Experience Mindanao's largest wave pool at Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park!

The largest wave pool of its kind in Southern Mindanao is Paraiso Verde Resort & Water Park, located in Korodanal City, South Cotabato.They have the best amenities in terms of water fun for the whole family and friends.

 

The four main attractions of the resort are  the Moby Wave Pool  (considered the largest wave pool in Mindanao and has a giant water bucket), the Adventura River Rapids, the Freestyle Swim Pool, and the Wiggles Kiddie Pool.

The biggest Pizza ever at Calda Pizza, Gaisano Mall of GenSan!

Have you ever tried eating the biggest pizza ever!  Calda Pizza boast the largest pizza that you can have in GenSan !

The hungry bloggers of the S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much, well we did and one large pizza is not enough for all of us!

The pizza snack was sponsored by Calda Pizza, Gaisano Mall of GenSan, and they gave us another large pizza to feed our hungry stomach. Deliciouso is all I can say!

Have you tried their pizza yet? It is about time!

New cable car added attraction at the 5th Mountain Adventure Park!

The 5th Mountain Adventure Park at Balakayo, Brgy Olympog, GenSan City has a new added attraction to offer to their ever fast exciting zipline in this part of Mindanao. This is the second time for me to visit this place in GenSan with the S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much.

The road going up the mountain is an adventure in itself, we have to pass by a lot of cock breeding village before reaching the place. As always we were there very early n the morning and breakfast was served courtesy of the owner Mr. & Mrs. James and Twilight Betonio. Breakfast was a feast and it was really heavy they served vegetable soup,tuna steak, banana blossom salad with coconut milk, fruits and suman.

After our breakfast we headed down to gear ourselves for the adventure we came for which is ziplining. But before our breakfast we got to try their cable car, which is the latest attraction of the park. It was an experience of a lifetime to ride a very bare cable car where you can see the deepest part of the mountain as we cross two mountains, just like a slow motion. A must try ride!

This is the fastest zipline  in the area, and if ever you want adventure and fun this is the place to be when in GenSan!

Ride Prices: Zipline - P250; Xtreme Cable Car Ride - P200

For more information just visit 5th Mountain Facebook page!

The only shabu-shabu dining place in Gensan is at Meilih Restaurant!

I have tasted a lot of shabu-shabu in different restaurants around the country, but the best so far is at Meilih Restaurant at Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City! And it is the only dining place in the city that offers shabu-shabu.

While I was in GenSan with the S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much, me and along with the bloggers who participated were lucky enough to taste one of GenSan's best shabu-shabu.

Not only that, the dishes that was served was exceptional. There were two types of shabu-shabu that was served, the regular and the hot one. I opted for the hot one, OMG it was delectable a must try if you pass by Gensan. And the best of all is their stuffed cookies with shrimp and quail eggs. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Helen Angderson for our dinner.

37th Infantry Batallion Camp in Maasim, Sarangani Prov. now a tourist spot!

Who would have thought that an Army Camp will become one of the tourists attraction in Maasim, Sarangani Province?

Not many people would want to go to an army batallion camp, but that changes everything once you got to visit the 37th Infantry Battalion Camp at Barrio Tampuan, Brgy Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province under Batallion Commander Lt Col Adolfo Espuelas Sr.

The camp is civilian friendly and they really take good care of the people in the area. They do not only engage in military activities, they are also engaged in Peace building and community services in the area. Sarangani Province is now one of the peaceful province in Mindanao due to their presence.

During the  S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much, we experienced first hand hospitality from the 37th Infantry Battalion and a tour to their camp that made them special from the rest.

We had a fun time riding their "Tanke de Guerra" around the camp, it  was once in a life time experience, they also have a "Flirting Park", where soldiers can flirt with nature, a "Serenity lounge", where they spend sometime and have fun and their famous septic tank which they turned into a sight seeing pad to see the whole of Maasin and the Sarangani Bay.

If you are in the area, this is one experience you wouldn't miss!

IML Eco Park, a must visit in Maasim!

On the first day of our S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organized by Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com  with the teamed up of Orman Manansala  we had our lunch at IML ECO PARK, Barangay Lumasal, Maasim, Sarangani Province owned by Mr. Jojo Lopez and Haydee Lopez.

