Assorted Tropical Flora Species @ my Mama's petite garden

Brgy. Topland, City of Koronadal

South Cotabato, Philippines

These are the two varieties of orchids that Balong and i bought in Davao. There are 5 actually but i forgot to take a shot of the other three (hehehe!).

We have around 10 pairs of lorikeets at home. I remember 'lory loft' in Singapore's Jurong Bird Park when  i pass by in here (ahahaha!). Wish to have the same loft as well (ilusyon much ~ ahahaha!)

I guess people living all their life in the busy and tedious city can attest that living in the province is an awesome experience ‘to try’. Well, I can relate to that bigtime (ahahaha!)!!! Fresh fruits, fresh veggies, natural landscape and modest hospitality that engulfs the community is just PRICELESS which perfectly defines what ‘nature’ really is. Bi-decades of my  humble life were spent mostly in the province and here I am the finished product (ahahaha!). My family live mostly around Mindanao whom people not just in nearby islands of Luzon and Visayas but even here abroad inclined to judge as a haven for rebel armies. At some point they are correct, but I definitely assure for your safety once you visit Koronadal City, where people of different walks of life (Christians and Muslims) live in harmony, filled with nature’s bounty for everybody to pamper with.

Balong took most of the shots... He is not using DSLR by the way, just an ordinary 16 mp Sony Digital Camera.

We live out of the city center actually, approximately around 14 kilometers away and you need to travel an additional 30 minutes to reach Barangay Topland where our house is located. Please don’t get confused with barangay and barrio as both have the same meaning, k? (hehehe!). Mode of transportation is not a problem either as ‘habal habal’ ~ a pimped motorcycle with an additional seat at the back that can carry 5 to 6 passengers including the driver is a common sight in here. Gradually however, this mode of transportation is replaced with a common motorbike that can only lodge 2 to 3 passengers for a more safer journey. Jeepney used to conquer the streets during my childhood years (around 15 years ago ~ ahahaha!) but the king of the road evaporate literally because locals shifted to tricycle. Jeepney subsequently became the family vehicle which is utterly used for carrying farm products or utilize for travelling in and out of the city.

I don't know what is the name of these but there are plenty of these in the pathways.

We may live in the remote corner of Mindanao, but don’t underestimate the place where I grow up as cemented roadways from the city center to our barangay makes the travel more faster and less haggard. Since our place is basically an agriculture area, you’ll pass along farm roads complete with rice and corn fields on both sides of the main toll. Mountain ranges can be seen from afar embellished with birds freely flying over the horizon. If you want to have that ‘baryo’ feel, ours modestly is the best example (ahahaha!).

We have few sunflowers in the garden of Papa. i remember we used to eat the seeds even the flower is not ripe yet (ahahaha!)

Since I worked abroad for quite sometimes already, I only have 30 days to spend wherever I wanted to as a remunerated annual vacation. I usually go home and spent it with my family coz as what other would say ‘there is no place like home’. May is always the perfect month to go personally because it’s our anniversary (ano daw? ~ ahahaha!). Kidding aside, May is a summer season and most of my cousin is on break too which is ideal to tag along wherever we wanted to go. We usually gather somewhere and have some fun but what  I fond the most  of doing is inviting my cousin in our house, cook something and helping Mama with her garden (ahahaha!).

I used to know the names of these flowersss... ammmmmmmppnessss... i forgot really... (ahahaha!!!)

Every vacation, I always on Mama’s side with regards to gardening. It’s like a mother and son bonding where I seldom doing except if I am at home (ahahaha!). I help her sprinkling the plant every morning even arranging it. I am not an expert about landscaping but good enough to beautify the place (naks ~ ahahaha!). I have excessive inclination with flora but just don’t know why I didn’t prosper in this field (ahahaha!). My brother even butted-in that since we are into it then venture in business. Hmmmmmm he is absolutely right with that notion but seems am not into it ‘YET’  (ahahaha!). Please don’t get me wrong, I do work in a banking institutions but having a business is not my forte for now, or not my thing so far (ahahaha!). Am just good in advising our clients what to do but in actual mode, hmmmm nah, let me think about it first (ahahaha!). like everybody else, am just afraid of failures I guess but we will get in that bridge soon, we don’t know (hehehe!).

The shot on the left is from the bulb of the cactus plant, while on the bottom right is the renowned bougainvillea! Don't ask me with the yellow one (ahahaha!).

