Sarangani Highlands – A Garden Restaurant

Sarangani Highlands, a popular garden restaurant expanding into a garden resort, is emerging to be one of the best resorts in Mindanao Island situated on a hilltop overlooking Sarangani Bay specifically in Purok Wal, Barangay Tambler on the western part of General Santos City, Philippines.

Sarangani Highlands – A Family Leisure Trip

I was attending a job-related road show in General Santos City together with my wife and my newly-wed son and his wife. Though it was my second time visiting GenSan, the first being a participant of the field trip at the Tuna Fish Landing Area, but my admiration for the highly urbanized city, formerly named Dadiangas, kept on growing each time around. The wide roads laid out in circumspect, low-rise buildings and houses with breathing space from each other, lush plants and trees growing in abundance at roadsides and vacant lots are manifestations of a carefully planned and well-maintained urban settlement.

After taking our lunch at a fast food chain, I called up my friend Roel, who is connected to a local NGO, and asked for information about the whereabouts of the mansion of the most popular GenSan native, the 8-division world boxing champion and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Luckily, he was just hanging around with some office mates at a nearby restaurant, hence, he volunteered to be our tour guide. After a while, we reached NLSA Road in Barangay Lagao and this sight caught my attention . . .

Photo of the Pacquaio mansion taken from across the road.

From the information I got from the roadside sari-sari store owner, Jinky Pacquiao was inside the mansion, hence, it was uncertain if we would be allowed to go inside. Sensing the frustration on our faces, Roel tried hard to convince the guards to allow us in as we were visitors coming from the other side of Mindanao eager to bring home the news that we had entered the Pacquiao mansion. Truly, my heart had beaten faster as my friend flashed a thumbs-up thereby giving a green light for our entry. Amidst a stern warning from the guards that we were only allowed for a 20-minute photo session for the front portion of the residential building, I took time to take this shot . . .

The sprawling Manny Pacquaio mansion

We found the Patio to be the part of the mansion worthy take take picture with . . .

The newlyweds Vladimir and Matet posing for posterity at the Pacquiao mansion main door.

Me and Vanjie in a pose wondering where in the world the door handle could have been bought by Pacquiao.

Afterward, I requested Roel to bring us to the most popular attraction in the city. Without batting an eyelash, he told me that we shall head to Sarangani Highlands which is a garden restaurant located at the hilltop overlooking Sarangani Bay. While our vehicle was traversing on the well-paved and spacious highway, my mind was traveling in advance on what Sarangani Highlands would look like and figured out if it is similar to the Mountain View Nature Park in Cebu. Upon reaching Purok Wal in Barangay Tambler, our vehicle turned right and maneuvered on the winding road uphill until we stopped on this spot . . .

The entrance to the Sarangani Highlands . . .

After paying the PhP 100.oo per head consumable entrance fee, we walked our way inside and my eyes were glued on  this comely sight . . .

The welcome fountain of the Sarangani Highlands . . .

And this portion of the Sarangani Highlands had never escaped my photographer instinct . . .

The Sarangani Highlands signage where visitors never miss having photo ops. . .

While my friend cum tour guide Roel with his 2 office mates were taking snacks commensurate to our entrance fees, we kept ourselves busy scouring every nook and corner of the garden restaurant with the reception area with function rooms as our first destination. . .

The Sarangani Highland reception center . . .

Followed by the Sarangani Highlands garden resort . . .

The facade of the Sarangani Highlands Resorts . . .

We then entered the Dadiangas Hall . . .

The entrance to the Dadiangas Hall . . .

And were enthralled by the breathtaking view of Sarangani Bay . . .

The spectacular view of Sarangani Bay as seen from the Dadiangas Hall.

Our next stop was the comely Rajah Buayan Kiosk . . .

The captivating walkway towards the Rajah Buayan Kiosk

Where a romantic spot is found . . .

The newlyweds on a royal seat with the Sarangani Bay on the background.

We savored some more lovely spots . . .

A pose in the newly-assembled pergola . . .

Posing with the decades-old bonzai tree . . .

As it was already time to leave the scenic Sarangani Higlands, the fully-satisfied visitors deemed it right to leave a wacky jump . . .

The best wacky jump picture in the best environment that I ever took . . .

Sarangani Highlands – Final Thoughts

Sarangani Highlands started out as a private retreat of two doctor-friends Dr. Ana Belle L. Abella, M.D and Dr. Tranquilino Ruiz. Their love for plants and their passion for landscaping had prevailed them to develop the area for public consumption. Little did they know that what they started as a hobby had boomed into a popular destination for tourists and visitors who want to experience the ambiance of a spot where tropical lushness, cool mountain air and warm sea breeze met to characterize the Sarangani Highlands as a perfect hideaway in this part of Central Mindanao, Philippines.

