Gensan's Newest Craze

Last Thursday, we were invited to try out the newest resort in town. Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Patrice Santos, this new resort had me awestruck at the clean and beautiful place they have. It was very spacious and very much apt for family bonding. So after the owners' Thursday treat to us bloggers, i thought it fair to bring the kids there too.

Biboy and Tabebs enjoying the water

The place is so relaxing. Very cool surroundings, the air breeze so fresh. It is a very nice resort with modern facilities yet, with native themed bamboo huts and decors.


It was really a beautiful place to unwind so we wasted no time, we went back there with the kids last Saturday.

This is the inside of the hut. Looking up, just above your heads is a slot for placing your bags and bulky things, towels, and other stuffs in order for the seats to be comfortable with, no clutter. On the sides, outside the hut is a long clothesline where you can hang your wet clothes and towles after you are through swimming.

As you can see, every bit of this resort is well thought of, and with due respect to the owners, they have very genius-ly made this place as comfortable for their visitors. I love the way they considered ever loving detail in the this resort. I especially love the sanitary restrooms, one that will really entice you to try this resort out. You may even want to sleep in the restroom. It is that clean.

We were also entertained by the hawks flying above us. They were huge birds and the kids were amazed at the sight of them flying above their heads. Such cool sight to behold. It's but seldom that kids see this kind of entertainment in the sky.


Gensan bloggers

The resort also has a fishing area where you can catch tilapia and hito for only P95 per kilo. Conducive for fathers and sons who would love to bond with each other, and for lovers who would want to enjoy boating. You can also have your catch cooked, only for a limited fee. Boating is P50 per hour, good for two.

Hannah, enjoying the boat ride.

It was really a cool sight for the kids and i am glad they enjoyed. We were there the whole day, as they only allow swimmers from 7am till 5pm. For only P50, entrance fee, this is such a very good reward for the whole week's busy days.

The 6,000 meters resort is only part and parcel of the 8 hectares ricefield the owners would want to develop for this purpose and more. A coffee shop is being constructed, and watch out for that as it is very nicely located atop their entrance hall and office, and which overlooks the whole area of the pool, and the fishpond. Whoa!

And lest I forget, the water in the pool is also sanitary using the modern technology filtration - the chlorine-salt filter. You can be assured that what you bathe is refreshingly clean water, and not the "chlorine-smelling" liquid. A caretaker from time to time comes with a mesh to check if the pool is clean.

Gensan View Resort at nighttime.

The resort only allows daytime events, but for other occasions, the whole place can be rented for only P5000, exclusively yours. The pavilion can also be rented for P1,600, conducive for meetings, team buildings, reunions and other gatherings.

Happy Tabebs

For family outing, a lovers' date, or just a day for unwinding, this place is for you. Gensan View Resort is located at Nursery Road, Lagao, General Santos City, just a few meters from Susana Homes. For reservations, call them at 302- 8237.

Blue Bayou at Isla Jardin Del Mar, Glan

The nice clean water at the beach invited us for a dip, it was really tempting, but I didn't have plans of taking a swim so I satiated myself by walking till knee-deep. The water is so clean that starfishes are so vividly seen from the surface.

Isla Jardin is a promise of relaxation and meditation. The sun was friendly when we went there so we had no problem having our skin sun-burnt. A few minutes after we reached the rock wall, the sky was already overcast.


So after the long walk to the north end of Isla Jardin's beach front, we had the chance to tour the area passing through the rear end, where a lagoon remains calm along with the balmy weather.

Tired but happy.

The lagoon displayed stunning silence. Since most of the visitors were amazed at the beauty of the beach, they forgot about the lagoon they saw coming from the entrance. But we did not forget as this beauty could not be ignored. We stayed awhile, trees swaying with the silent breeze of the wind, the lagoon was surrounded with coconut trees. A mangrove tree emerges with its seedlings already sprouted.

The visit to Gumasa, Glan is all worth it. Gumasa, being the tourism capital of Sarangani has become one of the ideal vacation spots here in Southern Mindanao. I would not mind going back for another trip. Your eyes will surely be satisfied with God's creation - the beauty of nature.

