(Tacurong City to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, to Baras Bird Sanctuary to Lake Sebu Seven Falls to Surallah, to Tupi to White Haven, Gumasa, Glan)

It’s been an age since I posted here; my brief hiatus was a roller-coaster ride: a lot of eventful and life-changing moments have happened. So, I want to welcome myself with a great travel post, one that’s filled with overwhelming happiness: Our Trip to SOCCSKSARGEN.

Okaaay, I’m sure I’ll be using this acronym a lot in this post and since it’s too long, allow me to call it ‘SOX’ (Seriously, am I violating any rules/laws here? Misuse or copyright infringement maybe? I hope not. lol)

If you’re wondering where on earth SOX is, it’s on the central and southern part of Mindanao (I hate calculating latitudes and mapping, so you’re welcome to just Google it.) SOX, stands for SOC (South Cotabato), C (Cotabato City), SK (Sultan Kudarat), SAR (Sarangani) and GEN (General Santos City). 
The original plan was just a trip only to Tacurong City (in Sultan Kudarat) and it was supposed to be only me and Anaziela (plus Rocky, if he’ll be available). But when Engr. Olot (Olot again?lol) offered his ride, Eep, Rocky, and the Junior SNGs Mary, BJ and Francis came along. Tacurong City, or the City of Goodwill is situated at the crossroads of Central Mindanao. It serves as the gateway to the 4 major cities of Mindanao: Gensan, Cotabato, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

The happy trip started on the 22^nd of April. Upon reaching Digos City, we got lost around the small town trying to find Jolibee for breakfast, so we opted for Darling’s Carenderia/Balbacuahan which was on a highway. Thanks to Olot’s instincts, and to the ‘not-so-helpful’ tips from the residents and the GPS, we eventually found the right track to Tacurong City.

There was not much to see, just trees and trees and trees! Hehe. We passed by Makilala, and true as Rocky often tells me, there were really a bunch, no, hectares and hectares of rubber tree plantation. As we pass by Datu Paglas, my tension started. I can’t help but to think of the brutal Maguindanao Massacre, I thought we’ll pass through the site. I wasn’t talking much, and I often pause on breathing. My heart was stomping ever so loudly that I can almost hear it shouting, especially when passing through a lot of road tolls managed by terrorist-looking civilians. But when I saw the Tacurong signage, I felt relieved, but not so much until we reached the loving residence of the Cajandig Family. Their warm welcome was the best!

One of the reasons I joined this trip is to see my college classmates whom I haven’t seen since graduation. First stop? Vangiekoy’s place! We went to their house (which was at a nearby subdivision) since she offered to prepare our lunch. I was so much, very, very much happy to see Evangeline again. And I really miss her cooking! As usual, her Sinugbang Bangus with Salted Egg specialty topped it!

Thank you so much Vanj and to your Nanay! P.S. You have not changed – you’re still bully, funny, okay fine taller, nicer and the greatest friend one can have! (I should’ve taken a photo of your room to show to MM Beta. Hey I can blackmail you on that! Hahaha) I know you’ll only skip to this part so I love you as always Vanj! See you again very soon! J

Now back to the loving Cajandig family. Let’s name them:

Here’s the jolly, sexy and the coolest Auntie Andresa. She’s a great dancer and singer (now we know where Eep got her talent).

The eldest child is Kuya Marlon, but he wasn’t there during our mini vacation so we didn’t have the chance to meet him.

Then there’s Kuya Brian (the SINGER-est of them all), with his wife Ate Ching and kids Rain, and Thunder. Thunder’s baptismal was set on April 27^th, Sunday. Eep, Mary and BJ were invited to be godfather and godmothers but we couldn’t afford to stay that long to attend the ceremony so they just gave their gifts in advance.

Kuya Cha (a great painter, by the way) and his little girl Shine.

