Tinuy-an Falls (Bislig City, Surigao del Sur)

Visiting the most beautiful waterfall in the Philippines is included in my wish lists this year... And I was lucky to be invited by Davao Kodakers Club in their Surigao trip last week because one of their itineraries was a stopover at Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

This three tiered waterfall is located 12 kilometers away from the national highway of Bislig City, in the forested area of former PICOP (Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines) charter. The trip going to Tinuy-an Falls was long, winding and bumpy, but in exchange, I got speechless the time I saw the rush of its cool waters. The fall was so much alive that it makes first-time-tourists amazed. It simply takes your breath away. Tinuy-an is tagged as the “Little Niagara of the Philippines” because of its 95meters width, and is considered to be the widest waterfall in the country.

The natural landscapes of this wondrous paradise satisfy travel photographers in every angle. Tall century old trees cover the area, as well as, give you good ambient lighting to capture just the right exposure.

I never regret I grabbed the opportunity to explore the wonders of Surigao, for the second time... And at this time, I got to visit yet another tourist destination. Truly, the province has never failed to astonish laagans like me with its vast number of natural wonders. And if given another chance to go back, I will never say never. (“,) ...Read more

Our Sarangani Bay Fest 2011 Experience

layout ad above is borrowed from Official Sarangani Bay Festival 2011 Page

That day was in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province... As some people from different parts of the world were busy forwarding hoax messages about the “May 21, 2011 Rapture”, this southernmost part of the Philippines was being filled with beach bums, campers and first-time-visitors... No worries of being flushed away by gigantic tidal waves, or tsunamis. Just thinking about pure FUN... FUN... CELEBRATION...

 For the 6^th year, Sarangani Bay Festival, has already achieved the status of being the most anticipated summer celebration in the region. Of course, I didn’t let this event pass through without being part of it. Even if we came on the last day, we did not get bored because of a number of enjoyable activities. These activities, likewise, didn’t let us get bothered by the intense heat of the sun.

We arrived at 12’Noon and the resorts were already jam packed. We were not able to rent even for an open cottage, so we went in the middle forested part of the beach in between two resorts and decided to pitch our tents there. We were not the first group who settled in that part though. A number of youngsters had already been there since the day before. It only means that the resorts were fully booked even before that culmination day.  

 After eating our lunch, we watched the Cheerdance-by-the-Bay Competition. It was entertaining to see how the participants dance and balance themselves, doing their stunts, on the uneven white sand ground. A great start in capturing a festive Saranggani moment. I enjoyed taking photos then.

 The Beach Football championship game was held after the Cheerdance competition. And we saw the team from our hometown (Polo-LAND) vying for the toughest football team. Our players were good. Unfortunately, their opponent was better (“,)... Well just a positive vibe, with more practice, some might be joining the Azkals soon. 

Aside from the fun filled activities, there are also stalls surrounding the main activity alley. People didn’t starve since the food was overflowing (You need to buy them, but, the prices were reasonable). Booths offering henna tattoos were competitive, with each artist giving his/her best masterpieces. Burloloys and beachwears were hanging around souvenir shops waiting for shoppers to bargain for them. As the waves in the afternoon had gotten stronger, skimboarders were enthusiastically playing rides on them... exhibitions here and there.

The highlight at night was led by the famous band Rocksteddy. It was, indeed... Party! Party! The crowd was energetic singing along with the band. As the night breeze went cooler, the place went even hotter with people dancing on the beat of the sound. The 10min fireworks display painted colours in the sky. It culminates Sarangani Bay Fest 2011 but just started the party-‘till-dawn mood. Certainly, it was a no-liquor-ban party since cerveza were overflowing like bottomless...

Sarangani Bay Festival is definitely a must-see summer event. I was grateful to have witnessed yet another year's celebration and seen a lot of improvements compared to its humble beginnings. I am looking forward to more exciting treats for the next years. And to add, I am optimistic that Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani Province will be hailed as Mindanao’s Boracay very soon, in that it will frequently be visited by thousands of tourists even if it’s not Sarangani Bay Festival. (“,)

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A-Montana Resort (formerly Isla Parilla)

I've been to Isla Parilla Resort many times before but, I didn't have the chance to feature the place in my blog. Last Sunday, I was invited by my balikbayan friend to come with them and tour around the city. One of our itineraries was to go to Isla Parilla... I was able to revisit the place and now, I got some pictures. 

Isla Parilla, now A-Montana Resort, is located at Alabel, Saranggani Province. This place is conducive for holding large events such as birthday parties, weddings and business conferences. But for small groups who also want to spend a trip to the place, there are a bunch of amenities the resort can offer for you. The ambience in A-Montana is cool and calm and will let you get closer to nature. 

