One Hot Summer Day at Gumasa White Sand Beach

Beach Volleyball Court at Gumasa.

It's my long long time dream to step on the white sand of Gumasa Beach and to feel the healing power of the fine sand while in contact with our tired feet. 

I thought of not seeing "her" beauty in this year of snake, or apprehensive for another attempt, that might eventually become a failure, as what happened last time when I attended the Google Mindanao summit in General Santos City. That was because of my bucket's budget and available extra time.
Short stretch of beach line  

Five years ago when I started yearning to see this priceless gem in the Southern Tip of Mindanao after reading some posts with beautiful photos displaying its beauty. From then on, I  kept on researching some blog posts about Gumasa Beaches in the blogosphere way back 2009, and finally that yearning in seeing "her" spectacular beauty had come to life last April this year.

White Sands especially in beaches is wonderfully cool underfoot and it is incredibly soft. This is one of our reasons in coming over.

 

A lone boat (photo vary in actual-actual color of sand is relatively white)

Another reason aside from a therapeutic effect for our body especially the cool feeling underfoot is the beach photography. Try my new gears and practice on what I've learned from the Photography Workshop I've attended last time with Estan Cabigas as our speaker. Second was a getaway vacation with my family.

We endured the 10 hours of long travel because of our desire to see the white sand of Gumasa Beach and to have at least a family bonding away from home and also trained our kids on how to responsibly manage themselves while on travel via public transportation.  

Though that was a short and a hot summer vacation day,  my family and I enjoyed very much and we are looking forward to go back to this beautiful beach and will have another trip in the Southern Tip of the Philippines----the Gumasa White Sand Beach of Glan, Sarangani. 

It suggests that it can be done. Pitching a tent. (Doc Remo's Tent)

And we went home with a satisfied soul after we have had our short getaway vacation on one hot summer day but with a cool family bonding experience last April 2013, that makes it different and unforgettable experience in our life.

This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Blogger's Blog Carnival (6th Entry so far) for May 2013 with the theme "Summer Epilogue that happened one hot summer day, hosted by Jona Branzuela Bering of Backpacking with a Book.

Check out the previous blog carnival topics in Estan Cabigas' Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival.

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Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City

2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw

3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

4.  One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach
5.  When you are at General Santos City? Stay in Ellis Suites 

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Photo Shoot : The Giant Headdress of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon

The Giant Headdress. It's a great landmark in the Municipality of Impasug-ong the resembles the headdress of the female traditional costume. Headdress of the Baes. 

It can be seen at the road intersection between the National Highway (Sayre Highway) and the old national highway in going to the Poblacion of Impasug-ong. The headdress is located about 1.0 kilometer from Barangay Kisolon (Bus Terminal).

Designed and crafted by Sculpture Artist Kublai of Davao.

Camera                 : Canon Powershot A1100 IS

Aperture               :  f/2.7
Exposure Time   :  1/500 sec.

ISO-Speed           :  ISO-80

Metering Mode   : Pattern

Exposure Bias    :   0 step

Focal Length       :  28 mm

Lens                      :  Point and shoot  

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Getaway Guides: 2013 Clubbing Holidays Checklist

The holiday’s booked, you and your mates are psyched, but have you got everything you need to in the mix for your uberly awesomesauce 2013 clubbing holidays? It might be about kicking back, chillaxing and going sick after sundown, but making sure you’ve got the necessities to sort that shizzle is key to some serious clubbing holiday carnage.

Boring Bits and Bobs

It might seem like a complete yawn-fest, but sorting all your documents in advance will ensure you definitely get on that jet plane. And let’s be honest, if you don’t, you’d be a little bit miffed.

    Passport – with at least six months validity remaining from your return date to the UK

    Insurance – the travel kind, have a look online for some low cost deals

    EHIC Card

Currency – can be purchased online, or through a travel agency or your local post office, it’s also worthwhile taking your bank card abroad just in case you lose your cash or run out of spends Documents for your 2013 clubbing holidays – including any tickets and boarding passes, as well as your travel itinerary Travel Time-Busters. Depending on which of the 2013 clubbing holidays you choose from, your travel time across Europe could be anything up to just over four hours. Jam your cabin luggage full with some serious time-busting entertainment.

    Music

    Games

    Magazines

    Books

    Travel sickness tablets

    Holiday Hot List

What’s hot and what’s not? When you’re packing your case you need a right good mash up of practical items and fun stuff for holiday shenanigans.

