sarangani province Archives - Mindanaoan - Multi awarded CDO and New York Lifestyle Blog

Jun92014 by Mindanaoan Irene1 Comment

Must-do in Sarangani: White Water Tubing

BIMP-EAGA, Features, Leisure, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

One of the things you MUST do when you're in Sarangani, Mindanao, Philippines - white water tubing. No Sarangani adventure will ever be complete if you don't try white water tubing. It's a fun extreme adventure experience like no other! Now let me make something clear first. If you've tried white water rafting and you think that white water tubing is almost like it, you're wrong. Personally, they offer different kinds of thrill. First off, you ride in rubber boats for river rafting. In water tubing, however, you sit on recycled rubber tubes ("salbabida") with fashioned "handles." You need to grip the handles really well so you don't fall into the water, get swallowed by the rapids or hit the boulders. Okay, I hope that didn't scare you :D Truth be told, tubing might look scary at first ...

May232014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Let these T’boli dancers welcome you to Sarangani

Culture, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Music, Sarangani, SoSCksargen

I arrived in Sarangani, Mindanao a day before the official start of the Sarangani Bay Festival 2014. And for very good reason - the pretty and amiable Michelle Lopez-Solon, a.k.a. the better half of Sarangani Governor Steve Solon and the lead organizer of SarBayFest2014, invited me and a few other blogger-friends to a mini tour of Sarangani! The tour of Sarangani was something I've been looking forward to for a very long time. Sarangani, after all, does not only boast of rich natural resources but of culture and tradition as well. Our first stop was a barangay in Kiamba, Sarangani. There, we were met by happy, smiling faces led by Lyn Lambago, the founder of the Lemuhen Cultural Dance Troupe. Organized in 2007, the dance troupe was borne out of Lyn's observation that the T'boli cultu...

Apr222014 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mahin Festival 2014 Sarangani schedule of activities @gosarangani

Beauty, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

While we're all waiting for the Sarangani Bay Festival 2014, also known as the biggest beach festival in Mindanao, here's another good reason for you to visit the lovely province of Sarangani in Mindanao this summer. The 4th Mahin Festival 2014 will be held on April 25 and 26, 2014 at Gumasa in Glan, Sarangani. Gumasa is a lovely beach stretch that boasts of pristine waters and white sand. It's also where the Sarangani Bay Fest is held annually. Various activities have been lined up for Mahin Festival 2014. Some of the highlights include skimboarding, "Oplan Karagatan" - a clean up drive and mangrove planting activity, sugbahan sa baybayon, bancarera (this one's fun to watch), lumba kabayo sa baybayon, sand sculpture competition, lumba bugsay and lumba langoy. All fun water and sport...

Apr222013 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2013 schedule of activities

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

It's that time of year once again! The biggest beach festival in Mindanao is happening in a few weeks! Are you ready for Sarangani Bay Festival 2013? SarBay Fest 2013 will be held on May 24 and 25, 2013 at Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province, Mindanao. Check out the fun schedule of activities below :) Please feel free to share this post with your friends and start planning your Sarangani adventure! According to the 2013 SarBay Fest organizers, accommodation located near the Main Event Venue are White Haven Beach Resort, Rosal Beach Resort, Coco Beach Resort. You can also bring your tents and stay at the Tent City near the Main Venue. You also have the option to stay in Poblacion, Glan or in accredited SarBay hotels in General Santos City (which is about an hour away). Some accredited...

Mar222012 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Are you ready for Sarangani Bay Fest 2012?

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

It is considered the biggest and funnest beach festival in Mindanao, Philippines! The Sarangani Bay Festival 2012 is set to happen on May 18 - 19, 2012. The 2012 Sarangani Bay Fest must be your ultimate summer and beach adventure! Last year, the 2011 Sarangani Bay Festival had lots of activities. This year, the Provincial Government of Sarangani led by Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez will surely deliver! Just look at some of the activities lined up for the Sarangani Bay Fest 2012: May 18, 2012 - Sarangani Run, Swim Across the Bay, Beach Dance Marathon, Sarangani Swim Challenge, Sand Sculpture, Sayaw Sarangani, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Skim Boarding, Bay Bodies etc May 19, 2012 - Bancarera (this is really fun!), Coastal Clean Up, Poi and Zip Clinic, Zumba Party, Concert ...

