I would say, General Santos City is a place to behold
with. 😊
120 hours ago…
It was early 2:00 in the morning when I got to the NAIA
Terminal 3, a couple of hours earlier than the scheduled time for the flight. I
sat outside waiting, while watching different people exchanging goodbyes and
kisses to their loved ones before entering the airport. The excitement was
undeniably present in me as this is my first time visiting the southern region
of the country, specifically in the “Tuna” capital city of the Philippines-
General Santos City, the beautiful province of my two best of friends, Nat and
Cly. <3
It took two hours from Manila to Gensan and a thirty-minute
drive from the airport to reach the city proper, and instead of catching some
sleep at the back seat, my sleep-deprived eyes chose to enjoy the scenic view
of Mount Matutum (the highest peak in the province of South Cotabato) while on
the road. I was like a child brought into an unknown place, trying to identify
where am I going. Special thanks to Kuya Pon for picking us up in the airport. ^_^
Nindot na tambayan gud. <3
Moving forward, Nat brought me to this fancy, chill and aesthetic café house, Jacob’s breadnuts. I would say the experience inside the coffee shop will make you enjoy the aroma of the coffee beans being roasted while enjoying the equal balance of sweetness and fluffiness of their mouth-watering, delicious pastries. The environment was also chill, like the feeling of wanting to just stay there without thinking of any deadlines or stress or follow ups, which irrefutably happened to me and Nat due to our almost three-long hours of exchanges of stories and laughter.
We also side-visited the clinic of Nat’s dad and brought
some breakfast for Tito and Tita who apparently was doing some cleaning of
their newly renovated clinic. It was a humbling experience to be welcomed with
warm and generous heart, especially by the parents of our friends (which I
really value a lot in all moments where your friend introduced you to their
parents). They asked me the usual questions like if it is my first time to
visit GenSan and the place to where I lived. They also told me how beautiful
Gensan is, as well as the nearby provinces, especially Davao. ^_^
Lami kaayu!
After the visit, Nat drove and showed me the nearby malls in
the city such as the SM General Santos (which is almost half the size of the
nearby SM in my hometown), KCC Mall and Veranza, where the latter can be
reached after turning right towards the KCC main road. We had lunch in Chika-a
restaurant, which is Nat’s family usual go-to place because of its local dishes
and delicacies. We had kare-kare with bagoong, ginisang ampalaya
(sautéed bitter gourd garnished with vinegar) and a very delicious soup
that complemented the two amazing dishes. Clyde showed after we finished our lunch,
so we just enjoyed the pitcher of calamansi juice while watching him eat the
rest of the food that we ordered.
That’s also the time we decided to have this mini challenge (to
make the vacation a bit educational for me haha) by letting them speak in full
Bisaya while I am tasked to decode and understand whatever they are talking
about. It was challenging at first and the awkwardness of silence almost ate me
as I didn’t understand everything fully. But then, that’s the beauty of being
in a different place- learning new culture, knowing some words and
phrases in local dialects, and adjusting and enjoying wherever you go.
This time, we went straight to Strawberry-Guyabano (SG) Farm in Tupi, South Cotabato, that we booked for a night and two days, and I would say, everything was so unforgettable and beautiful! Aside from Nat who just enjoyed sleeping in the tempting bed (because we were both not able to sleep before and during the flight), I had the chance to roam around the garden, amazing gazebo infrastructures (with a mixture of modern and traditional design of a bahay kubo), as well as the crafty huts of rooms available for their guests. Thanks to my handsome guide! Yess!
It was almost an hour or two-hour drive from Gensan so I
joined Clyde to just sit back, relax and enjoy the view from our room,
including the majestic peak of Mt. Matutum. The temperature there was breezy
(feels like you’re in Baguio) and sitting in one of the benches is enough to
appreciate the beauty of the whole farm. It was actually a great experience to
be with the people you dear the most, away from stress and hustles of the city.
…
Sikwate for the win!
We had a great dinner-
buttered chicken, chopseuy, and tinolang manok. We also tried their buko pie
and blueberry pie that is perfect complement to their hot, delicious sikwate
(hot chocolate drink). After making our tummies full, we went straight to the
Bayog Bar and each had a glass of cocktails (and guess who loses first). My
weak alcohol tolerance made me the first casualty of the night haha so I went
back to our room to release all inside me. I got back and drank (take note, not
sipped, but drank, so you know why hahaha) the rest of my cocktail. Looking
back at the photos, I just realized how flushed and sleepy my eyes were. We
also met this nice bartender who actually is younger than us! Hello po!
Clyde and I ended the night by having a deep tissue (whole
body) massage, where I definitely enjoyed so much. The ginger tea completed the
session and then we went back to our room for us to enjoy the rest of the night
under our comforters.
