Sec. Roxas distributes patrol jeeps

By MELODY JOY J. COSEP

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 22, 2015) – Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II delivered seven patrol jeeps to Sarangani for the police station in every municipality.

“In the entire Mindanao, Sarangani Province is the first to receive these police security equipment,” Roxas said during the turnover ceremony Friday (May 22) at the provincial police office.

                 

“I know that security is one of the most important issues nowadays,” Roxas said. “Your municipalities are far from each other, and we need to focus on the safety of every resident.”

With Roxas was Cong. Carol Jayne Lopez of YACAP Partylist.

At the turn-over ceremony were Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, provincial board members, mayors and vice mayors of every municipality, provincial director PSSUPT Emmanuel Peralta, DILG Sarangani staff, and officers of the PNP Sarangani.

“To Sec. Roxas, we would like to thank you for all the help you have given to Sarangani Province,” Governor Solon said.

Governor Solon said the province is “blessed to receive the patrol cars that will be downloaded to each municipality, specifically Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum, Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, and Malungon, to fight crimes more efficiently.”

Roxas bared the second phase “will be brought about to distribute nearly 940 jeeps for our public safety companies, Regional Public Safety Battalions (RPSB), other maneuver forces, Special Action Forces (SAF), and the like in order to hasten our response in different incidents.”

On the other hand, Governor Solon told the audience that since 2013, the DILG’s SALINTUBIG project has reached about P68 million in Sarangani Province

The Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) Program or the Provision of Potable Water Program is a tripartite program of the Department of Health, DILG and National Anti-Poverty Commission.

It is designed to supply water systems for 455 waterless municipalities, barangays, health centers and resettlement sites; and enhance the capacity of LGUs/water service providers in the planning, implementation and operation of water supply facilities. The program is expected to increase by 50% the water service for the waterless population; reduce by 20% the incidence of water-borne and sanitation related diseases; and improve access of the poor to sanitation services by 10% by 2015. 

“The Bottom-up Planning and Budgeting (BUPB) Projects have spread out to each municipality benefiting all the constituents of our province. For that, we’d like to thank you (Sec. Roxas),” the governor said. (Melody Joy J. Cosep/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Why Sarbay is biggest beach festival

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 22, 2015) – There are reasons why Sarbay is the biggest beach festival in the Philippines.

The Sarangani Bay Festival, or popularly known as Sarbay, is a premier summer beach festival held at the white sand beach of Gumasa strip in the town of Glan.

The festival was formally incepted in 2006 by the provincial officials that time with Migs Dominguez as governor.

As the years passed by, the potential growth of Sarbay has been fully realized until it reached the distinction as the biggest beach festival in the country.

One proof of this is the multiplying number of tourists coming to SarBay each year.

Michelle Solon, Sarangani Tourism Council president, explained why Sarbay has the rightful claim to be the biggest beach festival in the country.

“Yes, we are the biggest (number of tourists) followed by La Boracay that happens every Labor Day (May 1) in Boracay.”

On the two-day (May 15–16) span of SarBay 2015, the provincial government tallied around 127,000 tourists that came to the festival from May 14-17.

Sarbay 2014 gathered an estimated 120,000 tourists according to the Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center.

These tourists came from different regions of Mindanao, Visayas, and even as far as Luzon.

Sarbay has never ran out of foreign tourists too. Beach lovers from the United States, Australia, and Canada rush to the Philippines once the date of the next Sarbay is announced.

Solon said she was pleased with the “successful turnout of people that came to Sarbay. We thank the athletes, the beach enthusiasts and the support of Sarbay citizens (frequent Sarbay goers).”

The second proof that makes Sarbay as the biggest beach festival in the country is the awards it has received in its decade of existence.

In 2012, Sarbay was awarded First Runner Up and garnered in 2013 the Grand Champion as Best Tourism Event of the Philippines in sports and adventure category by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and Department of Tourism.

“Nakikita po natin na talagang nagtatake-off na masyado ang tourism ng Sarangani,” Solon said crediting it to the efforts of the provincial government as well as to Sarangani congressman and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao for bringing the name of Sarangani into “a platform at the international scene.”

