Hilarious Lumba Kalabaw at the Pinyahan Festival

One of the finalists in the race

Ive just been to the Lumba Kalabaw race of Bgy. Cannery, Polomolok's Pinyahan Festival. It was a lot of fun seeing my first green kalabaw! The “kalabaw” (or kabaw or carabao or water buffalo if you still can’t relate hehe kiddin) is the trusty partner of every farmer. In these parts, they are known as hard working animals usually used by farmers in plowing their fields. So it was unusual to see them running around in a race. Actually, it still baffles me how they were made to run in the direction the jockey wants them to run.

Before the race started, I chatted with one of the carabao jockeys. I was amazed that they actually set two months training in preparation for the race. They took the carabao on jogging sessions every day just to make sure it is well conditioned for running – and to run in the right direction at that! Hehe..

As the race started, the crowd went wild as each carabao headed to the starting line. It was very entertaining to watch the jockeys gear up with their motorcycle helmet (one even had to wear his helmet backwards since he didn’t need the face shield =)), one jockey even thought of wearing knee and elbow pads to keep up with the organizer’s safety conscious stance but decided the last minute not to..hehe. There were moments when the jockey would fall from his carabao, which really had the crowd roaring with laughter and cheers. Not because it was funny that he fell, it was the fighting spirit they had when they still climbed up their carabaos to continue the race. One jockey even had to run side by side with his carabao when he found it difficult to climb back up. And there was one carabao who went wild and decided to run on his own and disregard the jockey altogether. But what was really riotous was the carabao who decided to join the crowd watching the race. =) Enjoy the pictures taken by Mr. OSG below..

Aka Lito Lapid (jockey in blue) doing another stunt..he keeps falling off his carabao but he still keeps on climbing back up! =)

Love the way they wear their helmets backwards =)

Go! Go! Go! the carabaos strutting their stuff, taking their time. =)

The very green carabao of the event who also won additional awards for the beautiful body painting he has on

I was also happy to note that members of the Gensan Camera Club headed by their president, Mr. Omar S. Gallinero (our official photographer ;) were also present to shoot the hilarious event. Mr. Toots Jabido, also from GCC even took a video of the event. Our thanks to those present to cover and celebrate with us: Ariel Oclarit, Toots Jabido, Dong Pading, Dondon Pagunsan, Christian Quito and Polomolok's own Wang Rallos, Bong Maliwat and Percival Evangelio. You can visit their facebook accounts for more pictures on the Lumba Kalabaw and the Pinyahan Festival. Hope to see you guys again soon and thank you for your support!

GCC photo hobbyists at the Lumba Kalabaw. Thanks to Mr. Toots Jabido for this photo =)

World Class Beaches at White Haven Resort, Gumasa Glan

Just recently, we had the pleasure of bringing another bakasyunista from the UK to this lovely place in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. The White Haven Resort has become our favorite “go to” resort whenever we are in the Gumasa beach strip.

The resort is one of the first ones in Gumasa, owned by a doctor based in nearby Gensan. They rent out open cottages for day tourists and air-conditioned or fan rooms with toilet and bath for those who wish to spend the night. Each cottage has its own grill or gas stoves if you want to cook your brought in food, or for your convenience, you could just order from their newly opened restaurant.

What I love about the strip of beach here at White Haven is the white, fine and powdery sand that tickles your toes as you walk barefoot along the shoreline. It reminds me of the sands in Boracay. Being a mom and all, what I also love about the strip of beach here is the fact that I could just let my toddler play along the water since I don’t have to worry about a sudden trench in the ocean (but of course I see to it that my little one is strapped to her lifevest just in case =).

 

If you are a surfer, then this beach is not for you since there are no waves to ride here. It’s the only beach I’ve literally been to that doesn’t have the “jump when the waves hit” moment. =) The only time I’ve only experienced big waves there was during the time when tsunamis hit asia.. hehe. Don’t ask me what we were doing in the beach at that moment. =) …but I’ll tell you anyway..hehe. We were there since we have bakasyunistas (yet again) and I was already thinking about which tree to hold on to in case a tsunami really did hit. But I was told it was unlikely since the reason there aren’t much waves there is because its location is in the U bend of the Sarangani bay, so there!

