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Mention "General Santos" and two things come to mind - Tuna and Manny Pacquiao. These two has been the iconic association to this huge city down south that serves as the gateway to SoCCSKSarGen.  You get to experience a unique morning adrenaline rush in General Santos City. Formerly known as Dadiangas, the city was later renamed to General Santos to honor General Paulino Santos, a military man from Tarlac who pioneered the settlement when he led the first group of migrants to the area in 1939. The city developed tremendously from thereon becoming the region's center for commerce with a strong agro and fishing industry as its backbone. In fact, the city is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the country earning the monicker as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines".
The city is a bustling community that is at par with Manila, Cebu, and Davao. It has its own mix of old and new businesses that give it both the urban and provincial vibe. We walked around to look for pocket destinations that will give us that unique GenSan fill. Plaza Heneral Santos and the GenSan City Hall At the heart of General Santos City is a sprawling park honoring the man that pioneered the settlement in the region – General Paulino Santos. Born in Camiling, Tarlac, General Santos led the first batch of migrants to the Lagao area of Koronadal where he helped establish the first batch of communities in 1939. These colonies would help drum roll the development in the area that gave birth to the present-day General Santos City.  The sprawling park at the heart of the city that honors the man behind the birth of GenSan. The centerpiece of the park is a valiant gold statue of General Santos and a historical marker that outlines his contribution in the birth of the city. This monument also serves as his final resting place together with his wife.
Looming on the background is the city’s center of governance – the General Santos City Hall. The government complex houses the various offices that provide basic services to the people of General Santos City. Pioneer Avenue If we Metro Manila has EDSA and Cebu has Colon Street, General Santos City has Pioneer Avenue as its main artery in the city. This main thoroughfare cuts across the city from the Plaza Heneral Santos down to beachfront area facing Saranggani Bay.  Pioneer Street is GenSan’s iconic thoroughfare. Walking along its sidewalks, it will give you a glimpse and feel of the old General Santos because of some of the old and iconic stores that line the streets. And don’t forget to get a ride on a motorela that ply the roads of the city. Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish A few meters from Plaza Heneral Santos is the center of the Catholic faith of General Santos City – the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish. The quaint and simple façade and belfry of the church is dwarfed by the multi-story buildings in its area.
The simple vibe of the church transcends within the interior of the sanctuary. The altar is void of any grand design and its only highlight is the crucifix at the center of the altar. Despite the strict security at the time of our visit, you can feel the peace and serenity of the sanctuary. General Santos Fish Port A trip to General Santos will not be complete if you do not visit the General Santos Fish Port. The fishport boasts itself with modern facilities that are at par with international standards. Its daily yield of 750 metric tons of fish is the 2nd largest total fish catch in the country, next only to Navotas.  One of the arteries of General Santos City’s economy – tuna! The best time to visit the facility is in the early morning when fishing vessels unload their catch. Make sure that you wear pants and socks because the facility follows strict protocol on the dress code. You need to wear boots within the premises of the docking and processing area. General Santos is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna and it was interesting to observe the whole process of classifying tuna at the fish port. The process begins when the tuna harvest are off-loaded and lined up for weighing. After the fish is weighed, its meat is then checked for quality. It is then classified whether it is for export, local consumption, or canning. I was lucky that I also got the opportunity how some of the harvests are cleaned and packaged for consumption.  Enjoying the early morning buzz of the General Santos Fish Port.
The view of Saranggani Bay with tens of docked fishing boats and the organized chaos of the morning grind of the fishport will definitely get your adrenaline pumping. You can feel the intensity of the action as you admire the tremendous work put in by each worker. As the buzz slowly dies down in the late morning, you can see the smiles flooding the area - another day's done and tomorrow is definitely going to be another exciting one. Getting there: You can take a blue trike to Tambler from Kimbol. Fare is at Php20 at travel time is 30 minutes. Just inform the trike driver that you are headed to the General Santos Fish Port. Queen Tuna Park Immortalizing its monicker, the city developed a beach spot within the city and aptly called it the Queen Tuna Park. The public park is a cheap and easy escape from the heat by some of its locals. Family and friends can enjoy a lazy afternoon or a quick dip in its waters.  Queen Tuna Park is a public beach within the vicinity of the city.
The beach spot is an easy find with its tuna design gates along P. Acharon Boulevard. If you intend to stay a while, there are picnic huts and tables for rent in the area. Pacman Wildcard Gym General Santos is Manny Pacquiao country. The world reknowned boxer considers the city as his hometown. He is considered a hero in GenSan that his mansions and the gym that he works out in and owns are tourism attractions. Previously, you can walk in to these attractions and just pay fees however Manny Pacquiao's foundation have streamlined their tourism initiatives. The fees collected are channeled to the scholars of the foundation.
We did manage to visit the Pacman Wildcard Gym beside SM GenSan where we got a peek of the gym where Pacman works out and prepares for his fight. You cannot deny his influence in the gym with huge pictures of the boxer-turned-senator. POST TRAVEL NOTES The heneral in Santos was a major turning point for the city that was once known as Dadiangas. His unwavering trust to heed the call to lead the first settlers spurred the development in the region creating a bustling metropolis. The city, through time, has earned its own corner in economics and soon in the tourism front being the gateway to SoCCSKSarGen.  Get ready to get your palates teased on my next blog. Tiyak na mabubu-SOX kayo! General Santos have pocket of destinations that gives you the raw beauty of the city. Its economic development in itself is an attraction worth exploring. It is at the forefront of its tourism offer. But there is another tourism draw that General Santos can bank on and it goes beyond what we get to see and feel. Something that would literally warm your tummy. Let's talk about GenSan as a foodie hub on my next travel blog. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City. You can take a jeep or a cab to SM City General Santos where you can take a van to Glan in Saranggani. Tricycle is the way to go around Glan. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for my trip details. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. (Click here for my trip details.) > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walk > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Click here for my trip details. Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour (Click here for my trip details.) > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
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The city is sizzling under the summer sun and most of the city dwellers are trying to get a piece of the beach. With the summer sun glaring mercilessly on us, it is definitely the best sanctuary to be in at this time of the year. Most of us don't mind the heat when we are feeling the sand under our feet. But did you know that there is a G-spot down south... err... i mean, a go to beach spot down south that could give Boracay a run for its money?  Glan in Saranggani has a perfect summer mix of sun, sand, and salt. Saranggani may not ring a bell as much as Aklan or Palawan but the municipality of Glan on the western coast of the province is a great destination to explore and discover for beach lovers. The beauty of its white sand beach and clear turquoise waters have earned it the monicker as the "Summer Capital of Saranggani". Roughly about an hour away from General Santos City, Glan is also being positioned to being included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites for its collection of well-preserved heritage houses similar to that of Vigan's. Lago Beach Located on the north of Glan, Lago Beach is a peaceful sanctuary where one can enjoy a steady day by the beach. Its cream-colored sand and calm turquoise waters is a perfectly relaxing view to appreciate. Taking a dip in its cool waters is a good way to break away from reading a book or the monotony of not doing anything.  Lago Beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beach. Hacienda Don Juan sits at the heart of its coast. The sprawling resort was established by the heirs of Don Juan Escobar who converted the beach spot into a realxing and instagrammable resort. The resort boasts of unique cocoon accomodations and family houses for the bigger crowd. The resort has its own restaurant and a small store that operates 24 hours. The staff are locals from Glan who are tapped to help during peak season and when needed.
At the heart of the estate stands the Escobar Ancestral Home which doubles as a home for the clan and a museum that displays family memorabilias. On display on its courtyard are some of the car collection of the family and a pen where they safekeep their pet ostriches. Its beachfront was designed to give its guests that relaxing and laidback beach vibe.  Enjoying the peaceful vibe of Lago Beach.
Kuya Lito gleams with pride that a lot of their guests enjoy the privacy that the resort provides. There is no doubt that the resort does provide a beach sanctuary away from the usual crowd. Glan Town Center Glan is a sleepy and laidback municipality and you get that kind of provincial vibe as you explore its town center. As mentioned earlier, the municipality is also known for its heritage structures and going around town by foot can be an interesting experience. It felt like I was in a scene of a movie set in the 1960s. Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church Void of the usual glam of a Catholic church, the Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church is a sanctuary that evokes simplicity - a reflection of the community. Its simple facade and belfry blends perfectly well with its surroundings. In fact without the belfry, one would probably mistake it as an office structure.  The simple façade of the Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church.
Natural light brightens up its interiors with its large window frames along the sides of the church. Its main altar evokes simplicity with only the crucifix as its main focus. The place is a sanctuary of the faithful with its peaceful and serene ambiance. Glan Municipal Hall A few blocks from the church is the new Glam Municipal Hall facing the town plaza. The structure stands at the heart of town and dominates the skyline of Glan. A small gold-colored monument is the main centerpiece of the town that depicts the life of the locals in Glan.
