MFAT: Soccsksargen Summer Safari Day 2

This is a very late post. I know. I’m sorry. But better late than never, right?

May 30 was Day 2 of the first ever Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour: Soccsksargen Summer Safari. The day began early for the participants as we woke up from our comfy beds at the Ice Castle Experience. Our gracious hosts Avel and Orman Manansala together with Donna Congson fetched us very early.

Why? To have our breakfast at Dolores Farm Resort en route to Lake Sebu.

Deep Fried Tilapia for Breakfast at Dolores Farm Resort

Most of us lacked sleep, but nobody complained after seeing the very beautiful Dolores Farm Resort and the yummy breakfast they have prepared. Aside from the bangus, sinangag, and itlog combo meal, they served deep fried tilapia and hot native chocolate. I love Tilapia. Bow. And I was overly (AS IN OA!) excited to see the very pretty deep fried tilapia. And the hot native chocolate was a the perfect drink to complement the meal.

Aside from breakfast, we toured the Dolores Farm Zoo. It freaked me out by most of the participants enjoyed it. Sorry na, I’m not an animal lover.

At the Seven Falls of Lake Sebu

Our next stop? The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu. It was breath-taking. Literally and figuratively. We had to trek a bit but the physical strain was worth it. The view was awe-inspiring. The place was beautiful. Still very much full of lush greenery and the falls, they were huge! Some were determined to return in the afternoon to brave the crowds and try out the zipline.

The View from Punta Isla Resort

After the Seven Falls, we went to Punta Isla Resort to have lunch. But first, we had a brief meeting among the members of Soccsksargen Bloggers, Cagayan de Oro Bloggers, and Davao Bloggers. We all agreed that we would collaborate and form the Mindanao New Media Group. Exciting!

While we waited for lunch, a dance group had a cultural presentation of the different instruments and dances of the tribes in the area. And we ate yummy muffins from Rollee’s Bakeshop. I ate 2.

Grilled Tilapia

Finally, LUNCH! There was a buffet of tilapia dishes. I was happy. HAAAPPYYYYYYYY! <3

After a hearty lunch and a bit of rest, some participants went back to Seven Falls to try the zipline. The rest of us proceeded to Merl’s Mountain Resort to rest. Try their mini-zipline and eat some more. Hehe!

At Sa Balai Bistro

On our way back to General Santos City, we made a pit stop at Sa Balai Bistro. The quaint cafe served up some native coffee, and refreshing drinks which I will definitely come back for: Mulberry Iced Tea and Pandan Shake. Mmm…

Crabs at the Red Tent Steakhouse

Upon reaching Gen Santos City, we went to the Red Tent Steakhouse, owned by relatives of Sir Gilbert Tan. They didn’t just serve us steak, but also ribs, crabs, chicken, tuna, and a very yummy dessert which I think was made of cream, fruit preserves, and meringue.

MFAT Participants at Red Tent Steakhouse

And with full stomachs and minds full of fond memories of new friends and new places discovered, the participants thanked all their gracious hosts and sponsors and applauded the hard work of the organizers and sponsors of the first-ever Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour.

And oh, may pahabol… we all took home yummy cassava cakes from Kakanin Atbp.

Here’s a video of our Summer Safari made by CDO Blogger Goma:

MFAT Summer Safari in Mindanao from goma on Vimeo.

Til our next adventure!

Photos courtesy of Charles Ortiz.