When it’s low tide (as in really low tide) you can walk the stretch of the beach and head to the mini-caves in the coral cliff at the end of White Haven. My toddler calls it “bikini bottom” since  it looks like where spongebob lives. Its really a place perfect for photo ops. But watch out for sea urchins hidden in the holes in the coral-rock formation since there are a few.

the coral rock formation with mini caves at the end of White Haven Resort

The kids also love to catch the soft shelled crabs walking around the beach. We even saw a few crabs that look like they’re in a meeting, probably to transfer to their neighbor’s big shell. Starfishes and small fish sometimes swim with you in the shallow water. So the kids will really have a blast here. Just remind them to return the crabs and starfish in the water since these are alive and we want to preserve the beauty if this beach.

local kids who were playing by the banca

To get to White Haven, you can rent a van at Gensan or if you are bringing your own car, just turn right at the junction after Lagao public market, it will take you straight to Alabel, Sarangani Province and it’s provincial hall (or the white house as locals refer to it), and just follow the  road signs to Glan. Once in Glan poblacion, it takes about 30mins or so to Gumasa. White Haven Resort is right after Davak Ridge Resort.

For reservations and inquiries: White Haven Resort: 083 8950305 (Dr. Adarna's Clinic, they're the owners so don't be surprised, but they book tourists through this number :) or call 0920-9479148 (look for Cenie) they have day cottages at P150 and accommodations for overnight stays which range from 2500 and up depending on the size of the room you need.

Gensan's Tuna Festival

float parade at last year's tuna festival

Gensan is known for its yummy world class tuna.. and what better way to give importance to this mighty fish than for people in Gensan or the "Generals" to celebrate Tuna Festival.

This year's Tuna Festival kicks off on September 5, 2009 with a number of exciting activities to look forward to. For more details on the events, a taste of what to expect on this year's Tuna Fest, you can click on the  Gensan's Royal Gandaness  blog for more details.

2009 Tuna Float Parade..one of my favorite floats

Pinyahan Festival 2010 - 1st Photo Contest (UPDATED)

There are no rules on how to hold your camera..  =)

Barangay Cannery at Polomolok, South Cotabato is gearing up for it's 3rd Pinyahan Festival, which formally opens on August 20, 2010. If you are a photo enthusiast, with a film or digital camera (in short your camera doesn't have to be hi-tech) you might be interested in joining their 1st Photo Contest. I know I would! =) I'm posting the mechanics below..read on.. and charge those camera batteries! Let's go shoot (naks!) the winning photo for this year's Pinyahan Festival.

Photographers' practice shoot at a Manny Librodo workshop

_______________________________________________________________________________

GUIDELINES FOR 3rd Pinyahan Festival 2010 1st PHOTO CONTEST

I. Who will qualify

The photo contest is open to all hobbyist, non-professional and professional photographers.
II. This year's theme is: "Ang nagkahiusang Barangay, ang pagpuyo hamugaway"
( A united Barangay, lives peacefully and progressively )

III. Submission of entries:

* All entries must have been taken from August 20 to September 1, 2010.
* All entries must accompanied by an official entry form bearing the title of the picture, brief description of the picture, name and signature of the photographer, address, date of the picture was taken and where it was taken.

*Entry forms may be secured from the Pinyahan Festival Secretariat ,Barangay Hall, Cannery Site, Polomolok,South Cotabato. Look for Ms. Luz Superioridad, mobile phone no. 0926-453-1518
Barangay Hall Office no. 500-2103.

* Nudity, vulgar, obscene and scandalous photos are automatically disqualified
* Photos must be in their original form,not super-imposed or retouched or edited in any photo editing software.

*Minor cropping and brightness/contrast adjustments are allowed.

* Photos must not have identifying marks that would indicate its owner.
* Entries must be written to a CD which properties must contain the information about the camera used and settings for the photo. In the case of film photography, entries must be accompanied by negatives.

* There shall be no limit on the number of entries which shall be submitted.
* All entries should be 8" x 12" color prints, no borders, unmounted and taken in either film or digital format.

IV. Deadline for submission:

All entries must be submitted on or before September 10,2010, with duly accomplished entry form and sealed on an envelope.