Another proof is the promulgation of environmental advocacies for Sarbay, making the festival not just the biggest but also the cleanest.

During the Sarbay 2015, the provincial government of Sarangani launched #ilovecleansarbay in order to promote responsible partying while in the cradle of nature.

Because of this, party-goers participated in the clean-up drive the day after SarBay 2015, Sunday, May 17, led by the local government units of barangay Gumasa and municipality of Glan, and private partner Smart Communications.

The Alcantara Foundation also took part in this initiative by releasing 100,000 bangus fingerlings to Sarangani Bay.

Solon said that her husband, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, has “envisioned a clean Sarbay festival.”

“It turned out that our Sarbay goers can be responsible tourists! All I can really say now is ‘Sumusulong na talaga ang ating Sarangani’,” said Michelle Solon who also chairs the Regional Tourism Council.

Over the years, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said, the popularity of Sarbay “has grown by leaps and bounds” and revealed the secret to a successful tourism campaign which is “sustainability and continuity.”

A lot of the province’s tourism products, he said, are crafted way back from the provincial government past administrations.

“We just improved it. We engaged partnerships with big private sector groups to help us develop tourism areas.”

The governor thanked Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, San Miguel, Delimondo, KCC Malls and 2GO for supporting Sarbay 2015. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarbay: Philippines' biggest beach fest

By BEVERLY C. PAOYON

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 22, 2015) – Sarangani Bay Festival, or more known now as Sarbay, continuously establishes its status as the biggest beach festival in the Philippines.

This was proven by Sarbay 2015 on May 15–16. According to the Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center, an estimated 127,000 tourists — domestic and foreign alike — came to the white sand beach of Gumasa strip in Glan and experienced a one-of-a-kind summer party.

Melody Cosep, a first-timer of Sarbay, testified to this and shared her experience of Sarbay 2015.

“I don’t usually party. I mean, I do not party at all. I came to Sarbay because of my job-related duties as part of the documentation team, but I never expected that I would experience the fun beyond my expectations,” Cosep stated.

She described her entire weekend as an “absolute thrill!”

“Watching the activities that were taking place made me forget all the stresses I am facing,” said Cosep, a law student from General Santos City.

“Summer Party at the Bay was immensely exhilarating! I did not anticipate anything because I had only one idea of the term foam party and it’s the thought of dancing under a shower of bubbles,” Cosep narrated.

“My cousin and I stayed at the VIP area at around nine in the evening, and the next thing we knew, it was already dawn! We both returned to our hotel room very wet with foam and paint and a bit groggy, but with no regrets at all,” she added.

Yet even for this, Cosep said that the best part of her Sarbay experience was the “Splash in the Sky.”

“It was honestly the best fireworks display I have ever seen so far! What made it even better was because I watched it together with my family. My younger siblings were more than amazed at how colorful the dark sky appeared. The blaze of beautiful shades of light made everyone around us astonished that all we can hear and say is recurrent screaming and clapping,” Cosep said.

“Words are not enough to describe the splendour of Sarangani Bay, the pristine waters of the Sarangani beaches, the elegance of the Sarangani people, and the grandeur of Sarbay Fest 2015,” Cosep said.

“I will definitely be back next year!”

Aside from the nightly parties, Sarbay also features activities and events that provide other recreation for tourists, making the festival a perfect venue to have fun every summer. Among these are the Pinta sa Baybayon, sand sculpture, kite flying competition, and Zumba dancing.

Sarbay is also a hub for sports enthusiasts and athletes alike as sports competitions such as the 15-kilometer Swim-Across-the-Bay, triathlon, beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee, swimming, and banca (boat) racing are present in the festival.

One of the most unique aspects of Sarbay Fest, unlike any other beach festivals, is its constant promotion towards environmental preservation and cleanliness.

On the recent Sarbay 2015, a clean-up drive within the entire Gumasa shore was initiated by the provincial government and Smart Communications to promote responsible partying.

With all of these present, Sarbay Fest can be at par, if not surpass, any other beach party in the country. Sarbay can easily contend with “high-end” parties held in Boracay.

As the years passed by, the number of tourists coming from different places outside Mindanao is steadily increasing, making the attendees of Sarbay more diverse and colorful.