Taban Beach 15 minutes away south of the town center is Taban Beach - a small public beach strip with white sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach stop is undeveloped and it has a small fishing community along its shores. Except for a small store, a couple of benches for rent, and a makeshift toilet, the beach is pretty much oozes with rawness.  Enjoying a quick dip at Taban Beach. The beach strip is bounded by rock formations on both ends. We explored the rock formations on the southern side where you get to view Gumasa Beach. You can actually cross its shallow waters to get to the more popular beachfront of Gumasa. It is a good beach spot for those who want to enjoy a laidback day by the beach for FREE unless you plan to rent out one of the benches for a picnic or a longer stay. You can actually find your own spot and enjoy its sand and the sun without the usual commerce of a beautiful beach. Gumasa Beach Gumasa Beach is probably the most popular beach spot in Glan. Its 6-kilometer white sand shoreline that stretches in a crescent-shape cove is so impressive that the beach is often referred to as the "Boracay of the South". The beach is not crowded despite the development of resorts in the area. It is the venue of the annual Saranggani summer festival - Sarbay Festival.  Gumasa Beach can give Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan a run for their money. The pristine beach of Gumasa Beach is a must-visit in Glan. We enjoyed its powdery white sand and its cool waters under the summer sun. It is one of the beaches in the country that oozes with charm, not to mention that it is very photogenic. The best part of it is that it did not have the crowd that we associate with a beauty like this. It can give Boracay a quick run for its money. But getting to enjoy Gumasa Beach can be quite tricky. The beach is already lined up with a number of resorts that charge "entrance fees". The access road of the Sarbay Festival is also closed at the time of our visit. One can choose to wade through shallow waters from Taban to Gumasa or go the way we did - charmed our way with a caretaker of a newly bought property to allow us to do "viewing". POST TRAVEL NOTES Pristine and without the crowd, the beaches of Glan can give Boracay, Cebu, or Palawan a run for its money. It is largely untouched and less developed so you get to see and experience the rawness of the place. It is a great option to consider for those who want to enjoy the heat of the summer without the usual crowd of the more popular destinations. Although it is starting to get traction and you can expect for development to increase its pace in the coming years. If there is a great time to enjoy the raw beauty of Glan, now is the time.  There is something cool and fishy. Are you ready? Mindanao is Philippine tourism’s pot of gold. A lot of its natural attractions remain untouched and it is largely from the misconceptions that come with the “Mindanao”. It is a haven of on-spot destinations that will surely delight every kind of traveler. The challenge that Mindanao faces is how they can develop these attractions with sustainably for the benefit of the community. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City. You can take a jeep or a cab to SM City General Santos where you can take a van to Glan in Saranggani. Tricycle is the way to go around Glan. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour (Click here for details of the trip.) > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Click here for details of the trip. Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage > Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The smell of the cold wind filled my lungs as my "owong" cut through the still waters of the lake. The early morning sun that softly touched my skin was enough to give me a snugly warm feeling in the cold weather of this lake community. The gentle sound of water slushing as the we paddled through its waters had a calming effect on me. A sea of pink lotuses was in full view. This is the kind of experience that you will remember when you visit Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.  These pink lotuses warm you up at Lake Sebu. Lake Sebu is a 42, 450-hectare landscape in South Cotabato made popular for a lake of the same name and its T'nalak Dream Weavers. Its landscape composed of water resources, mountains, rolling hills, and rainforests which is home to fauna endemic to the country like the Philippine deer. At the heart of these natural resources is the placid Lake Sebu - a 354-hectare fresh water lake which is a center of the aquaculture in the region. It is now being developed as an amazing ecotourism destination in Mindanao. There are a lot of places to explore in Lake Sebu. It is a place blessed with a rich cultural heritage and natural attractions that will keep tourists at the edge of their habal-habal seat. It was also great to see that tourism efforts are well-coordinated by the local government that tour rates are standard. A half-day tour will cost you Php500 per person, covering 4 spots, while a whole day tour that covers 6 destinations is at Php750 per person. With the help of our tour guide, Kuya Ronald (contact details: 09972482160), we explored interesting spots in Lake S'bu that showcased its natural beauty and rich culture. Lake Sebu Owong Morning Cruise Lake S'bu is one of the tourism icons of the province. The placid lake is a beauty that can be admired the whole day with its panoramic view of the daily grind of its locals and the rugged mountains as its backdrop. The lake, situated within the Allah Valley, sits at an elevation of 1000 meters and is said to be the source of one of the tastiest tilapia in the country. It is a normal scene to catch a fisherman cruising through its still waters aboard a wooden canoe called "owong".  Early morning owong tours on Lake Sebu will perk you up better than coffee. But the real beauty of Lake S'bu manifests as the first ray of sunrise lights up its still waters. The warmth of the early morning sun lets hundreds of pink lotuses bloom in the lake. We took an early morning cruise aboard an "owong", a makeshift wooden or fiberglass canoe that can fit 2-3 people, to an area where the lotuses flourish. You will get to enjoy the view of these pink blossoms as the owong cuts through the vegetation.
The charm of the lotus bloom can only be enjoyed in the morning until close to lunch time when these flowers fold up. It was also good that we came in to visit Lake S'bu on a weekday so the usual tourist crowd was absent and we had unadulterated view of the blooming lotuses. Hikong Alu (Falls 1) and Zipline Lake Sebu has 7 waterfalls within its domain and only two these waterfalls are easily accessible to tourists. A trip to Lake Sebu is not complete without visiting Hikong Alu and Hikong Bente.
Hikong Alu, commonly known as Falls 1, is the most developed in terms of tourism facilities. This is the jump-off point of the zipline that will give you a top view of Falls 2, 3, 4, and 5. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to try out the zipline as it was still closed at the time of our early morning visit.  Feeling the vibe of the T’boli while enjoying the view of Hikong Alu. In T'boli dialect, "hikong" means falls and "alu" means passage. Spring water cascades from a height of a 35 feet on a rock wall surface. Some locals fish for freshwater shells along the banks of the river that flows downstream towards Falls 2. Getting close to its cascade is possible because of the paved walkway leading close to its catch basin.  A local fishing for freshwater snails at Falls 1. A few meters from the waterfalls is a cemented bridge where you get a full view of Hikong Alu. This is where you also get a chance to wear T'boli costume, for a minimal fee, for that culturally sensitive photo with Hikong Alu on the background. Hikong Bente (Falls 2) Hikong Bente is the biggest and the most beautiful waterfall among the seven with water cascading from a height of 70 feet. The rock wall surrounding the cascade and its downstream water flow makes its landscape more dramatic.  The mystical beauty of Hikong Bente. Unlike Hikong Alu, the riverbanks of Hikong Bente is rocky and getting a close look at the base of its cascade is challenging. It does not help that the catch basin of the falls is hidden behind a rock wall. It was a beauty to catch the sun's rays break through the foliage atop the falls while a thin mist of water rises into the air. Lake Sebu's Falls 2 did not disappoint. The thunderous sound of water cascading was enough to excite guests as you take a 10-minute walk from the jump-off point to its viewing area. It is so majestic that one wouldn't mind taking the time just to enjoy and capture its beauty. Divine Mercy Tucked in one of the hills of Lake Sebu is a tranquil sanctuary of the faithful - the Divine Mercy. The sanctuary is a great place to sit still and commune with God.  The Divine Mercy image overlooks Lake Sebu. The sprawling garden is lined with the images of hundreds of saints. Each saint was given his or her own space where devotees can offer a short prayer. At the center of all these saints is the huge image of the Divine Mercy that sits at the highest point of the prayer hill overlooking the rolling hills of Lake Sebu. One can actually have a panoramic view of the rugged terrain that surrounds the prayer sanctuary from that vantage point. The imposing image of the Jesus Christ seems to be looking over the stretch of Lake Sebu. There are pocket areas where one can sit down, meditate, and pray so loud noises are frowned upon in the area. They also have a strict dress code for ladies. Guests are expected to observe the solemnity of the place. Lang Dulay Weaving House Lake Sebu is an ancestral domain of the T'boli, an indigenous tribe in the Philippines. Their culture and heritage are very much alive as you go around Lake Sebu as their bead bracelets and necklaces, brass ornaments, and tubao are offered as "pasalubongs" or memorabilias of the trip. But the ornament that really reflects their culture is their T'nalak - a traditional abaca textile woven by their dream weavers.  A T’boli weaving what their dreams and beliefs are made of. Lang Dulay is the face behind the preservation of the traditional weaving of the T'nalak. She was a T'boli princess who learned the art from her mother at the age of 12 and later on passed on the knowledge to her grandchildren. She was conferred the National Living Treasures Award in 1998 for her efforts. Up until her death in 2015, she had over a hundred patterns that was based on her dreams.
We met Sabulan Dulay and the other dreamweavers at the Lang Dulay Weaving House. Sabulan Dulay is the daughter-in-law of Lang Dulay, and now leads the other dreamweavers in the preservation of their traditional art of weaving. They were very accomodating and gave an insights about the T'nalak.  Sabulan Dulay follows the footsteps of her mother-in-law in keeping their tradition alive. The T'nalak is a traditional clothing that holds a prominent place in their culture. It is a peized possession that outlines the T'boli culture - their dreams, belief, and religion. The inspiration for the design is based on the female weaver's dreams hence the term "dream weavers". The ability to interpret dreams into the design determines their level of weaving skills.
The creation of the T'nalak textile is a long process of 32 steps from cooking the abaca, crafting of the design, dyeing the abaca threads, and the actual weaving of the fabric. The whole process can take 3-6 months depending on the availability of materials. We had the opportunity to capture Sabulan Dulay was in the middle of starting a new design during our visit. Despite the language barrier, I could feel her eagerness to share their culture as she worked her design on the abaca threads.  Let us support local products like the T’nalak. You can order the textile from Charlie Dulay at (0935) 656 5280. The weaving house also offers great pasalubong items designed with T'nalak fabric. Having seen and heard the story behind this fabric, I am glad to be a proud owner of an iPad travel organizer made from T'nalak. If you want to order the T'nalak fabric, you can contact them directly through Charlie Dulay at (0935) 656 5280. T'Boli Museum The T'Boli Museum is one spot in Lake Sebu where you get a good glimpse of their culture and traditions. The museum, just a 5-minute from the town center, is a repository of the artifacts that detail the history and way of life of the indigenous Philippine tribe.