Because of extreme fondness to orchids and ornamental plants,  expect that when Mama is on a trip anywhere expect that she always bring varieties of plants on her way home (ahahaha!). She can either buy it or just plain talk to persuade the owner to give her some seedlings/saplings  for her garden (ahahaha!). That is always a norm actually and it’s her weakness at some point and who am I to hinder unto that simple yet adorable happiness, huh? (ahahaha!).

Mama used to collect ornamental plants, it's just a hobby for her. It's good because it's therapeutic  that gives you beauty while it fills your time (hehehe!)

When Balong and I went to Davao City, we passed to one of the flower farm that sells different varieties of  orchids. We bought 3 assorted vandas and 2 dendrobiums as a gift to Mama to add to her collection. In most flower shops, prices varies actually because it depends mainly on the orchids species plus the rarity of course. Like Waling Waling for example, considered as the ‘Queen of all Philippine Flowers’ can range up to PHP 100,000 if you buy it in cluster with fully blown flowers (ahahaha!). Well, we have no waling waling yet at home but we have plenty of varieties to be proud of (naks ~ ahahaha!).

I guess you know what it is (hehehe!)? Corn plant on the left, eggplant flower on the bottom right and a grass flower on top (ahahaha!).

Everybody would agree with me pretty sure that flowers really append to that tropical feel within or outside of our house. It can either be potted or planted on the ground but point is, it has this fascinating appeal to people that adds color to our life, ayt? (ahahaha!). At some point, it makes our day pleasant seeing the intricate beauty that embodies certain areas of our house. That’s why there is no questions really if my mom is wholly engage into it because our humble house maybe small but having area as an outlet to see such beauty at its best then a garden is an answer to that (hehehe!). 

Hmmmm Proud to say that I took these shots (ahahaha!)

Balong took this when we were searching for 'chili leaves' ahahahahaha

If my Mom has her floral garden, my dad has its own veggies garden too (ahahaha!). It’s not that big actually (around ¼ hectare) but ample enough to sustain our daily needs. Since it’s the first  time of Balong to meet my parents, he always accompany Papa in cultivating his garden (palakas mode ~ ahahaha!). What he has are mostly seasonal plants like lady fingers (okra), bitter gourd (ampalaya), string beans (sitaw) and lots more. I love steamed kamote tops with bagoong (fermented fish), thus I always pass by here to pick some (ahahaha!). It’s mainly for family consumption exclusively but our neighbors do ask for some then we heartily share it with them. The lot is where we about to build our house but for the time being let’s keep it as a garden (ahahaha!).

Have you seen my mom in the collage pics??? Ahahahahaha... ILOVEYOU Mama.. mwaaaaaaaa

You know what is more interesting? The vegetable garden even won as ‘the best private backyard garden’ for the whole province of South Cotabato in 2011! How cool is that huh? (ahahaha!). It was solely materialized as a hobby  for them to fill their free time but having a price is just a plus (ahahaha!). Below is the news in relations to the award received by Papa and a PHP 10,000 price is fair enough, huh? (ahahaha!).

http://www.southcotabatonews.com/2011/07/search-for-cleanest-and-greenest-lgus.html

We have more than a hundreds sapling of oncidium or locally known as dancing lady.

Herewith are some of the shots taken by Balong at home during our vacation, taken mostly from Mama’s orchid garden. I made a collage out of it because there are so many shots that is hard to delete (hehehe!). Thanks baby, mwaaaaaaanesss!!! Just enjoy the shots po...

My mom loves collecting orchids. She has more than a hundred varieties. It's just a hobby that fills her time when she's at home.

She has a small garden in front of the house and there is a rambutan tree that shades the whole area.

Everytime she travels, rest assured that she always have an orchids or ornamental plants to bring home (ahahaha!). She usually buy it but sometimes she persuade the owners to give her some saplings/seedlings (ahahaha!)

Hmmm that's me in the corner. I usually help Mama in sprinkling her garden with water.

The rambutan tree in the background serves as the shades of the orchids.

It's always good to see a garden filled with beautiful flowers. Wish to have a good one in the near future. (hehehe!)

Dendrobium is the most common vareities that my Mom has. It's more than 20 i guess. If all her orchids blooms, darrrrrrrrrrrnnnn what a stunning scene pretty sure.. (hehehe!).