Nov92011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Munato Festival 2011 in Sarangani

Announcements, Arts, Culture, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Tourism, Travel

Sarangani Province in Mindanao, Philippines has always fascinated me. First, because it's a haven of rich Filipino culture. Second, because it seems to be a great location for photography enthusiasts like myself. Third, because it has a lot of activities for tourists and fourth, because a former classmate of mine has successfully turned this Mindanao province into one of the busiest and most colorful places in the Philippines. Yup, I'm talking about incumbent Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez. Today, Sarangani is no longer considered just as "that area you pass through" when you traverse the General Santos City - Davao City highway. It's now a tourism and business hub and a place that you really must visit whenever you're in SOCCSKSARGEN. If only you need to take a quick peek at ...

Aug262011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Boxing coach Freddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao is broke

Commentary, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Opinion, Personalities, Politics, Sarangani, Society, SoSCksargen, Sports, Weird

Freddie Roach, the longtime coach of Filipino boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, shocked a lot of people when he allegedly said downright that the world boxing champion is broke. Yup, as in broke, wala nay kuwarta, no more money, wala nang pera. Freddie Roach's statement baffled a lot of people and not a few expressed their doubts. After all, didn't Manny Pacquiao just buy a multi-million mansion at Forbes Park? Doesn't he give millions away in his GMA 7 show "Manny Many Prizes"? Doesn't he and wife Jinkee Pacquiao have a lot of businesses not only in General Santos City, Sarangani, Davao City but even in Manila as well? Is it really possible that Manny Pacquiao, whose latest guaranteed purse from the bout with Shane Mosley last May 2011 was a staggering US 20 Million, i...

May182011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Bay Bodies 2011 this Sarangani Bay Fest season

Beauty, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, Style, Tourism, Travel

If there is one thing I can never pull off, then that is to wear a two piece bikini and strut my stuff along the catwalk. This is why I have so much respect for people who have the intestinal fortitude to join bikini contests and flaunt their shapely bodies before thousands of people. Sabagay, who wouldn't want to flaunt their assets if you have bodies like these two? These are the previous winners of the Sarangani Bay Bodies contest - one of the much-awaited events during the Sarangani Bay Festival in Sarangani, Mindanao, Philippines. Cute muscled guy - check! Pretty sexy lady - check! And guess what? You'll see more toned bodies this year during the 2011 Sarangani Bay Bodies event! (more…)

May22011 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao vs Sugar Shane Mosley livestream

Bukidnon, Davao City, Entertainment, Events, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, Personalities, Sarangani, Sports

Who isn't excited about the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight? I'm pretty sure that my fellow Filipinos are not the only ones who are looking forward to this Manny Pacquiao versus Sugar Shane Mosley fight for the 2011 World Welterweight Championship belt. Bet the rest of the world is also eager to know who will reign supreme in this boxing match. I also think that a lot are looking forward to the Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight livestream! The Pacquiao vs Mosley fight will be held on May 7, 2011 (May 8, 2011 Manila time) at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Are YOU as excited as I am? :) Manny Pacquiao, as many of you may already know, is a fellow Mindanaoan. He was born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Mindanao but his family later moved to Davao City then General Santos C...

May12011 by Mindanaoan Irene2 Comments

Sarangani Bay Festival 2011 – Mindanao’s ultimate summer experience!

Announcements, Blogging, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, News, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, South Cotabato, Tourism, Travel

Have you ever been curious about Sarangani Mindanao? I have! I've always wondered what you can do, what you can see, what you can visit/explore/discover and even what you can eat in Sarangani! Admittedly, all I know for sure (so far) about the Sarangani Province are: - it's the district being represented by top Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao - it's where you can experience fun-filled water tubing - it's the home of my former classmate in Ateneo, incumbent Sarangani Provincial Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez Needless to say, this Mindanao blogger needs to explore, smell, taste, feel Sarangani! And what better way to do it but during the most awaited Sarangani Bay Festival 2011! Sarangani Bay Festival or the Sarangani BayFest is Southern Philippines' biggest beach party! From May 19...