The museum was designed similar to a typical T'boli house - a bungalow wooden house that is elevated from the ground. The house doesn't have any partitions and the space is multi-functional depending on the need. At the far end of the house is an elevated platform which serves as the patriarch's sleeping area. The museum houses the largest collection of brass gongs in the region. These gongs are symbols of wealth and prestige among the T'bolis. The museum also has a collection of porcelain wares from the 8th and 15th century indicating strong trading relationships during those times. On display are brass, beaded, and woven ornaments that reflects the the history, culture, and life of the T'bolis of South Cotabato. POST TRAVEL NOTES As the caretaker/curator of the T'boli Museum drummed on a brass gong that created a haunting bass sound, I took in everything that I can in to grasp a deeper understanding of the T'bolis. I have to admit that I got enchanted with the T'bolis and Lake Sebu. I got so mesmerized by the place that I wanted to stay longer and discover more.  It’s summer so it is time to hit the beach! Lake Sebu was the highlight of my Central Mindanao trip. The natural beauty of the place, the culture, and its vibe captured my heart. It simply oozes with natural beauty and personality. Its charm seeps into your soul that you leave the place with a heavy heart and you make the promise to visit again soon. There is no doubt that Lake Sebu is now one of my favorite destination in the Philippines. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have regular daily flights to General Santos City and Cotabato City. You can take a bus or a van to Surallah. Once in Surallah, you can take a van to Lake Sebu. You can hire a habal-habal from the van terminal. For habal-habal and Lake Sebu tour arrangements, you can contact Kuya Ronald Maguan at (0997) 2482160. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour (Click here for trip details of the trip.) > The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) > People’s Palace > Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral > PC Hill and Tantawan Park > Old Cotabato City Hall > Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. > White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) > Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) > Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) > Lake S’bu > T’Boli Museum > Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour > Lago Beach > Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church > Glan Municipal Hall > Taban Beach > Gumasa Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour > General Santos Fish Port > Queen Tuna Park > Pioneer Street > Plaza Heneral Santos > Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage > Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
Mention Maguindanao or Sultan Kudarat and one would surely get the question whether it is safe to go and visit these places. It is a resounding "yes" everytime I encounter the question having spent a total of two nights and a full day on the roads of these two beautiful provinces and getting immersed with the rich culture and history of our Muslim brothers and sisters.  Tough and rugged, Maguindanao is now ready to show the world its natural and manmade beauty. Prior to 1966, Cotabato was counted as one province with its rich and colorful history and culture dating back to pre-Spanish times. It was under the leadership of Sultan Kudarat in the 1600's that this region came together to successfully supress the Spaniards from their efforts to christianize the area. By the turn of the American regime, the Moro Province was recognized and established. It was in 1966 that South Cotabato was recognized as a separate province and was subsequently followed by the creation of Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat as independent provinces in 1973. Our trip will bring us around the Cotabato City, the province's gateway, and on the roads of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to discover our Muslim heritage and culture as Filipinos. The Charm of Cotabato City Cotabato City is an independent city in Maguindanao. Founded in the 1500s, Kota Wati served as the capital of the Maguindanao Sultanate until its collapse in 1888. The sultanate ruled over a vast area of Mindanao during those times.
Called by a number of nicknames, the city aims to be the "Halal Capital of the Philippines". It is the gateway to Maguindanao with the Cotabato Airport and its bus transport network connecting it to other cities in Mindanao. It now serves as the capital of the Bangsamoro Regional Government with the recent ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, more popularly known as the Grand Mosque, is Cotabato City's premiere tourist icon. Situated along the banks of Tamontaka River, the mosque is the largest in the Philippines and costs a whopping US$48 million. Its construction was completely funded by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei with its architecture by Felino Palafox.  The Cotabato Grand Mosque was my first taste of Muslim architecture. The Grand Mosque stands by its name. Coming in from Manila by air, our first glimpse of this architectural beauty was on our final descent to Cotabato Airport. But nothing beats having to see it face-to-face against the afternoon sun. Its grand design with its 141 feet minaret stands out of the skyline of Kalanganan's flatlands.
I have been fascinated with the history and architecture of old churches. I love the story intertwined with the aesthetic beauty of its structure. And coming face to face with the Grand Mosque of Cotabato City, it was my first time to appreciate the beauty of a place of worship of Islam. Unlike the places of worship of Christians, the mosque is void of too much fancy. Its main prayer room is bare as the faithful sits on the floor during their prayers. I was amazed at the sheer beauty of the mosque. There are a lot of photogenic spots that would tease your creativity but be responsible and conscious of the creative shots. Remember that the place is a sacred place among our Muslim brethren.  I enjoyed exploring every corner of the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is open to the public but certain protocols need to be observed like clothing. Shorts, sandos, and sleeveless shirts are not allowed but do not fret as their is a store that rent out traditional Muslim attires when you need to dress appropriately. One should also be conscious that there are specific areas where photography is not allowed. Getting there: From the city, take a public jeep to Awang and ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection of Sinsuat Avenue and the Tamontaka Bubong Road where you can get a habal-habal ride to the Grand Mosque. For habal-habal arrangements to the Grand Mosque, you can contact Kuya Mohammad Edsa at +63935 9063067. People's Palace The grand Muslim architectural design of the new city hall of Cotabato against the setting orange sun was a perfect backdrop to describe a lazy afternoon in Cotabato City. Aptly called as the People's Palace, it is the center of the governance of the city. Its Muslim inspired architectural design make it unique and reflective of the region it represents.  A playful afternoon at the Cotabato City People's Palace. Its sprawling grounds turn into a playground of sorts in the afternoon as the young adults play a round of soccer while the smaller kids enjoy playing tag. It was fun as we interacted with the kids who had no inhibitions having their pictures taken. The kids were very warm and friendly that we had a grand time interacting with them. Getting there: From the Grand Mosque drop-off point along Sinsuat Avenue, take a jeep back to the city marked "Town" and ask the driver to drop you off at the new City Hall. Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral At the heart of the city is the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - the center of the Catholic faith in the city. First built in 1948, the church sits, quietly, with its modern architecture, along Cotabato City's main street. Its simple facade scores differently against the grand designs of mosques found in the city, evoking a simple and yet elegant design.  The Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion is the city's center of the Catholic faith.
Its interiors create a homey atmosphere with its high ceilings highlighted by gold and white retablo. Its altar is higlighted by an image of the Crucified Christ. Getting there: From the People's Palace, take a jeep with the signboard "Town" and ask the driver to drop you off at the church. Tantawan Park and PC Hill The Tantawan Park and PC Hill forms part of the city's historical core. This small hill in the city provides a panoramic view of Cotabato and once served as the center of governance in the province - the building of the old provincial capitol still stands to this day. This is where you will also find the historic Kutabato Caves which, unfortunately, was closed during the time of our visit.  The statue of the great Sultan Kudarat is the centerpiece of Tantawan Park.
