Festival, Sarangani

7 days to the World Cup

Leave a comment

Have you seen a sky filled with colorful chutes and pilots gliding on it? If not, this will be your chance! The Paragliding Accuracy World Cup is coming to the Philippines and it will be held at the Safi Ranch, Maasim, Sarangani Province. Yes, you can enjoy watching this international sports event and meet international paragliding pilots competing in this Paragliding Accuracy Competition.



Several side events are also for the public to enjoy — kite making and kite flying, mountaineering 101, photo competition and trade and travel fair. It’s going to be fun! 

As of recent over 65 pilots are confirmed to compete. This is the first of this kind in the country. The Paragliding Accuracy World Cup is also part of the Visit Philippines 2015 program of the Department of Tourism. 

We encourage you to watch and see the spectacular event in Sarangani this March 27-29.

Advertisement
Sarangani

Sarangani wins an ASEAN Tourism Association Award

Leave a comment

A surprise gift of Ms. Gina Lopez and the Green Initiative of Abs -Cbn Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation to Sarangani is the 2014 ASEANTA Award. Abs-Cbn as a partner of Sarangani in community based tourism initiatives enrolled the New La Union River Tubing and Eco Park as a contender for ASEAN Tourism Association’s search for Tourism Best Practices. It was in January 26, 2015 in Myanmar that the New La Union River Tubing and Eco Park through Ms. Gina Lopez, was commended for the successful cultural preservation of the Tboli tribes of Sarangani through Tourism.

IMG_1487

One of the highlights of a tourist’s visit to New La Union River tubing and Eco Park is being greeted by the Tboli performers. Another attraction is seeing the Tboli basketry works used for farming and very soon for sale to the public.

This recognition is another achievement on the sleeve of Sarangani Province. The Provincial government through its Sulong Tribu Program supports the Indigenous People’s interests through School of Living Tradition, Strengthening of Tribal Councils, Promotion of Cultural preservation by supporting Cultural Masters, Economic Empowerment through Education, IP agriculture, IP estates, and tourism.

Sarangani also received in 2014 the Pearl Award for Best Tourism Event in Sports, Adventure and Wellness for Sarangani Bay Festival.

Festival, Sarangani

SARBAY 2015 GOES VIRAL ONLINE!

Leave a comment

The Sarangani Bay Festival (also known as Sarbay Fest) has become a Summer Brand that attracts beach goers and athletes from all over the Philippines.  Sarbay Fest started in 2006 will now be celebrating its 10th year this May 2015.  Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon promises this 2015 “to be bigger and better than the last Sarbay”.  This Festival was awarded the Pearl Award Grand Winner for Best Tourism Event in Sports, Adventure, and Wellness by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

In 2014, Sarbay Fest was able to attract:

120,000+ tourists

830 Athletes competing in 9 Sports Events

With over Php 700,000 worth of Cash Prizes

More than 1,000 pitched Tent Accommodation

And Tourist Spending Receipts of over Php34 Million Pesos

The Online Launch presents the premier teaser of Sarbay Fest 2015 with this video:

In a matter of 24 hours, the news was well received and has gone viral with over 170 shares on facebook and more than 2,500 views! It will be no wonder that this year’s Sarbay Fest will be bigger than last years. As early as January, the province of Sarangani has began their preparations for Sarbay Fest’s 10th year.

10009854_784406424971555_2226554534881751803_n

 

Take note also of the date and start planning your way to Sarbay 2015!

sarbay dates

Sarangani

SARANGANI TO HOLD PARAGLIDING WORLD CUP

2 Comments

After last year’s successful International Paragaliding Accuracy Competition held at Safi Ranch, Maasim, Sarangani Province, another international aero sport event will be hosted by Sarangani Province in 2015. The Paragliding Accuracy World Cup (PGAWC) will have one of its legs in the Philippines and specifically in Sarangani Province. Safi Ranch in Maasim, Sarangani boasts to have one of the best scenic paragliding spots in the world.

Expected to come are competitors from atleast 15 countries with an expected 60 paragliders from all over the world. The date is set on March 27-29, 2015 and the PGAWC is one of the events enrolled in the Visit Philippines 2015 campaign of the Department of Tourism.