What more can I say? Well done Sarangani!

And hey! It's 28 now. Pardon me for the delay, I know you are all busy so instead of waiting for the answers on my birthday giveaway, I decided to do a random raffle on who gets the first week's prize - a Eucalyptus novel by Murray Bail and additional thingamajigs . With 14 comments received on my previous post, I had it raffled off using the ever reliable Randomizer. org and came up with this.

And the winner is -

Congratulations Daxi! I will send you the book very soon!

And you still have time to join the contest. This time, just comment on my posts. From this post until my birthday, I will count your comments as entry to the Final Birthday giveaway. So there will be two prizes left. No more January 30 as I will be really busy. Sorry, my apologies. Comment open now.

Isla Jardin Del Mar, Glan, Sarangani Province

Warning: This will make you want to travel here in Southern Mindanao.

You've been warned!

We were invited to visit the opening of Isla Jardin Del Mar in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. The place is owned by no less than the fishing magnate Mr. Marfin Tan and his family. More than an hour's ride from General Santos City, this place is considered heaven by many.

The first group (including hubby) went as early as 9am, while we went along with the vice governor's wife in the afternoon.

I was amazed at how they developed the place as to cater tourists. Gumasa is a long stretch of white sand beach in this part of Mindanao and we are so lucky that we get to enjoy the place after an hour's ride.

Pictures speak for itself. Click photo for larger size.


Clear, tranquil water welcomed us as we enjoyed it splashing on our heels. The white sand was a relaxing foot spa. Although not the finest sand similar to Boracay's, one can relaxingly walk the sandy waters without being concerned of scratches and cuts.

See the rock? It is how clear the water is.

The center area has rocks that contained fossilized shells. This is a good spot for photoshoots and for capturing shots of different starfishes because a lot of them frequent this area.


We had so much fun walking until we reached this place.

The north end has a rock wall and a small cave. We have had a good time clicking camera shutters while I was modeling (ahem) for them.


On the farthest rock you can see from this pic, is a snorkeling area. Nice coral reefs abound and fishes freely swim to their heart's content.



Isla Jardin Del Mar offers overnight accommodation with air-conditioned and fan rooms. A canteen awaits you with their delicious food and the most famous tuna. They charge an entrance fee of only P50.

Donna Mae and I were like kids enjoying the beauty of the place and the sand. We had so much fun that we even managed to do a jumpshot thrice.


I truly enjoyed the company of fellow bloggers. We were so elated with the amazing place, including the sight of jetskis, ATVs and the lagoon which I will be posting soon after this.

See the smiles?

PS.
And hey, for those who want to join the birthday giveaway, 1st week ends tomorrow, will announce winners this Wednesday. Comment on this post.

Birthday Giveaways!

Thank you guys for the prayers. I knew I did my best but my best may not have been the very best for the selection board. The exam was not easy at all, as I am too poor in Abstract Reasoning, meaning, I think I got myself a poor IQ. It was a very short exam, with only 48 items for the first part, but yes, it was an IQ Test with only 12 minutes bombshell time. I got lost with the time pressure, so tensed that I dunno if I answered them correctly. The second part was a Personality Test with 300 items. That was quite a long exam but it was far better than the first part.

What gives? I dunno, maybe try my better luck again next time, haha. I am positive with the turn of things this 2010 so I am still keeping my fingers crossed to whatever comes.

After the exam was a plethora of activities I have participated. One thing to keep my mind off from the disappointment of lacking the zest for that exam. But anyway, life moves on. Emo for a day maybe? But the Lord has plans, and better plans, that, I know for sure.

The good thing is, here goes the mechanics of my birthday giveaway! Dyan dyaran!

Birthday Giveaway Mechanics:

There are three parts supposedly, but since Jan 23 is tomorrow, I need to extend this to 27, 30, and Feb 6. I will pick one winner for each date who will beautifully and truthfully answer these stuffs.

