Mindanao Challenge Day 3- Unexpected Treat: Warm Welcome at Koronadal City, South Cotabato

I hope you are enjoying the journey. Me? I definitely cherish each conversations I had with my seatmates, acquaintances, friends and locals. I’m having a blast here in Mindanao, indeed an epic adventure.

FRESH CATCH

When I woke up early this morning, I chanced upon the local fshermen of Gumasa dislodging their catch, fresh fish and squids. It was a scene to behold, how I wish their is always a fresh catch in Laguna when I wake up.

 

I bought Php30 worth of squids (more than 600grams) and ask my host to cooked it for me, adobo and sinugba.

 

 

From Gumasa, Glan, Saranggani I headed back to GenSan City and then off to Koronadal City (previously named Marbel). I thank Kuya Avel for refering me to the Bosing Gerald who took an extra mile to pick me up from Koronadal City, South Cotabato and guided me as I do some courtesy calls to the government officials in the area.

Coffee at the Mayor’s Office

We first went to Mayor Peter Miguel of Koronadal City. When he went inside the building everyone was going to him and asking for his signature, a hard-working man but then I was introduced to him and he took the time to know why I’m here in Koronadal City. I told him briefly my Mindanao Challenge and he invited me to have coffee in his office (I was surprised), which has a stunning view of the mountains. We had some talk and he shared to me his “green” plan of planting 100,000 trees this coming June 29. I salute government officials who love nature. Hat-off Mayor Peter!

 

 

UNEXPECTED TREAT

But that’s not all, he asked if I have a place to stay while in the city and I said, I’ll look later. He called someone and booked a nice pension house for me. What an unexpected treat! Now I’m staying in MD Square Pension House. Very clean and nice AC-room.

 

This morning, I was taking a bath using rain water, this afternoon, hot shower and fresh towel. Perfect!

 

Merienda at Congresswoman’s office

Then we went to Cong. Daisy Abance-Fuentes office, where I met her Chief-of-Staff, Mr. Bong Gamo. He was very interested with what I’m doing and offered to help me when I get back to Mindanao especially in the ARMM region. Btw, thanks for the merienda Sir Bong!

 

Tourism Office Visit

Then we headed to the tourism office so I can get some brochures (as I always do). I also shared with Mr. Cesar Sulit my plans of backpacking Mindanao. Thanks Sir for the infos and for the Zipline ride tomorrow.

 

After checking into my place, I hurriedly had hot shower and then dinner…

 

Manny’s Balbakwa

Another unexpected treat! I ate at Manny’s Balbakwa and I’d loved the food. I was able to meet the owner and he was sharing to me the beginnings of his business. I rave this food because I really, really love it. I even tweeted,  “sabaw pa lang, solb na!” It is a must-try when in Koronadal City. They also have a branch in GenSan so if you’re around the area, taste it and you’ll know!

Lastly, let me thank all who are sharing my blog posts and retweeting it. I appreciate that and I read all your comments. I will reply when I have enough time in the internet shop.

 

Expenses for Today: Php395

Php 30 – 600grams of Squid
Php 7 – Coffee
Php 20 – Mineral Water
Php 25 – Habal-habal (Gumasa – Glan Terminal)
Php 10 – Candy and cigar for the habal-habal driver
Php 80 – Van fare (Glan Terminal – GenSan City)
Php 8 – Tricycle (KCC Mall – City Hall)
Php 24 – Internet Rental
Php 25 – Prepaid load
Php 8 – (City Hall – Bus Terminal, going to Marbel)
Php 10 – Bread
Php 65 – Bus (GenSan – Marbel or Koronadal)
Php 61 – Dinner (Balbakwa and 2 cups of rice)
Php 22 – Internet
______

Php 395.00. Whew! Almost, still within budget.

Accommodation– Free of charge, courtesy of Koronadal City thru the kind office of Mayor Peter Miguel. Again, thanks a lot Mayor!

Special thanks also to Gerald who really did an amazing jod on planning my IT today and tomorrow- Lake Sebu and 7 Waterfalls. Thanks to all I have met during my short stay here in Koronadal, you welcomed me warmly. Blessings!

 

Word for Today:

Nocus. Squid or Pusit. Nabusog ako sa dami ng squid na binili ko. Binigay ko nga yung sobra sa mga nakasama ko kagabi sa tuba.

 

Reflection for Today:

“Prayer is self-assertion, not self-abnegation. It is saying, ‘I need to live fully and purposefully and therefore I need wisdom, direction and encouragement from the source beyond myself.” (Dare to Journey by Charles Ringma, Reflection 53)

 

Until tomorrow?