A Virgin Joins S3X Tour Tres – Day 03

The 3rd day of the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3 (S3x Tour Tres) was another exhilarating day and I was totally looking forward to it. This 4-day event happens twice a year and is organized by brothers Avel Manansala and Orman Manansala, in cooperation with the Soccsksargen bloggers. A group of selected bloggers explored destinations all over South Central Mindanao. All these in the middle of the Tuna Festival happening in General Santos City.

Our first stop for the 3rd day was at Blue Haven Resort and Durian Garden in Banga, South Cotabato. We had our breakfast here of crispy fried tilapia and durian shake courtesy of resort owner, Gemma Young Paciente with contact no. (083) 239-2616.

Group shot at Blue Haven Resort

The resort includes pools and picnic areas. It has a small animal sanctuary that housed a few interesting animals such as crows, cockatoos, and 2 civet cats to name a few. It can also accommodate wedding receptions or other special occasions.

Some of the animals at Blue Haven Resort

I particularly enjoyed playing with the civet cats named Max and Rex. They were very playful, not to mention that they help in the production of one of the finest tasting coffee beans!

After breakfast, we traveled to 7 Falls at Lake Sebu, still in South Cotabato. I've heard raves from friends who have been here during the previous Soccsksargen Experience Tour and as I stepped into the park, I immediately knew why. 7 Falls got it name from the fact that it houses 7 falls and the tallest zipline in Southeast Asia! Cool!

One of the falls at 7 Falls, Lake Sebu

Zipline at 7 Falls at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato with friend Cai Abass

After experiencing one of the fastest ziplines at 5th Mountain the previous day, I was anticipating my next zipline experience at Lake Sebu. As of posting, it has the tallest zipline in Southeast Asia. I just had to set aside my fear of heights. Compared to my zipline experience at 5th Mountain wherein we were launched in a sitting position, the zipline in 7 Falls had us lay in our belly with our full frontal fully supported. It's like flying like Superman!

Here's a short video of my zipline experience at 7 Falls. I didn't mute the original sound but subdued the volume to make my screams a little bearable to hear. ;)

Thank you to South Cotabato Governor Dr. Dodo Pingoy for sponsoring our zipline adventure through our tour facilitator, Gerald Agujitas. The zipline costs Php250 per person ($6) that includes 2 different rides.

There are assigned photographers at the end of each zipline and you have the option to have a printed copy of your pictures for Php100 ($2) per 2 photos. You also have the option of saving all your shots on an external drive for an additional Php100 ($2).

We proceeded to Punta Isla Resort to meet Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan, Sr.

with Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan Sr. (standing in the middle, wearing white polo) Photo taken with Lake Sebu as backdrop

We took our lunch at Lemobung Lodge or Log Cabin Resort in Lake Sebu. Our fresh and delectable lunch was courtesy of Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan Sr. The lodge was located right beside Lake Sebu. It's one of the most relaxing places I've been to.

Fresh Tilapia was the highlight of my lunch.

Taking a break at Lemobung Lodge.

Our pitstop after lunch is at Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park located at Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Paraiso Verde houses the only wave pool in Soccsksargen region and it features 4 water adventures:

• Moby Wave Pool


• River Rapids


• Wiggles Kiddie Pool


• Freestyle Pool

Moby Wave Pool Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park

I had a blast in the wave pool! I recommend borrowing a salbabida (an inflated tire tube) when the waves arrive at the Moby Pool. Sit on it and allow yourself to float and be shaken by the waves! Personally, it was a relaxing water attraction.

To take a glimpse into what Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park has to offer, check out this video.

Snack was served at Cinco Niñas Filipino Cuisine courtesy of the resort.

Most of us wanted to stay longer but we had to head back to General Santos City to see something spectacular ... and for dinner! Yay! We went straight to Manilay Ancestral House in VS Homes, Nunez St. in General Santos City.

Manilay Ancestral House

Manilay Ancestral House was built in the heart of General Santos from authentic house materials of old houses from Laguna and Batangas. According to owner, Dr. Gregorio Warren A. Manilay, it started out with just collecting antiques that he and his wife have been doing for several years now. Eventually, they decided to feature this collection by setting up the Manilay Ancestral House. It took the couple 2 years to finally open the house to tourists and friends. They also accommodate photo shoots. A good place for a pre-nuptial shoot!

If you like a place that could take you back to the past, this is definitely it. The Manilay Ancestral House was featured in Manila Bulletin last October 2010. Read the article here.

We had the privilege of having our dinner here courtesy of Mr. & Ms. Warren and Sarah Manilay. Everyone was busy admiring the place before and after dinner.

Inside Manilay Ancestral House

I was extremely fascinated with a restored truck parked at the garage (refer to above photo). Dr. Manilay said that they purchased this for Php200 ($6) when they saw it abandoned in a pier. It is now fully restored and functioning! I would have enjoyed a test drive!

General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio joined us at Manilay Ancestral House for dinner amidst her busy schedule.

Day 4 of the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3 is up next! Don't miss any post, subscribe!

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