Please submit to:

Office of the Punong Barangay
Pinyahan Festival Secretariat
Esposado Village
Barangay Cannery Site
Polomolok,South Cotabato


V. Criteria for Judging:

Content(Relevance to the Theme) 30%
* Does the photo contain visual elements that best typifies or illustrates the theme?

Composition/ Arrangement 30%
* Is the object/s of photo neatly arranged and pleasant to the eyes? Is the angle or
perspective used by the photographer interesting?

Technical Elements 20%
* Is the object of the photo in focus?
* If not in sharp focus,does it appear to be an intentional effect to enhance the image in
some "artistic" way?
* Did the photographer use proper lighting of the subject? Do any extremes of darkness
lend to or detractfrom the image content?

Creativity 20%
* Does the photographer show some creative thought or original idea in the making of
this image?

VI. Cancellation of Photo Contest

The Local Government of Barangay Cannery reserves the right to cancel the contest in the event that an insufficient number of entries of suitable quality are submitted. All entries submitted will be sent back to the entrants after the contest is cancelled.

VII. Rights over submitted photos

* Participants shall retain the copyright of the submitted photographs, however, the Local Government of Barangay Cannery being the organizer of the event has the "limited free usage rights" of the photographs. This means that that the Local Government of Barangay Cannery would be allowed to reprint,to produce and to publish the pictures submitted for the promotion of Barangay Cannery Pinyahan Festival. Proper credits will always be given to the photographer.
* The Local Government of Barangay Cannery ensures that the photos submitted will not be sold to any third party.



VIII. Mechanics for Judging

* There shall be finalists which shall be selected for the top three(03) prizes. Top three(03)
winners shall be notified by email or phone.
* A steering committee composed of organizers of this contest will oversee the selection
of the finalists and the top three winning entries.
* Competent judges for this contest will be selected by the steering committee.
* Rest assured that the judging process is fair and objective.
* The steering committee shall ensure that the name of the photographer of the photo
entries shall remain anonymous until the announcement of winners to prevent undue
influence in the judging process.
* Judging will be on September 13,2010.
* The decision of the Board of Judges of the 1st Pinyahan Festival Photo Contest is final.

IX. Prizes:

First Prize - - - - - - - 5,000.00
Second Prize -- - - - 4,000.00
Third Prize - -- - - - - 3,000,00
**Trophies will also be awarded to winners

ENTRY FORM:

Title of the Picture
Brief desription of the picture
Date the picture was taken
Place the picture was taken
Name and signature of the Photographer
Address, Email add, and mobile number of the Photographer

Opulent and Antiquated Maitum

Sarangani province, the current home of Filipino boxing champ and politician Manny Paquiao is also home to a number of Ilokanos who make up the majority of population in Maitum.

Maitum is a quaint little town in Sarangani province. It is a town with a lot of promise since it is slowly being known around the world as the site where archaeologists found burial jars believed to be dating around 225 AD (please don’t ask me how far back that is =). It just means that even before the Ilocanos or the T’boli tribe in the mountainous areas of Maitum settled there, there already exists a culture far richer than what we truly know about. And to think I always thought that people in Mindanao have only inhabited the island in the 1900s. hmm.. the discovery of these anthropomorphic (hope I got the spelling right =) potteries only means that people actually were in the island in the “cavemen” era! Wow.. is Maitum poised as the next Egypt? Hehe..

Another trivia for you.. did you know that Maitum got its name from a local folklore wherein it is said that a native princess all those years ago eloped with a warrior lover, to escape the furious father and all the stones in the river Saub turned black. “Maitum” in the local dialect literally means “black”, so there you go. Maitum is also known for their beaches with noticeable black fine sand. No wonder the color black is so loved in this part of the island. =)

Not only is Maitum rich in its past, but it is also rich in its wildlife. It is said that the Tarsiers (which are only known to thrive in Bohol) are also found in the forests of Maitum as well as the Philippine Eagle (or monkey-eating eagle), various fruit bats, the hornbill, deers and wild boars among others. ---well this is one traveller you won’t catch touring the forests..i’m a bit scared of the “wild”life sorry to say.