GravityZero

Many side events are also planned at Safi Ranch such as Archery Competition and Clinic, Power Kiting, Photo Safari Competition, Tours, Camping and lots of funfare with trade show and fairs. This will be one fun event to look forward to and to experience.

Sarangani is now geared as a Sports Tourism haven of Region 12. Every May, Sarangani holds the Biggest Beach Festival with sports competition such as the 15 km Swim Across The Bay competition, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, Triathlon, and the like that bring in about 650 athletes from all over the Philippines. Sarangani is also known for water sports such as Scuba Diving, Kayaking, and Hobie Cat. New La Union River Tubing in Maitum is one thrilling experience as well.

For those interested to watch and experience this World Event in Paragliding, you can book with Go Sarangani Travel for your hotel, transfers, and tours. Just contact gosaranganitravel@gmail.com or like GO SARANGANI TRAVEL on Facebook.

Promos!

CHRISTMAS AT THE 12TH PARADISE – GREAT DEALS!

Leave a comment

We know that you are dying to take family and friends around the 12th Paradise  or Socsargen this Christmas break.  Let Go Sarangani Travel make it easy for you and your gang!

Take a look at our Seat-in-Coach Options (SIC means we have a schedule and you could be with other people on that schedule) or Free Individual Traveler Options (means that you can plan a separate trip just for your gang).

christmas_gift_wrapped_in_green_and_red_with_a_bow_and_tag_0515-0911-2122-3548_SMU

Special Tour Dates:

December 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, 2014 — January 2 or 3, 2015 

Special December Tour Package Seat in Coach -SIC Min 5 pax Seat in Coach – SIC Min 10 pax FIT( max of 10 pax)
Rate is per pax Rate is per pax Group Rate
River Tubing Adventure with Lunch ₱2,000.00 ₱1,500.00 ₱15,000.00
Lamlifew Blaan Village Immersion & Lunch ₱1,750.00 ₱1,000.00 ₱10,000.00
Glan Heritage Tour with Lunch and Open Cottage rental by the beach ₱1,800.00 ₱1,200.00 ₱12,000.00
Lake Sebu Tour with Lunch and Zipline adventure ₱2,299.00 ₱1,699.00 ₱16,000.00
Paragliding or Intro Diving Adventure with Lunch ₱4,250.00 ₱3,850.00 please inquire from us directly

Inclusions: Airconditioned Grandia Van, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees and Tour, Lunch, and 1 bottled water.

These are special rates we are offering for Christmas break!  This is a such a good deal!

To book with us you may do the following:

Call: (083) 5528015 or  09462474448 

Email: gosaranganitravel@gmail.com or gosaranganitravel2@gmail.com

Or chat with us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Go Sarangani 

For Sarangani Tours check this out…

Festival, Sarangani

MunaTo Festival presents the MunaTo Yesterland Themepark!

Leave a comment

Sarangani Province for the first time is turning its Capitol Grounds into an Educational Themepark.  On November 27-29, 2014 Sarangani is going to bring forth 12 Attractions that will make learning about history, social science, arts and culture in a more interactive and fun way!

MunaTo means “First People” in the Blaan Language.  Although Sarangani is a young province, having been crafted out of South Cotabato in 1992, it has a long history.  The anthropomorphic jars found in Maitum takes our Philippine history all the way back to the Metal age.  According to the carbon dating of the pottery found, it is possible that civilization existed as early as 500 BC in Maitum.  Many scholars are now looking into the possibility that this group of people are much earlier than the Malay race influence on the Philippines.  Because of these archeological finds, Sarangani claims that the First People are found in this area.