…
The next morning, we went to the pool and jumped off to the cold,
freezing water! Almost all my friends knew that I am not the type of person who
enjoys swimming and any activities that require submerging myself to the water.
After I got diagnosed with otitis media several years ago, I started to stay
away from any bodies of water, so I just sit on the side and enjoy the picturesque
memento of my friends doing whatever type of ‘strokes’ as if they’re dancing in
the water.
What a way to end our SG Farm vacation with their famous Kikirik which is a halu-halo-like dessert, topped with guyabano ice cream and chunks of different sweet and sour fruits at the bottom. It was something that I always remember every afternoon after I got back to Manila, whenever it is so hot that I want something freezing in my mouth. It was indeed an unforgettable experience that I will always go back whenever I look at our pictures- recalling every single moment with these two amazing people!
Right after having some desserts, we went back to the car, stepped on the gas and travelled to the Cabin Brewery where we had some fries and pizza to fill our tummies. The bar is located along the wide Diversion Road that connects Gensan to nearby provinces. That afternoon on the same day, I also met Max (who’s also one of my classmates from Gensan) and Bob from Section A. We stumbled from one store to another to buy all the things that we need for the trekking that took place the next day.
The next morning, Nat dropped me off to 7/11 near Bulaong terminal where the driver and the rest of the team met for the hiking in Lake Holon. Sadly, Nat couldn’t join us with the trekking due to her early appointment in DMSF. The journey continued from jumping from one van to another and then to a habal-habal that took almost an hour to reach Salakafe starting trail. Special mention to the experience in habal-habal that let me appreciate more the beauty of Mindanao. The region is so beautiful, less touched by urbanization and bombarded with magnificent and beautiful flora. All the people we met along the way greeted each other with smile and laughter, which is something I will never forget in this amazing experience.
Moving forward, the whole trek was definitely challenging and the same time exciting because of the trail we had during that moment. All these tall, big, dark trees scattered at the sides, the hums of the birds, the wooden, rich aroma of the forest, and the breezy wind that touched our face make the whole experience extraordinary. It was rainy the whole time when we’re traversing the mountain which added up to the challenge as you can easily slip if you’re not being careful. Upon reaching the foggy, majestic lake, it took me forever to realize how wonderful the creation of our Lord is, hidden in some deep forest. No doubt Lake Holon is known as Crown Jewel of the South as its beauty will truly mesmerize you. It is an experience that you will put in a postcard which serves as a daily reminder on the beauty that you once experienced in a lifetime.
We had nilagang baboy as our dinner and it perfectly matched to the cold weather. For the rest of the day, we had a bunch of sharing of stories about each other lives- from exes to those in “talking” stage, from our unforgettable experiences down to our red flags. Special mention to Bobbie, who’s real name is Kim ( but I want to call her Bobbie and she called me Kuya Neil- sounds like that, hehe love you!), whose energy is unsurmountable and unstoppable! All our ears are focused to whatever she shared, just like how she kept on repeating about Max’s ex! Kidding aside, it was one-of-a-kind exchanges because I personally learned a lot from their stories as well as realization that I just discovered about myself (while listening to them).
Bobbie and Max are both one of the smartest human beings I know in my entire life (proud classmate/batchmate here hehe) who are also both humble, nice, and genuinely beautiful inside and out. Despite of our age differences, I never felt the need to adjust at a certain level because they are both mature in a way that you can talk to them about life experiences, realities in the current world, and even about things in a relationship! I would say, you better get some advice to these two amazing people, girl! Special thanks to Max for assisting me in wearing my contact lens which I totally had a hard time before the final trek.
Of course, the whole journey of Lake Holon will not be possible and unforgettable without the guidance of our amazing guide, Kuya Tiyano! He’s a total pro with mountaineering and you’ll never feel like it’s the first time you met when he’s your guide because of his sunny personality! Just like Bobbie, Kuya Tiyano’s energy is off the roof! He shared a lot of stories- some that inspired me, some that I related to, and some that just made the night a roller coaster of emotions. Kuya Tiyano is a great guide and a friend, who will literally ‘guide’ you during the trekking, who will voluntarily take some of your photos that you can proudly post in Instagram, and who will allow you to make the best out of this one-in-a-lifetime experience! My heartfelt gratitude to Kuya Tiyano! Also, special shoutout to Ate Nelia for assisting our group all throughout the journey! Pitching in Kuya Tiyano’s social media, please follow him at TyanoBiyahero (@SoxTyanoByahero)!