Sep12010 by Mindanaoan Irene3 Comments

General Santos Tuna Festival 2010 on September 18 – 26, 2010

Events, Features, Festivals, Fiesta, General Santos City, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

General Santos City, Mindanao is set to celebrate the much-awaited Tuna Festival 2010 on September 18 to 26, 2010. This, after the Tuna Festival Council of GenSan decided to change this year's schedule. Normally, the Tuna Fest is celebrated during the first week of September. This year, however, it's set to happen on September 18 - 26, 2010. The 42nd Charter Day celebration of General Santos City will also be held on September 5, 2010. The following is this year's GenSan Tuna Fest 2010 official schedule of activities: Tunafest Schedule as of August 16, 2010 (more…)

Nov122009 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani Province Munato Festival 2009 is a go!

Announcements, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Fiesta, Government, Mindanaoan Update, Sarangani, SoSCksargen, Tourism, Travel

Everything seems to be up and ready for the much-awaited Munato Festival 2009 in the Province of Sarangani, Mindanao. The festivities will begin on November 23 although the bigger events will really start by the 25th. Munato Festival in Sarangani is one of the much-awaited events in that area of Mindanao. Check out the schedule below. Thanks to Miss Michelle Solon, wife of Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Solon, for the information. Congratulations are also in order to my classmate Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and to the rest of his staff!

Jul222009 by Mindanaoan Irene4 Comments

Mindanaoan Manny Pacquiao to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico

Announcements, Bisaya, Contests, Cotabato, Entertainment, General Santos City, Headline, Mindanaoan Artists, Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Politics, Sarangani, Sports

Mark your calendars! Mindanao pride Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will definitely face off with 28 year old Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto on November 14, 2009 at MGM Grand Las Vegas Nevada. Miguel Cotto is the current welterweight titleholder while our very own Filipino boxing champ Pacman won the boxing junior welterweight title this year after beating down Briton Ricky Hatton. As we Pinoys all know, Hatton lucked out after only two rounds. Mindanaoan and General Santos City's son Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have reportedly agreed on a 145 pounds weight limit. The Pacquiao versus Cotto fight will be shown via HBO Pay Per View, according to Top Rank promoter Bob Arum. I think I'll avail of our local cable TV company's offer of PPV access again. After all, nothing beats watching a Pac...

Dec42008 by Mindanaoan Irene5 Comments

Sarangani school buildings repair underway

Mindanaoan Update, News, Personalities, Reviews

The repair of school buildings in the Province of Sarangani in Mindanao is reportedly underway. This, following the visit of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Sarangani earlier this week. Teodoro graced the ceremonial start of the repair efforts under the "Laban sa Kahirapan" project of the national government. Here's a photo of Teodoro along with my friend, Mindanaoan and Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez. Photo credit: Cocoy Sexcion of the Sarangani Information Office By the way, all of you Generals should check out GenSan Exchange. It's an informative, interactive website that features the latest news about General Santos City. There's a forum and you can also post free ads over there.

Nov192008 by Mindanaoan IreneNo Comments

Sarangani to celebrate Munato Festival 2008

Events, Sarangani

The Province of Sarangani, Mindanao is set to celebrate its 16th Founding Anniversary and at the same time, the much-awaited Munato Festival 2008. With the theme, "Ang Galing mo...Sarangan!," the festival will kick off on November 24 and will end on November 29, 2008. Check out the poster below: (CLICK the poster for a larger view) Among the activities that you should look out for are the tribal sports activities (November 27), Mindanaoan Joey Ayala's concert, the Fabil Gu Ni (Municipal Showcase), the Fyu Kura, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Provincial Employees Housing Project, the Cheerdance competition, the Street Dancing competition (November 29) and the Sugarfree concert.

Nov12008 by Mindanaoan Irene21 Comments

Rice coffee in Mindanao

Agriculture, BIMP-EAGA, Food, Sarangani

I can declare that, yes, I, Mindanaoan, am a certified regular coffee drinker. I find it difficult to start the day without at least a cup of coffee (I'm a happier camper if I have two). I also frequent coffee shops and I have also tried drinking coffee from sidewalk vendors and from vendors at the bus terminal (you know who I mean - when you absolutely need to take a trip in the wee hours in the morning and all you can find are the ever reliable manangs and manongs who put up their "painit" stations - and by stations I mean a single table, a few glasses, coffee, sugar, some milk if you're lucky and thermos). I do know that drinking coffee has some health benefits. Still, I want to cut down on my intake or at least drink decaffeinated kape. Fortunately, there seems to be another choi...