The sexy, jolly, beautiful, smart, witty and gorgeous? Hehe. Only girl of the family, Ate Vanessa with his cutie patootie Dayniel Omar, whom we now call Adeday! He’s now the youngest member of SNG.
Some more pictures of the cutie patootie:

haaayy..makagigil!!! lami paakon kadaghan! hehe

Kuya Joey with wife Ate Celine and their very kulit + pasaway kid, Rayver.

Kuya Barny

SULTAN KUDARAT PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

After we had our lunch at Vangie’s place, we head on to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol. Ate Vanessa’s an employee there so she gave us a free tour. It was my first time to be inside a facility, a function hall and an office that’s run by a Muslim. We were truly feeling royalties with all the glittery, shining, shimmering furniture sets. What amazed me with this region is that their Provincial Capitol is very much open to all. We even got the chance to go inside the office of the Governor, and sit on his royal chair! I wonder how many government offices here in the Philippines is as much as welcoming as with the Sultan Kudarat. 

On our first night, we were served Native Chicken Soup for dinner. I repeat, Tinolang Manok Bisaya! Again, Manok Bisaya! I was sweating all over, sipping on the dish that was oh so delicious-o!

The first night was filled with endless talks, catching up, getting know everyone. They were all very nice. J

On our 2^nd day (April 23), we stayed in their home the whole morning, relaxing under their mango tree (and eating mango fruits from it too). It was a day of eating, laughing, resting, eating again and laughing again. 

We also had Hito for lunch, and Rocky was lucky enough to have been given a mini quick tutorial on how to prepare Hito. One thing we've learned: To kill Hito, just sprinkle salt all over its body!



LAKE SEBU SEVEN FALLS
At around noon, we went to Lake Sebu Seven Falls. I wasn’t much enticed by the Zipline ride, so only An-an, Mary, BJ and Olot rode it. And I was damn right at not choosing to ride, as the four of them walked their way through a tiring stairs back to the entrance station. There was no service vehicle to pick them up! They had a full exercise on that afternoon! Hahaha! We weren’t able to swim too, the falls that we went to (Falls1-3) are so not meant for swimming so most of us are still on their sleep clothes. 

Wala daw sila nahadlok. Oooowkay. :D

They say that you can walk through the seven falls, and there really is one that’s good for swimming, but we have kids with us and most of us weren’t ready for long, tiring walks.

We also weren’t able to go to Lake Sebu where we’re supposed to taste their freshly cooked Tilapias. They say it’s the best! The sky was getting dark, so we hurried back home, only to find out it’s still a scorching hot afternoon. That’s a tip: Don’t go to Lake Sebu on an afternoon because it usually rains. We had a mini roadtrip to Surallah, and headed back home to Tacurong.

BARAS BIRD SANCTUARY -> TUPI

On the 3^rd day (April 24), morning was again spent at their beautiful and loving place, munching on delicious foods again (including the super sour mangoes!) and chitchatting, playing with Adeday. By afternoon, we went to Baras Bird Sanctuary. I think this is the only eco-tourism spot in Tacurong. It’s not a man-made spot, but more of a protected area (sanctuary gani!). Thousands of species of birds flocked to this 2-hectare spot. We were given a farmer’s hat at the entrance, and lead by the tourist guide as we roamed around. I wonder how birds choose a spot to be their natural habitat..hmmm..

And then we went to the City Cathedral. Tacurong by the way is home to many Ilonggos, I think 90% of their population consists of Ilonggos, and most of them, if not all are Catholics. It feels good to pay a visit and pray in the church of where your destination is. 

We love you Papa Jesus! :)

TUPI, SOUTH COTABATO

Now we’re then off to Tupi, to see another classmate and my very close, maldita in a loving way, jolly, my always confidante, gwapang college classmate/friend: Rynie Rose! I was supposed to stay at Tupi for a night but Olot offered to give me a ride and they said (or Rocky said) I should stick with the group. We fetched Rynie at the Gaisano Grand of Marbel where she’s working. The moment I saw this pasaway girl, I felt really teary-eyed! I didn’t realize how much I missed her until I saw and hugged her in person! And finally, after years and years of her inviting me at their place, I finally reached their home and got to see Uncle Sam (Rynie’s Papa)! I’ve always seen Ante Neng (the lovely mother) way back college when she’d visit Rynie in Davao. I can’t explain my mixed emotions then, and I can’t thank Olot enough for the early gift of seeing Rynie. 

