Experiences in Philippines
GREAT GLAN GOURMET GETAWAY (4GS)
Across Sarangani Bay in the eastern part of the province is the town of Glan. Glan has one of the most pronounced vestiges of colonial influence in the entire region, as seen through the remaining American-period houses that dot its center. Being a coastal town, Glan also boasts thick mangrove forests and long stretches of white sand beaches such as Gumasa beach—host to the annual SarBay Festival. This festival is the largest beach party in Mindanao and hosts more than 100,000 beach lovers annually. Adding to the vibrant mix of cultural influences in the region is the expatriate Indonesian population in Glan.
Apart from the historical and natural attractions of the town, Glan also boasts a growing culinary industry. Behind its rustic ambience are dining havens that can lure even the most discerning foodie. 4Gs or the Great Glan Gourmet Getaway is the local food tour package in a strip that takes visitors by surprise. Lanai 1687 is one of the participating restaurants of 4Gs and is also a selected dining destination of the SarBay Cruise. The restaurant is best known for its steaks and seafood dishes but also serves a wide variety of food from appetizers to desserts.
While guests indulge in the sumptuous meals, their eyes can feast on the sweeping views of Sarangani Bay, making the dining experience even more memorable. Traveling south along the highway from Lanai 1687, one would find Carlito Café—a quaint little spot popular for its homey ambience. Its cozy interiors and garden area make it a perfect hangout for friends and family who crave for urban comfort food in the relaxing rural environment of Glan. Their variety of caffeinated and other novelty drinks as well as their wide selection of sandwiches, pastas, salads, and snacks can surely compete with those offered by more popular coffee shop chains.
T’BOLI KEN
Part of every culture is it unique foods that reflects its environment and preferences. The Tboli Ken Food and Adventure Tour delights visitors as they stay in Gonu Bong enjoying homestay services while singing and dancing with the Tbolis. Must-try foods include Onuk Haklafak—a unique Tboli dish of roasted native chicken, and Onuk Nelut—another native chicken dish cooked with spices in a bamboo stalk and uses Doun Mengi, a kind of leaves for covering. The natural flavors of these dishes will surely capture one’s taste buds.
Coffee is also a popular beverage among the Tbolis and their own blend of Arabica beans can warm even the coldest of the nights in the highlands.
GENSAN TUNA TOUR
General Santos’ cosmopolitan vibe reflects its stature as the commercial and industrial center of SOX. It is also an emerging destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions or MICE with its increasing hotel rooms and convention facilities.
It is the undisputed Tuna Capital of the Philippines with its Fish Port Complex unloading and processing 750 metric tons of fish per day. It’s no wonder then that the city has developed the GenSan Tuna Tour. A number of local restaurants here offers an array of food choices focusing on must-try tuna dishes. Here, one can have sushi, sashimi, or the favorite grilled tuna anytime he/she wants without spending a lot. One can even have tuna lechon for a special occasion. Never leave General Santos City without trying tuna and other seafood dishes.
OLANGO CHANNEL
Soak in your own island getaway. Dotting the Olango Channel of Cebu are small islets and sandbars which are perfect for an island getaway. Soak up the sun as you enjoy frolicking in the warm tropical waters and enjoy a hearty lunch in one of the islets.
CANYONEERING IN SOUTHERN CEBU
Jump into adventure and release your inner adrenaline junkie. Take a leap from small waterfalls, navigate river rapids, and free float through river canyons. Canyoneering in Southern Cebu beckons the adventurer by heart as its thrilling leaps and river rush will excite and intimidate you at the same time.
DANAO ADVENTURE PARK
Experience the thrill again in Danao. With the park reopening after the October 2013 earthquake, the park once again redefines the meaning of adventure with the resurrection of “The Plunge” and the new thrilling activity – the glass cliff walk.
WAKEBOARDING AT CALATAGAN, BATANGAS
Experience the thrill and fun of wakeboarding in Calatagan, Batangas with the pioneer wake park in the country.
CWC WAKEBOARDING
A pioneer in the Philippines and in Asia, the CamSur Watersports Complex or CWC in the municipality of Pili is a world-class complex considered as one of the top wakeparks in the world. Its top-of-the-line facilities have attracted watersports enthusiasts both local and foreign, bringing cable skiing to a whole new level.
PESCADOR ISLAND’S SARDINE RUN
Be part of the crowd and be part of the spectacle that is Pescador Island’s Sardine Run. This popular diving site is just one of the many famous diving sites in the island province.
MAYON ATV ADVENTURE
Dubbed as the “world’s most perfect volcano”, the best way to experience Mayon Volcano in Albay is to get up close rather have a glimpse from afar. For tourists, Mayon ATV tours provides a more personal way of appreciating this beautiful volcano.
PURARAN SURFING
Aside from the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, Catanduanes is well-known as an established surfing destination. Facing the Pacific Ocean, Puraran in the town of Baras is home to the so-called “majestic” waves producing perfect barrels suitable for professional surfers.
TAYAK NATURE, ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE (TANAW) PARK
Tayak Hill is situated in Rizal right beside Mt. San Cristobal. Dubbed as the Biker’s Heaven of Laguna, the hill is a frequent destination to bikers and pilgrims alike. A short uphill walk and one will be at the windy peak and see two crosses, a view of Laguna upfront, and a view of Mt. San Cristobal behind.
