Another day in paradise

Sunset as viewed from Kiamba, one of the underrated destinations in southern Mindanao, Philippines. Located in the western half of Sarangani Province about an hour's drive from General Santos City, Kiamba is largely an agricultural and fishing community and is home to the pristine waterfalls of Badtasan, Bokay-el, and Nalus; and the Tuka Marine Park, a premium site for diving and snorkeling. Recently it has also become the official home of professional boxing world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.

Just this February, the 6th Timpuyog (Unity) Festival was held to celebrate Kiamba's 62nd founding anniversary as a municipality.

The Farm @ Carpenter Hill

This is the facade of the Japanese Courtyard hotel which is among the featured services of The Farm @ Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City, Philippines. I took this photo during the Photojournalism Workshop for Soccsksargen Bloggers in December 2009. The Farm @ Carpenter Hill sponsored the venue and food for the workshop and served as the subject and backdrop during the workshop's practicum.

The Farm @ Carpenter Hill is all of hotel, restaurant, garden resort, and events center rolled into one. It is situated in a 12-hectare expanse along the National Highway just outside the poblacion (center) of Koronadal City; and is fast becoming a destination for locals and tourists alike who want to dine, unwind or celebrate life in a fabulous manner. Its Japanese-themed villas and hotel, all set up with a touch of Zen, offer perfect accommodation for transients in Koronadal and South Cotabato. Within its spacious grounds are different venues that suit every type of occasion - from the Island Cottage and the Mini Conference Room for smaller meetings to the Japanese Hall, the Convention Center, and the Grand Gazebo for big parties. Gastronomes will not find The Farm wanting either as its Aviary Bar & Cafe and its Sushi Bar offer a diverse selection of food and drinks that satisfy even those with more discriminating tastes.

For bookings, reservations and other inquiries, one may visit The Farm's office along the National Highway, Barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City; or call the following numbers: +63 (083) 228 1888 or +63 (083) 228 9010; mobiles +63 918 9210425 / +63 922 8489098

The Farm's Sushi Bar

Justice!

Lighting candles for justice. On November 23, 2009, at least 57 persons were brutally murdered by gunmen in what has become widely known as the Ampatuan (Maguindanao) Massacre. Most of the victims - local politicians, their supporters, lawyers, and journalists - were part of a convoy accompanying politicians on their way to formalizing their candidacies for the forthcoming national and local elections. The incident has gained worldwide condemnation not only because of the sheer atrocity and impunity by which it was carried out (allegedly upon the orders of sitting government officials), but largely because of the huge number of mediamen in the body count (at least 25; the largest number of journalists killed in a single day in recent history).

The woman and child above are among the citizens of Koronadal City who gathered downtown on November 25th to show their indignation of the killings and say a collective prayer for the victims.

-------

Note (Nov 2010): Casualty figures for journalists killed in the incident have since been pegged at 34; excluding one (1) whose body is still missing.