With the recent 10th Sarbay, it was already clear that undermining Sarbay is inappropriate anymore. A clear proof of this is the number of corporate giants in the country that are backing the fest such as Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, San Miguel, Delimondo, KCC Malls and 2GO.

Sarbay also boosted the economy of Sarangani, as it opened more opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses --specifically those that are related to food and tourism.

Safe to say, Sarbay, undeniably, has indeed grown to become the biggest beach festival in the Philippines. And confidently, it will hold this distinction for the next years to come. (Beverly C. Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Gov. Steve unites SarBay citizens

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon gives away shirts to SarBay-goers on the last day of the festival, May 16th. The jovial governor partied with the crowd as bands and disc jockeys in Globe’s Summer Takeover revved-up SarBay 2015 with a spice!(Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Hot DJ big hit at SarBay

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - Patty Tiu of Deuce Manila takes her gig outside of Metro Manila and goes down south to rock Sarbay 2015 Saturday, May 16. She is undoubtedly one of the hottest female DJs in the country as she brings out the party animal in every SarBay party goer. Tiu was one of the DJs that Globe Telecom brought to SarBay 2015. (Christian Cuaresma for SARBAY DOCUMENTATION TEAM)

Powerspoonz blends with crowd

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - Powerspoonz, a rock reggae band from Cebu City, blends in with the crowd and takes a taste of the biggest beach festival in the country. The band, without a doubt, intensely gave out an all-out performance for Sarbay Fest 2015 during Globe’s Summer Takeover of SarBay. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Powerspoonz rocks SarBay 2015

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - Powerspoonz, a rock reggae band from Cebu City, heats up the crowd at Globe’s Summer Takeover of the Philippines' biggest beach festival, May 16. Bands and Disc Jockeys from the local and national spectra end up SarBay Fest 2015 with a bang, rocking the house with their powerful music and colorful rave party. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Globe’s Summer Takeover draws big crowd

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - Globe Telecommunications as one of the biggest sponsors of SarBay 2015 brought the best local and national bands along with the hottest disc jockeys of the country to bring the biggest bang on the last night of SarBay 2015 on May 16, Saturday. National bands such as Quest and Powerspoonz, and disc jockeys Ashley Rivera, Travis Monsod, Marc Marasigan and Patty Tiu (Deuce) fired up SarBay citizens from night until dawn. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Globe takes over SarBay with hit bands, DJs

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - Jose Villanueva, better known as Quest, a Filipino singer and songwriter, jams with SarBay citizens May 16 during the Globe Summer Takeover of SarBay 2015. He then performed his original composition "Sige Lang" which garnered positive feedback from the listeners. Quest along with the rock reggae band from Cebu, Powerspoonz and disc jockeys Ashley Rivera, Travis Monsod, Marc Marasigan and Patty Tiu (Deuce) ignited the SarBay citizens from night until dawn. (Christian Cuaresma for SARBAY DOCUMENTATION TEAM)

Globe brings in DJs, bands to SarBay

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - The 2015 Sarangani Bay Festival ends with a bang, as Globe brings in Quest, Powerspoonz (rock/reggae band from Cebu), FHM model and DJ Ashley Rivera, DJ Marc Marasigan, DJ Travis Monsod and DJ Patty Tiu (Deuce) Saturday, May 16. Globe is one of the biggest sponsors that heated-up the festival. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

FHM model turns on SarBay crowd

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) - FHM model and  Disc Jockey, Ashley Rivera, turns on the crowd during the last night of the biggest beach festival of the Philippines, Sarbay Fest 2015, with her groovy party beats on Saturday, May 16. Rivera, alongside fellow DJs Marc Marasigan, Travis Monsod and Patty Tiu (Deuce) blazed the night and kept the crowd craving until dawn in Globe’s Summer Takeover of the festival. (Kim Windell V. Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE)

Globe Telecom sponsors all-night beach party at Sarbay 2015

By MELODY JOY J. COSEP

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 20, 2015) – Considered as the biggest beach festival in the Philippines, Sarangani Bay Festival 2015 celebrated its Concert at the Bay in Gumasa Cove with thousands of “SarBay citizens” on May 16.

