SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari- Day 2
10 Jun
We were up early for the 2nd day of the SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari. I’m not used to getting up at 6:00 am but since ours was a very tight schedule, I dragged myself out of bed.
By 7:00 am, we left Ice Castle Experience and were on our way to our first stop for the day, to have breakfast at the magnificent Dolores Farm Resort in Polomolok, South Cotabato. I have been to the resort before so I knew that my companions will surely love the place.
The very Filipino Breakfast at Dolores Farm Resort’s Chanee Restaurant was quick. I normally have no appetite for a full breakfast but I finished mine in no time. It must’ve been the breezy Sunday morning or the whole feel of the place.
(photo by Lyle R. Santos)
After breakfast, my companions took off for a quick exploration of the mini-zoo, swimming pools, and durian orchard. I chose to stay behind and helped myself to more of the restaurant’s native hot choco.
After thanking our hosts for the wonderful breakfast, we proceeded to Koronadal City to meet Zion Travel’s Francis Sablon and Carlo Ebeo. Zion Travel facilitated the Lake Sebu leg of the SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari.
On board the van provided by Mayor Jun Acharon, we traveled the 47 kms between Koronadal City and Lake Sebu, passing by the towns of Banga and Surallah. I’ve been to Surallah and Lake Sebu years ago but can’t remember much about my trip so I made sure that this time, I enjoyed both the journey and the destination. Yeah, even in the sweltering summer heat.
Soon, we reached the steep dirt road that leads to the entrance to the majestic “Seven Falls” and the zipline. After paying the entrance fee, we immediately headed to where the zipline is.
(photo by Charles Ortiz)
The mist from the spray of the falls was refreshing, as in Evian facial spray kind of refreshing. I was energized despite the 3-hour trip from General Santos and I was itching to try the Seven Falls Zipline. I have braved the ziplines in Davao City but I wanted to conquer my fear once more.
But bummer of all bummers, lots of people got there before us. Locals and tourists from as far as Baguio City stood there, patiently waiting for their turn. Lake Sebu is not recognized as a premiere ecotourism destination in Mindanao for nothing.
We were advised that our group will be accommodated in the afternoon and since it was already time for lunch, we proceeded to Punta Isla Lake Resort. There, we enjoyed a splendid view of Lake Sebu, the lake that never dries up.
We were also lucky to have been entertained by T’boli dancers. The dreamweavers, in traditional T’boli garb, enthralled us with their captivating courtship dance.
We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch of mostly of tilapia, cooked in every imaginable way possible. There were other Filipino dishes, of course, but in Lake Sebu, tilapia is the way to go!
After lunch, some went back to Seven Falls (Dongon Falls) while I joined the group which headed to Merl Garden Spring Resort for some snacks. I was so tired and sleepy that once I got there and found a comfortable seat, I dozed off. While I was sleeping, here’s some of what I missed:
Sheng at Seven Falls (photo by Ric Dumalay)
Ariel on the zipline (photo by Orman Manansala)
I know I missed out on the fun but hey, I woke up in time to enjoy the snacks prepared by our hosts. :D
At 4:00 pm, we headed back to Koronadal City for coffee at SaBalai Bistro, owned and managed by Carlo Ebeo. Must-tries at the place are the brewed coffee, mulberry tea, and pandan shake. And while you’re there, take time to check out the interiors– homey and artsy at the same time.
(photo by Charles Ortiz)
After a while, we had to head back to General Santos City for our farewell dinner at The Red Tent Steakhouse. The owners, Dina and Dexter Dumaran– with the assistance of their uncle Gilbert Tan– prepared an elaborate dinner of crown ribs, steak, crabs, among others. We may have been very tired from our adventure in the highlands but that doesn’t mean we left our appetite there. We certainly ate dinner with gusto!
(photo by Lyle R. Santos)
After having our pictures taken with our hosts, a bunch of us decided to meet for coffee while some of the SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari participants decided to rest in preparation for their trip back home.
The SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari might have happened over a short weekened but those two days helped in forming stronger relationships between and among bloggers from all over Mindanao.
To Avel and Orman Manansala and the rest of the SoCCSKSarGen Bloggers, CDO Bloggers, and the Davao Bloggers who participated in the Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour and SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari, thank you for the funnest weekend ever.
Many thanks to the following event partners:
- Hon. Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon, Jr.
- Ice Castle Experience
- Pacman Sports Bar
- Le Jardin Arnevel
- Piyesta KTV & Resto Bar
- Dolores Farm Resort
- Seven Falls Zipline
- Zion Travel
- Punta Isla Lake Resort
- Merl Garden Spring Resort
- SaBalai Bistro
- The Red Tent Steakhouse
- Rolee’s Bakeshop
- Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki
Thanks too for enjoying with us Brendel. The meet up was really great and the bond between Mindanao media got stronger. Thanks for you and Lyle.
We love to visit GenSan and hang out with the Sox Bloggers, Sheng. Always!
Until next time!:-)
YUMMY FOOD! GREAT COMPANY!
Thanks for being Project Lead for DB!
Thanks, Ri. It was one awesome weekend.:-)
it’s always a real pleasure to have you here, GF! balik-balik puhon!
Thanks for everything, GF. It’s always our pleasure to spend time with the blogosphere’s friendliest bunch.
Wow! Ang saya! Hehe. Thanks for the link love.
Ang ganda ng shot eh. First time mo ba mag-zip that time?
I would like to thank GENSAN, generous sponsors, friends and all bloggers from corners of mindanao for their warm hospitality.
Glad you enjoyed SoCCSKSarGen Safari, Faust.
Indeed, one of the best weekends!!
Thank you Brendel for helping us out with the trip. See you soon.
You know we love to have you guys around. Sa next Davao visit ninyo,badminton na ha!
wow! i hope i can experience that tour someday!
I hope so. Talagang masaya ang mga get-togethers namin lalo na with GenSan and CDO peeps.
nakakamiss! uber da best na trip at foods! thanks brendel at sa mga tao behind.
oo nga. by the way, ang ganda nung video mo. talagang na-document nang husto ang SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari.
nice meeting you again, ate brendel. hehehe.. til next time!
Yeah, see you around!
Just give me a buzz. Hehe