One thing I love about Maitum is its colourful sunsets. Much like my Polomolok sunsets but richer in color. Its sunsets always make one appreciate God’s blessings for although Maitum is not as rich as other towns in the province, God blessed the seas with the bountiful Bangsi (they even have the Bangsi Festival in gratitude for the gifts of the sea)as well as other seafood and its lands with fertile soil making Maitum the “rice granary”of Sarangani Province. Its people are always full of smiles especially for the visiting traveller so you easily feel the hospitable nature of the Maitumeños.

If you crave the adrenaline rush that comes with extreme outdoor activities, well you are in for a treat since Maitum is also home of the Pangi River white-water tubing which I will have to blog some other time. =)

Maitum is a three hour drive from Gensan. You can rent a van to take you around. I didn’t see a lot of bed and breakfast inns or hostels in Maitum so it is probably best to schedule your day trip there early to make the most of your visit there since there truly is so much to see and experience in Maitum. For sure hubby and I will come back to revisit Maitum in the very near future. See you there!

Picture of the brave photographers who braved the seas for a good photo of Maitum during the Bangsi Festival. I was nervous more for their gear than for them if the boat happen to capsize. =)

Hagimit Falls in the Island Garden City of Samal

We were at the Hagimit Falls as part of a day tour of the Island Garden City of Samal. The van we were in was only allowed at the gate so we had to troop down on foot along a paved pathway going to the falls. Its really a long trek down so better be prepared and leave your high heeled shoes in your hotel =).

The falls is a mishmash of small waterfalls cascading into small pools ideal for swimming… well probably during the summer months when the weather is really hot. Its quite hard to go swimming when we went there since the water was really ice cold. Its just too bad that the weather didn’t seem to cooperate with us at the time since it was a bit rainy. But nevertheless, just the sound of the water makes you relax and enjoy the scenery at one of the picnic huts strewn around the falls.

Going up the falls was another matter since we opted to take a short cut, a local boy led us to a path along the trees where we had to brave a few knee scratches since the climb up was really steep. I had to hold on to my sister-in-law’s skirt when I was off balanced at one time.. luckily her skirt was hanging on to her dearly (else I need to buy her a new one =)

Samal Island by the way, is just a stone’s throw away from Davao City. You can get to Samal Island by taking a ferry boat at Sta. Ana Wharf or a RORO at Km. 11 Wharf in Sasa if you’ll be bringing your own vehicle. The Island has 5 seaports - Kaputian, Samal, Babak PEO and Sta. Cruz, Talikud. From the island, you can rent a motorcycle or habal-habal and it would take you around the island. Hagimit Falls is about 2kms from Penaplata and is accessible to all vehicles.

Gumasa, Glan - South Central Mindanao's Best Kept Secret

I love the beach. The sound of the waves for me is very relaxing… and it is a plus for us to be just 1hr 30mins away from the pristine beaches of Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani Province.

On weekends, if we have nothing else to do, we troop down to Gumasa with our little girl in tow. I remember that the first time we brought our little girl to the beach she was just 8 months old, but having a small baby didn’t stop us from enjoying our weekends at Gumasa. Hmmmm.. no wonder my little girl (who is now 3yo) loves the water so much! As a baby, she loved the feel of the fine white sand on her feet. And at times, we just let her frolic in the water since the water is shallow enough for her to wade in. (but of course it’s always a rule among parents to keep an eye out for your kids especially in the beach!).

The beauty of the beaches there reminds one of Boracay, minus the buzz and noise of the commercial areas. I love the fact that the sand are powdery white, well… at least at the stretch of beach in White Haven Resort where we usually go when we’re in Gumasa.

Accommodations in Gumasa and food is cheaper compared to other top beach destinations but the beach is definitely world class! Isn’t that a good deal? But if you're looking for luxury, hotels or spas are still not available in the area. You could stay in hotels in nearby Gen. Santos City. The place is also great for snorkeling. Dive spots can also be found within the area for the diving enthusiast.

Some say that Gumasa is South-Central Mindanao’s best kept secret since most of its beaches are unspoiled. But now, since most of the roads leading to Gumasa are paved and cemented, the beach is more accessible to the general public. Gumasa is slowly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Sarangani Province.