BONIFACIO HIGH STREET
Redefine the mall experience as a walk in the park. Along a main street is full of diverse cuisine, the latest fashions, and even street performances. The environment celebrates the modern aspects of good living—fashion, health and beauty, home, sports, technology, and special interests—anchored by a 400m x 40m wide interactive park.
ENCHANTED KINGDOM
Enchanted Kingdom is the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines. Get ready to have a day filled with magic, fun, and laughter! Brace yourself for world-class rides, spellbinding entertainment, delectable food delights, and variety of unique souvenir items for all ages. Enjoy the fascinating sights and sounds of seven themed zones and experience exciting events and amazing attractions.
RIDE THE RAPIDS AT PAGSANJAN FALLS
Skilled and accredited boatmen will take you on a scenic boat ride at Magdapio River in order to reach the main falls—the famous Pagsanjan Falls. You may rent a banca or small boat to take you to the falls or “shoot the rapids”. Be prepared for the thrill of a lifetime as the expert boatmen manuever the boat skillfully through turbulent waters.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Give in and go wild with white water adventure via a rafting boat while enjoying the flora and fauna along the Cagayan de Oro River.
DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK/ FOREST PARK
Dahilayan Adventure Park, now popularly known as “Dahilayan” is one of the best places to experience the most fun and family-friendly activities in Bukidnon. The home of one of the longest dual zipline in the Philippines—one can enjoy the 840-meter zip line and other amenities in the area.
KATUNGGAN COASTAL ECO-PARK (MANGROVE ECO-PARK)
This mangrove eco park is home to various mangrove species and diverse marine wildlife sanctuary.
MARIANOS BLOOMING AGRI-TOURISM PARK
The sunflower field of Tupi in South Cotabato is one of the newest tourist destination in SOX Region that day trippers have been raving about. It’s something unique in the area even given the numerous scenic places throughout around and it’s attracting visitors coming in droves.
The Mariano’s Blooming Agri-Tourism Park (formerly Blooming Petals Agri Tourism Park) in Purok 3A in Poblacion, Tupi quickly gained popularity since it opened its gate to visitors last May 27 when the sunflowers began to bloom. It is actually turning social media feeds now into yellow.
TUPI FRUIT PARK
Drop and have “pasalubong” at Tupi Fruit Park while taking photos at the majestic Mt. Matutum behind it.
SARANGANI PARAGLIDE
The Sarangani Paragliding experience is a breathtaking view of Sarangani Bay. The azure sky compeiments the blush bay and warm wind will caress your face. It’s a wonderful, extra ordinary flight. Maasim also hosted the IPAC (International Paragliding Accuracy Competition), PGAWC (Paragliding Accuracy World Cup), and the National Paragliding Fun Fly and Costumed Flying Event.
BAKNGEB RIVER CAVE ADVENTURE
Bakngeb has a wide river pool in its outlet that visitors can swim in. Its underground cave system makes the water naturally cold and crystal clear.
MAITUM WATERTUBING
Enjoy the clear and cold water of Pangi River in New La Union in the Municipality of Maitum. Get onboard the improvised rubber tube. The adventure is a 1.6-kilometer ride over rocks and water.
KALONBARAK SKYLINE RIDGE
An upstart eco-cultural tourism in the municipality of Malungon that is seated approximately 2,375 feet above sea level which provides an overlooking view of the provinces of Sarangani, Davao, and South Cotabato with four popular peaks of the Philippines—Mt. Apo, Mt. Matutum, Mt. Busa, and Mt. Parker (Lake Holon). The cool climate and the spectacular landscape will surely mesmerize tourists and guests which is more fun and best for camping activity.
NEW ISRAEL ZIPLINE AND ECO-ADVENTURE PARK
One of the longest ziplines in Asia with 1 and 1.3 kilometer ziplines. In this park, tamed monkeys–the Philippine Mocaque can be found. Tourists can immerse with the Moncadista, discover their beliefs and tradition, and experience the miraculous stone therapy.
PACMAN ADVENTOUR
Dubbed as the People’s Champ, boxer Manny Pacquiao put not just the Philippines but his hometown, General Santos, in the global spotlight. Together with his wife, Jinkee, who once served as Vice Governor of Sarangani, the couple founded Emmanuel and Jinkee’s Heart Foundation, Inc. The foundation’s main objective is to help finance various activities and livelihood programs which help uplift the socio-economic life of the undeprivileged. In pursuit of this goal, the couple opened the doors of some of their properties as tourist destinations, which provides employment to locals. Visitors get a glimpse into the life of the famed boxer, whose rags-to-riches story continues to inspire. Sites include their two mansions, Wildcard Gym, PacMan Stadium, Pacman Beach Resort, PacMan Farm, and The Manny Pacquiao Hotel also known as Road Haus Hotel. Proceeds of the tour will be used to support the scholars of Manny and Jinkee’s foundation.
TACLOBAN WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES (AQUA MOMENTUM)
Discover the thrill of water sports activities along the San Juanico Strait and Kankabato Bay in Tacloban while enjoying the view of a city recovering from the destruction from a super typhoon.