Hidden Valley Resort – An Introduction

Hidden Valley Resort, one of the best family vacation destinations and ideal couples retreat location and sight seeing spots and among the best family resorts and couples resorts suited for fun family vacations, kid friendly vacations as well as spiritual retreats and meditation retreats for island vacations enthusiasts, urbanites,  religious groups  and other people from all walks of life situated in the hinterland village or barangay of Lamac, Pinamungajan in the island province of Cebu, Philippines. It is owned and managed by one of the best performing cooperatives in the country, the 47,394-member strong Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMC).  It can be reached from Cebu City in 2 fronts, the first being the circuitous route by travelling 65 kilometers  via a paved road towards the town center of Pinamungajan, Cebu and traverse a 14-kilometer cemented road to Barangay Lamac. The second option is via the short cut route by travelling a 40-kilometer paved road from the main city towards Barangay Bunga, Toledo City and maneuver on a bumpy 7-kilometer intermittent paved and rough gravel road towards the site.

Hidden Valley Resort – Why I Visited The Place?

Being the Chief Executive Officer of the Socorro Empowered People’s Cooperative (SOEMCO), the strongest and biggest cooperative in the province based in Socorro, the lone town of Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines, I lead the 43 regular employees of the cooperative who were very enthusiastic to have a study tour in the renowned Cebu-based cooperative. On board four (4) hired vans, we left Cebu City at exactly 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon of April 21, 2011. Opting to travel via the short cut route, we traversed through the 40-kilometer winding road until we reached Barangay Bunga, Toledo City at 3:30 PM. The vehicle then turned left and our travel calvary begun as we went on a bumpy ride via a sometimes paved, but most of the time, rough gravel road passing by farmlands and occasional narrow passageways like this. . .

A pinched gravel road on a cut limestone boulder en route to Barangay Lamac

As we went on, one of my lady staff blurted:  “Sir! Are we really sure with our destination? I promptly calmed her down with an assurance that we were on the right track. Twenty minutes later,  we reached the mountain top and this exhilarating sight of a hidden valley on our left, which our driver pointed out as our final destination, had caught my attention . . .

Bird's-eye view of a hidden valley where Barangay Lamac nestles tranquilly. . .

We then maneuvered through an all-downward route until we reached the Lamac community at the foot of the valley situated 7 kilometers away from the junction. Our van then traversed through a barangay street, climbed on an upward route and stopped in front of this signage. . .

The imposing Hidden Valley Resort signage . . .

As we stepped out of the van and looked in all directions. . . and after seeing the sceneries,  my staff shouted in unison : “WOW! This is great . . .

The exhilirating view of the Hidden Valley Resort cottages built on a hillside with white mountain rock formations on the background. . .

After the usual check-in procedures, we were ushered to our respective cottage assignments. On our way, my eyes were glowed on this sight . . .

A concrete stairway leading to the Hidden Valley Resort Chapel . . .

From the chapel, I savored this alluring view . . .

The mesmerizing sight of the Hidden Valley Resort and its environs . . .

As the western sky turned crimson to orange, I took this photograph . . .

Sunset at Hidden Valley Resort . . .

We then gathered in the Narcisa Hall for the much awaited orientation on the history, products and services of the LamaC Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC). Truly, the stirring speech of the cooperative’s General Manager Ellen Canda-Limocon was among the best speeches I have had heard in my lifetime. Her soft voice detailing the woos and glees of the cooperative could easily capture a cooperative leader-listener’s attention even on a standing position from dusk to dawn.

After the sumptuous welcome dinner, we retired to our respective beds. I was the first from among the group to rise in the morning purposely to take morning shots of the resort sceneries like these . . .

The Lourdes Retreat House . . .

The Hidden Valley Resort Reception Center with the imposing LMPC logo on the foreground . . .

The resort's Kiosk where the Karaoke Challenge among guests are held . . .

The Sinungkulan Hall and Veranda Cafe . . .

The Hidden Valley Resort's Main Swimming Pool . . .

The Hidden Valley Resort Amphitheater . . .

The Kiddie Swimming Pool . . .

... and the Pond cottages

I went back to the main Swimming Pool and saw the SOEMCO lady staff headed by the Accounting Manager Racquel Kristina T. Ocon gearing for a languorous swim into the turquoise waters . . .

The SOEMCO lady employees on their best swim attire . . .