So that's it for now guys. Hope you enjoyed the shots from our humble garden.

Cheeeeeeeeerrriooos!!!!!

Have a great day and night everyone.

Enan signing off.

SMILE :)

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Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort ~ summer get away in Koronadal City

Barangay Concepcion, Bo. 6

Koronadal City, South Cotabato

Philippines

My cousins at Del Rio Resort. It’s one of the popular resort destination all year round in Koronadal City whatever the season maybe. 

When I first met Balong in Manila, one topic we chatted about is where I live. Of course, it’s a ‘getting to know each other’ stage and  I doubt if he is familiar or even heard where Koronadal City is (nakanaks ~ ahahaha!). He lives in Caloocan City all his life and haven’t been to Mindanao yet. I ask him directly about it and mistakenly thought that the city is a part of Polomolok and General Santos City (ahahaha!). Does that mean these two areas are much more popular than Marbel? Well, Polomolok has one of the world’s largest and biggest pineapple plantation administrated by DOLE Philippines Company; thus, it is generally distinguished as ‘Pineapple Country of the South’ while General Santos City find its niche in the map because it’s the ‘Tuna Capital of the Philippines’ aside from of course, it’s where Manny Pacquio lives (hehehe!). I laugh not because of what he thought, but how he said it confidently (ahahaha!). I understand him though, Mindanao is the 2^nd largest islands in the Philippines and it’s logical if he didn’t identify the place.

That's me and Balong, that is the proof that you're free to get inside the resort.  

I am a proud Marbellenos and will remain that way forever. If you have no idea where Koronadal City is, then listen (hehehe!). Koronadal City is popularly known to the locals as Marbel. It is basically positioned in the southernmost point of Mindanao which is a part of South Cotabato province. A melting pot of contrasting ethnic cultures and influences with many dialects and indigenous traditions. Please don’t get confused with North Cotabato because these are two different provinces away from each other. General Santos City International Airport is the closest airfield to the city. Travel by plane will take around an hour and a half from Manila either via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. You need to spend another hour from the airport to Marbel by bus or by car. Travelling from Gensan is an attractions in itself as natural panoramic landscape is truly remarkable amid the presence of the stunning Mt. Matutum, the imposing landmark of the province.

From our house in Barangay Topland, it was just around 20 minutes drive to reach the resort. We usually hire a motorbike for PHP 100.

Koronadal is the capital of South Cotabato and was only acknowledged as a city a decade ago. It’s basically a child in terms of cityhood but an astounding gateway to explore the region’s natural beauty complete with tropical rainforest in the highlands. There are plenty of raw fruit varieties fresh from farm orchards everywhere like durian, marang, lansones, rambutan, bananas, pineapples, and lots more where is only endemic in the south. Because of commendable weather, countless species of orchids can be found in here too along with other fascinating flora perfect for your tropical garden.

Experience the coolness of nature just five minutes away from Koronadal City's downtown. Del Rio Splash Resort is the right place for your occasions be it a wedding, birthday, reunion, corporate affairs and parties of all sorts.

Tourism sector is still underdeveloped if we are going to compare with other cities, fortunately however, it’s a great outlet for a busy mundane life and away from heavy and hard pollution in Manila. Life is simple and the phase is slow; thus far, the village vibes is still apparent with lots of fascinating traditions to enjoy. Despite living in a ‘troubled region’ many different people from all walks of life, different beliefs, dreams, hopes and yearning live united in one place.

Kulitan with my cousins.... IJ were injured at that time that is why she is just lying inside the cottage we rented. 

There are so many attractions that you’ll indulge here but for now let’s visit one of the water parks which is perfect for family escape. If you’re from Marbel, pretty sure you’ll know where Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort is. If you don’t, then set back and relax and I’ll explain what I know about this place (hehehe!). It’s one of the popular resort destination all year round whatever the season maybe. There are so many inland resorts blossoming in the city but given that it’s the closest option from our house, therefore, we always pass-by in here every time that we have an opportunity. Since it’s the first vacation of Balong in Marbel, we make it a point that we maximize most of the time, so staying at home is not an alternative (hehehe!).

The manmade lake at the back is one of the best feature of the resort where you can do boating, fishing or simply enjoying the rural ambiance of the south.

