Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Sarangani Bay Festival By Jojie Alcantara Witerary
HOME to many indigenous tribes of B'laan, Tagakaolo, Kalagan, Manobo, Ubo and Muslim, settlers arrived in this province by sea due to its difficult terrain.
It is said a long time ago that the province of Sarangani was named after a famous Sangil voyager (from Indonesia) named Saranganing, who traded with the Sultanate of Buayan (later General Santos City). The bay was named in his honor.
In 1914, the migration of travelers from Luzon and Visayas brought about settlers along Sarangani Bay, which has become a trading port. Intermarriages occurred among a colorful mix of Hiligaynons, Cebuanos, Ilocanos, Tagalogs and Muslims who coexisted harmoniously in their ancestral domain despite cultural differences.
These indigenous tribes, though separated by various dialects, have managed to preserve their culture and create a rich one while embracing the old heritage.
To date, the most spoken dialect is Cebuano, Ilonggo and Ilocano.
Once a part of the Cotabato Empire during the American period, Sarangani was established as an independent province in 1992, as authored by former Rep. James L. Chiongbian.
The province has seven municipalities; namely: Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan and Malungon. Well known for its rich cultural heritage, the province is highly blessed with a wealth of natural possessions: from flora to fauna, wildlife, coastal attractions, bat caves and waterfalls, historical finds, and in particular one developing attraction comparable to Boracay's long shoreline: the 230-kilometer coastline of white sand shores, amazing coves, rock formations with a spectacular sunset to boot.
In the recent Sarangani Bay Festival, White Haven Beach was jam-packed with visitors from neighboring municipalities, and cities from as far as Davao.
Thanks to the invitation of Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez, my fellow media buddies Jinggoy Salvador, Nelson Bagaforo and I were fetched from Davao (courtesy of Smart's Haydee Bernabe and Goldwyn) to participate in the festivities.
We stayed at Brod Louie's White Beach Resort, which has its own beautiful beach too.
Not only have we met wonderful new acquaintances, as well as bonded with fellow Dabawenyos, we got home wearing our new Havaianas pairs, thanks to Trisha and Marga of Havaianas in Mindanao. This year's festival theme is "Sarangani: Celebrating and Protecting the Treasures of the Bay." It pays tribute to the bounty of the bay through beach activities handled by the LGU and the dynamic tandem of Governor Migs Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Chongbian Solon.
Governor Migs stayed and jammed with the bands during the evening's concert at the beach.
Special thanks to Ariel Decena and Haydee for a request that took a drive to General Santos City and back and which allowed me to capture one of my favorite sunset shots.
Another special thanks to my former dance partner in college, Dave Domingo, who gave us a ride home, after he made sure his lights and sounds worked perfectly during the concert, ending the night's party with a flourish.
(Writer's website is www.witerary.com, or email her at jojiealcantara@gmail.com.)