The IML Eco Park is an all adventure park  located on top of the mountain overlooking the Sarangani Bay, where you can enjoy swimming in their pool for adult and one for children, rooms where you can stay overnight. If you want adventure, they also have a zipline to perk up your adrenaline. A restaurant to go to when you are hungry.

We really had a good time at IML Eco Park and we had our sumptuous lunch through the courtesy of Maasim Mayor Jose Zamorro.

For more information on IML Eco Park Visit their Facebook Page Here!

Best White Water Tubing Experience in Maitum!

An adventure of a lifetime awaits visitors and tourist who wants to experience White Water Tubing, in Pangi River, Brgy New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province!

For those who are into fun and adventure, this is the place to be. White Water Tubing at its best. The downstream trail has improved a a lot since the last time I was there. The water flow is much faster now and the dips and dive are more exciting.

When in Maitum, Sarangani Province this is a must try ride of a life time.

I was there for the experience and I still get excited even if it is my second time there. . Thanks to  S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much for this second time, big time experience!

 

Pawikan Sanctuary in Maitum is a must visit for all tourist!

There are a lot of tourist destinations to visit in Maitum, Satangani Province and one of them is the Pawikan Nestling Sanctuary and Research Learning Centerlocated at the Old Poblacion.

It is a nice feeling to see that nature is taken cared of, especially the Pawikans (Sea Turtles)which has a nestling snctuary in the area. We could see that they are well taken cared of until they are big enough to go back to the vast Sarangani Bay to their freedom. The experience I felt while letting go a baby Pawikan Sea Turtles) to the vast sea was . .. .  I just can't explain the joy to see the small sea turtles raising to the water along the shore to their freedom. Home at last for the sea turtles!

Thanks a lot for the SEX Tour   organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much together with the Soccsksargen Bloggers or Sox Bloggers. 

 

A visit at the Museum and meeting Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett!

After having a hefty breakfast through the courtesy of the mayor of Maitum, Sarangani Province, Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett, we went to the municipal hall and got to meet the mayor in  person. Thanks to  S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much for this one of a kind experience.

Meeting a local politician is really one of a kind experience since they are busy with their daily activity running the town. In Maitum we were gladly welcomed by Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett and she was game enough to have a group picture taken with us and after that a photo op with each of the bloggers present.

Next in agenda is the Maitum Museum visit, which is housed just inside the municipal hall. There we can see the rich culture of Maitum, the rich archaeological find in the area. It is a must visit if ever you are in town and it is highly recommended. And our official tour guide is no other than the Tourism officer of Maitum,  Mr. Arlex Narte who gladly gave us the details of the culture and the archaeological find in his hometown.

Breakfast at Cresilda's courtesy of the Mayor of Mauitum. . . amazing!

The first day of the  S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) is always the most anticipated of all. We have to wake up early from GenSan City and have our first itinerary for the day and that is going to Maitum town of Sarangani Province!

I was very excited since we are going to have our breakfast at Cresilda's (Cresing's Food Products), this is not the first time that I've been to their place. The memory still lingers, the organic food that they served is very filling, and they also served the food products that they are selling. They are into organic farming and their products are sure 100% organic.

Thhey served organic vegetable salad that is grown in their backyards, different variety of organic rice, the red rice, black rice and brown rice, the marinated Bangsi (flying fish) of course will not be missed.  Lemon grass-Turmeric hot drink, and the cold drink counterpart with a punch of lemonsito as out thirst quencher.

They also have a new caffeine free coffee made from rice and corn, wild turmeric powder, moringa, fresh dalaldan, herbal salted egg, lemon grass powder, coco sugar and bagoong. I gought a half dozen bagoon with me back home.

If enver you are interested in buying their products you can order from them directly by calling or text with mobile number 0919-3045279 or email them at ferminc.rivas@hotmail.com

The breakfast is through the courtesy of the mayor of Maitum, Sarangani Province, Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett(meeting with her needs another blog post). Thanks to  S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) organizer Avel Manasala of  GenSantos.com   with the teamed up of Ganda Ever So Much for this memorable tour .

Piyesta KTV & Resto Bar always a welcome treat when in GenSan!