Hosted by the major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines, Globe Telecom, the main performers of the night were the nationally renowned artists, Quest, a hip-hop and R&B singer and Powerspoonz, a reggaeton fusion rock band from Las Piñas and Cebu, respectively.

The crowd of more than 100,000 SarBay citizens wildly partied all night from nine o’ clock in the evening until almost 4am. during Globe’s Summer Takeover of the beach festival.

The Very Important Persons (VIP) area was fully occupied and the railings all over the place almost collapsed because of the massive number of people outside the VIP spot who sang, danced, and rocked along with the bands.

“The first SarBay Fest in 2005 was attended by only 100 persons. This 2015 is just our 10th year anniversary, but we have already reached up to 100,000 participants. Congratulations to all of you who have been part of this momentous occasion! I hope and pray that there will be more locals and tourists who will join us next year and in the coming years. May you all have fun and enjoy tonight’s party!,” Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon told the crowd.

Gov. Solon also acknowledged and thanked all the organizers behind the event who have worked relentlessly for the success of SarBay Fest 2015, commending their magnanimity, selflessness, and zeal, especially in its tourism promotion.

At midnight, the Splash in the Sky, popularly known as the fireworks display which lasted for ten minutes flabbergasted everyone in and out of the vicinity.

“This was the best fireworks display that I have ever seen my entire life! The dark and gloomy night seemed so full of life because of the vibrant colors that painted the sky. My friends and I never said a word. We were just dumbfounded. The best SarBay so far!,” said a SarBay Fest five-time attendee.

Right after that, Globe Telecom thru Manic Nightnings Production also presented four prominent club disc jockeys (DJs) namely Ashley Rivera, Marc Marasigan, Travis Monsod, and Patty Tiu (Deuce) who brought the house down by their expertise in selecting, mixing, and playing lively music that hyped up everyone.

Michelle Lopez-Solon, the Regional and Provincial Tourism Council president, is very grateful to Globe Telecom and to other partners and sponsors as well for making SarBay Fest 2015 a fun-filled one, worth celebrating every year. (Melody Joy J. Cosep/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Glan artists sweep sand sculpture awards

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) – This is the winning sand sculpture of underwater creatures made by the Glan team of Keith Laride, John Rosco, John Pezario, Kirth Laride and Rudy Campus. The 2nd placer is also from Glan and the 3rd placer is from Glan as well. (Martin Fernando E. Bernad Jr./SARANGANI TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER)

Gumasa beach patrol

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) – Police make the rounds of Sarbay Fest event venues before the start of the May 15-16 festival with hundreds of policemen deployed securing the site. Maritime police also patrolled the coastline. (Martin Fernando E. Bernad Jr./SARANGANI

TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER)

Maasim wins Sarbay Bancarera

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) - Federico Canoy from Colon, Maasim wins the Sarbay 2015 Bancarera with a prize of P40,000. His team mate Joviro Veresraiz came in third with P10,000. Second place went to Sam Bastida from Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur gaining a P20,000 prize. The event was hosted by Bombo Radio Gensan headed by station manager Janjan Macailing. (Martin Fernando E. Bernad Jr./SARANGANI TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER)

DJ Ashley live at Sarbay

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) - FHM model and Disc Jockey Ashley Rivera performs at the biggest beach festival in the Philippines, Sarbay Fest 2015, with her groovy party beats on May 16. Rivera and DJs Marc Marasigan, Travis Monsod and Patty Tiu (Deuce) kept the crowd craving until dawn in Globe’s Summer Takeover of the festival. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Globe takes over final Sarbay night

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) - The 2015 Sarangani Bay Festival ends with a huge partying crowd as Globe brings in Quest, Powerspoonz, DJ Ashley Rivera, DJ Marc Marasigan, DJ Travis Monsod and DJ Patty Tiu (Deuce) on May 16. Globe is one of the biggest sponsors that heated-up the festival. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Jamming with Quest at Sarbay

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) - Jose Villanueva, better known as Quest, jams with SarBay citizens May 16 during the Globe Summer Takeover of SarBay 2015. He performed his hit "Sige Lang", and along with Powerspoonz and disc jockeys Ashley Rivera, Travis Monsod, Marc Marasigan and Patty Tiu (Deuce), kept SarBay citizens partying from night until dawn. (Martin Fernando E. Bernad Jr./SARANGANI TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER)