A number of resorts are sprouting up like the Coco beach, Davak Ridge Resort, Isla Jardin del Mar, Rosal Beach Resort to name a few. So if you share this piece of info and invite more people to come see for themselves what Gumasa beaches has to offer..then it won’t be a secret anymore. =)

From Gensan, you can catch a van going to Glan Poblacion and from there, there’s always a habal-habal (motorcycle) around to take you to your choice of resort. For reservations and inquiries:

• White Haven Resort: 083 8950305 (Dr. Adarna's Clinic, their the owners so don't be surprised, but they book tourists through this number :) or call 0920-9479148 (look for Cenie)
• Isla Jardin Del Mar - 083 8930032; 083 5525478

Misconstrued Mindanao ( A travel advisory of sorts about a misunderstood island…)

A beautiful T'boli girl in traditional attire

For most people who want to travel and see Mindanao for the first time, I understand your anxiety and concern. I have always lived my entire life in mega-Manila up until ten years ago and I also have the same connotations about Mindanao as you have. So let me share with you my thoughts on those misconceptions…

Nalus Falls, Kiamba, Saranggani Province

• First off, Mindanao is an island as diverse in religion, people and sceneries as it is in Luzon or the Visayas. There are places here with constituents who are purely Muslim in religion but that does not cover the whole island entirely. It’s funny when you refer to the island as “Muslim Mindanao” when people here are not only classified according to their beliefs. There are a number of Ilokanos, Ilonggos, Kapampangans, Cebuanos among others who also live here. Some are Catholic Ilonggos, some Protestant Ilokanos and some Muslim Manilenyas to mention a few.

• One funny question someone asked me in Manila was “Do I need to wear a burqa?” A burqa or burqua is an enveloping outer garment worn by women in some Islamic traditions for the purpose of hiding a female's body when out in public (from the wikipedia). It is an attire for women usually worn by the conservative Muslim believer. If you are not Muslim, then I don’t think you need to be seen in a burqa when you tour the island.

 A T'boli boy fishing in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

• Often the news tend to “generalize” referring to the entire island as chaotic. Like I said earlier, it is a big island so there might be places that are indeed not suitable for tourists but please spare the rest of the other towns and cities here since most are generally peaceful. (PM me for places you shouldn’t wander off to- there are just a few of them promise)

Harvest time at Kiamba, Saranggani Province

• Kidnappings that happened here are isolated cases and can happen anywhere else in the world if you are a highly “kidnap-able” person yourself. If you are a foreigner visiting Mindanao for the first time, it’s always best to tour the island with a local or hire a qualified tour guide so you don’t accidentally go to the places that are classified “hot spots”. Other than that, relax and enjoy your time here. 

• Bombings are works of terrorists in any given place in the world. Its just sad for us if it happens to any of the peaceful places here. After all, the reason these terrorists are so called is because they want to spread a feeling of “terror” thereby instilling an atmosphere of fear among the people living in the area. Sometimes it is a form of “economic sabotage”. So unless you want them to succeed, then I don’t see why you should get scared of these acts. It’s time for us to put more trust in our local police force. For them to do their job to prevent these kind of events to happen. Mindanaoans are not happy when these things happen here as well. So please spare us the tag “bombing capital of the country”. I don’t think Mindanao deserves that. 

• You don’t need to bring your firearms or bulletproof vests when you visit Mindanao. Don’t worry, the news reported a military encounter that happened in a place here in the island, but did you take note where exactly that is? Did you also hear about a military encounter in a province in Luzon laden with NPA rebels? Or a siege in the Gaza strip? Unless you are going to those exact places, then I think the only thing you should arm yourself with when you go here is your camera packed with extra batteries.

Lake Sebu Falls No. 2

If you are a fellow countryman, don’t you think it a bit odd, that foreigners seem to know a lot more about this beautiful island Mindanao than you do? Don’t you think you should come visit and see for yourself first what this deep rooted misconception is, about an island you’ve never even set foot on? Its just a bit disheartening hearing a lot of these misconceptions coming from people you share the same nationality with. =(

T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato

In Koronadal City, in the province of South Cotabato, people celebrate the T’nalak Festival. It is a festivity to commemorate the foundation anniversary of South Cotabato with emphasis being given to its one of a kind product –the T’nalak. Now if you’re not familiar with it, it is a colorful woven abaca cloth made by the hands of the women belonging to the T’boli tribe. You might also be wondering why they chose the T’nalak over a number of products in South Cotabato. They singled out the T’nalak because it symbolizes the fusion of culture and traditions of the different ethnic tribes in the province. This year’s festival theme is “One Dynamic People, One Vibrant Spirit”.