The SOEMCO calendar girls posing for posterity at pool side . . . with some smiling boys at the back

Struggling not to not to be left behind by their counterparts, the SOEMCO male staff had also shown their capability to be posted on the men’s magazine cover . . .

The SOEMCO male staff on their best pool pose . . .

HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

Hidden Valley Resort – Final Thoughts

The  study tour was the best trip the SOEMCO staff had gone so far in their entire life as it left a tremendous impact on each and every employees’ lives. As we left the place, each one of us made a vow to continue spreading with renewed vigor and vitality the virus of cooperativism back home and conquer Caraga Region the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooepartive (LMPC) way! Truly, the spot had been lost from our sights as our van had sped away, but the LMPC and the Hidden Valley Resort would always remain in our minds and hearts forever.

Hidden Island Resort is one of the island getaways in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines that I long to visit . For one, I want to see for myself the veracity of the stories being told that it has been transformed into a world-class resort by its owner, my good friend Roger Pimentel. Though I live in the island  but it was already quite some time that I visited the place since it was first constructed around 5 years ago.

Hence, on February 14, 2011, armed by my newly-acquired Nikon D 7000, I embarked on a sight seeing trip around my island home with the Hidden Island Resort as my first tourist spot destination.

Truly, after our boat maneuvered at the back of one of the secluded islets within the vicinity of Barangay Dona Helen, I was awe-struck when my eyes caught this view . . .

As I disembarked from the boat, my appetite to dive had soared upon seeing this dive board. . .

The Hidden Island Resort reception desk is simple and comely . . .

With its Patio so elegantly designed . . .

The simple yet elegant Blue Marlin Cottage had really caught my attention . . .

More so with the schools of groupers swimming on the azure waters beneath . . .

I saw for myself that guests in the Dolphin Cottage are treated like kings and queens as evidenced by this exquisite bedroom . . .

Standing at the resort’s catwalk, I cannot help but be inspired by the resort’s signage . . .

The sight of the resort’s flagship billeting place, the Lobster Cottage, is simply amazing . . .

But, nothing beats the exhilarating view of the island scenery as seen from the Lobster Cottage veranda . . .

Savoring the beauty of floating dish garden-like islets dotted on azure seas as viewed from Hidden Island Resort’s Lobster Cottage veranda would surely excite  the  urban guests and make them forget the hustles and bustles of city life . . .

Even I, an islander myself, so dearly admire the view of the Hidden Island Resort from atop the limestone view deck . . .

Truly, as my boat had sped away towards another tourist spot,  the spot had left an imprint in my mind in that . . .

judging from its facilities and amenities, Hidden Island Resort would surely dig deeper into the company of world-class vacation resorts capable of offering tourists a wholesome island vacations.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – An Introduction

A Lakeside Resort and Hotel, aptly named “Kasili” after a popular freshwater eel, is an emerging favorite among island vacations enthusiasts considered as one of the best family vacation destinations in Caraga Region and among the best family resorts in this part of the country capable of hosting kid-friendly vacations and fun family vacations situated in the scenic lakeside town of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, in the northeastern part of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Why Visit The Place

Through the invitation of my good friend Virgintina Garrido, the town’s Municipal Agriculturist, and in my desire to prove the veracity of the words being spread on the increasing influx of tourists and visitors to the town I considered my second home while I was studying in an agricultural college situated in one of its progressive barangays, I visited the place last January 18, 2011. Truly, I saw for myself the reasons why the Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel has steadily become favorite  island vacations destination for 4 concrete reasons:

