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!

I never learned how to swim. I used to dread swimming pools and cannot fully explore the water when out on a beach. I also cannot remember why I got so afraid of the water. But on my first trip to Mindanao a few years back, I braved an advanced course on white water rafting along with some male friends because I wanted to challenge myself and not be a kill joy type of girl. Since then, I have been a non-hesitant to water adventures.

I went back to Mindanao earlier this month and experienced white water tubing, yet another exhilarating water adventure! It was part of the itinerary of the Soccskscargen Experience Tour 3, an annual event full of adventure, fun and delicious food while exploring destinations all over South Central Mindanao.

Getting ready to start our water tubing adventure. Photo courtesy of Dabaw Pinoy

White water tubing is available at Maitum, Sarangani Province. The challenge is to navigate 1.6km of white water of the Pangui River at Barangay New La Union. Tubing is alike to rafting. But instead of having a raft and a paddle, water tubing entails sitting on an inflated rubber tire as you navigate through the rapids. These tires have a buttom support to make sure you don't slip right through and 2 rubber vertical handles in front to hold on to for balance.

Inflated rubber tires with bottom support.

There will be a brief orientation at the beginning of the adventure. Listen carefully. They will tell you how to balance yourself inside your designated inflated tube and remind you of things to do or what not to do when you are already in the water.

Each water tuber is accompanied by a guide or two depending on your size. He/they will always stay behind you aboard a separate tire. The guides are there to help you stay afloat, to navigate the water, and to remind you of safety measures during the adventure. You can also trust them to get you back on your tube if in case you lose your balance and fall into the water.

Tubers and tubes on a service to be taken to the drop off point. Photo courtesy of Dabaw Pinoy

Safety gears will be handed out right after the briefing. Make sure to have a guide check that your helmet fits and your life vest properly fastened before your white water tubing adventure. I also recommend safe keeping all valuable items, such as gadgets and jewelry as you may lose them along the way. The vests have pockets at the back that can fit your pair of slippers if you decide to bring them along with you.

I saw that each tube to be used were scrutinized before loading them into the service vehicle that would take it and the participants to the drop off point. It's a bumpy ride so be ready.

Tubing at Pangi River in Maitum, Sarangani Photo courtesy of Micamyx

A final check of safety gears takes place at the drop off area. You will be guided on to your inflated rubber tire and will get final instructions on how to settle in.

Here are a few personal tips to help you enjoy your water tubing adventure:

• Relax - There is a higher tendency that you would fall over or lose your balance when you move a lot inside your inflated tube. Leaning forward is not advisable too for the same reason.


• Anticipate splashes - It is inevitable that you will be facing (literally) splashes of water as you battle the rapids. These splashes is painful when it comes up to your nose. Keep your eyes open at all times and anticipate these splashes so you will be prepared. Try to keep your head up or hold your breath or exhale when you hit a splash.


• Hold on - Always hold on to the handles in front of your tube. They don't really navigate you through the river. It is there to help you balance yourself, specially when you hit a big splash or rapid. If you need to wipe water off your face, make sure you are on calmer waters.


• Open your eyes - The river is full of large rocks. If your eyes are closed, you will not be able to lift your leg to avoid these rocks. And well, the view is great. It would be a waste not to enjoy it.


• Goggles and shoes - It is optional but would be very helpful to wear goggles and amphibian shoes. The goggles can help you avoid water on your eyes, specially on splashes. Protection for your feet against those rocks is always a better idea.

With my guide, Jonjie.

White Water Tubing in Maitum, Sarangani costs approximately Php120 or ($3) and will take around 45 minutes. It is a must for every adventurer that would set foot on South Mindanao, Philippines. It is absolutely a one of a kind experience.

For inquiries, please visit the Official Website of the Municipality of Maitum. You may also want to check out this article on the same site that captured me during our water tubing challenge.

Late last month, I joined my friends for a short vacation at Tacloban City, Leyte to attend the Pintados - Kasadyaan Festival and to explore Eastern Visayas. As of this writing, it has become one of my memorable travels.