Going to GenSan City, I always look forward to go there since most of the time if not always, my first stop is always Piyesta KTV & Resto Bar !

 

A group of bloggers from different parts of the country was there in GenSan City  to attend the  S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) which is organized and spearheaded by no other than GenSantos.com Avel Manansala teamed up again with Ganda Ever So Much under the tutelage of the group which he co-founded, the Soccsksargen Bloggers and you know what? A welcome and refreshing drink was served to us upon arriving, courtesy of the beautiful Donna Mae Congson of Kikay Much and the bar owner, too!

You cannot miss Piyesta KTV & Resto bar since it is located at Robinson's Place GenSan. They also serve fiesta foods to die for and pulotan to the max!!

 

 

Dinner with Gov. Migs Dominguez at Red Trellis Seafood Garden!

I was one of the lucky ones who attended the S3X Tour Tres ( Soccsksargen EXperience Tour) which is organized and spearheaded by no other than GenSantos.com Avel Manansala teamed up again with Ganda Ever So Much under the tutelage of the group which he co-founded, the Soccsksargen Bloggers. ! The first night dinner was at the Red Trellis Seafood Garden (a Japanese inspired garden restaurant) with no other than the Governor of Sarangani Province, Gov. Migs Dominguez.

SOCCSARGEN’s only seafood restaurant. And true to their name they are the best in seafoods in GenSan. They serve the best quality of crabs, prawns and lobsters.  The recipes are delicious and the prices are quite reasonable. The ambiance is really great for families friends and acquaintances.

We are a group of bloggers who went there for the first night of our tour in Soccsargen area and have a good dinner and a chit chat with the owner and with Gov. Migs Dominguez. The food was great the place was so relaxing, a must for seafood lovers.

It is also great to know that Gov. Migs Dominguez is aware of what the bloggers could do to promote the Province

Red Trellis Seafood Garden Restaurant is located at Tiondson Ext. Corner Calina Street, Lagao (Fronting Notre Dame IBED), 9500 General Santos, Philippines!

Thye are open from:

Mon - Sun: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

For more information and reservations:

Telephone: 083-302-CRAB (2722) 083-5520256 Email: redtrellis@yahoo.com

Tiger Airways starts Davao-Singapore flight Nov. 1, with a promo!

Tiger Airways will stars flying Davao-Singapore route starting November 1, 2011 and they are selling a promo price for a one-way fare for only P1,599.00* if you purchase your ticket on August 11-17, 2011 and fly on 01 Nov 11 - 30 Jun 12!



 

Tiger will fly to the business and tourism hub of southern Philippines (Davao City) three times a week
First flight to Davao takes off on 1 November 2011
Tickets on sale now at www.tigerairways.com

Tiger Airways announced that from 1 November 2011, it will launch a direct service between Singapore and Davao.
Davao, the second largest city in the Philippines, has in recent years emerged as a major business, investment and tourism hub. Known as the “melting pot of the Philippines”, Davao is a culturally rich and extremely vibrant city.
With beautiful beaches, mountain resorts and a low crime rate, Davao was named the ‘Most Livable City’ in the Philippines by the Department of Tourism in 2008.

Tickets to Davao are on sale now up to August 17, 2011 from SGD$60 one-way (Singapore to Davao), all-in, for travel from 1 November 2011 to 30 June 2012. There will be three flights a week when the service launches, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

To book or for more information, please visit www.tigerairways.com.

Davao visitors for Kadayawan 2011 get a "Punch" upon arrival at Davao International Airport!

“FLY TO DAVAO AND WE WILL WELCOME YOU WITH A GOOD PUNCH. At the Davao International Airport, experience our welcome drink, DAVAO PUNCH, a concoction especially made for the guests of Davao City.”

From August 11 down to August 21, tourists will be treated to the Davao Punch, a new concoction of non-alcoholic drink with a combination of guava, calamansi and pomelo.

This is a special way to greet tourist visiting the city in time for the Kadyawan Festival 2011!

Welcome to Davao City!1!!

FLY Pinas all-you-can with PAL Promo!

“Fly PINAS” with Philippine Airlines Promo which allows pass holders unlimited travel to 20 domestic points from August 8 to November 15, purchase your ticket Aug.8-14, 2011!