Powerspoonz rocks biggest beach party

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) - Powerspoonz, a rock reggae band from Cebu City, takes the Sarbay Fest crowd by storm in the biggest beach festival in the country. The band’s intense performance completes Globe’s Summer Takeover of SarBay. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Rain can’t stop Sarbay party

GUMASA, Glan, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) - Disc Jockey Marc Marasigan and party emcee Victor Pring take a groufie with the hyped-up crowd in the VIP area of the rave party hosted by Globe Telecom during the last night of Sarbay Festival 2015 on May 16. Despite the rain, the party kept rocking until dawn, with waves of people jumping up and down to the beat. (Dave John Jugar for SARBAY DOCUMENTATION TEAM)

Sarbay citizens join clean-up party

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 21, 2015) – An event was added to Sarbay Fest on Sunday, May 17. Participants in the Sarbay Clean-up Party were given a trash bag (which was part of the environmental fee upon entrance). For every five kilos of garbage submitted by every person, a token was given in exchange, courtesy of SarBay partners Smart Telecom, Globe Telecom, 2Go, and Coca-Cola. Meanwhile, the first 50 participants who presented eight kilos of collected rubbish received a personalized SarBay shirt from Smart Telecom. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Jinkee thanks Capitol employees

ALABEL, Sarangani (May 19, 2015) - Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao delivers the Food for Thought during the flag ceremony sharing the verse Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” With this verse, she expressed gratitude to God in spite of the result of the fight of her husband Congressman Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Vice Gov. Jinkee also thanked the Capitol employees for their prayers and support during the fight. (Jerald S. Rubio/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Vice Gov. Jinkee attends 6th Provincial Musabaqah

ALABEL, (May 19, 2015) – Vice Governor Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao delivers her message encouraging the participants to uphold teamwork, the spirit of sportsmanship and real Islamic brotherhood, during the 6th Provincial Musabaqah at Capitol gymnasium Monday, May 18. She also commended the organizers, especially the Sulong Sarangani Program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, for their commitment and dedication of promoting peace and development in the province. The Musabaqah is a three-day event on May 17-19 that gathers approximately 3,500 Madaris pupils and 125 Asatidz (Madaris facilitators), parents and officials. This event is in line with the provincial government’s commitment to promote sustainable peace and development through mainstreaming the Muslim populace of the province, by staging activities that aim to promote and uphold the cultural heritage of our Muslim brothers. (Marvin N. Soler/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarangani commends People’s Champ

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (May 19, 2015) – The Provincial Government of Sarangani headed by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (3^rd from left) and members of the 8th Sangguniang Panlalawigan present Resolution No. 2015-8-048 “RESOLUTION COMMENDING CONGRESSMAN AND PEOPLE’S CHAMP EMMANUEL “MANNY” PACQUIAO FOR ONCE AGAIN BRINGING JOY, PRIDE AND HONOR TO THE PHILIPPINES AND TO SARANGANI PROVINCE AS HE WON THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE”, during the People’s Champ Hero’s Welcome on May 15 at SM Gensan. The event was jointly organized by the local government units of Sarangani and General Santos City, Pacquiao Group of Companies and SM Gensan. (Quenny D. Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Responsible Sarbay citizens join clean-up party

By MELODY JOY J. COSEP

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2015) – The May 15-16 SarBay Fest also celebrated its 10th year anniversary with a clean-up party by Sarbay citizens Sunday (May 17).

The largest and most famous beach and sports festival in Mindanao, and now, in the entire country, was participated in by over 100,000 locals and tourists.

The annual event comprised of activities such as Sand Sculpture, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, Skim Boarding Competition, Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, Pinta sa Baybayon, Zumba with the Legendz, Fire Dancing Competition, Bay Bodies, Summer Party at the Bay, Foam Party, and Kite Flying Competition.  

Aside from promoting tourism in Gumasa, Glan and drawing tourists and investors to its white sand beaches, the holding of this festival is also an avenue where the activities are designed to inculcate on the stakeholders and attendees the importance of a continuous awareness campaign to protect and preserve the resources of Sarangani Bay and beaches.