We talked endlessly, like so much have happened but nothing’s changed between our bond. We also met Rynie’s new boyfie Jervis. He’s nice and gwaping, I just hope he’ll take care of Rynie, and never ever break her heart. Or else!!!hehe. 
It was around 8:00pm in the evening, and we got a long way back to Tacurong, so we decided to leave. How could 3 hours be so quick? As I hugged Rynie goodbye, tears fell all over me. I hate the feeling of saying goodbye to this girl. She’s the major reason why I went to this trip, because she’s like a stress reliever, my outlet and my sun on gloomy days. I was really emotional but it’s because I am just too happy, I’m the happiest girl and this is the happiest and best advance gift ever! Thank you SNG, you are the best!

Ang iyakin. Bow. 

The morning after was our last day. We woke up as early as 4:00am, had another round of delicious and sumptuous meal for breakfast.  Shortly after, we took some pictures and bid goodbye to the loving and talented Cajandig family. No words are enough to explain how great these people are, we had the best accommodation, awesome company, plus mouth-watering foods cooked and served with love. I really regret not having been able to take pictures of the foods (foodSSS gyud!) but rest assured, we’ll surely go back to their place! Hehe

GENSAN -> GLAN

It was around 8am when we arrived to Gensan, we stopped by McDonalds to buy some food for lunch then headed on Gumasa, Glan in Sarangani Province. Sarangani roadtrip is the best, the ride was smooth as they have well constructed road. Gumasa is known as the Little Boracay in Mindanao. It has a kilometer stretch of very fine white sand -just like Dahican, only that there aren’t any big splashing waves. There are a whole lot of beach resorts in Gumasa, but we opted for the first one: White Haven Beach Resort.

Gumasa is enchanting and surely is relaxing. I just hope officials would preserve its beauty.

Heavenly!

Look at that fine, powdery sand!

Obligatory pose. hehe

Lucky for us, that day was the opening/start of the Mahin Festival of Glan. Festivities were held just beside White Haven Beach Resort, and since shorelines are open to all, we were able to witness the event. I especially loved the sand sculptures!

Plus, we were able to see Manny Pacquiao in person! 

Are you jealous now? hehe..Oh beach!! I love you!

Eto pa! Let the good times roll!

Kay daghan man ang wala! Imagine nalang their presence! hehe

It was a long and happy trip, but our wants and heart's desires were fulfilled. Thank you so much Olot for being so much generous in giving all of us a ride. We truly were able to unwind, I myself felt relieved and was very very very very verymuch happy. I love you all to the moon and back! 
To the next trip! Kung c Aanne pa, "Mwah mwah mwah Tsup tsup tsup!" :)


Oookaaay..I just can't help but to upload these cutie patootie photos of our one and only Adeday!

From Bukidnon to Mati - Rocky's friends are making it an annual event that we all go for an escape, to unwind, party, catch up, and just be with each other, spending quality time, and having great conversations. Bitche wasn't able to go though, she unfortunately had a fever the night before we departed. Peddy too wasn't able to join us because of his busy schedule, but on the lighter side, lovers Reena Geene and Angelo were finally able to go with us. 

So off we go to Mati -this year's choice of destination. 

For our food, we had a Php250 contribution for each person, that's good for 2 days consumption.

I did our itinerary and here it goes:

Day 1

The night before our 2-day adventure started, we had a little merry-making with the Micabalo Family's all new entertainment set. 

Videoke time! with Ajen and Reena Geene. :)

At around 4:30 am, we're all set and ready for the 2-3hour ride to Davao Oriental (or known as DavOr).

 Up as early as 3! 