At the foot of the hill is the Tantawan Park which bears the image of the great Muslim leader and local hero, Sultan Kudarat. The highly honored sultan once ruled a vast empire in Mindanao and was responsible in deflecting Spanish conquistadors in Mindanao. Getting there: The park and the hill is just walking distance from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. Cotabato City Plaza Like other Philippine city or municipality, the Cotabato City Plaza is at the center of the activities and the city, in terms of its location. This is the location of the old city hall which is also stands out for its unique architecture that highlights Muslim culture. The city's own version of the Rizal Park stands at the front of the old city hall.  At the heart of the city is the old city hall of Cotabato City, Across the street is another open space where city celebrations and assemblies are done. A huge stage highlights this part of the plaza. The plaza is also a great spot to warm up in the late afternoons with locals. Getting there: The Cotabato City Plaza is just a few minutes walk from the Tamtawan Park. Datu Odin Sinsuat A 30-minute jeepney ride away from Cotabato City is the sleepy municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat. Visitors of Maguindanao arriving via planes get to be greeted first by this municipality as the airport is within its jurisdiction. Traveling through its roads will make you wonder as to what other off-beat natural and man-made beauty this municipality is willing to share with the world.  The Cotabato Airport is located at the Datu Odin Sinsuat. White Mosque Hiding behind the shadows of the Grand Mosque, the Masjid Al-Nasser Abpi, more commonly called White Mosque, is another mosque worth admiring as you traverse the roads of Maguindanao. The mosque highlighted by its domes and two minarets, donned in white and gold, is an unassuming attraction in the neighborhood. We can only admire it from a distance because the caretaker was out during the time of our visit.  The unassuming White Mosque of Datu Odin Sinsuat is just 30 minutes away from the city. Finding the mosque can be quite tricky because most locals are not aware that the mosque is a point of interest in the municipality. It is located inside a village along the highway. And while your there, check out Pon de Monggo while waiting for the van to the next destination. Getting there: From Cotabato City, take a jeep to Awang that goes to Magelco. Ask the driver to drop you off at El Grande where you can ride a payong-payong to the White Mosque. Pan de Monggo is located along the highway. Margues Blue Lagoon 20 minutes from the White Mosque is another hidden gem of Datu Odin Sinsuat - this time it is a natural wonder. Tucked along the sleepy town of Margues is a lagoon that forms part of the local's daily life but it is an amazing off-beat destination for travelers.  The off-beat destination in Datu Odin Sinsuat is the Margues Blue Lagoon. The blue hues of the lagoon, its surrounding flora, and the serene atmosphere create an enchanting vibe of the place. Locals say that the water springs from the bottom of the lagoon and its depth create the blue hues. It also serves as a water resource for locals where they take a bath or wash their cloths. The Margues Blue Lagoon is a perfect place to relax and commune with nature because it is still void of the usual influx of travelers. Getting There: The Margues Blue Lagoon is about 15-minutes away from the White Mosque by van. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Margues Elementary School. Pink Mosque, Datu Saudi Ampatuan A color that symbolizes peace and love turned this lovely mosque into an attraction. The striking pink color of the Masjid Dimaukom, also known as the Pink Mosque, stood out to be noticed, not only by the locals, but by travelers traversing the area.  The famous Pink Mosque of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. The construction of the Pink Mosque was commissioned by Samsodin Dimaukom, a prominent politician in the province. It was beautiful to look at the mosque as it glistens under the noon sun. Interestingly, the color became so prominent that the whole town seem to be painted in pink. I guess the local government took the color a notch higher by literrally painting the whole town pink. Getting There: Take a van or a bus along the highway in Margues. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at the Pink Mosque. Travel time is about an 45 minutes to an hour. The place is hard to miss because the town is pretty in pink. Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Hands down to the province of Sultan Kudarat for having the grandest provincial capitol that I have seen in the Philippines. The new capitol building sits on a sprawling field that faces the vast oil palm plantation. It was like a palace in the midst of a hacienda.  The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol in Isulan is one of the most beautiful capitol in the country
What makes the provincial capitol stand out is its unique architecture that reflects the Muslim culture. Its yellow-gold dome is evident againsts its white facade that it takes on a similar look of a mosque. It really has the vibe of a sultan's palace - a true representation of one of the great sultans that ruled Mindanao. A monument honoring Sultan Kudarat sits at the center of the sprawling lawn of the Getting There: From the Pink Mosque, head back to the main highway of Datu Saudi Ampatuan where you can take a van or a bus headed to Isulan. The trip takes about an hour by van. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Isulan Rotonda where you can take a tricycle to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol. POST TRAVEL NOTES Maguidanao may seem tough on the outside but, in reality, the vibe is very laidback, peaceful, and tame. There are a hundred and one checkpoints as you traverse the province but you get used to it. I guess most locals do because the province has long been in the middle of skirmishes between the military and rogue groups. But let us be clear that these skirmishes, most often than not, are easily controlled, isolated, and far from the usual tourist trails and local communities.  Get ready to be charmed by Lake S'bu's lotus. We are heading there next. What stood out for me was the warmth of the locals. From small kids, bus ticketing officers, bakery owners, and your habal-habal driver, they were very helpful and made us comfortable through their smiles and conversations. I did not feel any fear at any given time of the trip. I seriously wish that off-beat travelers continue to open the province to the world. There are still a lot to discover on this side of the Philippines and, with these discoveries, open more opportunities for the locals and its communities. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Cotabato City, the gateway to Maguindanao. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour - The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) - People’s Palace - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - PC Hill and Tantawan Park - Old Cotabato City Hall - Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato (Click here for trip details of the trip. Contact person for habal-habal arrangements from Midsayap: Jun Camap – 0919 4558958) Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. - White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) - Lake S’bu - T’Boli Museum - Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour - Lago Beach - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church - Glan Municipal Hall - Taban Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour - General Santos Fish Port - Queen Tuna Park - Pioneer Street - Plaza Heneral Santos - Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The warmth of the morning sun caressed my skin as I took a moment to take in the beauty that was in front of me. The view was surreal. My mind cannot find a more fitting word to describe the beauty of the curtain of water cascading on a rock face with green vegetation. I have seen it in pictures and, now that I am standing in front of it, the mystery behind Asik-Asik Falls begin to deepen.  Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines. Located deep within the mountainous terrain of Alamada in the province Cotabato is one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, Asik-Asik. This tourist destination stands out because its springwater cascades through a wide rockwall surface with green vegetation creating a stunning image of a curtain of water. This unique cascade make it an extraordinary destination to explore and discover. Its beauty was kept well-hidden from the world until its discovery by the locals in 2010 but it was only two years after its initial discovery that it started to catch the attention of off-beat travelers. Getting a first hand view of Asik-Asik Falls is no joke. One needs to endure a two-hour habal-habal ride through paved and rough roads from Midsayap, our jump off point, to Brgy. Dulao in Alamada. My driver mentioned that the roads are a lot better now compared to earlier years as most of the access roads to Brgy. Dulao are close to completion making the trip faster and more comfortable. He shared with me that during earlier years, they had to contend with rough roads that compromises their safety and their guests. By the way, it is highly recommended to have one guest per habal-habal for safety reasons.  The 2-hour habal-habal ride from Midsayap was a cruise with our driver, Kuya Jun.
The two-hour ride will traverse through the agricultural fields of Midsayap, Libungan, and Alamada giving you a refreshing view of the rural scene of the region. The endless view of the valley bordered by the mountains of the nearby provinces will keep you entertained and amused during the habal-habal trip. I enjoyed the rustic views especially when we were already traversing the hills of Alamada that overlooks the valleys of Cotabato. The first thing that I noticed when we arrived at Brgy. Dulao was the efforts of the local government to build tourist facilities in the area. There is a registration/waiting hall, with a nice view of the hills, where tourists can re-charge before and after visiting the famed waterfalls. Local residents have also set-up small snack and souvenir shops beside the hall where I had my favorite breakfast of pastil! These are strong indications of the robust commerce that Asik-Asik Falls is bringing in to the community. After we registered and paid a minimal fee of Php20, we started our trek down the ridge to the waterfalls. The downhill trek is easy because of the cemented pathways. There are shaded rest stops along the way but it is more often used during the uphill trek back. One would not notice the steep descent down the trail because your eyes will be treated with a panoramic view of Alamada's mountain farmlands. Note that there are no streams or river that run parallel with the trail to the waterfalls.  Enjoying the view during the 30-minute downhill trek.
For a brief moment, I was in awe at the raw beauty of Asik-Asik Falls when I first saw it in full view. I was dumbfounded with its beauty that I wondered how such a natural wonder was kept hidden from the world for a long time. I breathed in its beauty while enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle trickles of mist on my skin. It was worth enjoying the moment first before doing anything.  The view of Asik-Asik Falls up close left me breathless. The trip was worth it. The beauty of Asik-Asik Falls is its unique cascade that covers the whole rock surface of the cliff covered with moss and ferns. Spring water cascades from a height of 60 meters into a shallow basin creating a veil of water and mist. Visitors can wade into the pool and enjoy a refreshing cold shower at the base of the rock wall. The more adventurous ones climb up its slippery rocks for photo ops or to get a better view of the cascade.  A panoramic view of Asik-Asik's curtain of water. Asik-Asik's beauty is also clouded with mystery. The water that cascades onto the wall surface emananates from a spring beneath its walls unlike other waterfalls where its water comes from a water source upstream. I have asked locals where the water source of this unique waterfalls and they could only point to two nearby lakes as its possible source - Lake Lanao or Lake Putian. The water then snakes under the ground to spring out of Asik-Asik Falls.
There is no doubt that Asik-Asik Falls is one the most photogenic waterfalls in the country. Every corner and every angle is worth capturing on photo. The fallen trees and potruding rocks add to the drama of the scene. The best area to capture a panoramic shot of Asik-Asik Falls is downstream ofcthe tributary where you get to see the whole beauty of the falls. The best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowd. POST TRAVEL NOTES As we slowly trudged uphill to the registration area, I was still in awe of Asik-Asik unique beauty. I was amazed with how majestic it looked up close. Its unique feature definitely make it one of the best destinations in the country. It is a trip that is worth taking.  Maguindanao may seem tough but I assure you that road tripping through the province is fun! What makes the whole Asik-Asik Falls experience more interesting is the fact that it was a recent find by both the locals and the traveling community. It begs the question - what other uniquely beautiful destinations can we find in Mindanao? I am excited with the opportunities of exploring this part of the country now that it is getting the spotlight that's been long overdue. And for starters, it is definitely safe to travel in Mindanao. Getting There: Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights to Cotabato. In Cotabato City, you can take a trike to Novo Merchandise along Jose Lim Street where the terminal for vans that pass through Midsayap are located. Fare to Midsayap is Php70 and travel time is approximately 45 minutes. You can ask the driver to drop you off at the Midsayap Community Doctor’s Hospital where most of the habal-habals are located. Habal-Habal rates to Dulao, Alameda from Midsayap is at Php750 roundtrip. It is highly recommended to have one habal-habal per person for safety reasons. You can contact our habal-habal driver Kuya Jun Camap at +63919 4558958 to arrange for your trip. From the Dulao registration center, it will be another 20-30 minute downhill trek to Asik-Asik Falls. Sample Travel Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cotabato City / Cotabato City Tour - The Grand Mosque (Habal-Habal Contact: Mohammad Edsa - 0935 9063067) - People’s Palace - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral - PC Hill and Tantawan Park - Old Cotabato City Hall - Cotabato City Plaza Day 2: Asik-Asik Falls, Alamada, Cotabato Day 3: Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat Road Trip in the morning enroute to Lake Sebu. - White Mosque (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Margues Blue Lagoon (Datu Odin Sinsuat) - Pink Mosque (Datu Saudi Amapatuan) - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol (Isulan) Lake Sebu Walking Tour (PM) - Lake S’bu - T’Boli Museum - Lake Sebu Town Center Day 4: Lake Sebu Tour (Contact person for Lake Sebu Tour: Ronald Maguan – 0997 2482160). Travel to Glan in the afternoon. Day 5: Glan Tour - Lago Beach - Sta. Catalina de Alexandria Church - Glan Municipal Hall - Taban Beach Travel to General Santos City in the afternoon Day 6: General Santos City Tour - General Santos Fish Port - Queen Tuna Park - Pioneer Street - Plaza Heneral Santos - Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage - Tiongson Arcade Day 7: Early morning departure to Manila
The weekends leading to the grand celebration of the Panagbenga are not exactly the kind of weekends Baguio locals enjoy. With the worsening problem of the city's traffic and waste management, the additional congestion is not something that we welcome with a big smile and open arms. Don't get me wrong, we love the attention and the business it brings but not the human behavior problems that go with the annual celebration. With the festival gearing up for its grand celebration, we decided to spend a quiet beach weekend in Camp Avenue.  Somewhere along the shores of San Juan, La Union lies this photogenic beach spot.
