The Beautiful SOCKSARGEN

I have always been inspired to write about the city of my birth General Santos City, Philippines. But this morning while I was looking at my brother's unique photo that caught attentions and created a discussion and interactions among us in his friend's lists and even those that just happened to see the picture, I became inspired to write about the whole SOCKSARGEN.

As a background, SOCKSARGEN is the acronym for the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City that comprises the whole region 12 in southern Mindanao. General Santos City or Gensan is highly urbanized and the economic, industrial and commercial center of the region. But Koronadal City which is the capital of South Cotabato is the center of regional government. It is where you can find almost all the regional offices.

I am not going to lecture about the geography and political aspects of the region or else I won't be able to write it in one blog. I am just going to show the rich culture, bountiful natural resources and tourist destinations that this place has to offer--from it's majestic Mountains, fertile valleys, rich marine life, crystal blue ocean waters, refreshing streams and rivers, friendly, unassuming and hospitable people.

 

crystal blue water of Sarangani Bay

Mt. Matutum in the early morning behind Dole Pineapple Plantation

part of the 30,000++sq/km Dole Pineapple Plantation in Polomolok, South Cotabato

This photo was taken from the green of hole #3 of Dole Kalsangi Golf Course, the most scenic and beautiful golf course in Mindanao

Sarangani Capitol in Alabel

Hotel Rooms of Isla Parilla, a tourist destination found in Alabel, Sarangani Province

Tarsier, the smallest primate in the world is not only found in Bohol. They are also in Maitum, Sarangani Province

Streams like this abounds in Maitum, Sarangani and Polomolok, Tupi and Tampakan in South Cotabato

the white beaches in Gumasa- Glan, Sarangani Province

sunset in Gumasa

Very serene morning in Lake Sebu, the summer capital of Mindanao

The Seven Falls, Lake Sebu-Surallah, South Cotabato

zipping adventure in Lake Sebu, now the summer capital of Mindanao

yes, that's the World Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao enjoying water tubing in Maitum, Sarangani Province

Sarangani Bay especially Tinoto in Maasim, Sarangani Province has rich coral and other marine life that divers like me will surely enjoy.

Kalilangan & Tuna Festival of Gensan, Tinalak of Koronadal, Pinyahan of Polomolok are among the many Festivals in SOCKSARGEN

Gensan is known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines

Yes, SOCKSARGEN has everything to offer to anyone who is looking for pleasurable but not expensive ways to commune with nature or just to kick back and relax and enjoy the food, diversity and hospitality of this region. It also offers cultural aspects not only of Mindanao but of the Philippines as a country that many people simply do not get to see or experience. There is a wealth of festivals and local cultures that's becoming a come on to tourist every year.

It is also one place in the whole country where you can find Filipinos of different ethnic origin aside from its own indigenous people like the B'laans and the T'bolis. There is also big population of Tagalog, Kapampangan, Ilongo, Cebuano, Aklanon, Waray, Ilocano, etc. name it and you'll find them there.  It is so diverse, beautiful, refreshing and have such colorful cultures that it's easy to say this region is unique on it's own.