GOING up the mountain of Pag-asa in the lively municipality of Alabel was a first for me! Alabel is the capital town of neighboring Sarangani province.
I have travelled over high mountains in Mindanao during my engagement with the power industry in my adoptive region but they’re all far off, away from General Santos City. This one’s different; this is near the city, accessible, and leisurely to drive.
Traffic was light perhaps because of the observance of the Holy Week, but more so because the area is not a main thoroughfare connecting to other municipalities of Sarangani. According to https://www.philatlas.com/mindanao/r12/sarangani/alabel/pag-asa.html, Barangay Pag‑asa shares a common border with the following Barangays partly comprising 2 provinces: Alegria, Alabel; Datal Anggas, Alabel; San Juan, Malungon; Paraiso, Alabel; Daan Suyan, Malapatan; Kihan, Malapatan; Kinam, Malapatan; Upper Suyan, Malapatan; Spring, Alabel; and Lun Padidu, Malapatan, all in Sarangani; and Linadasan, Don Marcelino; Little Baguio, Malita; and West Lamidan, Don Marcelino, all in Davao Occidental. It’s truly vast.
When we reached the restaurant which also serves as a resting station for motorcycle and bicycle enthusiasts – I presume they are called bikers, I was captivated by the height of the mountain ranges facing us, and the depth of the flatlands which also featured a curved river! Splendid!
The flatlands were planted with coconuts, mostly, and other trees I could not discern from afar. But the greenery was just magnificent when contrasted with the alluring blue but cloud-filled skies. It’s just pure bliss! I’m on top the mountain! It’s no longer a figure of speech, haha!
Savoring the view and soaking in the grandness of the experience, one can only thank the Creator of the universe for such priceless beauty!
The resting station is easy to reach. The road is paved and like I said, traffic is light. I understand that many city residents go up for their morning exercise rituals apart from becoming the bikers’ trail. While we were there, we saw a motley group of bikers perhaps on their afternoon leg.
For a bit of history, Sarangani is in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. It has a 230-kilometer coastline along the Sarangani Bay and Celebes Sea. Situated at the southernmost tip of Mindanao, it borders South Cotabato and Davao del Sur to the north, and Davao Occidental to the east.
Interestingly, Sarangani is divided into two, separated by the Sarangani Bay and General Santos City. The western part consists of Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum, while the eastern part is composed of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, and Malungon.
It used to be part of South Cotabato until 1992 – when it became an independent province. More interestingly, I have witnessed its creation, too, having arrived in my adoptive city during that period.
Driving to Maasim, Sarangani is likewise a breathtaking experience with the wide sea glistening and beckoning while the car tires hit the well-paved but curved roads. The view is likewise incredibly beautiful. Indeed, Sarangani is a gem!
Back to Mindanao. Mindanao is truly a beautiful place and the charms are just lurking in places you only need to discover.
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We’re finally into April. And thank God, vaccination is rolling! We are hopeful for the vaccination to go fast considering the not-so-good news. Yes, COVID-19 is getting fierce, and infection is getting quicker and more massive.
We continue to pray for our nation – the only one we’ve got – as we do our part being responsible citizens. The health crisis is not over yet. I hope for the sake of my fellow Filipinos that we follow health and safety protocols for our loved ones, our family members, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow Filipinos, and our country. No one else can love our country more than the Filipinos! It’s time we rally behind the Philippines. Now, more than ever.
We must remember the sacrifices of those who have lost lives just so we are protected and safeguarded. Let’s always think of others in this pandemic. The health of others will always redound to our own health.
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Food for Thought
Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches, or its romance. – Theodore Roosevelt
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