Camp Avenue is a beach campsite tucked along the shorelines of San Juan in La Union. Unlike the popular surf spot, the camp is void of the usual development associated with the influx of tourists. It has maintained a low key aura despite the attention that it initially received through Facebook and other social media platforms. Its socmed exposure was enough to pique my curiousity to check and give it a grade. A+ for the camp vibe The vibe of Camp Avenue is grade A+ and spot on as a beach chill spot. They were able to blend the laidback atmosphere and its beautiful shoreline with the campsite's structures.  Camp Avenue's Indo Bali Huts is a must-try accommodation. There are three ways to enjoy a night's rest in Camp Avenue - camping, glamping, and the Indo Bali Huts. In our case, we experienced staying in one of the huts. Do not expect much because Camp Avenue is still a camping site and not a resort. Expect the basics. The Indo Bali Huts are triangular huts, like Indian teepees, made of bamboo with coconut roofings. It is designed with a mattress and a desk fan for a comfortable sleep. The hut is large enough to accomodate 2 to 3 adults and it is located within the fenced perimeters of the camp. The huts do not have locks but a swing door safekeeps your items inside. Just make sure that you bring with you all your important stuff.
If camping and glamping is your style, the campsite is located closer to the beach. Glamping facilities are the same with that of the Indo Bali Huts except that you are in a bigger tent. A for camp facilities Again, do not expect much because Camp Avenue is not a resort. They have clean common restrooms and shower areas. It is well-maintained but the camp needs more shower areas to cater to the surge of campers, which in our case was very evident since we came in on a long weekend.
The camp has a restaurant and a swing bar where you can get your alcohol fix. The complimentary cocktail drink is grade A. I loved the mix. There is a small store a few steps from the reception area for anything else that you need. There are hammocks within the premises that you can use to enjoy a nap or if you just want to be lazy even for just a day. Cooking is not allowed in Camp Avenue as a precaution considering that the huts are made of light combustible materials. Although, I think a designated grill area would be able to give an extra flair to their camping experience. A- for camp food The biggest drawback for Camp Avenue is the food. While bringing in food is charged corkage as per camp rules, they really need to level up their cooking game in the kitchen. Food is one aspect that help create the experience and, in Camp Avenue's case, it does not.
We tried their pasta, sandwich, and rice bowl meals and it was not value for money. Too bad though that there are no other restaurant options unless you would like to drive up to the surf spot in San Juan. Even their breakfast was not enough to perk me up the next morning. A- for camp parties Camp Avenue has a perfect spot for a beach party and they have a good DJ to boot. The early evening music mix was really inviting that I was anticipating a huge crowd as the night deepens. I actually thought that it was going to be a nice way to introduce parties to my 10-year old lady. I'd rather that we introduce it to her than someone else.  This is how millennials party. Hahahaha! After having dinner and taking a short nap, we came back to the party grounds but it did not pick-up as expected but the music was inviting. Then the flamboyant host suddenly announced that it was "manyakan time". That caught us by surprise. He then scooped a couple to do body shots on stage. Now I have been to parties that escalate towards that kind of scene BUT this particular party was not that kind and was not even close to that. It seemed that it was trying to use "it" as a come on for those who were either on the beach or inside the tents. It tried to emulate Boracay by using the famous tagline "what happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay" but using "Camp Avenue" instead. One thing missed though was that Boracay never uses it to "attract" party goers. It may escalate to that but it was never forced down people's throat as THE highlight for the night the way the host did it at Camp Avenue. I think that rolled the party vibe further down after that. A+ for camp art Camp Avenue has a lot of artistic nooks - from its swing bar to its Indo bali huts to its campsite. Although it is not as glam as what I have previously seen on Facebook posts, these photogenic spots does not deviate that much from expectation.  A perfect La Union sunset is Camp Avenue's biggest draw. The swings carefully place by the beach front are great spots for photos, without the tents around it. Or their version of the bird's nest that gives you a perfect view of the beach and the sea. Its 3-D Camp Avenue sign would have been a perfect spot for the sunset except for the rows and rows of tents behind it. These artsy nooks would stand out if they just organize their campsite. For those who want to play around with their creativity, there is a pottery-making corner in front of Camp Avenue. Locals will teach you the basics of pottery-making before setting you out to explore your creative mind.  Watch the sunset on the camp's nest. But the beach of Camp Avenue stands out when it comes to camp art. It is one of the most photogenic beach spots that I have seen in the north. Unlike the surrounding beaches in the area, the rocks by the beach stop the rolling of the waves creating a lagoon-like basin by the shore. It makes a perfect spot for dramatic photos matched by a perfect sunset. I would let the picture speak for itself. POST TRAVEL NOTES Overall, Camp Avenue in San Juan, La Union is grade A. There is no doubt that it is in a perfect location on this side of town but it still has a lot of room for improvement to level up to other camping/glamping sites in the country. With a little reorganizing and re-wiring, it has the potential to be a preferred camping/glamping spot in Luzon.  Getting ready for the summer of 2019! My expectations of Camp Avenue did not really match up to my experience considering that I have tried other glamping spots, but only on a few notes. I did not come out amazed neither disappointed. It was still a good weekend beach break and it could have been better. And I hope to get a better experience the second time around. Getting There: Partas Bus Lines and Viron Bus Lines have regular trips to the north that pass by San Juan in La Union. You can ask the conductor to drop you off at Camp Avenue at Taboc, San Juan. You can reach Camp Avenue at +63917 7942293 for advance reservations.
The wind was blowing on our faces as our habal-habal raced down the circumferential road of this island garden city. We were headed to the port after a day of racing through the hotspots of this premier Mindanao destination. It was a day of fully getting immersed and connected with nature that had me refreshed and totally blown away.  It was a day of communing with nature on this island garden city. Just 15 minutes away from Davao City, the Island Garden City of Samal or IGaCOS is a city composed of two islands along the waters of Davao Gulf - Samal and Talikud. Its name is derived from the Sama-Bajau people, the original inhabitants of the island. This city is a popular weekend destination in the region that boasts of white sand beaches, ruggedly beautiful nature spots, and the largest colony of fruit bats in the world. So how do you capture all these wonders in a day? Well, it was quite easy. My brother and I hopped on a habal-habal and enjoyed a full day on an island garden city. Balete Tree Park After a quick breakfast by a roadside eatery, our first stop was the Balete Tree Park in Anonang. The main attraction of the park is a huge Balete tree that is estimated to be a 120 to 150 years old.  The century-old Balete Tree, like this one in Samal, is no longer shrouded with mystery but it is now an attraction. Every Filipino's childhood is not complete without the mystical story of the Balete tree. The tree is said to be a dwelling place of entities and we were told not to get close to it. But traveling around the Philippines have shattered these mystical stories. A number of these century-old trees have become an attraction in itself like the ones found in Baler and Siquijor.
Samal's very own Balete tree is not an exception. The towering tree, with its long hanging vines, does not send shivers at all. The locals allowed the tree to flourish by keeping it untouched. Bluebird Viewdeck Just by the main road, the Bluebird Resort offers an amazing view of Samal Island and its surrounding waters. The resort charges a minimal entrance fee and there are also huts that you can rent for those who are intending to stay longer.  Playing around with my brother's drone at Bluebird View Deck.
The panoramic view, coupled by the gentle sea breeze, is very relaxing. You can just sit down and enjoy the view while munching on your favorite snack. I guess, it is also a nice breather before immersing yourself to the beauty of Samal. Sabang Cliff Tucked nicely along the shorelines of Samal is a cliff diving spot for adrenaline junkies. Unlike other cliff diving spots, Sabang Cliff is raw and void of the usual platforms. So cliff diving would mean climbing up rocks and crevices after making the jump into its calm blue waters.  Get your adrenaline running and take the leap at Sabang Cliff. On the other side of the dive spot is a rocky beach area where you can enjoy the breaking of the waves. The place is also a great place for photos because of its trees along its shores that make a great backdrop for pictures. Kaputian Beach Kaputian's white sand shoreline, its blue waters, and the chill vibe make it one of the popular beach spots in Samal by both locals and guests. It is located on the southwestern part of the island and has a nice view of Talicud Island. It is a popular spot that it is one of the quick stops of island-hopping activities of tour operators in Talicud.  Kaputian Beach is known for its white sand beach and gives you a peek at Talikud Island.