    Camera

    Suncream/Aftersun

    Painkillers and tummy tablets

    Creature comforts – your favourite tea bags and coffee can always come in handy

    Clothing – don’t forget fancy dress get up as well

    Toiletries

    Plenty of protection

The best deals on 2013 clubbing holidays are online now, girls and boys. Book up your bargain break today and get ready for

a mission to messy._____________________
Guest Post :
Written by : Catherine Lavinia
Photo Credits :Kos

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5 Best Destinations in the Philippines to Start a Business

Among the most popular holiday destinations in the Asia Pacific Region is the beautifully diverse archipelago of the Philippines. This republic is not only rich in natural resources and awesome scenery, but is also blessed with charming and friendly locals. No wonder tourists from all over the world flock to this lovely Asian country.

Now, not only is the country has a great place for tourists, but it is also quite favourable for entrepreneurs and investors. In fact, its capital has several thriving industries and even has its own stock exchange. But if you are a serious businessperson and what cities in particular should you bring your investments to? Well, here are five of the best destinations in the Philippines you would certainly try your entrepreneur's luck in.

1. Metro Manila - is the main metropolis of the country and where Manila the Capital City of the Philippines can be found. Aside from the capital, it comprises the cities of Caloocan, Makati, Quezon, Marikina, Malabon, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Pasay, San Juan, Parañaque, Taguig, Valenzuela, and the town of Pateros. The area has some of the country's biggest shopping centres and business districts as well as the country's most impressive skyscrapers and infrastructures.

2. Baguio City - is a City on top of a plateau and is located in the Northern Luzon, Province of Benguet. The city is a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners because of its magnificent mountain landscapes. Aside from that, its weather is also uncharacteristically cold compared to the rest of the country—certainly a welcome respite during the summer months. It was under American rule in the early 1900s and is now the site of the country's Philippine Military Academy—often called the "West Point" of the Philippines.

 

3. Cebu City - is considered the Philippines’ unofficial second capital. According to surveys, it has among the country's fastest growing economies and has quite a number of thriving industries. In addition to that, its residents, according to statistics, have a higher standard of living compared to those living in the capital.

4. Davao City - is one of the most blissful cities in the Mindanao region. It has an ethnically diverse population with several indigenous tribes such as the Bagobos, Manobos, Manyakas, and Guiangans. Due to its efficiently governed local government, it is considered to be among the country's cities with the lowest crime rate.

 

5. Zamboanga City - is the third largest city in the country, and is considered to be one of the most important Cities in the Mindanao area. The city's main industry is manufacturing and agriculture; and its main products are pearls, fruits, coconut, rubber, and fish. It's also considered to be among the most populated urban areas in the Philippines.

These five Cities are among the most densely populated places in the country and attract quite a high number of tourists and business people. This means these locales would naturally have many commercial spaces for rent, which is among the things you need to start up a business with. Indeed, these qualities make them the perfect locations to invest your money in.

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Guest Post

About the Author: 
Established in 1989, Regus has been catering to the office space needs of clients across the globe—even in the Philippines! They also strive to offer useful information for entrepreneurs in running a business or selecting commercial spaces.

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When you are at General Santos City? Stay in Ellis Suites

Exit gate of Ellis Suites

Best Hotels to stay in General Santos City?
Best Suites to stay in General Santos City?

More Focus? Click the image to enlarge
More photos here

These are the questions that you might come up into your mind once you are looking for a place to stay in General Santos City. What is the Best Hotel or Suites to stay in General Santos City? And then an access to internet where to find a best place to stay in General Santos City would be your immediate resolve to that. 

There are actually a lot of hotels to choose from in the City of General Santos City. But during our summer trip down to the Southern Tip of Mindanao, instead of deciding in going home on the second day, and as part of our itinerary, General Santos City is also best place to explore. And because of this decision, we choose to at least stay in this City for one night. 

Ellis Suites came to our mind that best suit our taste to stay in General Santos City.

The reception hall / lobby of Ellis Suites
  

The very essence in managing the hotel is the attitude of the people who manned the place. They are so friendly and accommodating beyond what is taught to them about "customer service". They made us feel comfortable and secure. Especially that I am with my family. Why I am blogging this suites? Because I am just returning the kindness of the hotel people during our stay there.

The Ellis Suites interior veranda

Ellis Suites was constructed last year and opened just this January 18, 2013. This suite is relatively new and a  home of some celebrities who happened to visit General Santos.

Terrace

State of the art rooms with new signature design in the field of architectural--the box type design. A combination of glamour and elegant with sossy ambiance and atmosphere but with affordable price of ordinary people like us. Ellis Suites is your best choice on where to stay in General Santos City.

Colorful Dining Tables

Next to their lobby or the reception is their dining lounge (they call it as coffee shop) where complimentary breakfast is served which starts from 6.00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. When we entered their dining lounge, to take our breakfast, we were greeted with colorful chairs and tables. While waiting with your breakfast meal to be served, you may open your social media sites since the area is a WIFI zone.