What's best about traveling early in the morning? You'll get fresh air, plus the warm greeting of Mr. Sun! And Davao Oriental has the privilege of seeing a perfect view of the sunrise!

Goofing around Brgy. Badas, where you see a spectacular view of the sunrise and the renowned Sleeping Dinosaur (or turtle, maybe?).

We arrived at Cinco Masao Beach Resort at around 7:00 am. Day 1 is intended for Island Hopping. We're bound to White Island (known as the Vanishing Island), Waniban Island and Pujada Island. You may hire a boat at Brgy. Tamisan, but we opted to hire one and dock out from Masao so the car (and our belongings) will be properly parked for safety. 

As we had our first meal of the day, the staff of Cinco Masao contacted a boatman to take us on a tour. So the rates for 10 persons were:

1500 - Waniban Island - 45minute ride

2500 - Waniban and Pujada Island - 2 hour ride

Since most of us have sea sickness and are afraid of raging waves, we decided to take only the Waniban tour. Unfortunately, the Vanishing Island is now strictly prohibited to visitors too. They said the current of the waves will be stronger around 4pm, and the 2-hour ride to Pujada Island seems long enough, especially to us scaredy cats.hehe 

Breakfast and prepping up for the Island Hopping- turned 1 island only tour! waaaa!

The water was very placid so we we'rent bothered by the 45-minute trip. We took pictures, cracked some jokes, and were eager-beavers to reach the island. It's an islet since it's small - only a 4-kilometer walk! It has fine white sand, and the other half of it is already facing THE Pacific Ocean. (The Life of Pie movie always comes in my mind every time I say and think of THE Pacific Ocean). There's nothing much to do but to swim and swim and swim! But be careful because it has areas where there are sudden deep and steep slope. 

After several minutes of swimming, laughing, trying for jumpshots, giggling and all, we hopped on the boat again and we roamed the island. Before going back to Cinco Masao to end the boat trip, we decided to take a dip in the middle of the deep blue sea between the Mati coastline and Waniban island. The current was strong that even though we had our life jackets on, it's very hard to swim because you have to battle out the current, struggle and save yourself from being pulled away! Me and Ajen were the last ones to dive in, we were hesitant at first but seeing the other's enjoying it, we took the risk and laugh our a**es out while holding tightly on the boat! And then there was the "how-to-get back-up-on-the-boat", which was the hardest yet one of the funniest parts! All of us girls were struggling but are laughing! (I'm still giggling while typing this too! hahahaha) 

The struggling part. Hala langoy gyud! hahaha

Kapit bisig mga kapatid! Kaya nato ni!

Hawoy naman uyyyy!

Tabaaaang! hehehe 

On the way back to Cinco Masao, we had some short "lover shots" taken. Unfortunately, ours were corrupted. So lemme just show you Carlwen+Ajen and Reena+Angelo's here. Love these!

oh, GUGMA!

Owwwkay, somebody's a little jelly here. Let's proceed to Dahican everyone. Yes DAHICAN, it is! ATLAST! Dahican by the way, is a 7-kilometer stretch of fine, white sand and big waves, perfect for surfing. There are a lot of resorts, but the cheapest is the Amihan. It is where you'll find the famous Amihan Boys - a group of local surfers from Mati who have been competing here and abroad, and offers surfing lessons too, for those who want to try it. We first went to Amihan, but due to its lack of facilities that could cater our needs, plus no safe parking lot, we decided to head on to Dahican Surf Resort (DSR). Entrance fee for overnight was at Php150.00 each. There were rooms available, good for 6-8 people at Php1, 500 but we brought tents. 

Who wouldn't FALL IN LOVE with this?

I still can't help myself from thinking, am I really facing THE Pacific Ocean?? (thinking of Life of Pie movie again.hehe) Such a cool sea breeze, the splashing of the BIG waves, the music, the very very fresh air, and great people - I thought, I am soooo having a good time. This is LIFE! Then you add good food served through my ever favorite boodle fight: beef steak, kinilaw, mangga, fruits, chicken adobo and unsa pa gani to? hehehe We didn't have much time to take pictures during lunch as usual, because we were so hungry.