To avail of the latest PAL offer, passengers may purchase the “Fly PINAS” pass online, PAL ticket offices or their PAL partner travel agents.

Fiesta (economy) class is P7,070 while Mabuhay (business) class is pegged at P37,070. Ticket sale period is from August 8 to 14, while travel period is from Aug. 8 to Nov. 15, 2011.

“Fly PINAS” pass holders can hop to 20 domestic points in the PAL network, which includes Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Manila, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga.

For example, one can fly to and return from different domestic destinations such as Manila-Cebu and return from Tagbilaran to Manila.

Similar to the “Fly Asia Pass” promo, “Fly PINAS” pass holders have two weeks to plan, book and have their passes ticketed in any PAL ticket office or any travel agency-partner. All domestic destinations must be finalized and confirmed before ticket issuance.

Fares do not include taxes and surcharges.

For more info on this promo visit www.philippineairlines.com

K Steaks Unlimited a must for steak lovers in Davao City!

K Steak Unlimited will soon be a byword in Davao City! "K Steak Unlimited : We Serve Steaks and Yes, They're Unlimited!" is really true to its name!

The newest addition to a dining experience in Davao City, located at  Loreto cor. Macopa Street, Juna Subd, just a few meters before St. Paul Church. The place is owned and managed by classmates and best friends Kevin Nifras, Jose Tabbada, and Beda Matayabas,K Steak Unlimited is Davao’s first steak buffet restaurant and the place can accommodate up to 50 people at one time.

I was one of the lucky member of  Davao Bloggers that was invited to be one of the first to try their unlimited steak meal.  Awesome really,  an unlimited steak of pork, beef and cream dory. This includes the buffet of pork and beans, beef caldereta, fresh lumpia, fried lumpia, creamy spaghetti, caesar salad and even fruit desserts.

The  steaks are grilled in front of your very eyes and you can get it fresh off the grill. The pork steak is really yummy and soft just rightly marinated, the beef steak you can have it your way rare, medium rare, or well done and the cream dowry is refreshing to the palate (a must try).

If you have a big appetite for meats, then this is the place to be. The buffet alone is satiating enough but the steaks are totally great!!

K Steak Unlimited, a business venture under the Katigayunan Food Corporation, the restaurant is now officially open as of July 20. They serve buffet lunch (11 AM to 2 PM) and dinner (5 PM to 10 PM) for only Php 170 pesos per head.

For inquiries, please call (082) 303-3694.

You can also visit and like their Facebook Fan Page!

 

My "Varekai" Cirque du Soliel experience. . . . awesome!

Cirque du Soliel presents Varekai is from the Quebec, Canada is in Manila for a limited engagement from June 22 until July 24,2011 at the Grand Chapiteau, Luneta Park just in front of Quirino Grandstand!

I first saw Verikai's ad on the internet last year that they are coming over to Manila for a limited time only. I decided then to see the show. I booked a seat for July 26 matinee showing and my plane ticket has to be booked next. Boy, I was so excited to hear the good news and back then I can't wait for the day to come.

Lat Sunday was a very long and exciting day for me since I have to wake up as early as four in the morning to catch my six thirty morning flight to Manila. I arrived around eight in the morning the matinee showing of Verekai is still at one in the afternoon and gates starts to open at twelve.

That was such a long wait, I just wasted my time going to some stores in Baclarabn, then to Robinson Place, Ermita had my brunch over there and just killing time before going to the circus.

As I arrived at the venue I was awed by the magnificence of the Grand Chaiteau, a tent which stands 66 feet high, can accommodate more than 2,600 people. The tent which has been erected at the Quirino Grandstand by more than 80 people, it looks amazing.

Inside the big tent was two snack bars where you can purchase your giant popcorn and choice of drinks. In the center lies the souvenir shop where you can get t-shirts, souvenir items at sale and  their souvenir program is up for sale at P500.00 a piece(very pricey indeed).

Verikai is a Romanian word which means Wherever in English language, it feature 13 jaw-dropping acts to be performed by the 130-strong Cirque du Soleil which includes 55 artists from all over the world.

Written and directed by Dominique Champagne, the circus act tells the story of a gypsy who falls in love with the creatures of “Varekai.”

