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In the area of Region 12, the Department of Foreign Affairs finally opened last year their regional office at the Gaisano Mall of Gensan compound. It is located on the same side as the Shakey's Pizza & UNO food outlets. This is where each one must get their passport processed and make a personal appearance. What is required when applying for a passport? 1. You need your birth certificate (NSO Copy in color green or yellow). Make sure that your name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth are correct information. A lot of the times, this become the main problem because of incorrect information. 2. If you are Catholic, you are required to show your baptismal certificate. For Christians - child dedication certification can be used too. 3. You must also submit other identifications -- if you are of age please bring your SSS, driver's license, school IDs or work IDs. Photocopy them too. You will just leave the photocopy 4. You will need to fill up the application form. 5. You must have a collared shirt for the photo with ears seen and with full hair seen. The background of the photo is Royal blue on a passport size photo. You will need 2 of these. But the DFA in Gensan has cooperative and you must take your photo with their accredited photographer inside the DFA. 4pcs of passport photo is Php150. (In other DFA offices around the country you can take your photo in any photo shops for much less) 6. You must prepare your money. For Rush E-passport is approximately 21 days processing (and if lucky it may be less) this will cost you Php 1,200. If you are getting the regular e-passport it is at Php 750.00. Now you must prepare all these before heading to the DFA for your personal appearance. Unfortunately, the DFA has a new rule -- you can only get your appointment every Monday (and they only release 500 appointments per week). This is why so many people stay sunday nights at the parking lot Gaisano Mall Gensan. People actually complain that the numbering system is given away as early as 4 am. By 8:30 AM on a monday morning you will not have a chance to get an appointment for the week. Its just too bad if you come from Lake Sebu or Tacurong and Having the chance to speak to Mr. Diovensio Agos, the OIC of DFA he shared that the system in DFA is needing fine tuning. The bureaucratic system of the government and bidding for the leased line is causing them delay to service properly the people in Region 12. The most unfortunate thing is the fact that many have been clamoring and complaining with this 500 a week system especially for those who live very far from Gensan. Even those who live closer complain already, what more for those who are far. We look forward to the day that DFA GENSAN will partner closely with travel agents just like the other DFAs in the country. It makes it so much easier for the travelling public.
Even today, tribal culture and heritage is very much alive. In each community or barangay you will find not only the barangay officials but also the tribal chieftains. This form of government among the tribes practice until today the tribal settlement tribunal which is otherwise known as the "Kasfala" or peace settlements between two or more parties. Also until today, there is a rich culture of agricultural practices where rice are grown even on uplands not needing the flat irrigated lands. There over 40 varieties of upland rice with different purposes that are still being farmed in Malungon. Join S'lang and learn more about the tribal communities and their heritage. Should you wish to see the Lamlifew Tribal Village Museum, contact Go Sarangani Travel for arrangements at (083) 5528015.
Posted by: wwwgosa in SOCCSKSARGEN, Region 12 on
Jul 01, 2010
Immediately after, I connected with a friend from WWF, no other than Lory Tan, CEO and Vice Chairperson of World Wildlife Fund in the Philippines. In the midst of this confirmation, we pinned down a date -- May 22-24 for the Marine Mammal Training for Sarangani. On May 22 we were joined by the group from DENR Regional team, Bureau of Fisheries, Municipal Environmental Officers, the General Santos City Environmental Officers, Staff and On the job trainees of Environmental Conservation & Protection Center, Philippine Coast Guard, Sarangani Tourism group, NGOs and volunteers from Manila and Cetecean experts on the field. We had the privilege of having sessions Dr. Jom Acebes, Elson Aca, whale boy A.G. Sano, and Lory Tan. 
The training confirmed that Sarangani Bay is indeed abundant with whales and dolphins. In the next 2 days, we expect to identify what we have in the Bay. Our survey is definitely a discipline because we were at Lemlunay by 5 am and ready to board the pump boat. Our schedule was set for us to be out from 5 am until 3 pm in the afternoon. We had to bring our binoculars, sun block and get ready to be as observant as possible. Each one had to take 1 hour turns to be watchers. 