Rainbow before Storm
It was a great
morning the next day. The sun rays gave a dash of warm while we’re squeezed in
our own sleeping bags. We jumped off to our tents as early as 6:00 AM so we
could enjoy alone (as a group) the lake outlet (where we took most of the beautiful
photos we had). My vacation was almost near to perfection- and yet- my foolishness
brought some epic moments that put some cracks to my ‘ideal vacation’. My phone,
the only thing that lasted for almost four years to me, got accidentally
submerged in the water which I only noticed after a couple of minutes. My phone
died and as the ‘first aid’ for this kind of situation, I turned off the phone,
put it inside a plastic full of rice (right after we got back to the land) and prevented
myself the temptation to open it.
Lingaw kaayu kauban ka. <3
Hoping the phone will be alright once we get back to the
city, I threw it inside my bag and continued with the trekking. The first five
to ten minutes of the trekking was a breathtaking activity as we gasped for air
because of the steepness of the trail. But we had to keep on moving and to push
ourselves
beyond our limits.
Clyde and I were taking short breaks in between to breathe some air while
trying to keep up with Kuya Tiyano’s pacing. Stories are interjected in between
so we would not bore ourselves while crossing the sheer path. Upon reaching the
view deck, it was God’s grace to allow us view in 360 degrees the whole beauty
of Lake Holon- it’s absolutely breathtaking! All the efforts and wobbling thighs
were all worth a thousand times just to see the spectacular view! The clearing also
permitted us to see the trails of
mountains that surround the lake and everything is just perfect! (I
almost forgot that time I had a dying phone inside my bag hahahahaha)
…
Right after getting back to the city, we went straight to SM
General Santos, with me carrying my dear, dying phone. The technician tried to
revive it but sadly, I officially called the time of death at 7:52 PM. It
definitely broke my heart as I had a lot of important memories in my phone
(aside from the fact that my phone is an integral part of my daily activities
from work, studies, and personal stuffs). I couldn’t hide my disappointment in myself
for being stupid and for forgetting about my phone. But I have to move on, because
I have to (ganun talaga eh…).
Since that night was my last night for this 5-day vacation,
we had a formal dinner with the whole troop, Nat, Clyde, Max, Bobbie and I!
(Sad I don’t have any photos during our dinner ☹). My tummy enjoyed all the local delicacies Gensan
can offer- from the fresh Ensaladang Lato (fresh seaweeds salad) where the
small pops and bursts inside your mouth gives you the taste of the sea, the chunky
Inihaw na Tuna Belly (grilled tuna belly) which I definitely loved! We
also tried the Kinilaw na Tuna which I also tried for the first time! The
chilled fresh tuna soaked in vinegar gives you this after-taste that will make
you get for another bite. Chicharong tilapia, the one that I never thought to
be possible as one of its cuisine, is also another must-try delicacy to order.
Of course, calamares and the soup (with these big shells) are also something
that cannot be forgotten to try. All of these delicacies, partnered with the stories
and laughter from your amazing set of friends, is something that I would always
remember wherever I go. <3
Clyde stayed over at Nat’s humble, beautiful home and it was a tiring day though, so these two palanggas had a great sleep while I tried to absorb all that happened in the past hours and days, including the mourning of my phone. Fast forward, the next morning was a great day that I totally ignored the fact that I already lost my phone. <3 …
We had a breakfast outside Nat’s house. We had pastil which I am still amazed how a twenty-peso meal can make you survive a meal. After that, we went back again to Jacob’s donuts to order some coffee and donuts. I was able to have the chance to meet the owner of the said coffee house (who’s humble and nice! He personally made one of the coffees we ordered that time). I bought some donuts for my family, Nat’s and Clyde’s parents as a way of showing my deepest gratitude for allowing them to accommodate me during this great vacation. It is also a humble opportunity to meet Clyde’s amazing mom and dad at their clinic! They are almost leaving the house when we arrived (after dropping off Clyde) so I took the chance to give my simple token of appreciation. I know it’s not enough but it was reciprocated a thousand times! The generosity of Tita is a thousand-fold! I got (nth kilos) of tightly packed fresh tuna! Right after, we went to the clinic of Nat’s dad so I could also make a formal goodbye and appreciation to their hospitality, kindness, and generosity to me. Likewise, their generosity is overflowing! They let me brought a lot of tuna cans back to Manila (a good decision though to push through the additional baggage haha!).
The last two hours before my flight was a great ‘cool down’
of the amazing experience, unforgettable moments and beautiful memento that I surely
brought back to Manila. As expected, Nat and I’s long chit-chats consumed the
waiting time as we didn’t notice the time. She dropped me off at the airport, exchanged
hugs and I swayed my way back to Manila. 😊
But one thing for sure, my heart definitely stayed in
Gensan and it is a ‘home’ I will go back to again, soon.
P.S. Another highlight! Thanks to Nat to conclude the trip
by helping me resolve my curiosity of the Queen Tuna Park! HAHAHAHAHA!
Signing off,
Nyel.
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