02maitum2

It was in 2002 that the Sarangani Tourism Council and the Provincial Government decided to celebrate their first MunaTo Festival.  The Festival featured the diversity of Sarangani’s people, culture, and treasures.  This 2014, the 12th MunaTo Festival and the 22nd Founding Anniversary of Sarangani is taking a new twist on featuring the rich diversity and heritage of this People.

munato yesterland sarangani

MunaTo Yesterland Themepark 12 Attractions

  1. Cave of the Ancient – This is a light and sound show regarding the anthropomorphic jars found in the caves of Maitum, Sarangani.
  2. Tribal Village – This will showcase the Tboli, Blaan, and Tagakaolo tribes. There will be a show every hour about their music, dances, chants and stories. Also found here are products for sale made by the Indigenous peoples of Sarangani.
  3. Sarangani Wildlife Museum – This is found at the ECPC. The museum features the different animals and species found in Sarangani that are preserved for study.  Also at the 2nd floor auditorium will play Sarangani- made films from last year’s Salamindanaw’s entry.
  4. Looms & Beads – Located at the Kasfala Hall, the Looms and Beads is an extensive, elaborate, and detailed exhibit featuring traditional arts and crafts in Mabal Tabih, Saul (bead works), and other artifacts. This is an exhibit of Heirloom designs and fabrics from our Indigenous Tribes in Sarangani.
  5. MunaTo Fotoloco – This is the sculpture of Kublai found at the Sarangani Capitol depicting the first people. Here people can take their wacky and fun photos. A photobooth will be available to take photos for a fee!
  6. Sarangani Street Arts – On the back street of the Capitol, several Sarangani artists will create a 3D street art of the different Sarangani tourist destination for those with tickets to take their chance for photo ops.
  7. Glan 100 – Since Glan, Sarangani is celebrating their 100th year this 2014, MunaTo Festival is giving a tribute the first settlers of Glan. We invite you to also try to be one of the Colonos!
  8. Sarangani Historical Lane – Sarangani gives tribute to all the leaders that have served Sarangani Province since its creation since 1992.
  9. Moro Cottages – The different tribes and Moro themed cottages will be on display with hourly cultural dance show. Here you will learn about the traditional practices for marriage, for childbirth, and the others. The Moro themed cottages will be a people’s choice competition. People gets to post a sticker vote for their favorite cottage!
  10. Fabli Guni & Farmers Market – This will be the biggest gathering of Sarangani Produce and Products. Included here will be Organic Vegetables, Fruits, Sarangani Upland Rice varieties including ornamental plants, and potteries. Also for sale, will be Sarangani’s processed foods, Aquaculture harvests, handicraft and furniture, fashion, and even Halal foods. This is one full market where you can buy and even deal with suppliers!
  11. MunaTo Arcade – This is the section for food and novelty items. Here traders sell snacks, meals, drinks, and other goods.
  12. MunaTo Center Stage – Found at the center grounds of Sarangani Capitol. Here free shows and activities that will be viewed by all Themepark goers. This includes the daily parade and mascot appearances, the tribal sports and boxing competitions, magic shows, concerts and Pearl of Sarangani.

sara gani billboard low

Also the other highlight feature that the kids will surely love will be the mascots Sara, the Blaan Princess and Gani, the Muslim Warrior.  These two mascots will have appearances around the park throughout the 3-day event. The Munato Yesterland themepark aims to bring studying of history, social studies, science and culture and arts in a very fun and interactive way!

Themepark Rates

To enter the MunaTo Yesterland Themepark is free.  However to enter each attraction a rate of P10.00 will be charged per person.  Better yet people are encouraged to avail of the One-Day Unlimited Pass at Php50.00 to enter ALL attractions. If you are a Senior Citizen,  Sarangani resident, Sarangani student, or Sarangani employee, you can avail of the discounted One Day Unlimited pass at Php30.00. Present your ID at the Ticket booth.

This has been the most exciting twist just yet!  So book and buy your tickets right away.  Call STIPC at (083)5085230 or GO SARANGANI TRAVEL at (083) 5528015 for more information!

Promos!

SWEET NOVEMBER SALE!!!

Leave a comment

Yes, its November and Go Sarangani Travel is giving sweet deals this month!!!

For a minimum of 5 persons you can enjoy these Special Tour Rates on these Special Tour Dates!!! Its time to take a trip around the 12th Paradise and see the beauty of Lake Sebu, Sarangani, General Santos.

