A Virgin Joins S3X Tour Tres - Day 01

It was my first time to join a S3X Tour or better yet, the SOCCSKSARGEN EXPERIENCE earlier this month. This much anticipated event happened twice this year and I am a happy participant of its third installment.

The Soccsksargen EXperience is a 4-day event, an orgy of food, fun and adventure, spearheaded by brothers Bariles and GandaEverSoMuch. It features destinations, activities, and food all over South Central Mindanao. On its third installment, the group toured the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato, visited Koronadal City and General Santos City. All of these happened amidst the annual Tuna Festival at General Santos City, the tuna capital of the world.

Soccsksargen Experience September 2011 Participants Photo courtesy of Montage Digital Photography, Inc.

I had a wonderful and overwhelming experience. Not only did I gain new friends, I got to explore amazing places and got to try scary but exciting adventures!

Here are the highlights of my 1st day on the SEx Tour:

Organic breakfast at Cresing's

We left really early in the morning on the first day to travel to Maitum, Sarangani to have a healthy organic breakfast at Cresing's Food Products that is owned and managed by Ms. Beth Ramos. These are food that are grown or produced without any artificial chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides. Our sumptuous breakfast was courtesy of Maitum Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett.

I personally liked the bangsi or marinated flying fish and the salted egg. They also served us rice coffee made from organic upland brown rice. I enjoyed that and purchased some to take back home.

Bloggers meet Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett of Sarangani Province

After breakfast, we went to the Municipality Hall of Sarangani Province to pay a courtesy call to its lovely Mayor Elsie Lucille Perrett. We were all thankful that regardless of her busy schedule, she was able to welcome us and took time out for some picture taking. We also got a quick tour at the Maitum Museum that was housed inside the municipality hall.

About to set this baby pawikan free at the Pawikan Nesting Sanctuary in Sarangani Province

Our next stop that morning was to the Pawikan Nesting Sanctuary, still in Maitum, Sarangani. We were given the opportunity to experience helping baby pawikans (sea turtles) reach the sea and hope for the best that they survive. It truly was a priceless moment.

The sanctuary is a project started by Danilo C. Dequina. It was formalized in 2003, after taking a seminar on turtle conservation under the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR). He admits that he used to collect turtle eggs as a boy and their family would serve them for meals as they live near the sea shore. It was also a common practice in their neighborhood. Eventually, he learned that these green sea creatures are endangered species and decided to put up a hatchery to help save them.

Here's a short video capturing a thrilling moment of helping baby sea turtles reach the sea:

Lunch at IML Park in Maasim, Sarangani

We the proceeded to IML Ecopark in Maasim, Sarangani for lunch. The resort is owned by couple Mr. Jojo Lopez and Mrs. Haydee Lopez. It includes 2 swimming pools, one for adult and another for kids. They also offer a 580m zipline adventure. The highlight is perhaps the shooting range located at the right side of the resort. It will not be a surprise if this area becomes a site for practical shooting competitions in the future. Rooms are available for accommodations if you wish to enjoy a relaxing getaway. (Contact no. is 09489757710)

Our lunch was courtesy of Maasim Mayor Jose Zamorro.

White Water Tubing at Pangui River, Sarangani Province Photo courtesy of Micamyx

Lunch was followed by a white water tubing adventure at Pangui River. For a little (physically speaking) girl like myself who doesn't know how to swim, water adventures has always been a challenge. But I didn't want to miss the fun so I swallowed my fear and put on my bestfriend in the water -- a life vest.

The adventure is similar to white water rafting. But instead of a raft, each person is seated on what looks like large rubber tires. You will be accompanied by a guide or two, depending on your weight, that will be on your back on a separate vessel. Each "tube" has 2 rubber handles in front to hold on to and help you balance yourself as you battle the currents. Remember to keep your eyes open to avoid hitting rocks with your legs. I recommend wearing goggles and protective amphibian shoes for further protection.

White water tubing approximately costs Php120 ($3) and lasts for about 45 minutes.

After the adrenaline rush, we headed to Lemlunay Dive Resort to relax. I again faced my fear of the water and tried snorkeling for the first time ... with a life vest! The remaining time were spent relaxing at the infinity pool, overlooking the ocean.

Infantry Batallion Camp, Maasim, Sarangani Photo courtesy of Karen Ang

Before going home, we stopped by at 73rd Infantry Batallion Camp in Maasim, Sarangani, where we got oriented on how they were called the Army of Peace. After a brief presentation, soldiers took us for a tank ride around the camp to see how it was transformed to a tranquil tourist destination.

I asked our driver if the tank was an automatic or manual shift. He replied the former. I thought he would invite me to test drive the tank. Better luck next time!

Dinner at Meilih Restaurant, General Santos City

Finally, it was time to go back to General Santos City and enjoy dinner at Meilih Restaurant at Phela Grande Hotel. It is the only dining place in the city that offers shabu-shabu. The favorite among bloggers is the stuffed cookies with shrimp and quail eggs. No arguing with that. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Helen Angderson for our dinner.

By the time we all went back to our respective hotels, I was so exhausted I immediately dozed off after taking a shower. Wake up call the following morning is early and I needed to recharge for another fun-filled day! Can you imagine what's in store for the 2nd day of the Soccskscargen Experience? Stay tuned!

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