Cresta Del Rio Splash Resort or just Del Rio for short, is located 5 kilometers away from the city center. I’ve been here several times, I just can’t recall how many (hehehe!). There is no problem locating the place as huge signage is visible along Maharlika Highway (GenSan to Marbel highway). If you have a car, it’s just an easy 5 to 10 minutes  drive from Marbel’s roundabout sans traffic. Don’t ask for taxi because you’ll not be able to find one except if you’re coming from GenSan. The most common mode of transportation is via jeepney but preferably tricycle is enough that will direct you straight to the resort’s gate. Try your expertise in haggling as it is still a norm in here. The price per trip varies really depends on how many will get in, usually the charge per person is PHP 15 to PHP 20.  

It is one of the best summer destination in the south. The vicinity is complete with basic services to make your stay worthwhile.

When we arrive in the vicinity, friendly and accommodating uniformed security guards that maintains the equanimity of the place greeted us right away. They encode our cars’ plate numbers for protection reason and a minimal car entrance fee of PHP 20 is collected. The place is landscaped with tropical flowers and enclosed with iron fence. I don’t know exactly how many hectares are covered by the resort but it’s huge enough for family to enjoy.

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The highlight of the resort is of course the 2 swimming pools areas made separately for children and adults. There is a separate entrance fee of PHP 20 per adult and PHP 10 for kids. The adult vicinity is composed of two (2) giant slides around 10 to 15 meters high with manmade bridge that connect to the center island where a waterfall is located. Lifeguard is always on the lookout securing the welfare of the visitors. The children’s pool is just a few walks away from the large swimming pool with a much smaller slide and a spew shower in the center.  

Pool Cottages made of nipa (dried cogon leaves and bamboo) are scattered around the resort with a rustic tropical touches. Cottage prices do varies depends on the sizes: the smaller one cost around PHP 150 that can accommodate 10 to 15 persons and since we were more than 20 we choose the bigger one that cost us around PHP 250. Electricity is included in the payment of the cottage, thus, you can bring your own stereo if you wanted too.

There is a wooden bridge in the middle of the pond that will bring you straight to the other dike which has a good view of the river nearby. Boats are available in the area just in case you wanted to have a moment to yourself while encircling the manmade lake.

Bringing of food inside the resort is allowed and greatly advisable for you to save some cash, although they have a restaurant pavilion that caters wide variety of Filipino cuisine at a very affordable price, but that is only suitable for a few number of guest. However, if you have enough money to spare then you’re free to do so (hehehe!). They even have a grocery store outlet that sells mostly what you need for.

The highlight of the resort is of the course the 2 swimming pools areas made separately for children and adults.

The resort used to have a zorbing/wazzoo ball facilities but just don’t know why we haven’t seen it. I supposed to ask the receptionist but I forgot all along as right after we arrived, we dipped in the pool instantly (ahahaha!). Well, am surrounded with my cousin who are mostly teenagers, so what do you expect? Their hyperactive attitude is just over the top (ahahaha!). By the way, do you know what is meant by zorb? Hmmmmm it’s a large inflatable sphere that allows a person inside to walk across the surface of a body of water. It’s usually made of transparent plastic with zipper entrance to allow for easy entry and exit. As much as I wanted to show the picture of zorb, it’s better if you’ll google it though (ahahaha!).

Bringing of food inside the resort is allowed and greatly advisable for you to save some cash. The biggest cottage is just PHP 250 for the whole day.

If fishing is your thing then you’re in the right place. They have a pond at the back that housed tilapias and carps. It’s beautifully landscaped area where guest are allowed to get some bait and catch some fish. You can capture as much as you could as long as you pay what you have caught. There is a wooden bridge in the middle of the pond that will bring you straight to the other dike which has a good view of the river nearby. Boats are available in the area just in case you wanted to have a moment to yourself while encircling the manmade lake. We wanted to rent the swan-shaped boat near at the raft but the staff said that it’s only for decoration.

The children’s pool is just a few walks away from the large swimming pool with a much smaller slide and a spew shower in the center.

If you have plan to stay overnight then better ask the receptionist early for reservation. There are several deluxe cabanas with reasonable prices at PHP 1,200 for two that includes breakfast. It has a glass windows and door which gives you a full view of the manmade lake. Dormitories are available too for those who are budget friendly as it only cost PHP 500++ per night, should you like an extra bed then, additional charge of PHP 150 is required. I don’t know if the price varies every season but when we visit the resort that is their package.  

We will be back that is for sure. Seeing my cousin happy is just PRICELESS!!!