As part of the local government’s thrust to enjoy SarBay while keeping it clean, the activities also included Swim Across the Bay, SarBay Bancarera, and Triathlon for the Environment for the said purpose.

This year, another one-day event was added to the celebration. On Sunday, May 17 at 6:00 in the morning, a SarBay Clean-up Party was introduced by the provincial government together with the municipality of Glan.

Everyone who was willing to partake in the “unique kind of party” was given a trash bag (which was part of the environmental fee upon entrance). For every five kilos of garbage submitted by every person, a token was given in exchange, courtesy of SarBay partners Smart Telecom, 2Go, and Coca-Cola. Meanwhile, the first 50 participants who presented eight kilos of collected rubbish received a personalized SarBay shirt from Smart Telecom.

The hashtags “#ilovecleansarbay,” “#sarbayforever,” and other promotional videos to help clean the surroundings were trending all over the social media sites, thus all followers of Sarangani Bay Festival were encouraged to participate in this pursuit.

“I love this activity. Being an environmentalist, I feel fulfilled to take part of preserving Sarangani Bay and the beaches by simply keeping my personal garbage in my trash bag and picking up other people’s waste. It’s also fun doing it because of the token I received. I’m just a bit unfortunate for not being one of the first 50 who received the shirts. I’ll wake up earlier next year, anyway. Thank you, SarBay Fest 2015 for initiating this Clean-up Party!,” stated Merit Jean Cosep, a SarBay citizen and nature lover.

The organizers of the beach festival expressed their gratitude to every responsible SarBay citizen who stayed and helped until the end of the occasion. Gumasa beach looked as clean and orderly as how they looked before SarBay Fest 2015 kicked off. (Melody Joy J. Cosep/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

Sarbay Fest triathlon gets tougher

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2015) – The 2nd SarBay Swim-Bike-Run for the Environment triathlon tested the gears and grits of every participant as the course was designed to be more challenging this year.

Early morning on May 16, 65 triathletes answered the gun start at the white sand shore of Gumasa, Glan for the highly-anticipated triathlon organized by the provincial government and Smart Communications.

There were alterations to the usual route of the triathlon this year making the race more challenging.

However, 36 veteran triathletes were undaunted. They registered in the standard or Olympic distance which included a 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run or a total of 51.5-km.

Those new in the world of triathlon registered in the sprint category. It is half the distance to be traversed in the Olympic set.

Michael Murphy, an Australian elite triathlete representing the Red Cross, expressed how challenging the race was. He won the Olympic category with a time of 2:22:43.

“The race was unbelievable. It was my first time here in Sarbay (triathlon) and it blew my expectations,” Murphy stated.

“It was one of the toughest courses I have ever been in a bike and run. But what kept me going is the cheers of the children, like there was an entire community supporting you here,” he added.

Murphy also revealed that he is planning to start a training camp in Sarangani Bay to prepare himself for the next SarBay Swim-Bike-Run triathlon of Smart and Sarangani Province.

Lea Coline Langit (2:16:48) grabbed the first place in the over-all standard female category.

Mark Alfred Arroyo and wife Collie Castillo Arroyo added a milestone in their married life as they finished the hardened triathlon. Mark finished the race in 03:01:15 while Collie followed 17 minutes later, specifically 03:18:07.

“It was a tough race but we finished it together,” said the Arroyo couple when asked to describe the triathlon.

Surprisingly, young triathletes reigned in the sprint category of the Smart Swim-Bike-Run for the Environment.

Kimi Jade Wee, 16, and Gennex Rey Combatir, 15, both from the Gensan Red Sea Lions, finished the sprint category in 2:01:50 and 1:28:00, respectively.

"It was a very hard race, especially the running course, where we have to force ourselves just to traverse the uphill and winding roads,” Combatir said. “It was crazy."

According to Nova Concepcion, senior manager of Smart Community Partnerships for Environment and Disaster Preparedness, the SarBay Swim-Bike-Run for the Environment is not just a regular triathlon, but rather, it was designed for advocacy.