(Photo by Toby Martin) Sarangani Bay indeed did not disappoint us. On the first day of our survey we found Frigid Birds flying around and taking their fish fresh from the ocean. We see the ecosystem at work when a fisherman speeds toward where birds are flocking. Fishing a bigger fish is almost sure... because where there are smaller fish, bigger ones are swimming around and eating the smaller ones. Sarangani Bay is filled with this rich biodiversity and action! But nothing gets your adrenalin higher than seeing the actual marine mammal right in the wild. The first sightings was a huge pod of about 15-20 Risso's dolphins... What was wonderful was seeing a mother and calf swimming.. Other dolphins breaching (or jumping up in mid-air), and the others were so playful they even waved using their fluke (tail). It was an amazing sight! 
(Photo by Toby Martin) Sarangani in 2 days had a total of six sightings in different locations from the mouth to inside the bay. The species confirmed in 2 survey days were the Pygmy Sperm whale, Dwarf Sperm whale, and the Risso's dolphins. As for the Orcas they were not sighted in those 2 days. However, its not the end of the its story. Dr. Jom Acebes a cetecean expert, proceeded to Balut island. On her approach, she confirmed a sighting of three orca whales. Many don't believe what we are saying, but more and more there are sightings of orcas in the Philippines. There are also confirmed sightings in Negros Oriental. 
It tells us that the Philippines including Sarangani Bay could be a more probable and safe areas for these marine mammals to thrive. It tells us that we need to protect them, we need to keep our waters healthy for them exist among us. For Sarangani, this discovery is a definite treasure. We hope that by early next year we can offer whale and dolphin watching as a tourism activity for tourists to learn and enjoy! Written by: Michelle Solon
Posted by: wwwgosa in vacation, Tuka Marine Reserve, Sarangani Bay, resort, Maitum, Kiamba, Isla Jardin, Gumasa, Go Sarangani Travel, dive, beach, adventure on
Mar 09, 2010
Enjoy a cold drink while laying out under the shade of the coconut tree on wonderful white sand beaches of Gumasa. There are several resorts to choose from... Brod Louie Resort, Davak Beach Resort, Crystal Beach Resort and Pool, White Haven Beach Resort, Rosal Beach Resort, Coco Beach & Isla Jardin del Mar. Take a dip in the pristine waters of Sarangani Bay. If you like underwater adventure, you should take your snorkel or dive gear to Lemlunay Dive Resort... The marine sanctuary boasts of a biodiverse underwater experience. Known for their sumptuous burgers and buffalo wings... its a great place to unwind this summer. You may also take a boat ride and snorkel Tuka Marine Reserve in Kiamba and see the wonderful table corals and when lucky see turtles, squids, and other tropical fishes. If you want to get wet in fresh cold river water -- we invite you to try the River Tubing of New La Union Maitum. Its simply an awesome and addicting ride. Definitely worthy the trip and experience. So for this summer, don't look anywhere else... Visit Sarangani! There's so much to experience! Contact Go Sarangani Travel for reservations of accommodations and tours at (083) 552-8015 or email at gosaranganitravel@gmail.com
The Eco-Mismo roadshow finally hit Mindanao with Soccsksargen as the region to host this conference. Former President Fidel Ramos together with his team from RPDEV Foundation gathered experts in the tourism field to share their knowledge on the trends and good practices in Eco-Tourism. Speakers such as Dr. Lory Tan of WWF, former Secretary of Tourism Narzalina Lim, Mariglo Laririt of Ten Knots of Palawan were among those who took time to update the region about Eco-tourism in this present days. Cornering on topics that are most relevant especially to those whose investments are on tourism and who rely on natural resources as their main product for tourism. 
