Last Friday, Feyma, the kids and I all took a drive down south to General Santos City. For anybody who has been following this site, you will know that we lived in GenSan, as it is affectionately called, back from 2000 until 2002. We still go back from time to time, but not too often – maybe a couple of times per year. Actually, I think it has been almost exactly a year since our last visit to the City.
In my two years of living in General Santos City, I had gotten to the point where I didn’t care for the place all that much by the time we moved. Over the 6 years that we’ve lived in Davao, though, obvious improvements have been made in the City. It is much smaller than Davao, and thus offers fewer amenities, but the improvements that are visible in the City are quite good, I must say.
The reason for our trip to GenSan was that it is the time of year when foreigners need to check in at the Bureau of Immigration office. While we live in Davao, we are still registered in GenSan, and we like doing business there with the Immigration office, as it is less crowded, and very fast in handling our needs. So, we take the trip down every January or February for check-in. The check-in process only took 20 minutes or so for our entire family, and we had the rest of the day free.
On our ride down to GenSan, I called our friend Cathy on the phone to see if she had plans for lunch. You see, last year Cathy did a project with a local Doctor in setting up a new Restaurant in GenSan called “Sarangani Highlands.” I’ve been wanting to try Sarangani Highlands, but since I didn’t know where it was, we thought we’d ask Cathy to come along! Besides, it was a good excuse to see Cathy, as both Feyma and I really enjoy her company. She is a very smart, business minded lady, and I always feel like I learn something from just talking with her (don’t be shy, Cathy, I know you are reading this). So, after completing our business at the Immigration office, we picked up Cathy and headed to Sarangani Highlands.
I can understand why Sarangani Highlands has gotten such good reviews. I keep hearing about the place all the time! Now, I know why. It’s beautiful! The restaurant sits up on a hill, overlooking Sarangani Bay. On top of that, the owner of Sarangani Highlands is an avid gardener, according to Cathy. The flowers and gardens on site are very ornamental! What a beautiful scene to accompany a great meal!
For lunch, we ordered a variety of dishes so that we could give the place a try. We started out with two salads:
- Highlands Dadiangas Salad – Dadiangas is the name of a Barangay in GenSan, and the entire town used to be called Dadiangas before it was chartered as a City. The Dadiangas Salad is basically a fruit salad, featuring the wonderful fruits of General Santos. Pineapple, banana, mango, avacado, pomelo. Maybe there were other fruits too, I don’t recall. Delicious!
- Shrimp & Mango Salad – This is not the proper name, but I’ve forgotten what they named this salad! Basically, it was shrimp, mango and pomelo. It was simply magnificent! I loved it. I have to say that although both salads were great, this was my favorite. I’m a shrimp lover, what can I say?
Our next course was the main course, and we sampled these dishes:
- Butterflied Shrimp – This shrimp was butterflied, and broccoli was inserted into it, then it was deep fried. Cathy recommended this one, and she was right! It was excellent.
- Sweet& Sour Lapu Lapu – This was very good, although I really love this dish at Paradise Island on Samal, and the Highlands did not stand up to what they have at Paradise. I would eat it again, but it was not “special” – if you know what I mean. It was good, not great, though.
- Fried chicken – I didn’t eat any of the fried Chicken, although the kids said it was great! It did look good. I was busy enjoying the Shrimp and fish, though!
- Shanghai Fried Rice – I’m not a big eater of rice, but this was good. No complaints!
Overall, I’d give the food a rating of 7 out of 10, the ambiance of the place a 10 out of 10 with an overall rating of 9 out of 10. I’ll be returning here, you can bet on that!
After leaving Sarangani Highlands, I was telling Feyma that on this trip, my feelings for GenSan really returned. I went from a big lover of the place to not particularly caring for the place after living there. On this trip, I found myself kind of missing the place, though. The improvements are nice to see, and the small town atmosphere has something to say for it too. I must say, though, I love Davao, and can’t see myself leaving this area.
By 5pm we were back in Davao City. It felt good to be home! A good roadtrip is always fun, but getting home is great too!
Sounds like you had a good time Bob. It's always good to take a day off from the hustle and bustle and go enjoy yourself.
Hi BrSpiritus – Yes, we sure did! It was nice to get away for a day, and to enjoy a nice place like Sarangani Highlands! I really enjoyed it. If I only didn't have to drive all that distance! 😉
Hi Bob,
How long is that drive? I was a little surprised that you go so rarely now. Does Feyma's family come in your direction when they want to see all of you?
Hi Tom – It is about 2 1/2 hours each way, so 5 hours round trip. Yes, Feyma's family does come up from time to time. I would say that Mama spends about 1/3 of her time here staying with us. She tends to move around – a few months here, a few months with another one of her kids, etc. She tends to get bored if she stays in a single location. 😆
Nice review there of the food and restaurant, Bob. The salads you've mentioned here already made me drool while I'm typing this one (haha, haven't yet taken breakfast). I consider the combination of the fruit salad with mango and avocado unique (most of the time, mom would usually create fruit salad but much from the cans bought from the supermarket so usually we get that artificial taste and heavy sweetness of the syrup).
By the way, the link here to Cathy's blog is incorrect, Bob, (it has the extra "http" in http://http//kikaythoughts.blogspot.com/).
Hi Jio – I fixed the link to Cathy's blog, thanks for pointing that out to me.
You know, it's funny, because while we were enjoying the Highlands Dadiangas Salad, we were talking about how most Filipinos make fruit salad from canned fruit! Cathy, Feyma and I all agreed that fresh fruit is the only way to go! As I said at the time, when you are in a location that is abundant with world class fruits, why take it from a can? Ha ha…
It was a nice trip!
Bob you are making me very envious and drooling just reading those fresh tropical fruits and your daytrip. While I'm here typing, the temperature ouside is foggy, cold and wet. Im stuck indoor because of freezing rain. 🙁
Hi Eric – I know, I know… it isn't fair, is it? I love that great tropical fruit, there is nothing better! 😆
Hi Bob! Thank you for your kind words. I'm so touched. :"> Sorry I just got home. Thank you for this really nice article on Sarangani Highlands. I will print this for Dr. Abella to read. She really wanted to meet you. It was a pleasure seeing you and Feyma and the boys as always! And thanks for the lunch!
Hi Cathy – The lunch was our pleasure! It was really nice to see Sarangani Highlands for the first time! The view from there was worth the trip, add on the great food, and it just doesn't get any better! I'll be back, that's for sure. 😀
Hi Bob – Wish Jim and I were there to share that view and the food! I have just added another place on my growing list of places to visit when we retire.
By the way, does Feyma have to check in with BI as well? – even if she's already re-acquired her Philippine citizenship?
Hi Marilou – Yes, Feyma must check in yearly. She is a US Citizen, and has yet to apply for dual citizenship. There are problems in attaining dual citizenship, especially if you are here in the Philippines. We talked to the Bureau of Immigration about it last week when we were there, and they even advised us that it might be best to avoid it.
Bob,
In a few months the wife and I will be going to Cebu to register the birth of our son and, we thaought we'd take the opportunity to do some traveling to see more of Mindanao. It's nice to hear that GenSan is as nice a place to visit as any. It wasn't on the list of places we had planned to go but, after reading about your trip, we decided that maybe we'd give it a go and, of course check out that great restaurant you went to. Sounds like the fruit salad thing would be worth the trip in itself. I Already get enough fish and rice now so, I think I'll skip that course.
Is there a passenger ship or ferry from GenSan to Tawi-Tawi.? We'd want to go there after to visit some of the wife's family
BTW, how did that trip to BOI go for you? As I remember, someone (I think Klaus) mentioned that the 13 series visa would be null now that you are not married to a Philippine Citizen. When my wife read that, she wondered (as I did) why your wife would wait 8 years to re-acquire her citizenship. When we return from the US and, my wife has her US Citizenship, she insists that she will immediately re-acquire her citizenship here.
Frank
Hi Bob jealousy because you with your family you enjoyed a excursion in the Gensan and ate in the restaurant of which as our description the food was tropical and very beautiful. I homesick and I like come again in the Philippines for vacation. Here (hear) in Athens we had a lot of cold and a lot snow .I am apology for the error grammar of text.
Hello Bob – i need to comment on this topic- the place S.H. is so nice! I hope i'll have time to visit gensan again , the last time i was in dadiangas (pa ang tawag) was when i was 5yrs old ") — am sure a lot has been changed after we left that place…..
btw, how is feyma's mom?
Hi Bob,
I'm sure the food was excellent at Sarangani Restaurant -another place I'll include on my list of places to visit when I come back to Davao. But what really caught my eyes in the article was you mentioned of the owner being an avid gardener. I love to garden myself especially herbs.
I may have to connect with him for herbs and fruit tree nurseries when I actually get settled with Samal project.
Thanks …
Hi Frank – No, there are no boats directly from GenSan to Tawi Tawi. I suppose that you would have to get to Zamboanga City and catch a fast craft from Zambo to Tawi Tawi. Regarding Feyma's citizenship – well, first of all there was no dual citizenship 8 years ago. If I recall correctly that was put into place in 2004. Secondly, we don't see any huge advantages in gaining dual citizenship. About the only plus I can think of is that Feyma could own an unlimited amount of land, and we are already quite happy with the amount that she can already legally own.
Hi Zois – Not trying to make you jealous, my friend! Just sharing what I have been up to! I'll tell you what, if you make it down to Davao, I'll treat you to a wonderful fruit salad!
Hi marygrace – Yes, if you get a chance, don't miss out on a trip to Sarangani Highlands! It's worth the drive from Davao. Feyma's mom is doing OK. She came back to Davao with us for a break.
Hi MarcelinaWW – The owner/gardener of Sarangani Highlands is a lady, by the way, I guess I didn't make that clear! 😆 The person that you need to connect with, though, for herbs and fruit trees and such, is Father Franco, my Italian Priest friend who lives in Bukidnon! He is an avid gardener too!
I know GenSan is beautiful. Next time we join you guys, okay??? 🙄 😆
Hi Klaus – Sure! We would enjoy that. 😀
hi bob –my fiance is very excited–she saw you friday when you went thru digos–she was in front of the school with 2 or 3 other teachers–they were trying to catch a ride–they all teach at tagatay elementary school in banate malungon–she reads all your post as i do –so to her you were an old friend –she said you looked right at her –it made her day that she was so close to you and feyma–thasnks for such a great site–bubba
Hi bubba – OH MY! This is amazing, because I remember seeing her! I turned onto the highway from the Diversion Road in Digos and there was a small group of ladies waving at me wanting a ride! Our car was fully loaded, so there is no way we could have offered a ride. We had no idea, though, that one of them was a reader! Ha ha… it sure is a small world! 😆
I just got back last month fron Gensan. I spent 6 weeks this time there. I must say I love the easy nature of the place.Like Bob said their really isnt much to do there. A few other places you might try to eat at is Kurdapoys located across the street from the Phela Grande Hotel and Ranchers Grill. Its located on National Hwy between Notre dame and mitsubishi. Kurdapoys has some good manok(chicken) and Tanchers Grill has some good babyback ribs…
Hi Robert – The place you are talking about is called "Ranchero Grill." Don't worry, I used to call it Ranchers Grill too, because the "o" looks like an "s" on the sign. You are 100% correct though, that their baby back ribs cannot be beat! They are excellent. When we lived in GenSan we also used to enjoy the lechon manok at Kurdipoys! It is also excellent!
Hi Bob…i have seen you passing at the diversion road of Digos going to Gensan at that time..im the fiancee of Bubba…i tried to stop you for a hitch ride but you didnt stop..you just look at us and i say into myself (its Bob Martin!)…hen i read your site..i proved into myself that it as really you that i have seen…Bubba is so happy hen i tell him…its really a small orld…i am teaching in a school along the road to gensan…Yes you are right,Gensan has really changed…i am used to go there cozmy brothers are living there…me and bubba are planning to eat at the restaurant you have gone hen he arrives…thanks for giving us the idea here to go…you really have a great site coz you connect people…Congrats!!!Have a great year ith the Lord…
Hi Jane – I am so amazed by this, because I really do remember you too. Feyma and I were commenting that – "hmm… I think they want a ride." But, our car was full, and we could not offer. Ha ha… if I only knew that you are a reader, I would have done something, even if it is just say hi!
I am living here in general santos city, i am just curious i dont know that place sarangani highlands restaurant, where is that located or the address of that restaurant. thanks
Hi mary ann- Sarangani Highlands is located in Tambler. After you pass the fish port you will come upon a Police Checkpoint, just turn right there on the dirt road and head up the hill. Probably 500m up that road, Sarangani Highlands is on the left side.
just a small side note–jane's "W" does not work on her keyboard–
Hi bubba – Ha ha… thanks for the clarification on that!
OMG!! This place is beautiful. Muadto unya ta diri kung makauli ko ha? 😀
Hi boss.. I miss you and Maam Feym. THanks for this post. I know you understand bisaya so I won't translate what I wrote above ok?
Anyway, the place is awesome..
Hi Gladys – Lami kaayo ang pagkaon sa Sarangani Highlands. Moadto ta sa Highlands, pero mobayad ka! 😆 😉
wow.. it's another improvement in my hometown,
thanks for the update bob…. I miss sarangani province, in gensan which is locally known as dadiangas… the TUNA.. yummmy.. someday I'll be back.
I'll used to stay in gensan when I was a kid particularly in Lagao… where the public market is located.. a.k.a "Tianggihan" a center place for buy and sell.
hopefully i can visit highlands soon…
Hi Freezebox – Indeed, GenSan has made a lot of strides in recent years. I wish the City nothing but the best.
Hi Bob! What is your impression of the peace & order of the City? I was told ( I don't know how accurate it is) that after 6 pm its best to stay indoor rather than painting the city red. Do you feel secure moving around at daytime? Just wandering & a little curious.
Hi Ray – Don't believe everything you read, and believe even less of what people tell you! 😆
I will go anywhere in GenSan, at any hour of the day, and I'll go alone, if I want to. I feel perfectly safe in General Santos. Have you ever been there? Better yet, have the people who told you these things ever been there? I'd be willing to bet that they have never set foot in the City, and thus really don't know what they are talking about. I lived there for 2 years, and feel that the City is quite safe.
Now, that said… it's true that you won't be going out to paint the town red at night… it's a community that doesn't have much night life. The City is quiet at night, because the town consists of a bunch of farmers and fishermen, and they go to bed early! 😆
I will be in Mindanao later part of this year. Gensan is one of the places I am interested to visit. Thanks for your encouraging view. Its just I got some general remarks about bombing of establishment, kidnapping for ranson and groups asking for protection money (if you are in business).Your observation is appreciated. When I am at Gensan, I will surely try a sumptous lunch at Sarangani Highlands . 😆 😆
Hi Ray Medina – Go there and enjoy your visit! I predict that after your trip you will have a whole new feeling about the place! Enjoy the lunch at Sarangani Highlands too! 😆