The resort has a swimming pool for visitors who want to take a nippy and refreshing plunge. An entrance fee of Php50.00 is charged for swimmers and non-swimmers... Yes, non-swimmers will still be charged so it's better to enjoy it than murmuring complains. Unless you really had a big reason not to swim (",).

You can also enjoy fishing in their man-made lake and, likewise, go boating to make your stay more of a nature-trip. Their cultured milkfish are healthy and fresh. Then, enjoy meal-by-the-lake in their floating kiosks eating your cooked dish of freshly caught bangus (milkfish).

Experience Pinoy style Food with a Western twist at the resort's Formosa Cafe. They also hold events especially during peak seasons like Summer, making your stay more entertaining. Moreover, the cafe has a floating veranda where you can take the pleasure of an al fresco dining. 

A-Montana Resort offers room accommodations for those who want to stay overnight or longer. It has the Family Suites and the Single Cottages. For large group activities, an open function hall and the closed conference rooms are the options.  

And don't worry about the parking space because A-Montana has a wide open lot for vehicles to park.

Their other amenities are: 

• Billiards Hall
• Videoke 
• Playground

Surely, a tour at A-Montana Resort is worthwhile. The place is just 30 minutes away from General Santos City. 

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Saturday Morning Trip (A walk to Remember)

We have been longing for a department teambuilding since first quarter of this year, however, due to a busy canning life it is always cancelled. Last weekend, we finally got our free time (well, some of us were free the whole day, I wasn't).

 We started walking around 5 A.M., at dahil nga mali na naman ang weather forecast that instead of a cloudy day ay naging sunny, bumati kaagad sa amin ang haring araw. One challenge that we had to face while walking.

Not the usual teambuilding activity... Kung baga, wala lang, trip trip lang... (",) 

Naglakad lang naman kami mula "Cannery Square" hanggang "London"... 48 years na lakaran din 'yun... Sumakay na nga lang kami ng "hummer" kasi napagod kami... Sa tantsa ko, ang distance ay 100 kilometers (estimate ko nga eh 'no. Walang aangal...) woohoo!... Kayo na bahala mg-interpret ng figure of speech na 'to...

Bawi lang kasi sarap ng kain namin pagkatapos mapagod sa paglalakad... lolz! Pinawi ng Tanduay Ice ang uhaw namin (nila lang pala).

Unfortunately, I was only given about three hours to be with the team since I had prior commitments. But the little time I had with the group contributed to a large percentage of my physical activity for the whole day. Nakakapagod pero nag-enjoy kaming lahat. It was really a one-of-a-kind teambuilding. Naiibang trip ng naiibang grupo ng Dole Cannery Staff.

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T'bolis of South Cotabato

T'bolis are well known among the 18 tribes of Mindanao. Majority of them settles in the mountains of South Cotabato particularly in Lake Sebu. Even with the local government's push towards development, T'bolis were able to maintain and preserve their rich culture and traditions. Their ways of living, in the present progressive state of Lake Sebu, can still be compared with how their ancestors lived centuries ago.

Their contribution to the tourism industry of South Cotabato has been a big factor. They are famous for intricate handicrafts such as their colorful bracelets, earrings, brass ornaments and their world class woven fabric called the "t'nalak". Bags and clothes made of t'nalak are being sold expensive in parts of Europe and the United States.

The friendly T'boli Tribe in South Cotabato is worth a visit. Their happy characteristic will make your stay even more stirringly memorable. Moreover, when visiting Lake Sebu, don't forget to witness and be entertained by the T'bolis' tribal dances. These dances are inspired from the strokes of animals like that of the  monkeys and birds. Their tribal songs are the traditions they've cherished from their ancestors, likewise their living connections with them ( their great grandparents).

Legends say (excerpts from www.aliawanenterprises.tripod.com) ...

"...T'bolis are descendants of the survivors of a great flood. A man named Dwata warned the people of an impending great flood. But the tribe refused to listen, except for two couples, La Bebe and La Lomi, and Tamfeles and La Kagef. Dwata told them to take shelter in a bamboo so huge they could fit inside and in this way survive the flood. The first couple are the ancestors of the T'boli and other highland ethnic groups. The second couple descended the other Filipino indigenous groups."

"...T'boli women are named dreamweavers. The T'nalak weaving was taught by a goddess named Fu Dalu in a dream and that women learn this ethnic and sacred ritual, based on tribal designs and cloth patterns through their dreams."

Tourist Spots in Lake Sebu...

Hikong Bente Falls

Canoe Fishing

Lake Sebu Floating Kiosks

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