The government-run resort has cottages for rent for those intending to stay longer by the beach. It has a sprawling open area for camping for those who want to experience staying overnight. The laidback atmosphere of Kaputian Beach make it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sun. By the way, one of its attraction is a stuffed "dugong" (sea cow), a reminder for guests and locals that these gentle creatures reside in the waters of that surround Samal. Hagimit Falls Imagine getting immersed and fascinated by a network of waterfalls in one area. This is what you will get to enjoy when you visit Hagimit Falls. The name of this prime tourist spot in Samal was derived from "hagimit", a tree that was once abundant in the area.  Hagimit Falls is a must-visit spot in Samal Island.
The network of cascades was developed into a park complete with accommodations, cottages, and restaurant to cater to the needs of its visitors. These structures were built around these small falls keeping and preserving Hagimit's natural beauty intact. It was great to see how man-made structures blend beautifully with nature.
There are a lot of nooks and crannies to explore in Hagimit Falls. Water that cascades in varying heights will definitely amaze you so don't just settle in one area. Walk its trails and enjoy a lazy afternoon under the shade of its trees. Choose your own spot where you can enjoy the sound of water cascading on its rocks while taking a dip in its cool waters. Trust me, it’s a perfect way to relax in Samal. Monfort Bat Sanctuary Have you ever wondered how Davao's durian continues to flourish?  The Monfort Bat Sanctuary is home of an estimated 2.5 million fruit bats. It is the largest fruit bat colony in the world. Well, you can put the blame on the "kwaknit" or fruit bats from Samal Island who helps propagate the durian fruit in the province. Samal Island is the home of the biggest fruit bat colony in the world with an estimate of 1.8 million bats at the time of its discovery. At present, the colony is said to have an estimate of 2.5 million bats. The 5 bat chambers are all located within the property of the Monfort family who have taken conservation efforts to protect the colony. Guests of the sanctuary can view these nocturnal animals outside the entrances and entering the caves are strictly prohibited. You would be amazed observing thousands of bats that blanket the walls of the caves.
Guests go through an orientation of the conservation efforts being done at the sanctuary that focuses on CPR - Conserve, Protect, and Respect. It includes a brief history of how the sanctuary came to be and the importance of the kwaknit. With 2.5 millions bats helping propagate the durian, the region is assured of having a steady supply of durian. Without these bats, there will be no durian. Sanipaan Marine Park and Vanishing island Capping off our daytrip, we headed to the Sanipaan Marine Park in Tambo. The marine sanctuary was identified as an eco-tourism zone and a community-based tourism program for the local community covering 158 hectares. Locals offer boating, mangrove tours, and snorkeling activities.  Enjoying the shite sand bar of Sanipaan, also known as the Vanishing Island. One of the main activities in the sanctuary is a visit to the Vanishing Island. It is a white sandbar located a few minutes from the jump-off point that "rises and sinks" with the tide. There are floating cottages on the island for those who want to stay on the island longer. You can also explore the nearby mangrove area for those IG worthy shots.
The best time to visit will be in the late afternoon for a more dramatic shot. POST TRAVEL NOTES Nature has a very interesting way of refreshing and re-energizing the mind and body. Having spent a whole day exploring nature's wonders on the Island Garden City of Samal, I went home totally blown away by the island's beauty. Samal Island is a must-visit destination in Mindanao. The beauty that it showcases above water is one that will definitely make you want to head back and explore more. I guess, next time, its time to explore what's underneath.  Summer is starting to settle in. Are you ready? Like what I mentioned previously, last year's trip to Mindanao was something for my books. It made me realize that I have been missing a lot on Mindanao's beauty and that it is about time to focus on this region this year. #Mindanao1 is definitely underway and Mindanao will definitely rock this travel blog this 2019. Getting There: Major airlines have regular flights to Davao from major cities in the Philippines and some select international destinations. You can take a taxi or a public jeep to the Samal Ferry Wharf where you can take a 15-minute RORO ride to Samal Island. For daytour Samal Island arrangements, you can reach Kuya Jaynon at (0975) 216 1434 (Globe) and (0938) 101 9110 (SMART).
There is a certain kind of melody that plays in the middle of the night. The sound of crickets blends perfectly well with the gentle whisper of the wind and the rustling of the leaves. Every now and then, a small splash of water hums in to the evening melody. The music it creates is calming as it lulled me back to sleep. I heard it perfectly well that December early morning as we slept under the stars marooned in the island of Isla Maria.  Isla Maria is a haven of peace and tranquility in the middle of Lake Lumot. Isla Maria is a small island located in the middle of Lake Lumot, a man-made water reservoir in Cavinti, Laguna. The island is a perfect spot to get marooned and detached from your busy city life. You can choose to sleep under a roof or under the stars. Or you can opt to sing your heart out until the first light of day. With amenities that cater to families, workmates, and even your barkada, Isla Maria gives you a different feel of island living.
I first caught a glimpse of Isla Maria on Facebook after a guest shared her experience and photos of her recent visit. I got curious because of Isla Maria's unique proposition - enjoying life on an island in the middle of a lake. It was something that was worth trying out especially for a beach person like me. So how does Isla Maria re-defined island living? Isla Maria makes the whole experience Memorable. Living on an island on a lake is not the usual staple for travelers in the Philippines and being able to do so is a totally unique and memorable experience. But having the whole island for yourself, which we did, levels up the whole experience.  Living on a lake island is a unique experience and having it all for ourselves made it memorable Isla Maria is like a huge house where you have everything that you need. You have a choice of accommodations - from a whole house to glamping. We did camp out in style on the island and we woke up refreshed to a bright and sunny December morning. Time seems to slow down on Isla Maria and you get to spend more time with family and friends. You can share your stories while cooking your meals or while you take a lazy dip in their pool. You can even play a round of badminton or hide and seek during your free hours, which you get a lot. Evenings can be a lot of fun where you can lie down on its grass to gaze at the stars while a family member or friend belts out their favorite videoke tunes until the wee hours of the morning.
The island re-defines family or peer bonding. It gives you the opportunity to just re-connect effectively the old-fashioned way. Think of it as a family or peer weekend at home... only this time marooned in an island on a lake. Isla Maria gives you a different kind of Adventure If you think that the laidback feel of the island will tone down your sense of adventure, you guessed wrong. Isla Maria packages include a different sense of adventure with its water activities, fishing, and island hopping!  Enjoying a sunny day in one of the islands of Lake Lumot. Island hopping? Yes, you heard it right! Lake Lumot has its own collection of islands that you can explore. But do not expect it to be the white-sand-type kind if islands. You can circumnavigate these bare islands, just a few minutes from Isla Maria, in a few minutes because it is that small. If you come in at the right time, you can catch a glimpse of migratory birds on its banks or water buffalo's lazing around its shallow waters. And did I mention that these islands/islets is a perfect spot for those unadulterated IG-worthy pictures?
And just when your food supplies run low (you have to bring and prepare your own meals at Isla Maria), do not worry because part of your activity is fishing. The fresh water lake is home to a number of fishpens that breed Tilapia. We docked in one of these fishpens and tried our hand on fishing. These fishpens make fishing an easy and fun activity and kids would love it! Asher definitely did enjoy it. You just pay the attendants based on how many kilos you harvested from the lot. Grill your freshly "harvested" tilapia and enjoy your meal.  You can also enjoy kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Lumot.
The still waters of Lake Lumot is conducive for other water activities. You can deviate from your usual exercise routine by hopping on a kayak and paddle your way around the island. You can work out your upper body while getting a tan and enjoying the morning sun. Or if you have extra cash on hand, you can rent their jet ski and get on a high speed adventure on Lake Lumot. Isla Maria Relaxes you. Isla Maria is an easy escape from the hustle of the city. The place is laidback and disconnecting is an easy option for its guests. You can choose to just doze of on a hammock or enjoy the sunset view by the pool. If singing is your stress reliever than by all means sing your heart out until your voice cracks with its videoke machine. Or you can choose your own chill spot where you can read a book or meditate.  Relaxing at the floating cottage of Isla Maria.
I loved their floating cottage where I spent most of my morning on our second day. Its cozy ambiance matched by some early 2000 music, blasting from the sound system, was a perfect spot to just chill and hum with the song playing. It was not just relaxing, it was nostalgic like an easy Sunday morning. Isla Maria re-connects you with nature to Inspire you. Have you ever experienced the calming effect of watching the sunrise or the sunset with the sound of nature surrounding you? That was exactly how the island makes you experience these nature shows. You can find your own spot and just enjoy watching the day turn into night and then night turning into day.  Get inspired and make the jump! Take the time to lie on the grass to enjoy the sun or enjoy the cool waters of the calm lake. Better yet, get some adrenaline running by getting your guts together to jump into the lake. After a couple of rounds, relax on the bamboo rafts and doze off to the sounds of water slushing and soft winds blowing. Cap off the day by lying down on the grass to gaze at the stars and the evening sky.