“Originally, it was just a ‘bike for the environment’ but we piloted it in the SarBay Fest (as Swim-Bike-Run) because we want to have an innovative way of supporting environmental causes,” Concepcion said.

“For the past years, we have been raising an amount of support in specific advocacy, and for this year the proceeds will go to a turtle hatchery. It is just an innovative way of supporting something and Smart is known for innovation, so this is just a translation of that corporate responsibility,” she added.

Aside from supporting the Sarangani Bay Turtle Hatchery, Smart will also help the local government in the coastal clean-up after SarBay 2015 and will also conduct a release of some 100,000 bangus fingerlings.

SarBay 2015 is the tenth year of the iconic Sarangani Bay Festival of Sarangani Province. It is dubbed as the biggest beach party in Mindanao, and perhaps in the Philippines today. Web updates powered by SMART. (Ian John Lagare for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Australian wins Sarbay triathlon

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2015) - Michael Murphy, an Australian triathlete representing the Red Cross, leads the pack of 65 competitors in the 2nd Sarbay triathlon on May 16. Murphy was the over-all male standard winner who finished the swim, bike and run in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 48 seconds. Before winning the Sarbay triathlon, he had already conquered five big triathlon events as recently placing 5th in the 2015 Place Challenge Philippines, and four major events in 2014: 1st place in Golden Triangle Thailand, 2nd place in the Challenge Philippines, 2nd place in Lang Co Vietnam, and 3rd place in Ironman 70.3 Japan. Murphy was glad to see young kids joining the triathlon. “For the kids, I think the sport here in the Philippines is growing so it’s amazing to see kids joining the sport, learning how to swim, playing active which is very important,” he said. According to Murphy, triathlon is more than just a sport but “the best about this thing is to come to destinations like this and discover new place in the world that I would not see if I am not into this sport,” and emphasized the best part is the “friendship you make”. Web updates powered by SMART. (Russell Delvo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Finally, Sarbay is biggest beach festival

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 19, 2015) - The biggest beach party in the Philippines, the Sarbay Fest, fires its signature fireworks at midnight Saturday, May 16, that lasted for over seven minutes. The usual fireworks display enlivens Sarbay’s night-to-dawn rave party. Organizers said the May 15-16 Sarbay Fest was attended by more than 100,000 people from all over the country. Web updates powered by SMART. (Russell Delvo for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarbay kite made of bamboo

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – An eagle-inspired kite made of bamboo leaves wins the Talk N’ Text SarBay Summer Saya Kite Flying Competition on May 16. It was made by Ricardo Abayon of Poblacion Glan. The Sarbay Fest held every May is considered as the biggest beach festival in the Philippines every summer. Web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarbay hosts firedancers

  

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – A firedancing contest heats up the Sarbay night in the biggest beach festival in the Philippines. Organizers said more than 100,000 people attended the two-day festival. Web updates powered by SMART. (Marlon Martinez/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Sarbay Festival marks 10th year

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – The clear, clean beach of Gumasa strip, Glan, is one of the reasons why thousands of people all over the country go to Sarbay Fest every May, making it the biggest summer beach festival of the Philippines. Web updates powered by SMART. (Cocoy Sexcion for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE

Sarangani beats Bukidnon

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – Sarangani ladies slam their opponents from Bukidnon by securing two sets in a best-of-three series on May 15 during the action-packed Sarbay Festival. Web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI

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MTB joins Sarbay action

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – The 1st downhill mountain bike competition is one of the events of Sarbay Festival 2015. Forty participants joined the competition on May 16 to explore the hills of Gumasa. Their age brackets are 19-29 years old, 30-39 years old and the elite pro. Web updates powered by SMART. (Tres Besana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Rivera supports Sarbay

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – Mayor Ronnel Rivera (2^nd from left) of General Santos City meets Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon (extreme left) on May 16 while he is taking a break from striding Gumasa beach with his jetski. The visit of Mayor Rivera to Sarbay Fest this year is his way of supporting the biggest beach party of the Philippines. Web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

