It’s already May 30, 1 am, Day 2 of the epic Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour / Soccsksargen Summer Safari (MFAT). Yesterday (a few hours ago) marked a first, Day 1 of the first ever MFAT. The day started with the arrival of Cagayan de Oro Bloggers in Davao City, led by President Chiq Montes.

CDO Bloggers and Davao Bloggers ate a sumptuous feast at Ranchero’s Grill and Restaurant in Davao City. All thanks to the generosity of Paolo Sunglao and his family. Everybody enjoyed the cornucopia of seafoods and the very tasty and tender baby back ribs, among other dishes. It was a very filling lunch.

After lunch the group traveled to General Santos City led by Davao Bloggers Project Lead Brendel Balaga. Upon their arrival they checked in at the official hotel of the event, the Ice Castle Experience where I am currently blogging from right now. It is a soon to open hotel which has really nice amenities. Aside from the free WiFi, have beautiful rooms with flat screen tv, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. SUPER NICE!

After settling down and freshening up, the participants went to the Pacman Sports Bar owned by Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao where they had drinks and tons of yummy appetizers.

The main event was at Le Jardin Arnevel where the participants were once again treated to a sumptuous buffet which included lechon and seafoods.

The last stop of the day was PiYESta Ktv and Restobar where Charles and I caught up with the group. We were served late dinner while the rest of the group were already enjoying their after dinner drinks. We ate lechon courtesy of Mayor Jun Acharon, Tuna Cheese Rolls, Crispy Tuna Buntot, and my favorite PAKBET! YUMMEH!

Soccsksargen Bloggers were also present to welcome us to General Santos City. The group was served PiYESta’s famous pica-pica and pulutan dishes including the very popular Kura Sticks and Sizzling Ubol Ubol. These was of course served with Jello Shots, Gayuma, and Rhum Tea. Everything was intoxicatingly good. If only we weren’t so tired and have an early call time later, we would have been happy to stay at PiYESta all night long!

Whew! It has been a tiring and long day. I am drunk as of the moment, but I just had to blog. I am very, very, very happy with MFAT Day 1 and I am super ecstatic for Day 2.

Up for tomorrow is breakfast in Koronadal, trekking, zipline, and lunch in Lake Sebu, and even more eating and drinking back here in General Santos City.

Thank you very much to our sponsors, and to our counterpart organizers here in Gen San, Avel and Orman!!! 🙂