On the culmination of the festival, a parade and street dancing provided merriment and gaiety on the streets of Koronadal. The people who came to witness the event was not held back by the gloominess of the weather.

Actually, it’s truly amazing to see the participants (some of whom are just in the elementary level) performing their dance number amidst a drizzle of rain. They really took it to heart that whatever happens, “the show must go on”. Well, of course considering the fact that these kids already invested a great part of their time practicing their steps and putting a lot of work on their impressive costumes… I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t want all their hard work to go to waste. So a little rain (or much) didn’t seem to dampen their spirits. It was also amusing to see the photographers especially the contingent from the Gensan Camera Club (GCC) braving the drizzle to snap their own masterpieces of the event. Some with make-do waterproofing device (with a picked up plastic bag =)) to protect their expensive gear.

What really made the day really exceptional especially for the participants of the street dancing competition was when the newly elected Governor Arthur Pingoy announced an additional take home prize for all the groups who participated in the street dancing competition.

Other major events of the T’nalak Festival comprise of the Regional Agri-Trade fair and bazaars, cultural shows, nightly live bands, search for the Mutya ng South Cotabato, Governor’s Fellowship Night dubbed as “Balik South Cotabato” which gives tribute to the balikbayans who hail from South Cotabato (hmm.. wishing I’m one of them =) a grand fireworks display and “Disco sa Kalye” also on the culmination night

Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines - Lake Sebu

The first time hubby mentioned we were going to Lake Sebu, I thought we were going to fly to Cebu in the Visayas. Its funny how people from the northern Philippines (well, me included) are so ignorant of the beautiful spots here in the south. The only lake in the country that I knew then was the Taal Lake. Excuse my ignorance that first time, but when we went over to Lake Sebu I was truly amazed.

Lake Sebu is a natural inland sea located in the municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato within the Allah Valley region. It is home to a number of local tribes such as the T'boli, Tasadays or Ubos and the Tirurays. Lake Sebu is one of the protected watersheds in the country, providing irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.   

It is also known as the Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines since it is situated in an elevation of roughly 1000ft. So the climate is typically cooler. There are a number of resorts there offering bed and breakfast. You can try the Punta Isla Resort, Estares Lake Resort, Artacho Resort or the Tourism Lodge to name a few. If you are a fan of the lowly tilapia, then you're in for a treat since it is served in most of the local restaurants and eateries there.. take your pick, you can have your tilapia "pinaputok"(deep fried), "ginataan" (with coconut milk), sinabawan (in a soup base) or grilled among others. You can also rent a boat ride which will take you around the lake in about 45 mins so you can enjoy the view and take photos.

Also in Lake Sebu is the magnificent Seven Falls. Of the seven, only two were accessible at the time we were there, Falls #1 or Dongon Falls and Falls #2. For first timers, I recommend wearing comfortable slippers (don't bother wearing your rubber shoes as these may get wet).I wouldn't advise bringing small kids down to the falls since the long trek down is really not suitable for them. I remember I had my one year old in tow the last time we went there, and she wanted to piggyback on the way back up so my feet were literally killing me at the time. Anyways, you can leave the small kids over at the picnic area by the baggage counter and ask for a number....kidding! =) 


The falls is one of the best ones I've seen. It's nature at its very best. The view of both falls left me in awe. 
                                                             
Going to Lake Sebu takes about 1 hour 30mins from Gensan and about 45mins from Koronadal City. You can take the Yellow bus going to Surallah or Koronadal over at the Bulaong terminal in Gensan. Once in Surallah, take the jeep going to Lake Sebu.

Come see for yourself why this place is dubbed as the Summer Capital of the Southern Philippines!
                                                                       

A View from Punta Isla Resort