Few hours later, we had Penoy Henyo game. I wanted to play too but sadly I was the host. (okay, fine). This game has never failed to bring so much laughter - from the guessing to the facial expressions! HAHAHA! 

I can still remember the words blurted out by each one of them, just to guess the henyo word! And let's give a credit to Engr. Olot for taking pictures and for coaching everyone the answers! Tikasan! hahahaha!

So after the mind-boggling, crazy yet funny game, we took some more pictures and at last, it's surfing! i mean.. SWIMMING TIME! 

super enjoy pa in the first 5 minutes..

and suddenly...!

mas nag-enjoy pa! hahaha dagkoa sa balod uyyy!

We were as if put inside a washing machine, and were like wet clothes given a wring. The waves will push-pull you back and forth! This is so not for the weak-hearted ones.

But see how brave we are! HAHAHAHA. Dahican really is, best and perfect for SURFING. But nonetheless, we enjoyed it!

At night, we had yet again another sumptuous meal! (Thank you ner for buying a pakol and extra pork and fruits! hehehe) By the way, the watermelon was bought along the highway of Lupon going to Banay-Banay. It was the sweetest! 

We had a little Kris Kringle or better known to us as "exchanging of gifts". So our concept was to name ourselves with food that is usually served on Holidays. And then we'll use those "names" to determine our Manito/Manita. Being the assigned host, I got the advantage of knowing their names and with each of their corresponding wishlist (evil laugh!). Our wishes were also limited to packed food. 

Day 2

Now the morning after is also one of the best. Why? 

How about waking up to this view?

GOD's creations are truly, overly, very amazing and just..WONDERFUL. :)

Then we had another boodle fight and this is just one of my favorite breakfast recipes! It's soooooo yuuuummmmmmyy!

The eating portion didn't just stop there, as we were then munching on our "gifts". The good thing about having food as gifts is that you get to share them. SHARING IS LOVING. :)

Few hours later, the water was again teasing and inviting..so we went out for a swim. Again.

Enchanting, Mesmerizing, Shining, Shimmering, Splendid!

It was around noon, and though it was scorching hot, we walked to Amihan then back again from DSR hoping to find a spot where waves aren't much bigger. But no hope, so we again battled it out on the big waves. And this time, it was even BIGGER. These were just few of the best captured pictures over the 10feet (I think) waves that splashed, enveloped over us and threw us. Yes, mura gyud mi ug gilabay, literally. Though we had a LOT of fine white sand on our hair, clothes (and undies!haha), plus some minor bruises due to the debris, it was still worth it. I thought I had just experienced a 'mini-tsunami' but still I enjoyed every single minute of it! ;)

One word: LINGAW!

Around 3:00 pm, we decided to end our 2-day escape, and rode to downtown Mati. We stopped by the Seaside sa Mati Restaurant to take a bite of their famous delicious empanada at only Php9.00 each. You have to wait few minutes though because they'll have to cook it so it's really fresh. We ordered two boxes so it'd take several minutes to be served. While waiting, we roamed around the Mati Park and Baywalk (also an attraction in the town) which is just a few walks away from Seaside. We took some tourist shots, cracked jokes, and see in our very own eyes the beauty of Mati. It has a lot to offer actually, just needs more attention from the authorities. 

The overall trip: 10/10 once again. Beach + roadtrips + booze + breeze + delicious food + cool adventure + good music + great people = quality time spent. I can't thank Rocky enough for introducing me to these people. I've known them by their names years before but I never really thought how great companies they could be to me. No pretentions and just pure me, pure them, pure fun. I love the fact that I could just be myself, and I love the fact that I'm honestly loving these people. I thank GOD that although I lost some friends before, He gave me few of the best ones. Thank you guys for accepting me, for the invites, the talks and the jokes and for everything. Thank you, thank you and as I always say, TO THE NEXT TRIP! :)