SarBay Festival: The Pride of the South

I recently witnessed the biggest beach festival in Southern part in Mindanao the so-called “SarBay Festival”, which means Sarangani Bay Festival and also known as the “The Boracay of the Philippine South”. It became instantly viral during the entire event and even featured in CNN. The festival has 2-day event last May 16 up to 17, 2015.

On May 15, 2015 Activities
Bay Bodies (Bikini Open)
Bancarera (Boat contest)
Swim Across the Bay
Beach Dance Marathon
Beach Volleyball
Fire Dancing Exhibition
Pinta sa Baybayon (Painting Contest)
Foam Party (All night party)

On May 16, 2015 Activities
Sarbay Triathlon (swim, bike & run)
Kite Flying
Skim Boarding
Zumba Party
Frisbee Tournament
Sarbay Drum Beating Competition
Fireworks Display
Party All Night with Celebrity DJ's 

The organizers were smartly created the hashtag “SarbayForever” and “SarbayPaMore” which became trending and been thousands used by social media users (facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) I even took photos of them together with my friends.

I couldn't even imagine that around 40,000 thousands of people were there celebrating the festivity. A lot of different circles of people; "barkada", school friends, family bringing their kids and relatives, couples, vendors association, sports enthusiasts,  and single people came here for different reasons; summer outing, celebrating anniversaries/ birthdays/ other occasions,  for business (selling food and souvenirs), for competitions and tournaments, for nature viewing, for photography purposes, for escaping the pressures and stress from work, and for healing to those with broken hearts. They were here to one purpose, to celebrate good times.

I met a group of young men came from neighbor city, Davao. According to them, their summer would be incomplete if they could not join the "Sarbay Fest". I did wonder, because as far as I know, Davao City is also rich of beaches with developed resorts nearby in Samal Island. But according to them, they have been there for several times however, the "Sarbay" experience has nothing to compare when it comes to a beach party. Visitors from other cities and towns were there even coming from Luzon and Visayas, few also from foreign countries.

The best thing that I can brag about is for having no fees at all, except of course on a very cheap and worthy for such an exciting festival the “Environmental Fee”. This is for the cleanliness and maintenance of the beach for only Php 30.00. The rest were free!  No corkage for bringing of food of any kind, drinks, and liquors were open.  Live bands were all free. You have the freedom to enjoy. The white sand were so clear as skies were blue, reflecting each other to fascinate tourists.

Food flea market 

You don't have to worry if you have a low budget, lots of  flea market or food vendors were sprouting around. For Php 15.00- 35.00 you will have a “sulit” meal of rice with choices of viands. Fast food corners were everywhere, famous food carts were everywhere too.

The night party was roared and blasted in the entire shore of Gumasa as the local live bands started rocking their guitars and drums, swaying their heads to the beat. Colorful lights were dominated the party zone. People were kept dancing with full of joy swagging to the rhythm of the noise.

Photo credit to Christian

It was so amazing of the fireworks display as the final surprise. The feeling of being emotional were felt that moment. The goosebumps were crawling all over your body. Those lights dancing were great that everyone was shouting. Couples were happily kissing and holding together while watching the wonders of fallen lights and sparkles.

I salute to the Sarangani organizers and the local government of Glan for promoting and supporting this prestigious celebration of the province. It is yearly progressive and more business venturing to the town by not compromising the natural beauty of the beach. Truly it was fun and remarkable that everyone seemed to forget all the problems and somehow would also help the Philippine tourism wherein once upon a time in the South named Gumasa, a small barangay has a huge of happiness and a paradise can offer.

It's a pride indeed that I'm a citizen of Sarangani. Mabuhay all "Sarangans"!!

Anjoe A.