January 27: From what you read in my posts, describe me in two to three paragraphs.

January 30: Why would you want to go to Gensan?

February 6 - What would you wish for me?

There will be one winner for each date. Winners for the first and second week will be judged according to their write-ups. I personally, will choose whoever describes me closest to my personality. And wait, bloggers with Philippine addresses only please.

For Feb 6, it will be a raffle care-off the Randomizer! Yay!

Prizes? What prizes? Oh yes, the prizes.

27 - A Eucalyptus novel by Murray Bail, one book that's been sitting on my shelf for a long time since I am so in love with it. I have been keeping it for a future re-read, but I cannot make myself do it because of time constraints. If you want the book, read review here.

30 - A very nice notebook I bought last week for this purpose! It is so nice that I am actually thinking of buying one for myself as I am one notebook and pen collector myself. Some pens and pencils included here! (picture to follow - I was so busy, teehee.)

Feb 6 - a Malong. The malong is a traditional "tube skirt" made of handwoven or machine-made multi-colored cotton cloth, bearing a variety of geometric or okir designs. The malong is akin to the sarong worn by peoples in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The malong is traditionally used as a garment by numerous tribes in the Southern Philippines and the Sulu Archipelago. Read more about the malong here.

Let's get the ball rolling, either post comment here or make a post about it in your blogs and post url here. So, the first week starts now!

Each winner gets more surprises as reward! Everybody join! Thanks a lot guys!

Prayers Needed

Something important came up, the reason for my silence the whole week. I am supposed to post the mechanics for my birthday giveaway but I have to spare my time for a serious review.

Tomorrow and Wednesday, I will be hurdling a government examination. If I pass the exam and the interview, I get to be employed nice and good. A beautiful job awaits me if they find favor in me, nice pay, and something that will really utilize my mind.

I would like to ask if you could spare me some prayers for this exam. I am being positive about it, but I know it is God's will that must be honored as always. So I am just praying that I will hurdle this to the best of my knowledge and ability and that God will guide me when I take it tomorrow.

This is actually what I'd call, my dream job. I am crossing my fingers. Please cross yours for me.

Thanks so much everyone.

sHenG

Reddit, reddit, reddit

A pair of chickens walk up to the circulation desk at a public library and say, 'Buk Buk BUK.' The librarian decides that the chickens desire three books, and gives it to them...and the chickens leave shortly thereafter.

Around midday, the two chickens return to the circulation desk quite vexed and say,' Buk Buk BuKKOOK!' The librarian decides that the chickens desire another three books and gives it to them. The chickens leave as before.

The two chickens return to the library in the early afternoon, approach the librarian, looking very annoyed and say, 'Buk Buk Buk Buk Bukkooook!' The librarian is now a little suspicious of these chickens. She gives them what they request, and decides to follow them.

She followed them out of the library, out of the town, and to a park. At this point, she hid behind a tree, not wanting to be seen. She saw the two chickens throwing the books at a frog in a pond, to which the frog was saying, "Rrredit Rrredit Rrredit..."


So guys, how's your Reading? I am actually exhausted in reading So Many books, So Little Time. I have long wanted to finish reading that book, but guess what, I cannot always complain on the lack of time, can I?

So yes, I am still reading it, and wanting to read more books (not work-related) this year as part of the vow I made to read more.

But I have books with me that need to be shared. So in line with this, before my birthday this February, I will be raffling away some books and some stuffs to my readers in gratitude for following and reading this blog. There will be three weekends,January 23, 30 and February 6. A three-weeks celebration of life.

Watch out for that. Meanwhile, keep reading. And don't let laziness drive your reading habit to oblivion.

Old School Thought Number 1

If you think using mosquito nets is so old school, think again.

A friend of mine went home to Gensan for the holidays only to take care of his son who was diagnosed with dengue the whole holiday season. So, she went home with no grandiose vacation and a hole in her pocket for the medicines she has to buy were so dear and the anxiety of when her beloved will have to recuperate.

