A Virgin Joins S3X Tour Tres - Day 02
It is the second day of the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3 (S3X Tour Tres) and we were all ready to travel to our first pitstop just before sunrise. I really didn't mind waking up really early in the morning during the entire event. We all get to catch up on sleep on a very comfortable van and we are always greeted with healthy and delicious breakfast. It felt good to always start our day that way.
Our first stop was at 5th Mountain Adventure Park in Balakayo, General Santos. Thank you to owners Mr. & Mrs. James and Twilight Betonio for the delightful breakfast that they served us.
 |
| Breakfast at 5th Mountain, General Santos City |
5th Mountain Adventure Park offers the first cable car adventure in General Santos. It was recently completed and is now available for only Php200 ($4.5) per person. The cable car can carry between 4 to 6 people per ride.
The group decided to experience the Cable Car prior to breakfast to avoid getting sick during the ride. It was a good decision. The height can get quite scary. The experience is another personal challenge. As much as I am afraid of the water, I am also scared of heights. But once the ride starts, I had no time to think of my fear as the view was magnificent.
 |
| Cable Car Ride at 5th Mountain Adventure Park |
The next personal obstacle I had to face was the zipline, still at 5th Mountain Adventure Park. It is one of the fastest ziplines here in the Philippines. May I add that it is also the scariest as there is a few seconds of free fall motion at the beginning of the ride. As much as I intended not to scream, I just couldn't help myself.
Like a virgin, it was my first time to try a zipline and I was scared to the bones. I honestly almost backed out as I looked into the horizon of where I was zipping in. But a friend reminded me how rare such opportunities are and I should conquer my fears. I had to let several people go before me to accumulate enough courage to finally do it. There is a saying that goes, save the best for last. Well, I say, go for the best on the first time.
 |
| Zipline at 5th Mountain Adventure Park, General Santos Photos courtesy of Habagat Central |
The zipline at 5th Mountain Adventure Park includes a harness that fits to your waist and supports your bottom. This harness and your safety helmet will be scrutinized before you zip in. There will be 2 zipline cables that would support you on the ride. The fact that your harness is secured in the middle of your body allows you flexibility. This means you can easily lean back and opt to be inverted as you enjoy your zipline experience. A few from our group did it and I was completely astonished.
I have to say, it was worth swallowing my fear of heights. The view was breathtaking.
The zipline costs Php250 ($6) per person that includes 2 rides. One going to a drop off point and another going back to the park. The return is where the cable car is. Don't worry, no rides will be simultaneous.
The group took some photos and rested for awhile before we left for lunch. We went to Mt. Sabrina Restaurant Resort in Tambler, General Santos. Their main business is catering services. Our lunch was courtesy of Ms. Soledad "Sol" Manangquil, dubbed as the Queen of Tuna Cuisine and owner of said resort.
 |
| Lunch at Mt. Sabrina Restaurant Resort in Tambler, General Santos |
After lunch, we went to the city and into our respective hotels to change for a more formal event in line for the evening. We were given an hour to freshen up before we rendezvous at Montage Digital Photography for a group picture. The studio is located at the 2F Atrium, Gaisano Mall of General Santos City. Thank you to co-owner Mr. Omar Gallinero for graciously accommodating us that afternoon and for taking some amazing shots.
 |
| One of the group pictures courtesy of Montage Digital Photography |
Afternoon snacks or merienda was next in our agenda on the second day of S3X Tour Tres. Destination is Calda Pizza, situated at the first floor of Gaisano Mall. It was my first time (see, I'm a virgin in so many ways) to actually see a 36" pizza! We were served 2 of these! I wonder how these are delivered.
 |
| 36" Pizza at Calda Pizza in Gaisano Mall, General Santos |
The highlight of the evening is the annual Mr. and Ms. GenSan 2011 Beauty Pageant. The pageant was held at the KCC Convention & Events Center, General Santos City and produced/organized by Orman Manansala.
I personally enjoyed the costumes each participant proudly showcased during the event. I was highly entertained and impressed by how the beauty pageant transpired. Will discuss this more on a separate post.
 |
| Mr. and Ms. Gensan Beauty Pageant 2011 |
The day will never end without a hearty meal for dinner. After the pageant, we went to Tuna Grill Restaurant in Quirino St., General Santos City. Thank you to Mr. June Amistad for our delicious meal and to Representative Teddy Casino (Bayan Muna Partylist) for dining with us that evening. It was truly a pleasure.
 |
| Dinner at Tuna Grill Restaurant, General Santos City |
The night was still young when dinner ended at around 10pm. Some decided to explore what the city had to offer. I joined those who went to get some coffee (decaf, of course) at Cafe Firenzo in Sun City Suites. Wake up call the following morning was still early so I just ordered a cup of hot chocolate.
Day 3 of the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3 awaits!
Subscribe and don't miss this exciting update!
[...] 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 [...]
ReplyDelete