It was a thrill of a life time as the show starts, their amazing performances, out of this world costume and their acrobatic feats is just extra ordinary. The stage, lights and special effects just made magic out of the performances, the tree kids from China with their act was just wonderful. The finale was breath taking as the acrobats takes turn in a breath taking acrobatic feat one after another.

I may say it is a once in a lifetime experience!

A short visit at Chavit Singson's Baluarte!

If you happen to be in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, then it is a must to visit Chavit Singson's Baluarte!

Baluarte is an interactive wildlife sanctuary and facility, with the breathtaking view of its dominating scenic boulders amidst trees and greens. It is owned by no less than Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson. Entering the animal sanctuary is free of charge it is just a few minutes away from the town proper.

To get there, it is either you rent a horse driven carriage(Calesa) or hire a tricycle going there.

The facility is especially a big crowd drawer for family outing, activities such as animal feeding, petting, riding the "tiburin", a small horse-drawn carriage, and visiting our Butterfly Garden will surely be an extraordinary adventure for family.

The place was already featured in national television, Indeed the place is really huge and it is surrounded by trees. The most prominent structure is the huge golden building which can be seen from afar. On top of the building is the famous golden tree which the Chinese usually have as a symbol of prosperity to come inside the house. As you go inside the sanctuary the next prominent structure is the giant dinosaur.

Ostriches, deers are roaming around freely on the grounds, the small ponies, ducks are caged and can be feed during heir feeding time.

Visiting the place is worth your while, I was there too early and they said that more visitors are there during weekends and in the afternoon!

The best Halo-halo up North is San Fernando, La Union's Halo-halo de Iloko!

Looking for a special place to get your cravings for Halo-halo took me up North in San Fenando, La Union!

I was passing by La Union going to Vigan, Ilocos Sur to see the old city that was still preserved. I asked some people on the bus going there if there are anything sort of good food or dessert to taste in the region which is not the traditional food from the region. I got an answer and they say that I should pass by San Fernando, La Union and taste their Halo-halo there at "Halo-halo de Iloko".

I did and I was not disappointed at all. The place is easy to look for, just ask any tricycle driver and they will surely bring you to "Halo-Halo de Iloko"! The place looks so small from the outside and once you go in you can see that the place has its own character. As I arrived in the place around past 2 in the afternoon, there were only one table that was occupied. I ordered and wow tha Halo-halo was tempting. The taste was awesome and it took me 5 minutes to eat it all.

If you ever go to the Ilocos Region up north don't forget to pass by and have a Halo-halo!

Davao's best baby back ribs only at Purple Angel Cuzina!

Purple Angel Cuzina is a newly opened restaurant located at Patnubay St. Phase 2, Sandawa Road (just across 911) Matina Davao City.

I came to know the restaurant through a friend of mine, Naprey Almario who invited me to visit the place ans have a taste of one of Davao City's best kept secret and the best, the most tender and reasonably priced Baby Back Ribs you can get. I was really impressed and that's what I got when i get there. I got to try their Boneless Chicken Barbeque, Vegtable Salad with Shrimp for appetizer, Chicken and Mushroom Crepe and for dessert their Banana Choco Chip Cupcake.

The restaurant also does catering services for birthdays, debut, meetings, and other events at a very reasonable price. You can contact them at 299-1100 and (0922) 861-0373. for inquiries and reservation. They are open from Monday-Saturday.

The owner is Angelic Andama Garcia, a mother who want to have a business that is also near the school where her children are going. The location is just a few meters away from Ateneo de Davao Matina branch. She has a passion for cooking and also a loving mother to watch over her kids while they are at school and at the same time make money while waiting for the kids to finish their school day. Before opening the restaurant she was aready busy with her pastries being delivered to different coffe shops and stores in the city. So, she decided to put up the restaurant so that other mothers who are busy can also bring their kids during lunch break and spend some time with them during lunch break. Thus the place is have table for kids, activity area and some toys to keep them busy. The store is open at around 7:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m.! Since they now serves breakfast, thus they open very early.

The business is busy especially during school days and it is already becoming a place for the school kids and their parents. The restaurant is also Wi-Fi equipped.

You can also check out articles about the restaurant by Naprey Alamrio, James Malibiran and you can also like them on Facebook!