Personally, the highlight of the tour is our experience of the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride at Paranas, Samar. It is approximately 2 hours drive from Tacloban City and will pass through the San Juanico Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines connecting Leyte and Samar. It was imperative that we stop here and take some jump shots on the bridge!

Briefing site and starting point.

I simply love outdoor adventures as I seldom experience being away from home. It is a good way to get rid of the city stress. The weather was fantastic when we arrived and surprisingly, the river looked so clean and inviting! Mind you, that means a lot to me as I don't know how to swim.

Photo credit to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours

We were briefed and geared before we loaded the motorized torpedo boats. A boat can handle approximately 7 people, including the 2 local guides. The rent for each boat costs Php1700 (approximately $40). The adventure will take you downstream for about an hour and upstream for an hour and a half. The stop before going back is the most exciting part!

Magnificent view during the ride.

Personal Remiders:

• Be prepared to get wet. Bring a dry bag if you have one for your valuables and gadgets. It is recommended not to wear any jewelry.


• Bring extra clothes. You may opt to change after your adventure.


• Wear appropriate footwear. There will be a short hike and there are areas that are really slippery. I should know, I slipped 4 times!


• Apply sunblock! The water may be cool but getting sunburn is not.


• Bring snacks. You may eat during your break before going back.

To jump or not to jump, that is the question. Photo credit to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours

At the end of our downstream ride, we hiked a little to settle on drier land to eat lunch. Thanks so much to our most hospitable hosts, Gerry Ruiz and his loving wife, Ludette Ruiz, for providing a very delicious meal for all of us.

This is the fun and most exciting part of the adventure. We had the option to cross the river, make our way up a large boulder, and jump (yes, jump) into the raging waters. I was extremely scared as I didn't know how to swim. I have to rely on my life jacket that was seriously became my best friend at the time. From the photos, it looks as if it was easy. But looking down from where I was about to jump is an experience I will never, never forget. The water was flowing like crazy and the current will surely take me downstream in no time. But I thought that I already made it that far, I need to conquer my fear, so I jumped ... holding on to dear life.

Photo credit to Don Trivino

I jumped and managed to smile for camera!

I remember my thoughts as I was about to leap from that rock. What made me decide to jump? I was still mending a broken heart at the time and honestly, the feeling of loneliness is almost unbearable sometimes. A friend was right to say that the solution is let go of all inhibitions to be happy. I should be able to find in myself my source of happiness. And so I jumped and that made all the difference.

Photo credit to Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours

After, my first jump, I climbed back for a second one! The fear was still there but a little less intense. I wanted to jump for a third time but I think my heart will not be able to take it anymore. Haha!

For security purposes, our local guides set up a rope, traversing the river, approximately 20 meters from the jumping point so we can grab onto it on our way downstream. Without it, the current may take us all the way down. We also used this rope to cross the river.

If you are planning a trip to Eastern Visayas, I highly recommend experiencing the Ulot River Torpedo Boat Ride Adventure. For assistance, you may contact Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours at (053) 321-7966 & 523-7966 or email leytegulf@callezaragosa.com or visit the Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours Facebook Page.

White water rafting is an adventure you should not miss when you visit Cagayan de Oro. Among the several companies that offer this venture, my friends and I decided to get it at Great White Water Tours. It was highly recommended by an old friend, a frequent CDO traveler, who talked of its highly-admired service.

A group shot at the drop off point.

We opted for the half-day rafting trip that lasted approximately 4 hours. We were charged P1,200/person which included the following:

• round trip transportation to and from the rafting site


• rental of rafting gears


• snack midway of rafting adventure


• full meal at the main office site


• use of shower room

The 1st agenda when we got to Great White Water Tours is a briefing on survival tips and what to expect during the rafting trip. If there's one thing that separates Great White Water Tours from the others, it would be that it will NOT force you to sign an agreement that states that the company will not be held liable if something bad happens to you. At first, it came as a shock to me and my friends. But after further explanation, we had to admire them. They were not being too confident but they wanted their clients to be responsible and smart. The officer who briefed us said that 90% of our safety depends on us. They have equipped us with the survival techniques that we need. All we have to do is follow them and what our experienced guides will tell us.

