
Alabel, Sarangani Province
Tel No. (083) 508-2172 (083) 508-5231
Provincial Tourism Officer : MS. APRIL MARJORIE P. RUDES