After spending several
days in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, I went back to General Santos for a few
nights stay. Taking advantage of my time in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, I met up with July,
a friend I first met during my trip with Meaningful Travels PH
to Barlig, Mountain Province a few years back.
During our lunch meeting
we decided to take a day trip to Gumasa beach in Glan, Sarangani the next day.
Unlike our exhausting trip to the mountains before, this time we we’re going to
do it in a relaxed manner; windows down,
feeling the wind with the music on and rolling off the highway of General
Santos.
We started our
road trip at 8:00 am the next day. Accompanying us is July’s younger sister who
is a champion Taekwondo athlete. Enjoying a break from school and her training, she was all eager-beaver for a chance to spend time under the sun.
We traveled for an hour
and a half into the sleepy town of Glan in the province of Sarangani. Here, we drove into the long stretch of Gumasa beach. Upon stepping out of July's car, I immediately regaled at the lengthy shoreline covered white fine sands and edged by crystal clear waters.
Gumasa beach may appear
isolated—and that's a great thing in my book—but come Sarangani Bay Fest or Sarbay Festival, every square meter of
this beach becomes a playground to a crowd of beach party-goers. Held annually, this summer
festival dishes a festive atmosphere that can only be rivaled by Boracay's
#LaBoracay vibe.
Just imagining the scene of
Sarbay Festival already overwhelms my introvert self, that’s why the moment we
arrived to an empty beach, my wanderlust heart brimmed with delight. “This is a wonderful road trip destination
choice” I told July in Tagalog to which she agree. “It’s been a while since we went here” she said to me.
Too bad I didn’t bring any
swim wear or any change of clothes otherwise, I would be jumping into the
azure-colored waters of the beach in an instant. Right on cue, July’s little
sister ran to the sands and started doing a medley of acrobatic moves: somersault,
high-kick, cartwheels and more—brandishing a young Cindy Rothrock form.
We had our lunch at Isla
Jardin Del Mar Beach Resort. The property expands to an 800-meter
shoreline leading you to short hiking trails and into massive walls of spectacular
rock formations.
We spent around three
hours just lounging around the beach. With every passing minute I get further tempted by the water. Thankfully, good conversations with July and the shame of
sitting on her car with wet clothes had me being content just by staring at the
wonderful scenery of Gumasa Beach.
BOOK your stay at Isla
Jardin Del Mar Beach Resort NOW! *click the image to reserve a room*