1. Its Location. Built on the edge of the awesome Lake Mainit, this lakeside resort and hotel offers the guests and visitors the chance to view the beauty of the 4^th largest lake in the Philippines. Standing at the veranda of the presidential suite, you can have a total glimpse of the scenic view of the lake’s 17,340 hectares surface area and see for yourself the reasons why only Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao and Taal Lake had surpassed this large body of fresh water surrounded by land in terms of area. If you happen to be there in the summer months of April to June, you can savor the purplish bloom of water hyacinths abounding its periphery. And, if you are one of the adventurous breed of nature lovers, you can take a ride on the resort’s M/B Mainit Kasili service boat and stroll on its 62.10 kilometers lakeshore, visit to the 31 lakeshore barangays in 4 towns, and cut across its  placid and azure waters classified as Class A by the Environmental Management Bureau and wonder what lies on the floor of the lake’s deepest part measured at 223 meters.
2. Its Facilities and Amenities. As you approach the site, you can view the concrete signage of the lakeside resort prominently installed on the roadside. As you enter the gate, you will definitely be struck by the resort’s sight and extra-ordinary ambiance. A walk further inside would bring you to the sprawling 200-capacity convention center. A few more steps and you would be welcomed by a comely fountain strategically located in front of the main building. Upon entering the reception center in the ground floor, you will be stunned by the sight of benches, tables and chairs made from centuries-old  molave tree stumps and trunks neatly arranged on the foot of a large painting of Lake Mainit prominently displayed in the wall. After exchanging pleasantries with the nice receptionist, you would be ushered upstairs and view the equally large portraits of the town’s ecotourism destinations- the Silop Lake, Mapaso Hot Spring and Dayano Cave- to name a few conspicuously hanged along the corridor walls. A quick tour of the building would led you to its 3 dormitory-type rooms; 30 single-bed; 8 double-bed and 5 suite rooms all fully air-conditioned. When you open the door suite room’s exit door leading to the veranda, your eyes will be greeted with a spectacular view of  3 romantic swimming pools of varying sizes with its turquoise waters enticing you to have a quick dip or a languorous swim. The presidential suite fronting the lake emits the aura of executive setting. For the music-loving guests, two videoke bars are available featuring a live band every weekend. A tennis court is on hand to cater to the sports-minded guests. Most importantly, a restaurant is at hand offering, aside from the favorite dishes made from fishes that abound in the lake like the “kasili” or giant mottle eel, but also oriental and European foods depending on your taste.
3. The Services. The lakeside resort is not only known for its scenic venue and comfortable facilities but also with its excellent and charming services. The staff running the place are very professional, polite and ever willing to meet all your requests from room service and any other guest-related concerns. On top of all, security service is provided 24/7.
4. Its ownership. A product of visionary leadership of the town officials headed by its mayor, the Honorable Ramon Beltran Mondano, this lakeside hotel and resort is fully-owned and operated by the municipal government. Knowing pretty well all the facets of local governance being an agriculturist myself and Municipal Administrator-designate of my town, it takes extra-ordinary guts for the local chief executive of a municipality which is dependent on the internal revenue allotment from the national government to build such an awesome resort. I was told that the Mayor was even ridiculed at the start for conceiving such ambitious project and vigorously pursuing its implementation despite limited funds. But,  I for one can attest that the decision and passion to build such a surefire income-generating tourist facility against all odds is worthy of emulation. Hence, for the professionals and the academe, your visit to this comely lakeside resort and hotel is a scholastic journey to observe local governance at its best.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Final Thoughts

Great sight, extra-ordinary facilities and amenities, heart-warming services and round-the-clock security are time-tested ingredients for perfect island vacations. The Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel is one place where you can come and actually forget your daily routine and busy urban life. Its ambiance, filled with serenity and beauty, is what mesmerizes its visitors. The resort stands out from the rest because of its unique architecture and the location simply proves to be icing on the cake. Any number of visits you do to this lakeside resort and hotel cannot take away the charm it offers to its guests and you will surely vow to have a return visit.

MAINIT KASILI LAKESIDE RESORT AND HOTEL VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

The comely Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel Signage

The imposing street side concrete marker greets the lakeside guests and visitors

The lakeside resort entrance

The Convention Center

Inside view of the 200-capacity Convention Center

The sprawling restaurant and function building

The Lakeside Resort's Main Building

The Reception Center

A Lake Mainit painting on the wall fronting the reception desk

A painting on the 2nd floor corridor depicting Togonan Falls-another awesome natural attraction of the town.

Another painting... that of Dayano Cave.

Painting of another Mainit pride . . . the Mapaso Hot Spring.

The suite room

A spectacular sight of the resort's swimming pool viewed from the suite room's veranda.

The swimming pool viewed from the other end opposite the veranda.

The kids' swimming pool.

The resort's Presidential Suite.

The scenic Mainit Lake viewed from the Presidential Suite veranda of the Lakeside Resort and Hotel.

Majestic Beach Resort – An Introduction

A majestic beach resort is one of the best vacation spots as well as the most sought out island getaways of island vacations enthusiasts and takes the form of either a hidden beach resort, a white sand beach resort or any  best family resorts or couples resorts situated in a black sand beach ideal for island water sports and family beach vacations.

Majestic Beach Resort – Why Visit Club Tara?