White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro

It rained prior to our white water rafting adventure. The minor landslides gave the water a brownish color.I was the only female in our group and I didn't want to disappoint them by chickening out on the advanced course. It rained the night before our white water rafting schedule and the rapids were extra wild. The officer who briefed us recommended we take the advanced course so we can maximize our rafting experience. Rapids in the advanced course are relatively more untamed compared to the basic course. Such rapids will sometimes cause you to fall out of the raft or the raft itself will flip over. Yes, you read right. The officer suggested the advanced course primarily because of it. He said we'll be missing a lot if we do not experience the flip. The objective is to experience the rapids OFF the raft. I wanted to be scared but I have my life jacket and well-experienced guides with me. I had nothing to worry about.

Not so white water due to heavy rains the previous day.

When the water current is not so wild, don't forget to enjoy and admire the scenery. Here are some safety tips or things to remember: (These are based on the briefing and personal experiences.)

• The orientation or briefing before the rafting tour is VERY important. The reminders that I will be mentioning here will most likely be discussed during the introduction. Be attentive.

• Wear your gears properly and at all times. We were provided with a life vest and a hard helmet. The vest will fit small to large frames. As I am petite, I was worried that the equipment that will be handed to me will be loose when I wear them. But all worries went away when I saw how versatile the vests were. Not only are they strapped to your sides, it is also strapped from below. (Please see 2nd image for your scrutiny.) As for the hard helmet, it comes in sizes. Hooray! The helmets are lifesavers if someone accidentally hits your head with a paddle.

• Do NOT wear slippers. Flip flops are a no-no! You'll just be asked to remove them the entire rafting trip. You need a pair of shoes that has straps or those that can be secured to your feet. You don't want to worry yourself with losing your slippers especially when you fall off the raft.

• Do NOT attempt to swim when you fall into the water. Swimming will be a waste of your energy when you fall off the raft. The rapids will just force you to its direction. When you fall, your life jacket will let you float in approximately 5 seconds. Allow yourself to float and glide through the rapids. It's important to put your legs up to avoid any stones beneath you. Your guide will automatically jump off the raft once a person falls into the water. He will first grab you by your life vest and will glide with you to take away your fear. You will be pulled up the raft when it catches up with you. There will be instances when you will need to stay in the water longer depending on the rapids. Remember to offer your back before the guide pulls you up. It's easier for you to sit your way into the raft rather than to mimic a climb to pull yourself in.

• Allow yourself to fall when you get out of balance. According to our guide, most injuries come from forcing yourself to stay inside the raft when you're about to fall. You don't want to strain any muscle or dislocate a bone.

• When you find yourself underneath the raft when it flips, bring yourself out by pushing yourself down and pulling yourself up away from the raft. This happened to me. Our raft flipped and I found myself trapped under it. Instead of trying to push the raft over my head, I should have pushed myself down so I could get out from under. It will be pointless to try to knock over the raft if you're under it because it's heavy.

• Listen to your guides. Each group will be assigned at least 2 guides. Listen to them. They will always remind you of safety measures and will tell you what to do.

• Do not wear any jewelry. You're bound to lose them if you fall into the water. I lost my watch during my white water rafting adventure.

Safety gears for white water rafting.

We were transported to the rafting site where our guides immediately gave us our gears. It is important to wear these properly. It would help if you'll let one of your guides check you to make sure everything is in place.If you're wondering how I was able to take these pictures with me on it during our white water rafting adventure in Cagayan de Oro ... I didn't take them. There was a guide on a separate raft who kept all our valuables like cameras, wallets, mobile phones, etc. dry and safe. He will also be in-charged of taking pictures or videos of your group so you don't have to worry about documenting your venture! He will sometimes be infront of your raft or behind it. Your group just needs to decide which 2 cameras he will use.

Merienda was provided halfway through the course. Eat well. Believe me, you'll need it!

Buffet lunch

We were all very hungry after our white water rafting adventure. Good thing Great White Water Tours provide buffet meals after your activity to regain your energy.Kudos to Great White Water Tours for our adrenaline packed white water rafting adventure it gave my friends and I during our stay at Cagayan de Oro.

P.S. This article was originally published on November 2009 at Nail Art Designs by Simply Rins