By JOJIE ALCANTARA
The picturesque Malalag Bay is what you see along the cliff before you reach Sta. Maria
MANILA, Philippines -- There’s a tempting getaway from the stress of the urban hub in a matter of two hours or 96 kilometers south of Davao City. All it takes is a bus or private vehicle for a smooth and scenic ride to a little municipality called Sta. Maria in Davao del Sur. How do you know that you’re there? After a panoramic vista of Malalag Bay over a cliff, you’ll see its municipal building built strategically in front of a hill, with a fountain in the foreground.
This quiet municipality seems to be untouched by time, yet thriving in its simple life. In its poblacion, tricycles and motorized cabs ply the roads. In far-flung barangays, habal-habals (modified motorcycles) fetch passengers to destinations. If you’re brave enough, you can ride a “skylab” which is designed to fit six to eight passengers sitting precariously on makeshift wood slabs tied or bolted together around a motorcycle.
In remote coastal barangays, pump boats and bancas are used as transportation. Newly opened roads finally provided access for folks who used to travel to the barrio via the waters, as well as for kids who went to schools using small boats.
Sta. Maria boasts of hidden wonders that may yet surprise you. A foray into its 22 barangays will take you from coastlines to highlands, showcasing natural riches — from sprawling virgin forests, arable crop lands, beaches of varied textures to cascading falls, winding brackish waters, and a diversity in flora and fauna. Add to that the warm hospitality of tribal communities like the Tagakaolos, upland dwellers who still perform tribal dance rituals.
There are so many picturesque scenes of local life to appreciate: The fishing village, floating cages and fish sanctuary in Malalag Bay, the abaca hemp plantation, the well-crafted native banig products, the tasty lechon delicacies, and popular pansit in Don Miguel Foodhaus.
Get a glimpse of various beaches that line coastal areas, from black sand to pristine white shores, like Colongan Beach Resort, Wow Kiss Resort, Titanic Beach, Splash Blue, and others. Resorts are simple, accessible and with adequate amenities to provide guests. There is a cove in Colagsing Point which cradles a hidden spectacular white strip. Its sands are like soft powder. A mystical large rock at the tip of the cove resembles a face of a man (or The Grinch, depending on how you see it), and they call it Lungag Bato (hole in a rock), describing a small cave beside it.
The most popular landmark, however, is Little Boracay Beach Resort, a hidden scenic cove frequented by those who crave for a private retreat. The calm, blue sea is at high tide in the morning, but by noon waves pull back to expose a lengthy expanse of creamy shoreline perfect for a family outing. Cottages (P500-3,000) vary in sizes, and can accommodate 10 in a dorm-type air-conditioned room. A restaurant can hold retreats and seminars. You can also order a sumptuous lunch of kinilaw and fresh sugba sent to your room.
Young men will offer banca rides (P20-P40 per head) for a smooth tour along its coast. Fishermen sell fresh catch from the boat. Trek by a rocky cliff side pockmarked with interesting patterns from the impact of waves.
Daily flights are available from Manila and Cebu to Davao City. To reach Sta. Maria by public transport from Davao City, both air-con and non-air-con buses are bound for Malita (Php80-150) on a regular schedule. From the town of Malita, ride a tricycle (Php20 per head) into Sta. Maria, the quiet municipality with the welcoming locals, who are eager to show you the hidden wonders. Currently, the government’s tourism project is encouraging people to come visit the place with its enticing slogan,“I Love Sta. Maria!” And you will.
Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City for only P12,000.00/month with its own parking lot. Hurry while the supply of units last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown below.
Tel. Nos. (032)555-8464/09164422611/09173378637
When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.
(Jojie Alcantara is a travel photographer and lifestyle columnist based in Davao City, who explores off-the-beaten paths that she shares through stories and images featured in publications and online (www.pbase.com/jojie_alcantara). Rhonson Ng is an award-winning photographer who contributes to international magazines and rode the “skylab” perilously uphill on a cliff to shoot the Tagakaolo tribe who was last documented in the ‘70s. Both documented unexplored Sta. Maria for tourism. (http://rhonsonphotos.com)
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