Mini Living Area

You may also read your favorite magazines at their mini living area right beside their dining lounge. 

 
Our Breakfast

Our Executive Room

WIFI zone is also available in every rooms with fast signals that no need to wait minutes in uploading our photos of the places we've explored after our jaunt in Gumasa White Sand Beach in Sarangani. So uploading many photos is not a problem here.

They have wide parking space, standby generator, Coffee Shop and Function rooms. They also have airport transfer as added services.

 Their Shower Room and their water closet

 This is surely my home and will stay here in my next visit even if I will pay it with my own pocket.

Where is the exact location of Ellis Suites and how to get to the newest Oasis of Relaxation in Gensan?

Ellis Suites is located in Yumang corner Aparente Streets in Purok Malakas, General Santos City and it is less than 10 minutes ride from Bulaong Terminal for tricycle at 20 pesos per person. 

Their Room Rates : 

(subject to change without prior notice)

Standard Room     :    1,550

Twin Room             :    2,200

Executive Room     :    2,400

Family Room          :    3,200

For reservation :

Please call these contact numbers : (083)-552-0956 / 302-3512

Ellis Suites Email Addy       :   ellissuite2013@gmail.com

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Our stay in Ellis Suite is free, courtesy of Ellis Suites and the Bariles, Avel Manansala of GenSan Online News Magazine. 
Thank you also to Mark, the manager and Phil, the supervisor and the ladies at the reception counter who warmly greeted us upon entering their lobby area.
Special Thanks to Doc Remo Aguiler, of Hiker's Itch for the 2 free extra breakfast 

 ___________________________________

Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City

2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw

3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

4.  One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach

Read More

Ski Equipment: To Rent or To Buy?

Whether you’re planning on your first ever ski holiday or you’ve had a few chances already to test your skills on the piste, the question about ski hire is a persistent one. 

Do you rent your equipment or do you invest in your own stuff? 

It’s not an easy answer and your decision will depend largely on your personal opinion but there’s advantages and disadvantages to both ski rental and purchase.

For starters, how many times do you think you’ll use them if you bought your own skis, poles and boots? Will you use them enough to warrant the investment or will they be pulled out the cupboard once, before they gather dust for the rest of eternity? If you are only expecting to ski a few times, chances are ski rental would be the best way to go. However, if you think you’ll get substantial use out of them, then perhaps it’s time to spend on your own kit.

An advantage of hiring skis is the ever-changing technology. Unless you are made of money, you won’t be changing your skis very often, meaning you will be missing out on new-fangled technology and updates which may improve the comfort and wearability of the gear. Renting equipment means you will have access to the most recent equipment, year in, year out.

Buying your own means that you can have them tweaked to suit you perfectly and can choose the best style for your individual needs – sometimes, this is a type that isn’t readily available in a hire shop. If you do decide to invest in your own kit, take advantage of seasonal sales that make room for new stock.

It’s not an easy answer but if you don’t fancy lugging them around airports or paying for extra baggage, rental skis and equipment may be perfect for you – particularly if you don’t know when your next ski holiday will be.

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Guest Post :
Written by : Catherine Lavinia
Photo Credits : Ski-Wallpaper.com

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General Santos : Dinner @ Sarangani Highlands

Their version of the Baby Back ribs

Looking for a good restaurant to have a great dinner with sumptuous meal servings in General Santos City? I guess you knew it already where to head once you get here or happen to visit General Santos City. 

Or if you are still looking for a better place to dine in and have plan to have a short stay in General Santos City, do not waste your time, never miss to take a short visit and have a delightful moment of dinner with your family, or with your peers in the Sarangani Highlands.

The Crispy Tuna-one of their specialties. Far behind is the Seafood Pinakbet, a Filipino favorite cuisene.

These are the questions that I've always pinned once I get to a place where I've felt that I am stranger. So, if you are properly guided, then you have nothing to worry to get lost in this Tuna Blessed region in Southern Mindanao.

Like any other good restaurants, Sarangani Highlands offers not only a good Hotel to stay with a scent of mountain breeze of a real highland place and an ambiance of nature's good landscape and architecture, but they also offer best variety of foods. From Continental cuisine, Asian and Filipino cuisene.

Shark's Fin Soup

Sarangani Highlands is just 20 minutes away drive from the commercial hub or shall we say about 12 kilometers away from downtown. Located in an outskirt, Purok Wal, Tambler of General Santos City where you can see an overview of Sarangani Bay and the locally known and most visited by tourists, their Fish Port.