November 6 (Thursday) – General Santos Tuna Fishport Tour with Breakfast at Sarangani Highlands and short stop for pasalubong shopping in Gensan. Included are Grandia Van and Tour Guide   RATE: P899/person (minimum of 4 hours)pizap.com14150665184811

November 7 (Friday) – Lake Sebu Tour with lunch at Punta Isla. Includes entrance to the 7 Falls and taking 2 zipline rides in the Highest Zipline in South East Asia, with stops in COWHED and other souvenir shops. Also included are Grandia Van and Tour Guide RATE: 2,500/person (minimum of 8 hours)

pizap.com14121342150571

November 12 (Wednesday) – Lamlifew Living Museum Tour. Take a tour to the first Blaan Village Museum in Malungon and immerse in their way of life. See their museum with heirlooms as old as century! Also see the Tabih, which is fabric designed by Blaans and are almost extinct. Also have an authentic Blaan meal, grown from their farms. Also Included are Grandia Van transport and Tour Guide. RATE:P1,500/person (minimum of 4 hours)

IMG_0663

November 15 (Saturday) – White Water River Tubing Adventure – Try the Wet and Wild River Tubing Adventure over 1.6 km of Pangi River. Take the with habal-habal adventure to the starting point, have a local lunch at the Rivertubing site, and provision for towels. Included are Grandia Van transport and Tour Guide.                            RATE: 1,850/person (minimum of 6 hours)

pizap.com14150798112671

November 16 (Sunday) – Lake Sebu Tour with lunch at Punta Isla. Includes entrance to the 7 Falls and taking 2 zipline rides in the Highest Zipline in South East Asia, with stops in COWHED and other souvenir shops. Included are Grandia Van and Tour Guide              RATE: 2,500/person (minimum of 8 hours)

November 27-29 Thursday, Friday or Saturday
munato yesterland sarangani
MunaTo Festival and MunaTo Yesterland Themepark

Enter the Munato Yesterland Themepark and see 12 attractions! See the Cave of the Ancient with the Anthropormophic features and meet and greet with the different tribes of Sarangani, Visit the Sarangani Wildlife and learn more about Glan 100 year celebration. Have a MunaTo Lunch or snack inside the themepark. With Van Transfers (Gensan-Alabel-Gensan) and Tour Guide.                           RATE: 899/person (minimum of 4 hours)

Sarangani

Sarangani Bay Festival wins Best National Tourism Event

Leave a comment

SARBAY ATOP

The biggest beach festival in Mindanao is now recognized as the Best National Tourism Event in Sports, Adventure, and Wellness by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and Department of Tourism (DOT). This event has grown exponentially through the years and gathers athletes, sports enthusiasts, beach lovers, and their families and friends for a weekend in May. What makes this weekend extra special are the jam-packed activities, the long stretch of white sand beach, and the happy vibe of Sarangani!

This beach festival began in 2006 was done manly to promote the white sand beach of Gumasa Beach, Glan.  This provincial run event started with 3,000 tourists, to now a leap of 74,000++ tourists in 2013.

This beach festival has gathered over 650 athletes nationwide to participate a range of 8 Sports events.  Non-atheletes were also entertained by Zumba by the Bay, Bay Bodies Competition, Nightly concerts, Poi and Zip Clinic, Skim Boarding Clinics and many other activities. Cash Prizes worth P500,000.00 were awarded to winners of these competitions.

In 2013, the tourist spending for the 2-day Festival reached  more than P11 Million. This includes the revenues of resorts from bookings and including the sales from the 80 traders that served food, beverages, selling of dry goods and souvenirs, and including services such as henna tattoos and massage.

Funds were also raised to continue with the Sarbay advocacy of preserving the Sarangani Bay.  Mangrove planting, Coastal Clean Up and Scubasurero were among the activities that were participated by the Local Governments and the public.

Sarbay Festival 2013 thanks all its partners, organizers, participants, the media, and all those who came and make this event a huge success.

Sarangani

The Mabal Tabih

Leave a comment

It’s the month of October and we are celebrating the Indigenous People’s month. For this year’s celebration, the Mabal Tabih of the Blaans will be taking the center stage. Among the distinct weaves of the different tribes in Mindanao, the Tabih is becoming a very rare indigenous fabric. It is almost very difficult to find and only a few masters still know how to design this abaca fabric.