Beach resorts are found anywhere in the world. But a majestic beach resort, which can provide all the key ingredients for a great vacation, is seldom to be found. But in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, there is one hideaway- the Club Tara Resort which stands out as among the best as it is blessed with the flawless blend of:

1. Enviable Location. You can find this majestic beach resort inside a small sheltered bay on the idyllic southern coast of Bucas Grande Island set in the backdrop of verdant islets and rolling karst hills carpeted with lush tropical vegetation. The breath-taking sight of the sparkling light, purplish blue color of the waters fronting the resort resembling that of a clear and unclouded sky surely captivates your senses and rejuvenates your soul. A watchful walk eastward through an uphill trail and a few careful steps downhill leads you to the serene lagoon “Kwaknitan,” so named after a bat specie, where you can commune with nature and go on kayaking on its blue-green brackish waters. Take a 5-minute boat ride  or go on a 20-minute hike southwards and you will be enthralled by the beauty of the Kanlunes Beach with the grains of its silver-white powder sand glistening like gems with just a slight touch of light coming  from the sun.
2. Intoxicating Amenities. Club Tara, the majestic beach resort, is known throughout Caraga Region as much for its inspired sceneries as for its world-class facilities and comfort-laden, convenience-oriented and pleasure-bearing amenities. Originally built by its owner, my good friend Dr. Potenciano Malvar of the General Miguel Malvar Foundation, the resort had reached its present stature thanks to his Korean business partner Mr. Marsi Kang who innovatively combined Korean-Filipino architecture on its cottages, restaurant and reception center carefully designed to capture the essence of tranquility. You can see 10 suite-cottages standing on the blue lagoon’s edge with only the walls and posts made of concrete but the roofs made of local “nipa” materials to match perfectly with the aggregate of features that give character to its surrounding landscape. Inside the individual suites, which officially opened for guest occupancy last October, 2009, you can witness the highest quality fixtures and furnishings- a California King-sized bed, cable TV and DVD and a tiny refrigerator.  You can watch with awe and admiration the floor to ceiling windows installed to frame the stunning view of the lagoon piercing though the wooden-floored veranda featuring a see-through glass designed for guests to peek the waters underneath playfully enwrapping the concrete posts en route to the shoreline. Upon entering the bathroom, you cannot help but feel engulfed with magical spells with the sight of the black pebbles carefully laid on the floor. The view of a jacuzzi pool for two set on glass side windows overlooking the lagoon would surely tickle your mind that the place is so perfect for romantics of all ages. In between the suite  cottages you can find a beautiful horizon edge serpentine-sized freshwater pool that appears to flow into the azure sea that entices guests in for a quick dip or a languorous swim. At Kanlunes Beach, you can see cottages in between palm trees deliberately  built 200 feet from the water, close enough to hear the waves pounding on the shorelines and high enough to enjoy the inspiring view of the sprawling Mt. Legazpi  in the mainland and the ever-changing  blues of the Hinatuan Passage seas and sky.
3. Excellent Services. Most importantly, in this majestic beach resort you can savor its innovative cuisine, which artfully blends international favorites with island flair. During your stay, you will be served with classic yet contemporary dishes fused with Asian and European culinary influences. As an added advantage, you can really feel the warmth, grace and personable services of the staff belonging to the Filipino race known internationally for their hospitality. You can dine and wine on its restaurant or arrange a special sunset dinner on the beach front. For island water sports lovers and enthusiasts like you, snorkeling, diving and kayaking gears with expert guides are always available.

Majestic Beach Resort – Final Thought

A great resort, sea view, lots of entertaining activities or relaxing time on a fine sand beach, good food and lots of sun are usual key ingredients for a great island vacations. In Club Tara Resort, you can find all these attributes and you can experience paradise in a secluded haven for luxury, elegance and superb cuisine. You can take my word that this majestic beach resort is one of the finest in this part of the country, but I recommend seeing it for yourself.

CLUB TARA VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE . . .

If you want to stay in another world-class resort within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove, please click here.

Looking for great island vacations spots in Bucas Grande Island, please click here, also here, as well as here.

A Breath-taking Sunset At Club Tara Resort

A photograph on 4 of the 10 Jacuzzi Suite and 2 of the 4 Tropical Cottages

The Club Tara Swimming Pool

A Distant View of Club Tara Cottages

Inside Picture of Suite Cottage with Floor To ceiling Glass Windows Facing the Veranda and Lagoon

Close Up View of the Jacuzzi with Captivating View of Floating Flowers

A dainty and demure Filipina enjoying the fresh and cool Jacuzzi dip

Special Sunset Dinner at Kanlunes Beach

Photo of Tents in Wooden Catwalks at Club Tara

Poolside Dinner At Club Tara

An Enviable Poolside Kiss Among Club Tara Guest Couple

Two Amiable Staff in Ethnic Attire Welcoming the Club Tara Guests

View of a Tropical Cottage Atop A Limestone Islet fronting Club Tara

A lady tourist savoring the mesmerizing beauty and serenity of the Kanlunes Beach...a part of Club Tara -this island's majestic beach resort.