Most of our residences nowadays have air conditioning units already, and have houses enclosed because of the ACs installed. This way, no mosquito can enter the house. But wait again, there are many ways for mosquitoes to enter your house without you knowing it, and that will only leave you thinking where it came from.

Remember, mosquitoes are tiny insects that are just roaming around the corners of your dark bedrooms, untidy closets, dirty clutters and vacant boxes.

At home, we also have an AC unit, but still, I see these tiny creatures from nowhere and I cannot risk my children's health just because of them. So I have this habit of hanging a mosquito net for the kids at home.

Kung walang mosquito net, always think of the children's safety from these harmful insects, spray the room with insecticide or apply mosquito repelling lotions on their skin. These can help shoo off those annoying insects.

It's actually your choice. But as for me and my house, we will use the net, the mosquito net.

Remember, health and safety comes first.

Happy Drinking!

Earth's surface is two-thirds covered with water, but it seems as if we don't value water as much. Water circulates through the land and is obviously a valuable element responsible for life here on earth. However, it seems as if we don't have enough water in our surrounding that we often get sick because of water, or the lack of it.


The start of 2010 saved me from the urge of drinking Coke, as I have and am serious in lessening my intake. As much as possible, I learn to value the importance of water. And though it may seem abnormal of me to be drinking (too much) water, it appeals to me that I am healthy because of that.

Bear in mind that your body is 75% water and in every day of your life, your body loses 2 to 3 liters of water in the form of sweat, urine, tears. However, this may actually increase when you are sick, overworked, hyperactive, pregnant or during an exercise.

Take note that some of the fluids we take are often counter-productive of the hydration we need. Coffee, tea, sodas, juices sometimes not only cause loss of water in the body but may also draw water from body reserves.

This post of mine is meant to remind you that the body needs water. Children especially, the elderly and pregnant women must drink as much water as they can to reach your daily requirement which is actually specified according to your weight and the level of your physical activity. Please click here to check your body's water needs and water replacement.

Water is involved in all bodily functions especially in giving you strength, that's why it is very important that your body is properly hydrated.

Today, water may be polluted so to be safe, drink distilled or pure water.

I have been a victim of irritating cough and colds during the holiday season but I never got to the point of having fever because as my doctor said, maintaining water intake will stabilize body temperature. The more water you drink, the more water you will excrete and along with the excrete, bacteria and other unknown sickness-causing elements. As you continue to flush out water, you cleanse your body and down the drain is flushed sickness and other diseases.

I tell you, water is important. One thing that must not be ignored nor taken for granted.

Happy Drinking!

One with Nature

(written on my phone's Quickword)
January 2, 2010, 5:00pm
my thoughts while waiting for the sunset


Two days more to go and we're back to regular programming. I hate to think it's another one of those days when you get to be with people whom you have been excruciatingly annoyed in dealing with. I have set my mind on being positive this 2010 and I want it right so I have to extend another 2 days of rest in order to be healthy all year round.


Hubby and me, Lantaw and a friend went to Kawas Beach to take shots of the sunset and the mangroves. While they were doing their thing, I was alone with nature. A thing I so rarely do since I got married. While the sea was far from me, I realized that God has been speaking to me through nature. That it is His love that sustained me in 2009 and will be the same force that will sustain me this 2010. The fresh air I breathe is a sign that everything starts anew.


The waves come near me and i think of the people surrounding me and I love the thought that I am never alone. Some may come and some may go, but there's always more on the shore. There will be friends who will stick close, no matter what happens.


The sunset in all its glory faces me and declares its return. A silence so precious that I can only say my thanks to the one who sent the sun. A silence only disturbed by the enchanted lovely melody of birds atop the mangroves.


Being one with nature is one thing I have long taken for granted but let this be a reminder for me that I will start to introduce the kids to the beauty of nature, so that someday, they will appreciate its awesome features and they will learn to love it too.

It is surely no secret what God can do. God revealed His love through the things that surround us, and we can feel it now. I just the hope the next generation feels the same way to Nature and will learn to protect it too.