Davao-US IT company tours Sarangani, brings goddies to upland village

By Macky Macavinta

KIAMBA, Sarangani (May 4, 2009) - It was a long overdue vacation for the Davao members of a US-based outsourcing company.

And nine individuals, including this writer, decided to hit the road and travel to Sarangani’s west coast last weekend (May 1-3).

Jumping off from Davao, the information technology (IT) group arrived in General Santos City mid morning and began a three-day journey to the sea, lowlands and the highlands of this southernmost corner of Mindanao.

Stopping over for a bit of sightseeing, the group, en route to Maitum, took a short detour to Lemlunay Resort in Maasim to enjoy a majestic view of the Tinoto Wall.

“Let’s stay longer, I can take pictures here all day,” James Bautista, senior developer and the group’s designated photographer, quipped.

Arriving in New La Union, Maitum, the team was greeted by the warm welcome of the village chief in the resort and was treated to native delicacies of venison from Tboli hunters, native chicken and staple Ilocano vegetable dishes.

With the weather nothing short of perfect, the group ended its first day outing by taking an exciting ride on a rubber donut tube going downstream the Pangi river.

Mosqueda Resthouse in Kiamba, the team’s stay-in quarters, was the last stop of the day. With a fully-furnished two-storey house, an exclusive pool and a beach front view to boot, nothing more could be asked for.

Accommodating hosts provided everything needed. It was a great end to the start of a vacation.

Add the presence of Kiamba’s homegrown ROM Project Band with original compositions, the night turned out to be an exclusive live concert literally within the comfort of “home.”

“We have our own live band?!” Virlyn Aquino, one of the senior project managers exclaimed. As the night died down, the group spent time submerging in the pool until the wee hours.

Day two was nothing short of better than the first. Just 20 minutes off from the poblacion’s wharf via boat ride lies Tuka Marine Sanctuary.

With the breathtaking view from the boat, it was more than anyone expected from one of the best resorts only a few have heard about. And just a few feet from the shore, the underwater view was more than what anybody can want from an off shore snorkel.

The final day’s event was a diversion from the usual vacations. Deciding to take upon themselves to fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility, the group headed off to barangay Tamadang with rice, used clothes, shoes, books and toys to donate to the Tboli tribal community of Falel.

We feel that it is our responsibility to extend help to the less fortunate. Corporations should take initiative in giving aid to communities regardless of where they are located especially tribal communities as it is the cornerstone of our culture.

A two-hour hike on a steep slope was too much for the team members who mostly spend most of their time within the comforts of their own homes, and this was a first-time experience for most of them.

“The hike was very tiring, we almost quit, but we were determined to push ourselves to our limit.” said Marl Tumulak, one of the senior developers of the group. “And we did it! We reached our destination: the Tboli village of Falel. The place was very cool- fresh air, nice overlooking view. I really enjoyed the adventure.”

The breathtaking view from the mountain village was worth the out-of-breath experience of going up.

The vacation ended with a trip back to Mosqueda for a quick dip in the pool and the long way home leaving everybody with memories that will always be more than remarkable.

The group plans to add new memories this coming Sarangani Bay Festival.

“The trip was like a once in a lifetime experience. I didn’t know that Sarangani has a lot to offer for foreign and local tourists,” said Jojo Corcino, a senior developer.

This unquestionably will be the team’s outing that would be talked about for a long time.

It was in fact a great end to the start of a vacation, as a consequence it definitely made us plan to come back. It won’t happen next year or next summer. This group can’t wait that long.

Our summer started here in Sarangani and it is going to end here. We cuddle the word of the same people who accommodated us, and this time the promise is to end the summer with a bang!

We are certainly going to hit the upcoming Sarangani Bay Festival this coming May 28-30.
Our colleagues in the U.S., being envious with the plan, already expressed their desire to turn up next year. (Macky Macavinta/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)