LGU leads #ilovecleansarbay campaign

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – Cleaners deployed by the local government unit (LGU) are ubiquitous in every corner to make sure the cleanliness of the Sarbay Fest on May 15 – 16. The deployment of these personnel is part of the #ilovecleansarbay campaign of Sarangani Province to ensure that Sarbay Fest is not just the biggest beach festival of the Philippines, but also the cleanest. Web updates powered by SMART. (Cocoy Sexcion for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Foam party draws big crowd

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) - Talk N Text’s SarBay Summer Saya enliven the first night of Sarbay Festival on May 15 by throwing a foam party, gathering a crowd as big as 20,000 people. The foam party of Talk N Text is one of the featured events of Sarbay, the biggest beach festival in the Philippines. Organizers said more than 100,000 people attended the two-day festival. Web updates powered by SMART. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Flyboarding is in Sarbay

GUMASA, Sarangani (May 18, 2015) – Flyboarding is providing people more ways to enjoy Sarbay, the biggest summer beach festival in the Philippines. Dare to fly! It's easy and it's fun. The one flying is Mr. Guy, a professional flyboarding instructor. Noel Santiago of NPS Aqua Sports brought Mr. Guy to Sarbay. Santiago has been a Sarbay supporter since 2006, bringing in jetskis, exhibitions, and clinics through the years. Web updates powered by SMART. (Cocoy Sexcion for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Koronadal breaks Sarbay swim record

By BEVERLY PAOYON

GLAN, Sarangani (May 16, 2015) – Palarong Pambansa swimmers from Koronadal City set a new record in Asia’s longest open sea swim race Friday (May 15).

The Koronadal City Swim Team of teenagers clocked in 44 minutes earlier than last year’s race time of 3:36:46 hours of Dadiangas Torpedoes.

The Torpedoes had dominated the swim relay for three consecutive years since 2012 but did not join the race this time.

In Sarbay Festival’s opening day race Friday (May 15), the Koronadal boys’ race time of 2:54:35 hours also erased their own 3:53:57 hours set in 2014 where they placed second in the grueling 15-kilometer swim relay called Swim-Across-the-Bay.

DMMA (Davao Merchant Marine Academy) Swim Team 1 ranked second place this time with official record of 2:54:24 followed by Davao Tankers (2:54:36) and Tinoto Submarine (2:54:39), ranking third and fourth place respectively.

DMMA crossed the finish line first, or 11 seconds earlier than Koronadal, but a minor technical violation pulled DMMA down to the second place.

Event organizer Jonathan Duhaylungsod explained the last swimmer must be the one to tap the flaglet at the shore. In DMMA’s case, it was tapped by another swimmer.

Final declaration of winners was officially made after marshals unanimously resolved to declare DMMA the second placer instead of disqualifying it outright.

The Koronadal swimmers had just got home from the recent Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City. It took them only five days to practice in a swimming pool in their city and did not expect to beat nine other groups in the race.

They did not follow any game plan but just enjoyed the sea and “kept swimming.”

Keith Glen Joy Tuya, 15, said they just maneuvered escaping being caught up by strong currents.

“Budlay man maglangoy sa balod pero sadya man gihapon. Kung may current, kusugan lang namo pull sa dalom para makasaka kami sa babaw. Ga-glide lang kami padalom kung gapadalom na ang balod. Tapos kung may balod di lang namo gapakusgan ug langoy kay budlay man kay malumos ka gid sa tubig,” Tuya said.

“Medyo kulbal,” Tuya admitted as they are not used to swimming in open sea where currents seem unpredictable.

Duhaylungsod said the currents and waves seem favorable this time because the wind direction is coming from the north unlike with the south wind which is stronger.

Meanwhile, the all-girl group Polomolok Team A was the last to cross the finish line with an official time of 4:05:05 hours.

“We did our best to conquer Sarangani Bay,” the group proudly yelled.

“We just wanted to enjoy because we’re all girls naman. And the fact that we’re all girls at na-conquer namin yung Sarangani Bay, hindi naman lahat nakaka-conquer ng bay at nakaka-swim. At natapos naman namin though last kami. We’re still fulfilled and happy,” 21 year-old Anjala Rae Jamerlan said.

“What we wanted it to prove as a team is that although we’re all girls, what boys can do we can do as well,” Jamerlan said. Updates powered by SMART. (Beverly Paoyon/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)