Re-connecting with nature makes you realize that it is worth taking the time off with nature. Nature energizes and inspires you to be able to think clearly and to be more focused. And Isla Maria is a great place to exactly do just that. Isla Maria makes you Appreciate the best things in life. Isla Maria makes you realize that most of the things that make our lives better does not come with a heavy price. Connecting with family and friends is as simple as spending time sharing stories or laughing at the corniest jokes. Connecting with yourself is about taking the courage to jump or to listening to music that you get to enjoy. And that getting re-charged can be done by simply watching the sunset or by looking at the stars.  A simple life is a great way of living.
As you watch a fisherman tread through the calm waters of Lake Lumot as he does his daily chores, you learn to appreciate that life is simple. We get to realize that life can be simplified if we look closely around us. POST TRAVEL NOTES For most travelers, we have always associated island living with white sand beach coves on an undiscovered island. Isla Maria gives a different shade to that definition. This island on the man-made lake of Lumot gives it a more subdued vibe of having to spend a day or two on an island all for yourself. It is a great escape from the fast paced city life without having to worry about flights or long drives. I am always on the lookout for the new destinations that offer a unique proposition. Isla Maria caught my attention because of its glamping and the idea of spending a day on island all for yourself. I must say that Isla Maria really delivered what it says it would.  Are you ready to take the leap to our next destination? Isla Maria should be on your bucketlist this summer. Spending a summer night on an island is a cool idea especially if you are talking about an island on a lake which we rarely find. Getting There: Isla Maria, located in Cavinti, Laguna, is just a 3-hour drive from Manila by private car via Tanay in Rizal. They have tree houses, a family house, and glamping accommodations. Their standard packages include boat transfers, fishing, island hopping, and unlimited use of kayak, pedal boat, and videoke. You can check out details of Isla Maria packages or message them through their Facebook page by clicking here. If you are commuting, you can take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz in Laguna from Buendia (Php68). You can then take a jeep bound for Cavinti and ask the driver to drop you off at the Johnson Junction (Fare is at Php30). Take a trike from the junction to Isla Maria or Lagpan (Fare is at Php150), the jump-off point to Isla Maria.
The sound of the waves hitting the shore was music to my ears after enduring a 12-hour travel from Manila to Mati. The travel experience included rushing out of the airport, ala "Amazing Race", as soon as the plane landed from Clark, to intercept the bus that my brother hopped on in downtown Davao. Four and a half hours after boarding the bus, we were rolling in to the sleepy city of Mati. We were tired, hungry, but EXCITED.  Excited to explore Mati! When my Mindanao-based brother and I first talked about taking a trip somewhere in Mindanao, Mati was his obvious choice. He missed riding the waves after moving in to Cagayan de Oro in 2017. I loved the idea because Mati was new place for me to discover and explore. The city of Mati is not like most cities. Located on south eastern side of Mindanao, it is void of the usual high concentration of buildings and establishments that we usually find in an urban set-up. It evokes a provincial vibe more than a city. It is a popular weekend beach escape on this side of the country and its claim to fame are the waters of Dahican Beach which is ideal for skimboarding. Join me as we explore the sites and the sounds of Mati, the provincial capital of Davao Oriental. Dahican Beach Our first stop for this trip is its famous Dahican Beach!  Dahican Beach is a popular beach destination on this side of Mindanao. Located 30 minutes away from the city center, my brother and I opted to make Dahican Surf Camp our pitstop for this trip. The surf camp is a beachfront resort located in the middle of Dahican's seven-kilometer shoreline of white sand beach facing Mayo Bay.
Dahican Beach is Mati's prime tourism draw. Its white sand beach attracts beach bums for its chill and laidback vibe. Watching the sun rise on its horizon is a great reward for early risers. Or you can also enjoy watching fishermen haul in their catch in the morning. For evening persons, you can have your fix by enjoying your fave drink while indulging yourself to house music blending perfectly with the sound of the waves crashing along its shores. The waves of Dahican also attracts adrenaline junkies. It is a popular skim boarding spot in Mindanao, and there are spots in the area where you can also enjoy riding its swells. My brother had a grand time body surfing while I enjoyed watching skim boarders skim along its shores.  Dahican Beach is also popular as a premier skim boarding spot in the country. The raw beauty of Dahican Beach can give other Philippine beach spot a run for the money. I loved how unassuming the place is despite its beauty. It has something to offer for all types of travelers, from beach chilling to challenging its waves. Subangan Museum Davao Oriental prides itself for having an area that is rich in biodiversity. And a visit to the Subangan Museum will give you an overview of the province's rich ecology, culture, and history.  The Subangan Museum was named from the phrase "Subang sa Adlaw", which means "first light". The first floor of the museum showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Davao Oriental. It gives you a glimpse of the way of life of the different tribes from its region, from a historical point of view to the present. You will be amazed at the colorful artistry found in their body ornaments and the way they dress. A special room also gives its guest a walkthrough on how the region was affected by climate change. The second floor is an exciting exhibit that makes you feel, see, and hear the rich beauty of its natural resources. It walks you through the Davao Oriental's tourist attractions, mossy forests, and awesome cave systems. And it walks you through the exhibit by making you experience how it feels to be in those places. The exhibit is experiential which makes you excited to discover the real thing. At the center of all the exhibit is the skeletal remains of Davor, a sperm whale that died in 2010 along the waters of Governor Generoso. It is the first whale exhibit in the country and the 7th largest on display in the world, measuring 53 feet in length. Its name is derived from the province's name to signify the rich biodiversity of Davao Oriental.  The museum's main attraction is the skeletal remain of the sperm whale, Davor. The first whale exhibit in the country. The Subangan Museum is one the well-curated museums that I have visited here in the Philippines. I came out full of new information that I picked up in a fun and interesting way. Definitely, it stands by its name derived from the local phrase "Subang sa Adlaw" which roughly translates to "first light of the day". The museum does serve as a the "first light" in understanding its culture, history, and natural beauty of Davao Oriental. Provincial Capitol and People's Park Standing atop a hill overlooking the Pujada Bay, the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol is the province's seat of power. It is the most dominant structure in Mati's skyline. Adjacent to the Provincial Capitol Building is the People's Park - a sprawling open space park. A small monument honoring Andres Bonifacio and a Children's Playground are the prominent attraction in the park. Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino Located at the heart of the city, the Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino is the center of the Catholic faith in the city.  The Cathedral of San Nicolas de Tolentino at the heart of the city. Its modern and minimal approach in its architecture make the structure blend with the modest atmosphere of the city. From the outside, the church may seem like your usual neighborhood church but you will appreciate it more once you step inside the church.  The homey ambiance of the cathedral. Its modern minimalist design extends to its interiors. You will be impressed with its high ceilings and its simple altar with its wood finishing that gives it a very warm and homey feel. Mati Bay Walk Just a few meters walk from the church is a sprawling park facing Pujada Bay - the Baywalk. The open field park sits behind the breakwaters giving its guests a beautiful view of the bay and the surrounding mountains of the province.  It is very easy to fall in love with the laidback feel of Mati.
This is a popular afternoon spot for locals where they can enjoy the view and the breeze while spending time with family and friends. This is where you would also find the "I Love Mati" sign with the Pujada Bay as its backdrop. Mati City Hall The City Hall of Mati serves as the center of governance of the city. Located two blocks away from the Baywalk, you can take a 5-minute walk to the city hall and you also get to enjoy a usual day in Mati. Check out the city's watchtower and its garden that bears the busts of the city's mayors. You will also find the city's pylon a few meters from the city hall gate. Sleeping Dinosaur of Mati Another famous spot in Mati is its Sleeping Dinosaur. It is a viewing deck atop a hill that overlooks Pujada Bay and the surrounding landscape around it. It got its name because the landmass that separates Pujada Bay and Balete Bay looks like a sleeping dinosaur resting on the bay's waters.  I had front seats to enjoy the beauty of Mati's Sleeping Dinosaur. The view deck is located along the city's outskirts on the western side. You can take a bus bound for Davao or Tagum and you can ask the driver to drop you at the Sleeping Dinosaur View Deck. Alternatively if you are coming from Davao, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the view deck before you head off to the city center.
Be prepared to be physically challenged with a short and a bit steep 15-minute hike to the view deck. This part of the trip caught me off-guard that I was huffing and puffing when we reached the view deck. But your huffing and puffing will be rewarded by the amazing views of the land and sea of Davao Oriental. I was lucky to come in without the crowd that I was able to enjoy 30-minutes of unadulterated view of the "Sleeping Dinosaur" while getting refreshed by the breeze coming in from the sea. POST TRAVEL NOTES At first glance, the city of Mati may seem to be a sleepy and unassuming Philippine destination. Most people would probably associate it with Dahican Beach and skimboarding. But beyond the white sand and the adrenaline, the city gives you an interesting sneak peek of what you can discover and explore in this city and Davao del Sur.  Get ready to be marooned on an island on our next trip! The province is a pot of gold for travelers and Mati has not seen the last of me yet. Well, kelangan lang talaga na matibay ka if you plan to visit Mati. The travel from Manila alone can be taxing but it's a trip worth taking. Maybe on my next trip to Mati, I should take it a "notch higher". Tara! Mati, Bai! Getting There: Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines have regular flights to Davao City from Manila, Clark, and major cities in the Philippines. From the airport, you can walk to the highway where you can take a bus to Mati City. You can take a tricycle or ride a habal-habal to go to Dahican Beach or to go around the city.
