Living in the South PH

Why travel? Why Mindanao? Prepare to explore and discover Mindanao's beauty! There's so much to see and do right in our own backyard, from lush forests to pristine beaches. And by traveling within Mindanao, you will not only have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but you will also be helping the local economy and communities. When you visit Mindanao, you not only get to see new places and cultures, but you also help the local economy. Your purchases, from hotels and restaurants to transportation and tour guides, help to create jobs and support local businesses. This also contributes to the preservation of the unique character of the location you're visiting, making it more appealing to future visitors. Traveling is not only enjoyable, but it is also beneficial to your physical and mental health. Imagine immersing yourself in the local culture, trying new foods, and creating lifelong memories. It's also a great way to spend time with friends and family, making memories tha...

If you are looking for total relaxation, the River Ranch Resort in Palian, Tupi, South Cotabato is perfect for you. Whether it's a solo trip or camping with friends and family, it can be done here. Surrounded by lush greens, accompanied by the sound of a rippling brook, chirping birds and humming cicadas, it's nice to pass the time and release stress. They have A-shaped houses with a somewhat secluded location. A tent can be set up in the area. If there are many of you, you can rent all the A-houses, while others may set up their tents around the activity area, where there is a fireplace that could serve as the centerpiece for your conversations. Of course, for those who want to cool off, they have swimming pools complete with cascading waterfalls and fountains. Aside from the A-houses, for bigger groups, they have farmhouses that come with free entrance for as many as 12 people. The farmhouses are very spacious and have amenities for your comfort. You can also cook here, just...

I can't help but feel a burst of hometown pride as Camella unveils its latest project, Camella Trails Gensan, in the vibrant Tuna Capital of the Philippines. The recent launch event, named "Infinity," gathered locals, officials, and investors to witness the exciting addition to our growing house and lot investment portfolio. I am glad to have been invited to the unveiling of Camella Trails GenSan at the Grand Summit Hotel, General Santos City. Vista Land’s Chief Operating Officer, Jerylle Luz Quismundo, set the tone for the evening, sharing valuable investment insights and shedding light on the future plans for our beloved city. The event was graced by local officials, including Vice Mayor Rosalita Nunez and Chief of City Investment Ellorence Cruz, alongside the enthusiastic presence of local business partners, bank officers, and eager property seekers. The night came alive with dazzling performances from Step One Creative Arts and the Legendary Fire Artists, setting the ...

Name: Dreamweaver's Hill Location: Sitio Sarisa, Barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/4zDffPQdBeW1oLcN9 Because of the covid-19 pandemic, most of us were kept inside our own homes. For more than nine months it also seemed boring if we only had a virtual relationship with each other. And of course long isolation does not benefit our mental health.  So when the tourist attractions reopened we did not miss the opportunity to travel and roam with family and friends. Still with precaution not to be infected with covid-19.  Mountain resorts are one of the most popular destinations nowadays, what with the relaxing views and cool climate. The opening of various mountain resorts in SOCCSKSARGEN. Some of them are flooded with local tourists wanting to relax. One of the most visited is Dreamweaver's Hill in Lake Sebu. Lake Sebu is already known as a tourist destination because of its lake resorts, seven falls, zipline which is one of the high...

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...

Lake Sebu in South Cotabato is one of the favorite destinations of those who come to visit the southern Philippines. A lot of tourist have fallen in love with the idyllic town. Last April, my sister and her hubby wanted to visit Lake Sebu. So I, having been to Lake Sebu for countless times, acted as their tour guide. I made this itinerary below: 6:30 AM ETD from Alabel 7:30 AM ETA at Mariano's Blooming Petals Agri-Venture 8:30 AM ETD to Lake Sebu 9:30 AM ETA at Lake Sebu Seven Falls Adventures 9:30 - 11:30 AM Trekking to Falls No. 2 and Zipline Adventure 11:30 AM ETD to Punta Isla 12:00 NN Lake Cruise at Punta Isla with Lunch 2:00 PM ETD to Marbel 3:00 PM ETA at Apareja Buko Halo-Halo (Cancelled due to rain) 3:30 PM ETA at Durian Garden (Durian Pie) 4:30 PM Home Sweet Home MARIANO'S BLOOMING AGRI-TOURISM PARK Who can resist taking selfie with these sunflowers? They schedule the planting of sunflowers so that there will always be sunflowers in full blo...

If you are looking for "pasalubong" to give away to your friends you can try these food products I have tasted recently. These are made in here in SoCCSKSarGen so you will be bringing the region with you to people who have not been here, who want to here, or who have been here but missing our place. So I received a pack of local goods containing a pack of salmon cracklings (chicharon), mushroom cracklings, pastillas delights, and chili garlic sauce. I made a video as a tried these local delicacies: The products I featured, as well as other local products, can be availed of as Ellyne's Pasalubong Market , Maduramente Building, National Highway, General Santos City. If you are interested, you can check out their Facebook page or contact them through phone number 0945 789 4134.

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...