Sunday, June 22, 2008 Drive me to the beach By Jinggoy Salvador
JUST when you thought you had ticked every entry box in your been-there-done-that list, another must-go destination turns up. It's best to scan your list again and I'm pretty sure you have missed a good number of spots in our good ol' Mindanao to check out. Time that you make that list longer.
I my case, its General Santos City -- the 3-hour drive spot as I call it. I have visited the place countless times to see my friends, spend a night or two, went as far as Kiamba and loved the smooth drive over the amazing road. But that was it.
Not until I started hearing about this beach destination that is so comparable to my previous "home," Boracay. This is indeed a spot to check out and add to my list of must-swim and must-tan beaches. And luckily enough, an invite to party with the locals at the Sarangani Bay Festival cam my way. And being the perpetual "drag queen" -- as in my friends can drag me whenever and wherever there's a beach ball -- I go.
Our next-door neighbor, Sarangani, is the province. Socsksargen is the region in our island of Mindanao. The capital is Alabel and borders South Cotabato to the north and Davao del Sur to the East. Lying south is the Celebes Sea. The province is divided into two parts, separated by the Sarangani Bay, and it used to be part of South Cotabato until it was made an independent province in 1992. That's geography for everyone.
Sarangani boasts of the secret "Boracay" of Mindanao. Gumasa White Beach, located near Glan, prides itself with a good stretch of which sand beach to bask in. It can be glaring on a good sunny day, shades and sunblock are always great accessories.
While one can call it underdeveloped, I call it virgin, unadulterated and this is the best time to enjoy it. Just like Boracay many years back when it was tranquil and devoid of the bustle of development. Do not wait for that time to happen before you start visiting this beach. Roughing it up is the best way to go.
Aside from Sarangani's idyllic coastline of prime white beaches, quiet coves and pristine waters, there is a great number of activities that will surely get you hooked with this place. Diving and sports fishing are couple of luring water recreations. Being new entry to destination points in the island, the coastline and dive spots are yet to be explored.
However, the exploration of the clear waters of the 75,000-hectare area of the Sarangani Bay will be the more exciting venture. Since it is a sanctuary of endangered marine life, it was declared as a protected area. Thus, expect a flourishing marine life to marvel yourself in. Try it, keep coming back and watch it grow.
But there's more. Beyond the sea are more of these natural wealth, untouched and exotic finds -- now, how tempting can that get? Waterfalls, caves, lakes, jungle-covered peaks and mangrove forests.
Sarangani's cultural opulence is enhanced by B'laan, T'boli, and Muslim artisans who have preserved their craftsmanship.
Sarangani is indeed a couple of hours away, hop in a car or bus, no plane or boat rides required. They are a new player in tourism and with a young, dynamic team heading the province, it won't be long until they bloom and boom into the next Boracay perhaps.
And now, these wonders are presented before you. Be the first few to enjoy and spread the word. Surely, I have caused a good number of additions to your list now. Better get moving!
