Day 2 of the SoCCSKSarGen Summer Safari began with a hearty breakfast at Dolores Farm Resort. Everyone was upbeat and excited in spite of the sun reminding everyone what the word “summer” meant.

Shortly after breakfast, the group toured the farm’s mini zoo. I thought it was going to be just like any other zoo tour but one horny monkey proved me wrong with his public exhibition that is too NSFW to describe.

dolores farm resort

Breakfast at Dolores Farm Resort in Polomolok

Our itinerary for the day was full so we wasted no time and headed to Lake Sebu. First stop was at the Seven Falls Zipline. When we arrived, there were a lot of eager zip liners, some tourists were from as far as Baguio city. Pressed for time, we decided to just tour the place instead before heading to Punta Isla Lake Resort for lunch.

Having traveled by land for almost half a day, the Cagayan de Oro bloggers didn’t let the opportunity to take a zip ride at the Seven Falls pass. They went back and waited in line for the scenic ride of a lifetime while GenSan Bloggers Sheng Dumalay, Donna Mae Congson and company went trekking.

A hodgepodge of SoCCSKSarGen, CDO, and Davao bloggers proceeded to Merl’s Garden Resort for snacks. Former Ms. GenSan Romarie Cunanan, young blogger Rabsky, Opera campus rep Alexis and others went ziplining while waiting for our snacks to be served.

zipline in lake sebu

Zipline in Lake Sebu

It was getting dark when we left Lake Sebu for Koronadal City. I thought we were headed back straight to General Santos City but to my surprise and everyone’s delight, we had one more stop at Balai Bistro. Bloggers sipped with gusto the drinks served by owner Carlo Ebeo which included Pandan Shakes, Mulberry Tea, and Home-Brewed Coffee.

balai bistro

Pre-dinner Drinks at Sa Balai Bistro

SoCCSKSarGen Blogger and Mindanao State University Professor Gilbert Tan arranged a farewell dinner for everyone at The Red Tent Steakhouse. Owners Dexter and Dina Dumaran were around to make sure everyone was taken care of.

red tent steak house

Farewell dinner at The Red Tent Steak House

My heartfelt thanks to:
Avel Manansala for taking on the daunting task of organizing an event as big as this one;
Orman Manansala for giving the event the pomp and elegance it deserved with his unparalleled charm;
GenSan Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon, Jr for the lechon and for providing for our transportation needs;
Jinky Borela and Arnel Borela for the brownies;
Sir Gilbert Tan for the farewell dinner and for making sure we arrived safely at our hotel on the night of Day 2;
The SoCCSKSarGen Bloggers for great company and the warm welcome, as always;
Ice Castle Experience for being our official home in GenSan (separate review coming soon); and
Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar for being our official tambayan;

Special thanks to the event sponsors:

  • Pacman Sports Bar
  • Le Jardin Arnevel
  • Dolores Farm Resort
  • Francis Sablon of Zion Travel
  • Seven Falls Zipline
  • Punta Isla Lake Resort
  • Merl’s Garden Resort
  • Balai Bistro
  • The Red Tent Steakhouse
  • Rolee’s Bakeshop
  • Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki