Some people, especially foreigners are frightened to come to the southern part of the Philippines; either because it is under martial law or because it is Mindanao. What people do not know is that people here feel safer that it is under martial law. Peace and order is strictly implemented but without scrapping away the freedom of the law-abiding citizens.
I have lived in Europe for almost ten years, but my heart is still in the Philippines. Moreover, the best place for fresh seafood and beach lovers, and those who seek adventures. The food here is so cheap, that you could have everything you want all at once. People here are so genuine, kind, hospitable, bubbly and down-to-earth; they even would invite strangers to eat when there is a party. People here just love to laugh even though they have got tons of problems on their shoulders. They just laugh it out and give everyone their charming smile. The simplicity of life here makes me free from stress, pressure and expectation compared to my life in a big city like Milan, Italy.
This province has many beautiful places like the pristine and white-sand beach of Saranggani, Province, The Seven Falls, where you can go for a zipline ride to see the seven falls, and the lake of Lake Sebu. Lake Holon in T’Boli is the destination for trekking lovers, and a lot more. General Santos is where you can have the taste of fresh Tuna as it is the tuna capital of the Philippines. There abundance and the cheap price of fruits, rice, and vegetable here feels like heaven.
At weekends, I would hop in on either a bus or a small truck with my cousins and siblings and visit on of these lovely places I had mentioned above. We would pack our tents, rice cookers and some snacks, and spend a night or two at the beach. Vendors would come by around six A.M to sell their fresh-captured seafood and fruits. So, we were never hungry here. It is always a great feeling that we can just hop into a public transportation, and we can be at the most beautiful places.
