Living in the South PH

Planning of moving to the Southern Philippines or owning properties here? Among the many options of real estate developments and housing projects in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, which is the best for you? We will try to answer these questions in this post. Southern Mindanao is not only a cultural and economic hub, but it’s also fast becoming one of the Philippines’ most exciting regions for real estate development. From the bustling streets of General Santos to the growing municipalities of Sarangani, Koronadal, and South Cotabato, housing projects are sprouting that cater to a wide range of Filipino families. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or looking to settle down, these projects offer lifestyle, accessibility, and long-term value. Here’s a curated list of some of the most promising housing developments and real estate projects in the region, complete with locations and links to their official websites or social media pages so you can explore further.   General S...

Get ready, SarBay Seatizens! The biggest, boldest beach festival in Mindanao is back — and it's coming in hot. SarBay Fest 2025 is set to explode onto the shores of Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province from May 23 to 25. If you've been dreaming of white sand, live music, watersports, wild foam parties, and sunsets that look straight out of a postcard — this is your sign to clear your calendar. Whether you're a first-timer or a SarBay veteran, this guide has everything you need to survive and thrive at the most anticipated event in SOX. From what to pack to how to get there, from the full event lineup to the little details that will make your experience smoother — we’ve got you covered. What Exactly Is SarBay Fest? Short for Sarangani Bay Festival , SarBay Fest is more than just a beach party. Since 2006, it’s been the region’s biggest annual gathering celebrating marine conservation, local culture, and pure, unfiltered fun. It started as a way to raise awareness for the Sarang...

It’s official—our local film scene is heating up, and if you haven't noticed, you might want to adjust your focus. While the blockbusters hog all the screens, there’s some serious filmmaking magic happening closer to home. Two films— Banjo by Bryan Wong and Amor Propio by Rain Ramas—are cranking up the volume, and trust me, you’re going to want a front-row seat for this. Banjo : Bryan Wong’s No-Budget, High-Octane Masterpiece Imagine directing, writing, starring in your own movie, and doing it on a budget that mainly covers snacks and rides. That’s Bryan Wong for you. His action-packed film Banjo made its premiere at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2024, which wrapped up just last September. And honestly, this one hit like a classic FPJ film on steroids. Inspired by the tragic loss of a friend on set, Wong isn’t just playing around here—he’s going full throttle. Filmed in Sarangani and Iligan, Banjo doesn’t skimp on the action. We're talking intense stunts, seri...

Aside from the white sand beaches of Gumasa and the old houses in Poblacion, the municipalit of Glan in Sarangani Province is also part of a 500-year-old history!  Five hundred years ago, the surviving crew of the expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan docked on the shores of Sarangani, one of which is in Barangay Batulaki, Batulaki is the last barangay of the Municipality of Glan, Sarangani Province, bordering Davao Occidental in the South. It is located at the tip of the peninsula in the Southernmost part of mainland Mindanao.  In commemoration of the 500th year of the circumnavigation of the world led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, a marker has been unveiled in Batulaki. It is the 32nd of the 34 markers installed in different parts of the country, specifically in Visayas and Mindanao. The markers indicate the places where the crew of the Magellan-Elcano expedition dropped anchor.  After the battle of Mactan, where Magellan was killed, the surviving crew led by Juan Sebas...

If you think the white sand beaches of Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani Province are the only tourist spots the town can offer, you better suspend that thinking until you see what we've just discovered. Beyond Gumasa lies a hidden paradise called Bato Buri, accessible via KingKim resort in Barangay Burias, around 20km from Gumasa. Not very fancy but it will surely bring you closer to nature and would make you appreciate God's gifts to Sarangani. How to Get There If your are driving, go to Glan and take the road to Gumasa. Head on to Barangay Burias 20-km away. On the right side look out for the signage that says Burias Beach or Mingkat Gampal Elementary School. For those who are commuting, take the van to Glan from Veranza Mall. Drop off at the Terminal in Poblacion Glan. From there look for a motorcycle that will take you to Burias. Fare is usually Php 100.00. There are also big trucks that head straight to Margus. Their terminal is at Lagao Public Market, G...

There's an undiscovered paradise further down south of Sarangani Province in Brgy. Batulaki, Glan, Sarangani Province. I have visited it recently and fell in love with it the moment I caught a first glimpse of it. We went to Tinaca Point, where the Philippine Navy Littoral Monitoring Station is located. There stands an old lighthouse and it showed us a great view of Celebes Sea, the coastline of Southern Sarangani, and of Balut Island in Davao Occidental. GETTING THERE From Poblacion Glan, we took a government vehicle to Barangay Batulaki, the last barangay of the Municipality of Glan. It took about about an hour and a half of road trip in order to get there. For those who wish to visit the place, coordination with municipal tourism office is advised. You must also communicate with the Punong Barangay (Chairman). The long stretch of beach grayish in Batulaki is a beauty in itself. From there you can see Balut Island,which is part of  the Municipality of Sarangani in Da...

In the idyllic town of Kiamba in the western part of Sarangani lies a hidden cove that has become a favorite among those who are seeking adventure and immersion in nature. The Tuka Marine Park, reachable via a 15-minute boat ride provides a one-of-a-kind beach experience. How to Get There Take whatever available modes of transportation to Kiamba, Sarangani Province. That's about an hour and a half drive. For those who are taking the public transportation, the bus fare is Php 100.00, while the van fare is P120.00. Buses are stationed at Bulaong Terminal in General Santos City, while you can take the van at Ablog Terminal along Daproza Street. The Tourism Information Office, which is also the booking office to Tuka Marine Park is located at the Kiamba Port, near the Municipal Plaza. From there you will need to take the boat ride that costs Php 121.00 pesos, which will take you to Tuka Marine Park and back to Kiamba Port. Entrance Fee, Environmental Fee, and Accommod...

It's my fifth time to try the whitewater tubing at NLU Whitewater Eco Park but, I swear, it always feels like the first time every time. I have even tried tubing without a river guide during the AMARACA Festival in summertime. Recently, I tried the 2.1-km trail and it features the big fall. It's a different experience altogether. Check out my video to see what I'm talking about. The New La Union Whitewater EcoPark takes advantage of the rapids of Pangi River, which has been adjudged as one of the cleanest rivers in the country. How to Get There NLU Whitewater Eco Park is found in Maitum, Sarangani Province. From General Santos City, travel to Maitum, about a two-hour journey on average. Before reaching Poblacion, make a right turn just before reaching Pangi Elementary School. Pangi ES in on the left side of the road. The road to NLU is at the right side. If taking public transportation, you stop by Pangi ES and take a tricycle or a motorcycle to NLU, ...