Farm Tour in Malungon

Are you interested in a one day fun farm tour? Come and visit MALUNGON, exotic, exquisite, different. Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as Chairman of the Tourism Council helps... .

(Sarangani Bay)

Such a farm tour can be really fun! Departure is around 7:00 am for example in Davao City and around 9:00 from General Santos City. First Destination: Municipal Grounds and Parks (like the tree park or the arts & crafts gallery at the Municipal Hall) with a guided tour of CROWN Awardee Nutrition Program or vieing of rare ornamental plants.

Second destination: the Pacman Farm with viewing of Manny Pacquiao's memorabilias. Experience the Champ's quiet time in this wonderful garden where he prays before going to a fight.

Next will be D'Peak Restobar, where lunch (Filipino cuisine) will be served.

Later you'll be able to visit the Communal Vegetable farm at Datal Tampal, where you can pick fruits and take pictures. 

One highlight is indeed the visit Edna's Vineyard or Macnit Grapes Farm: have fun picking fruits. The owner will weigh your harvest at a farm gate price. 

Then visit the JG Goats and Ostrich Farm and learn something about milk processing.

For more information please email to pacman_tourism@yahoo.com or eleanorsaguiguit@yahoo.com or call 0926 226 8656.

 

Have fun!


See you there!!!

Lake Sebu - Simply Beyond Your Expectation!

South Cotabato is a province of the Philippines with its capital Korondal City and borders Sultan Kudarat to the north and west, Sarangani to the south and east, and Davao del Sur to the east. To the southeast lies Sarangani Bay, the finish of this journey.

South Cotabato is subdivided into ten municipalities and two cities, Genera Santos City (before Dadiangas), Koronadal City, Banga, Lake Sebu (my overnight stay and the first photo shot above), Norala, Polomok, Santa Nino, Surallah (nice town also), Tampakan, Tantangan, T'Boli (watch my photos) and Tupi.

Before the turn of the 20th century the area to which South Cotabato would be carved was sparsely inhabited. The inhabitants were Muslims, B'laans, Manobos, Tagabilis, and other ethnic groups who migrate to this part of Mindanao perhaps even before the birth of Christ. 

These Malayan pioneers led a peaceful existence and were isolated from other developing civilizations of the world after their migration. They remained isolated until the 15th century when Shariff Kabunsuan of Arabia arrived in Cotabato with his religious teachers to introduce the Mohammedan religion. He converted most of the Malayan settlers who occupied the lower and upper Cotabato Valley along both sides of the Maguindanao River.

On May 11, 1992 South Cotabato gave birth to a new province, Sarangani, signalling its coming of age. It is a new challenge, and South Cotabatenos, with their indomitable spirit, will prove more than able to keep up with the demands of the times.

 Lake Sebu is home to the T'bolis, a highland tribe that has it roots in South Cotabato. The local tribesmen consider the lake not only a God-given food basket (the Tilapia is really mouth-watering), but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up.

 Lake Sebu, a place where life indeed blends with nature... .

Don't miss the H'Gelobong Festival at the second week of November. A festival show casting the different arts, culture, sports, and other tribal activities of the T'boli.

The province is known for its collection of ground and serial orchids as well as indigenous flowers which can be found in Abiera Farms. The T'boli products are also worth buying and one should check out their colourful costumes, intricate beadwork, beautifully woven baskets and traditional brass ornaments. Fresh pineapples from the DOLE pineapple farms are also available.

Lake Sebu and Sarangani/Peace in Mindanao

One of the statements in President Noynoy's inaugural address that caught indeed my attention was his unique commitment to a peaceful settlement of conflicts in Mindanao. 

Quotation: "My government will be sincere in dealing with all people in Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all - may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian!"

Picture has been taken during stopover and lunch in Royal House Hotel in General Santos City with Presidential Adviser for Peace in Mindanao Mr. J. Dureza, and good friends Klaus and Helen Schweinheim, my wife and my mother.