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!

Grey Livingston once said, "Beauty comes as much from the mind as from the eye." Every year, all across the world, various beauty pageants are being held sharing one common objective -- to search for the beautiful. We continuously seek beauty that is not just a manifestation of physical attractiveness, but of good character and intelligence as well.

The Filipinos is not an exception to this search. We do love holding beauty pageants. Earlier this month, I had a privilege of witnessing live, a beauty pageant, the Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2011, during the Soccskscargen Experience 3.

Before I proceed, I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate our very own, Ms. Shamcey Supsup for being 3rd runner-up in the recently concluded Miss Universe 2011, held in São Paulo, Brazil last September 12, 2011. The lovely Shamcey is actually from General Santos City.

Ms. Shamcey Supsup, 3rd runner-up, Miss Universe 2011

The search for Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2011 was held on September 03, 2011 at the KCC Convention and Events Center in General Santos City amidst the annual Tuna Festival. It was my first time to attend a pageant, up close and personal! Thank you to event organizer Mr. Orman Manansala for giving us great seats and for a very successful pageant.

Contestants showcasing their respective Tuna Festival inspired costumes.

The pageant started with each of the 20 participants (10 ladies, 10 gentlemen) owning the runway with their respective costumes that was inspired by the Tuna Festival. It was my personal favorite. I have to give each of them a 2 thumbs up for sheer creativity!

Here are a few personal insights as an audience to Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2011:

1. Stage Simplicity - I appreciated the fact that the pageant stage had a very simple setup. There were no elaborate props. There was only a huge screen at the back to help audiences have a closer look at what transpires on stage. And when I say huge, it literally became the backdrop of the entire stage. You wouldn't miss a thing! Anyway, I found the simplicity a more practical approach. This made the judges and the viewers focus their attention to each candidate instead of being distracted by stage props.



2. Innovative - Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2011 is the first beauty pageant to make use of the iPad for the final question and answer portion. The idea is to eliminate the need to isolate a contestant if the same question would be asked for each one. My vote goes to pageants that have a common final question as each finalist would be challenged with the same level of difficulty.
   
   
   During the pageant, each of the 3 finalists were asked, "Who is your role model, and why?" They were given 2 minutes to type in their answers into the iPad provided. My concern with this approach is the difference of familiarity with the gadget of each contestant. For instance, I may type fast on a touch screen device, but someone will always be faster or slower than me. I was thinking, what if the finalists were given stylus pens instead? Handwritten answers could cancel the issue of who is better in typing and gadget familiarity.








Participants keying in their answers on an iPad for the Q & A portion.




3. Language - Prior to the Q & A segment, each contestant were reminded that they could answer in English, Tagalog, or in their native dialect. The questions were asked in English. Based on experience, people instinctively answer a question using the same language the query was asked. If a person talks to me in English, I would naturally converse with him/her using the same language. And so, I understand how most of the contestants struggled to answer in English. I can't help but wonder (as Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City would always say), if the questions were raised in Tagalog or in their native dialect, would the contestants still answer in English?

Winners of Mr. and Ms. Gensan Pageant 2011 From left: Windy Lou Pontino and Serafin Lim (2nd runners-up), Caroline Lim and Marc Jeric Chan (Ms. and Mr. Gensan 2011), Ayana Grico and Jeffthie Cardino (1st runners-up)

The Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2011 has set a new standard for beauty pageants with its well-organized procedures and innovations. It has been a pleasure to have witnessed the event personally. Congratulations to the winners and most of all, to its organizers.

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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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.

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!

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.

During the Holy Week, the Panaad Festival is celebrated at Camiguin Island. Tourists all around the world flock this small island in the southern part of the Philippines to commemorate the suffering of Christ by revisiting the Stations of the Cross. The word panaad comes from the Bisayan word saad which means promise. In Tagalog, it translates as panata, i.e. a religious vow. The Panaad Festival entails walking the perimeter of Camiguin. However, there’s a new deviation to this common practice. Devotees can opt to walk (or hike) Camiguin’s Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross. The 14 Stations of the Cross can be found here.

Entrance to Stations of the Cross

I visited Camiguin’s Stations of the Cross after the Holy Week. My friends and I hiked the walkway with a handful of people on sight. But locals claim that during the Panaad Festival, this walkway is very much crowded.

Stations of the Cross

The concrete stairs at the entrance is quite steep. I would advise to wear comfortable shoes with good traction. As you can see, we were in slippers. We came from the hot springs and we were not fully informed by our guide on the kind of terrain we were to embark. Although the 1st part of the walkway to Camiguin’s Stations of the Cross is concrete, most parts are still rocky and soiled. Our slippers had to make extra effort for us to find our balance.

Numerous steps to take!

I would suggest visiting the Stations of the Cross at Camiguin Island early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The heat is excruciating from 10am to about 3pm. Better apply sunblock before going up. The walkway becomes steeper as you go along so always be careful, especially on rocky parts.

Take a few moments to catch your breath..

When you reach the u-turn on your way up the walkway, that signifies that you’ve reach almost half of path. If going up is difficult because of the steep terrain, going down can be trickier. To go back, you have to walk the same trail. Be extra careful on your traction. It was during this time I wished I was wearing my outdoor shoes!

Half-way to the top.

Some come to visit Camiguin’s Stations of the Cross only to observe. Some come for the journey. Others come here for fun. But for Catholic devotees, this walkway becomes a guide to remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ during Holy Week or any day of the year.

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