Many Blaans today, do not own thier own “Tabih”. The Tabih fabric is used as a tubular skirt for Blaan women or used as formal pants among the Blaan men. It is the frustration of cultural development workers to see Blaans use the T’nalak (which is the weaved fabric of Tbolis) instead of their Tabih. The Tbolis have done a great job in preserving their weaving tradition and have transferred the skills to the younger generation. T’nalak is the most popular abaca weaved and indigenous designed fabric in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the identity of the Blaan Mabal Tabih weaves are slowly disappearing, if this generation is not cautious.

However, in the town of Malungon, Sarangani, there exists a Blaan Village that continues to pass on the weaving knowledge to the next generation. In Sitio Lamlifew, you will find an organized group of women who are empowered in keeping their Blaan tradition. The Lamlifew Tribal Womens Association headed by Helen Lumbos has been awarded as one of the best SLTs (school of Living Tradition) in the country. One must take a visit to fully grasp the extent of their iniatitives.

Helen and the women of Lamlifew took the opportunity to partner with the government and NGOs to continue in their dream of preserving the Blaan identity and culture. When you take a visit today to Lamlifew, you will be guided by DOT trained Blaan tour guides and walk through their village. This immersion will make you understand their values toward their environment, traditions, and family. The tour will show you several of their century-old heirlooms placed in a traditional Blaan house that serves as their museum. Then, you will see their weaving house where the Tabih is carefully designed and woven. Again, this fabric is very precious because it is woven prudently by one woman who will complete the entire fabric in 3 to 4 months.

Blaan Tabih Weaving
Blaan Tabih Weaving

Several cultural workers such as Arjho Turner, Leonardo Carino, Emi Englis, and Toto Tirando (who works in the Sulong Katutubo program of Provincial Government of Sarangani) are working together to bring an awareness to the Mabal Tabih. With the support of Governor Steve Solon of Sarangani and Department of Tourism 12, an exhibit will be take place this October 13-16 in SM Mall Gensan. This is your chance to see the Tabih up close and personal and meet their Master Weavers, Fu Yabing of Polomolok and Fu Gusiye of Sarangani.

Mabal Tabih

Go Sarangani also organizes tours to visit Lamlifew Tribal Village Museum for immersion with the Blaan tribe. Please contact us at gosaranganitravel@gmail.com for more information.

Sarangani

Mark your October for Sarangani

Leave a comment

There are so many activities happening in Sarangani that gives October its flare. This is a real Octoberfest because Glan and Alabel will be sizzling with events.

The Centennial Celebration of Glan is going to be starstudded from October 2 till October 8! The 7-day Concert celebration is dubbed as “Concerts of the Century”.

Glan100Concert

On October 8, Glan is celebrating its 100th Founding Anniversary. Main highlight will be their Lubi-Lubi Festival and the street dances that will showcase the culture of the town. Go Sarangani can take you on a Glan Centennial Tour to see the Colono marker, the century old trees, the first church, and around the coconut village. This is a once in a hundred years event, so it should be worth the trip.

Meanwhile in Alabel, from October 1 -31, Woodstock Sarangani will be bringing over 100 bands to rock the town. Also the Goldenboy Herrera Farm will be transformed into one mini Carnival with rides from Manila. Watch out for the Sea Dragon and Hurricane roller coaster! They also have a Night Market that will be selling food, goodies and souvenir items!

Sarangani Woodstock

Since October is also the National Indigenous People’s Month, Sarangani is also preparing another celebration with its Tribal Leaders and Communities. Simultaneously, an Indigenous Textile Exhibit showcasing the Blaan “Tabih” that is weaved in Lamlifew, Sarangani and Landan, Polomolok is also being prepared. Thanks to Emi Englis, Bing Carino, and Arjho Turner who are pushing this advocacy and organizing this event. We will give you more details as these events unfold.

As for now, if you are wondering what to do and see in October… we invite you to mark your October for Sarangani!

We specialize on tours around General Santos City, Sarangani, Lake Sebu and South Cotabato. We are your premier SOX Tour Provider!