For a bigger celebration it has a function hall that can accommodate 400 to 500 guest which is ideal for conferences, business meetings, wedding receptions or birthday parties. My classmate in high school even held her wedding in here but unfortunately, wasn’t able to attend to. I just don’t know how much is their package per gathering but the best thing you can do is visit the resort to avail a good discount. For further information, please contact (083) 228 8998 or you can email them @ delrio@gmail.com.

You can stay until 8:00 PM but if you're guest of the resort then it's open 24 hours. They have a karaoke unit where you can drop PHP 5 coin to play. If your good into singing then show it off here. (hehehe!)

So there you go, once you’re in Marbel better tag along your family in here, they have comprehensive amenities that caters all your needs with a 24 hour room service and security. There are few inland resorts around the city but wasn’t able to visit it yet, thus, I have nothing to compare. If I visit one,  promise that I will feature it in here.

Have a great day and night everyone… 

Cherrrrriiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooosssssssss!!!

SMILE. :)

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Mt. Matutum ~ South Cotabato’s imposing landmark

Municipality of Polomolok

Municipality of Tupi

Koronadal City

South Cotabato, Philippines 

Mt. Matutum is undoubtedly the provinces most imposing land mark. It is one of the favorite climbing destinations in the area and is considered as an outstanding challenge to mountaineers and nature lovers. 

Have you been to the southern part of Mindanao by any chance? If not then I guess you need to pack your knapsack and start exploring it’s hidden majesty as it is a place where eco-tourism surface affably.  There are so many ‘connotation’ that drives along if we confer about Mindanao but disregard that for now as hundreds of attractions can be found in here. Most of the spots are not yet fully developed especially those in the remote areas but that is the hidden beauty that the southern region have. Travelling its untouched, unexplored, and unspoiled vista alone is an interesting experience in itself.

There is no place like home that is the ‘gasgas’ phrase that we heard as always, but that is true enough since living in South Cotabato is a piece of heaven personally. I spent half of my existence here and the rustic, simple way of life, and the hospitality that surrounds the community is just amazing. I maybe out of the country for quite sometimes already but going home every year to visit my family is the top of my precedence. I am  always proud of the place where I grew up and thankful of the people that instill great memories in my humble beginnings.

South Cotabato is rich in cultural heritage and topography. If we talk about tourist attractions, the southern splendor is not to overlook out on as natural landscape that engulfs the region is truly notable. Just along the highway from General Santos City to the City of Koronadal is a charm to behold as awesome panoramic view of the surroundings plus distinct stopover restaurants and fruits stands is a must try once in the south. If Taal Volcano is known in Tagaytay City and Davao City is identified because of Mt. Apo, then South Cotabato has its own share of grandeur because of the presence of the stunning Mt. Matutum. This serve as the most distinguished landmark and a continuing status symbol that represents South Cotabato as a whole.

Mt. Matutum is an active volcano tentatively nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site submitted by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Protected and Wildlife Bureau in 2006. There is no confirmation yet when it will be recognized but it is the first step of the nomination process that serve as an indication that they are eager to protect the natural site. It’s the 14^th highest mountain in the country and swarm with diverse plant and animal species including the endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird which is considered as the largest and the rarest species in the world. Philippine Tarsier find it’s home in here as well which I thought it can only be found in Bohol  that is strictly protected in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Mt. Matutum is  just an easy 15-minute drive to the northwestern part of General Santos City. Its cone-shaped jagged facet is remarkably apparent if you pass through the main highway to visit the municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi, and Koronadal City  which are all part of South Cotabato province. The indigenous group of B’laan tribe inhabits the environs and helps protect the lushness of the forest that surrounds the area.  It’s name derived from the  B’laan word ‘Amyak Maleh Matutum’  meaning ‘Climb and Plant Matutum’ which is perfect for all nature lovers as this is one of the favorites climbing destination that offers a splendid views of surrounding towns and cities which is the highest point in the area.

The Dole pineapple plantation, which is one of the largest in the country, sits in the fertile regions below Mt. Matutum. They are world-class pineapples, exported for their quality and taste. 

