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!

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!

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