It started its business in mid 2000 after the owner bought the property because of its scenic view, gradually introduced its landscape to fit its location and its name and owned by one of the prominent tuna traders in this City, the Riveras. Residents of General Santos City frequented the place to relax.

Bonsai Plant Collection

This is actually part of our Ridge to Edge jaunt in the Southern Tip of Mindanao with my family and one of the greatest experiences that we had in this part of the Mindanao Region, visiting a prominent restaurant, the Sarangani Highlands. 

We have availed of this opportunity in courtesy of my humble friend, Dr. Remo Aguilar of the Hiker's Itch from Tacurong City.

Some of the photos that we had after up with our sumptuous dinner.

Photo Credits : To my wife
After you had your dinner, you can stay here overnight.

Here's the Room Rates of Sarangani Highlands : Subject to change without prior notice :

Deluxe Room Single                         =      1,800
Deluxe Room Double                       =      1,950
Family Room (7 individual beds)  =      2,250

Other inclusions :
- Free Wifi - which is important to any establishments, even resorts like in Gumasa Beach
- Free Airport transfer
- Hot and Cold shower for second floor rooms
- Televisions
Some deluxe rooms have verandas and mini-bar
-extra bed and extra person - P800

Opens from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Daily Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Entrance Fee of P100.00
(6 years old and up) consumables
  
How to get to Sarangani Highlands?

1. Just take a motorcycle (habal-habal) at the Bulaong Terminal with an estimated fare of 100-150 pesos depending on how you negotiate with the driver.
2. There's a landmark in there, a checkpoint, an entry point in going to the Sarangani Highlands.
3. From the Airport. There are taxis waiting to transport you to Sarangani Highlands.

How to Contact Sarangani Highlands?

Tel Nos. 0922-859-0043 for Sun Users like me; (083)-554-3336; 304-0752 Fax : 083-554-3336. Or email them : saranganihighlands@gmail.com

Or go to Sarangani Highlands's website : www.saranganihighlands.com

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Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City
2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw
3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?
4.  One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach

Read More

Sarangani : One Sublime Morning at Gumasa White Beach

Boat's Shadow

Some of the things I had in mind on what to do in Gumasa White Sand Beach during the planning stage are :  to wake up early, take a walk along the shore line and take some photos on mangroves. Including on my lists are photographing boats that I yearned doing long time ago.

Arrived in the evening of April 23, I went right away at the shoreline, after done disembarking our backpacks inside our room. Checking all the possible vantage points where to shoot the following morning or dawn. Though, it was not a full moon that time, the night project a bright sky with twinkling dots. A signal that the weather is in a  favorable condition.
Excited the following morning and woke up at 4:30 a.m. Took some snapshots on the boats and trees right at the beach fronts. I hope that you like these photos because I like them so much.

Until the face of the sky slowly paved its way for a new day.
Spotted Fishermen's Boat for early morning catch
The silence and serenity of the place was interrupted and perturbed with a roaring sounds of motorized boats and I then spotted Fishermen's Boat rushing to deep part of the sea for an early catch. It was also at this moment that I chanced to buy 2 kilos of fresh catch of squid at P80 pesos per kilo which later we grilled part of them and the rest were cooked in "adobo" style.

I continued my leisure walk until the morning sky became clearer and clearer.

I headed farther down Southern part of the beach line until I saw a fallen tree of unknown cause when I asked some of the locales. I scrutinized further at the same time fired my shutter using my newly procured ND8 3 stops with the help of a chair as my quadro-pod since I didn't brought my tripod for personal reason---I don't want to be suspected as surveryor like Doc Wendz. 

Excited with what Doc Remo taught me on how to use silky like result of water documenting its motion using my ND8 Filter.

I tried to take a balance shot on the horizon but unfortunately it was a bit tilted. And I have reason for that---its my first time in using a Neutral Density Filter-8 at 3 stops which I bought in a mall just recently with a chair as my balancer. Tsk tsk tsk.

I continued taking photos. Tried what I learned from the experts.

Though the horizon still a bit tilted at least I knew where my lapses are.

And I guess, I have lot of things to improve and considered that as a lesson. 

Lesson learned :

1. Like bringing a tripod for better shots. 
2. Check the horizon by framing first before firing a shot. 
3. More reading about using a neutral density.

But generally, I've enjoyed a lot in shooting this fallen tree and other subjects nearby on one sublime morning at Gumasa White Beach at Glan, in Sarangani Province.


Related stories of our Ridge to Edge Blog Series :

1. En Route to General Santos City via Tacurong City
2. Late Lunch in Tacurong City at VE-JR Ihaw-ihaw
3. Why Choose Gumasa White Sand Beach as your Summer Getaway Vacation?

Read More