Roughly at 11.20pm, we were along EDSA in Cubao desperately hailing a taxi to get home. A ride getting home shouldn't be a problem on a regular day but this was not a regular day. It was December 31 and we just came from a 14-hour trip from Caramoan. 25 minutes and four cabs later, we were home and 15 minutes ahead of 2019. And 20 minutes after ringing in the new year, we were comfortably asleep - tired after returning from our supposed yearend trip and after we got "Usman-ed" in Caramoan.  Our yearend travel had us seeking for higher ground, literally. Our planned trip started out smoothly days before the onset of the new year. The plan was to explore the beautiful beaches of Caramoan on the eastern seaboard of Camarines Sur. This tourist destination took the limelight after being featured on a number of seasons of the international franchise of "Survivor". With its pristine white sand beaches, off-beat rustic ambiance, and 13 islands to explore, it is not surprising that a lot of locals will try their luck in surviving Caramoan. Day 1: A Surprise Sidetrip We started out our trip smoothly with two families, a couple, and a solo traveler. We all boarded a van for an overnight trip to Caramoan. Weather was fine when we left although I was aware that a typhoon was going to hit land in Samar which may affect the weather system in the area. I expected some rains and some winds on our first day.  Typhoon Usman forced our group to make a short visit to the Cagsawa Ruins in Legazpi City. It was drizzling in Naga when we stopped over for breakfast. And just after breakfast, our first itinerary change was announced. Our sidetrips to Naga, initially scheduled on the third day was moved to the first day. It was understandable since we cannot afford to set out to explore islands in that kind of weather. But a major change was that our side trip was to include Albay. I was reluctant because by moving towards Legazpi meant getting closer to the typhoon which meant more rains. But when you are a joiner on a trip, you are at the mercy of the organizer's discretion. We had no choice but to go with the flow. The heavy downpour in Naga did not allow us to fully explore two of the city's popular destinations - the Penafrancia Minore Basilica and the Camsur Watersport Complex. We were able to make a short visit and view the image of the Our Lady of Penafrancia. However, the rains were relentless when we reached the CWC that we just had a quick tour of the complex. The rains were more considerate when we reached Legazpi City. While some of our companions managed to hop on an ATV and enjoy a trail run, our group decided to enjoy lunch and go for some pasalubong shopping at the Cagsawa Ruins. It has been years since I first set foot to explore the ruins and it was a nice to come face to face with this iconic attraction. Too bad though that it was raining and Mayon was not in view.  Sinigang sa Buko was our biggest discovery in Legazpi City. After the brief stop in Albay, we finally headed up to Caramoan and arrived at around 9pm amidst a heavy downpour. We later found out that our van was the last to have crossed the mountains to Caramoan. Day 2: A Rainy Staycation at Rex Inn Garden Resort We were jolted out from our slumber at around 6.15 in the morning. The frantic wake up call woke us in the midst of a flooded room. In no time, I was scampering to get our bags up on the bed. I was scooping stuff floating around while Jeh and Asher was securing our important stuff inside our Hull and Stern dry bags. We did not feel any fear. In fact, we were all laughing at our predicament.  The heavy rains in the early morning caused this river to overflow and flood the resort that we were in. I evacuated Asher first as water was rising fast before Jeh and I started to haul our things out of the flooded room. At one point, I feared that the presence of snakes in the floodwaters. By the time that I made a final sweep in the room, water was already on my thighs. It rose from ankle-deep waters up to my thighs in a matter of 30 minutes. The great thing with Rex Inn Garden Resort was that we were ushered in to a new room on the higher grounds of the resort as fast as we were evacuated. All affected guests were well-taken cared of. In no time, we were already sorting out our wet clothes from the dry ones. After breakfast (which was served and delivered to our room on time), I was able to get a clear picture of our situation. The heavy downpour in the evening that continued through the early morning caused the adjacent river to overflow and flood the resort. Baranggay officials were even mapping out a rescue plan to save 3 families stranded in one of the hills near our resort at the time that I was assessing the situation. The families sought higher grounds when the river swelled.
By midday, we were made aware that all roads leading out of Caramoan was blocked by landslides, a total of 18 landslides along the access road. Access to town was also blocked by another landslide. There was no easy way in to and out of the place as clearing operations may take days. The only way out was through the Caramoan Feeder Port in Guijalo and it would entail navigating through muddy trails because of the landslide. We decided that sitting out the storm was the only option as we were stranded anyway. Our island hopping activity turned into an unscheduled staycation at Rex Inn Garden Resort. We enjoyed just relaxing in our room, enjoy the sumptous meals which were always served on time, and enjoy the rainy and windy weather. Some of the guests took the opportunity to just enjoy a dip in the pool. Day 3: Three Beaches and A Church With the sun breaking out of the clouds, our guide, Kuya Joseph of Gayon Travel and Tours, organized a quick beach hopping activity to give us a sneak peek of Caramoan's rustic beauty.  We made a short trip to the nearby Bagieng Island when the skies cleared on the third day. We couldn't go far because a gale warning was still in effect in the area and the closest island that we can get safely into was Bagieng Island, more popularly known as Survivor Island. This is the island that is used by the international franchise for their location for the popular reality tv show. There are three beach spots in the area. Our first stop was the Balete Beach characterized by its cream-colored sand and the abundance of Balete trees. The place is a solitary spot which is also ideal for camping. It's solitary atmosphere make it a great spot to enjoy a slice of some peace and quiet.  Our first stop was Balete Beach. We were having a great time since the sun was cooperating.
Bagieng Beach is another stretch of cream-colored sandy beach at the "back" of the island. This is the landing area of motorized boats to access the location of the reality show. Its sugary sand and lush greens make it another photogenic spot for those cool and, sometimes, wacky shot.  Bagieng Beach is the docking area at Survivor Island.
Sabitang Laya is the main attraction of the island as this is the spot where the series is shot. Its vast open space and sandy shores, it is a great place where you can have a picnic and enjoy a cool dip. Asher loved the spot. Its dramatic limestone formation are great backdrops for photos. Its natural beauty would make any survivor enjoy spending time in the island.  Sabitang Laya is a photogenic spot because of its towering limestone rocks. As our exploration was limited due to safety issues, we were already headed back to the resort by midday. The beach hopping activity was really meant to give us a short preview of what to expect when we return sometime soon.  The sun came out briefly and we surely enjoyed its warmth. Later in the afternoon, we had the chance to head down to Caramoan town after one lane of the road was cleared of mud. The short trip to the town gave us a clear picture of the devastation brought in by the rains of Usman. Not far from our resort, flood waters was as deep as 10 feet. Locals were all busy cleaning up the mess inside and outside their homes. In the midst of the typhoon mess stands a Spanish-period church that dominates the skyline of the town of Caramoan. Built in the 15th century, the St. Michael Archangel Parish Church is one of the oldest churches in Camarines Sur. Its brick walls, glowing in red-orange hues in the late afternoon light, reflects its simplicity, its age and its rich history. Its three-tierred facade is highlighted by the image of St. Michael on the second tier and a belfry on the third.  I couldn't get my eyes off the beauty of the century old St. Michael Archangel Parish Church. The simplicity of the church extends within the walls of the church. Its main attraction is its altar and its three-tierred retablo with the image of the Crucified Christ as its centerpiece. The top level of the retablo bears the image of the church's patron saint.
We visited the church just as its afternoon mass was ending. As the faithful spilled out of the church's concrete pathways, I caught a glimpse of the church's wide courtyard still bearing puddles of floodwater. The church survived typhoons and earthquakes in all its 400 years of existence, which the town will be celebrating on May of this year, and no amount of Usman's rain is going to dampen the townfolks' faith. POST TRAVEL NOTES As we sailed across the waters of Lagonoy Gulf in the middle of the rain, I asked my little girl if she enjoyed our trip. Asher replied with a resounding "yes"! We both agreed that it was a different experience but it was one for our travel books. Our plan may have deviated by a mile but we love the fact that we did not allow the flood, the rain, and the wind to spoil the fun. We defined what was fun. We only realized how Usman drenched the region after we boarded our bus to Manila, the last bus trip for the year. We never had any idea of how much damaged it has caused until we got connected back onto social media. Now, we understood why our families were worried. It was a different experience. That I guess is the essence of our yearend trip - trips are never perfect. Something's bound to happen that will derail you from the plan. And that is the best part because you discover something new and different about the place and about you.  And yes, we are not yet done with Caramoan. We are heading back soon. My biggest pick-up from the experience - always waterproof your bag and it wouldn't hurt to have a Hull and Stern Waterproof bag. And yes, we are planning our return to Caramoan soon. Special Note: I have to commend Kuya Joseph and the staff of Rex Inn Garden Resort for taking care of me and my family. I cannot thank you enough for your fast action and for making us feel comfortable throughout our stay. We really enjoyed our stay in Caramoan kahit na-Usman kami sa Caramoan. Getting There: Raymond Bus Lines have direct land trips to and from Caramaon from their Cubao Station. Advance bus reservations are required weeks ahead so plan your trips very well. My recommended place to stay is Rex Inn Garden Resort. For hassle-free joiner tour, you can get in touch with Kuya Joseph of Gayon Travel and Tours, based in Caramoan, that includes van transportation, accommodation, meals, and island tours. He can also make accommodation and island tours arrangements if you are bringing a car with you.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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