A workshop was held in Sarangani with both the private and government sector to discuss 3 main topics: Investment Promotion, Product Development, and Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage. The workshop brought about key points that the private sector together with its young Governor Migs Dominguez will have to address to make the tourism industry more viable. Former President Fidel Ramos encouraged everyone that We can do it together as the crowd follows with "Kaya Natin To". This successful conference also overflowed to Koronadal City and was also another successful conference.
The beach is about a 1 kilometer stretch... a turtle sanctuary, white sand beach, with daybeds outside of each Filipino inspired cottage... Cozy wind blowing and rustling the trees... I say this piece of paradise, is definitely a place for romance. 
As you stroll along the beach, you will find a limestone wall that enclaves this white sand beach from the rest of Gumasa...it gives you a sense of serenity as the large rocks of the beach become part of the view of the beautiful horizon... This part of the beach is a great place to set the intimate gathering of friends and loved ones witnessing the union of two souls... 
I can imagine myself renewing my vows again in this wonderful place... its definitely a wedding destination that lovers should take notice of... For wedding coordination and bookings to Isla Jardin del Mar, please contact thru email : gosaranganitravel@gmail.com
Introducing the newest resort to open in Gumasa, Glan... yes white sand beach, yes there is a reef for snorkeling and diving, yes they have a tournament standard beach volleyball court, yes they have a food and beverage available, and yes they have fan cottages, aircon cottages, or open cottage huts.... Yes, yes, yes... welcome to the new year at the newest resort, Isla Jardin... opens on January 23, 2010. 
This resort is the vision and passion of Marfin Tan. You drive another 1.5 Km from Coco Beach in Gumasa, Glan... For more information, you may contact Go Sarangani Travel for bookings and reservations.
Posted by: wwwgosa in zipline, vacation, south cotabato, Sarangani Bay, Sarangani, Lake Sebu, Gumasa, Go Sarangani Travel, Glan, dive, beach, adventure, 7 falls on
Dec 10, 2009
1. Hit the Beach - This time of the year is perfect to go to the beach. It is sunny but also it is a cooler season than summer. Its great to swim, snorkel, build sand castles or be lazy on a hammock reading a good book. The sound of water crashing the shore is so relaxing, we suggest you do it in GUMASA in GLAN. (For more information on where to stay, click hotel and resorts on our website... better yet book through Go Sarangani Travel office.) 
2. Take a Dive or learn diving - The beautiful Sarangani bay invites you to take a dip and see the beauty of the live corals and the abundant fish of the bay. Turtles, snappers, jacks are one of the common ones we see when diving Tampuan Wall and the Sand Bar. If you have never done this before, its time to try it in Lemlunay Dive Resort. (For more information on where to stay, click hotel and resorts on our website... better yet book through Go Sarangani Travel office.)  ((Photo by Jojo Carpio)
3. Try new adventures - For those who have never tried taking a river adventure, its high time you try the River Tubing of New La Union, in Maitum. Going through a shallow but wide river on its dips and twists is definitely exciting! You may also want to trek and zip the 7 Falls of Lake Sebu and experience nature at its best. 
For more information about your trips and needing special packages for your family, just call (083) 552-8015 or email gosaranganitravel1@gmail.com. We will be more than happy to help you get the best vacation this Christmas season!
Go Sarangani Travel Advisor & Tour Operator conducts Team Buildings and group dynamics making it simpler and fun. Experienced facilitators and marshalls are ready to give your company the team flame needed to be more efficient and productive. Adventurous team activities are thoroughly evaluated to bring out the VALUES and the DISCIPLINES that each company wants to embrace. Go Sarangani helps you shape your team to be in the same vision and to apply these fun group exercises into the workplace. 
If you have no time to conduct and plan out your team building, you can contact Go Sarangani Travel to assist you with your needs. Packages are tailored specifically to the requirement of your team. Go Sarangani Travel is a facilitator to Build Up team values that will empower your people and your company. Contact Go Sarangani Travel at (083) 552-8015 for inquiries.
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