Nestled at the base of the mountain is one of the world’s largest and biggest pineapple plantation particularly operated by DOLE Philippines. Polomolok is splendidly gifted with pineapple products, thus it is dubbed as ‘pineapple country’ of the south. The firm is chiefly involved in growing, processing, and exporting fresh and canned pineapples that grows copiously at the vast and fertile fields as far as eyes can see. They are not only known for its world-class pineapples which is exported for their quality and taste but the scenery in itself is tremendously PRICELESS. It’s an awesome panorama to explore as natural breeze coming from the mountain ranges adds to that tropical feel that can only be found in here.

Tupi Fruit Stands located along the National Highway. Tupi is considered the fruit bowl of the Province. Owing to the potential fruit stands are visible along the highways where tropical fruits are for sale. 

Pineapple is not the only products that the provinces is known for, because of the ideal setting and the perfect ambiance for fruit growers, the nearby town of Tupi, South Cotabato is distinguished as ‘the fruit bowl of the region’. Series of fruits stands is visible along the highway where assorted tropical fruits like rambutan, lansones, durian, jackfruit, guava, different vareities of bananas, mabolo, and lot more are profusely available with a price that is absolutely cheap. You can even buy PHP 15 to 25 for a dozen of an average size of singkamas!!!! It is so accessible because it is located along the Maharlika Highway where buyers can easily park their vehicles. Everytime that we pass-by in here coming from General Santos City, we make it a point that we stop for a few minutes to buy some fresh fruits as ‘pasalubong’ on our way home (hehehe!).

Durian Garden is a must visit place if you want to have a slice of durian pie, durian ice cream, or durian candies which is awesomely great to experience the stinky smell yet heavenly taste of durian fresh from their farm orchard. The place is a ideal  stopover as the park slash restaurant slash mini zoo are burst with flowers and wildlife sprinkled around the vicinity.

Your visit in the south is incomplete if you haven’t tried and tasted the diverse recipe that comprise durian as the focal ingredient. Many people may perceive that ‘yuckiee’ feel in sensing this ‘king of all fruits’ but just taste it and you’ll be transported straight to the different dimension (ahahaha!). Davao City is popularly known as the Durian Capital of the Philippines but South Cotabato has its own share of the crop as hundreds of durian trees is scattered all over the area. Just on our way to Marbel alone, the Durian Garden is a must visit place if you want to have a slice of durian pie, durian ice cream, or durian candies which is awesomely great to experience the stinky smell yet heavenly taste of durian fresh from their farm orchard. The place is a ideal  stopover as the park slash restaurant slash mini zoo are burst with flowers and wildlife sprinkled around the vicinity. If you see a huge sculpture of durian on your left to Marbel then you’re in the right path to Durian Garden (hehehe!).

Apareja Buko Halo-Halo serves the freshest buko halo-halo in town.  It is located just along the National Highway in Brgy. Saravia, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

Halo Halo or mix mix is a popular treat especially during summer season. Should you want to try the best and have that authentic rural feel then try Apareja Buko Halo Halo in Barangay Sarabia (Bo. 8), Koronodal City. It’s a must try if you visit the here coz it is just along the highway and it’s easy to check out. For only PHP 65.00 you will be served with mouth-watering mixture of shaved ice, kaong, sweetened kamote, banana, nata de coco, generous dose of evaporated milk, topped with a slice of leche flan, sweet corn kernels, and a scoop of ube ice cream. It’s a popular stopover that will wrestle your  palate with honest to goodness indulgence to splurge in.

An abundance of fruit stands are strategically located along the highway, these stalls are a characteristic of the rural environment, providing residents the means to sell fresh fruit produced from their hometown at a very low price.

The whole family will surely enjoy the whole excursion from General Santos City to Marbel. It's just around an hour and a half drive actually, but if you want to explore these places you need to  have an additional 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the whole journey. I assure you, once you visit the southern allure you'll come back for more. What I just mentioned is just tip of an iceberg as there are still many more hidden treasures that each municipality are proud of. I guess it's better for you to experience that yourself (wink wink ~ hehehe!).

For many vendors the fruit stall is not only a place where they can sell their goods but a home as well. 

Truly, when  you visit General Santos City or the City of Koronadal, don’t miss to have a quick drive to and fro these cities, definitely  you’ll be mesmerize by its natural picturesque landscape. Just witnessing Mt. Matutum from a far, the undeviating icon of South Cotabato will  surely elucidate and complete your trip. So there you go, thank you for reading. See you next time then.

Have a great day and night everyone.. Cheeeeeeeeeerrrrrrriiosss.

Enan signing off.

SMILE. :)


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