Philippine Travel Notes

Gumasa Beach. Most folks call it " home to the biggest and craziest beach party in all of Mindanao ". I believe it can and should be "the biggest and craziest in this whole country". Do you know about that? If you are lost as to what it is, try googling "sarbay party" or "sarbay fest". But, I did not come to this place for that. In fact, I timed my arrival to "just after the big party" to avoid the crowds. It happened while I was in Bantayan ! Not that I don't like it. I just don't like partying alone! Maybe some other time when I have company, kahit isa lang sa inyo mga bwiset kayo! Ano, tara? Let me briefly describe that "crazy party" anyway. It happens only once a year, towards the end of May. Visitors from all over Mindanao, some from the Visayas, and some even from Metro Manila, appear at this place for that big party. Of course, some foreigners who may be at nearby islands and hear about the party, also ...

Let's go to Glan ! Where's that? Oh don't worry, it's still in the Philippines! The "southernmost" tip of mainland Mindanao, that is! Glan is the beach town of the province of Sarangani . Note there's only one 'g'" in the name, but that is pronounced 'sa-rang-ga-ni'. That's part (the tail end actually) of SOCCSKSARGEN or Region XII . Okay.., you may now imagine what you want to imagine. I won't blame you if you think 'negative' about the place. After all and in the first place, in my experience, each time I go to parts of Mindanao, friends and family always have this 'taken-aback look' as if I am going on a hara-kiri mission. Mga OA hehehe! Let this be another proof from me, your humble (pronounced 'humbug') Pinoy Traveler, that Mindanao is one of the most friendly and peaceful places in this country! No pun, no joke intended. I mean that. This trip started as my work-week just about finished ...