The Sarangani Bay Festival, dubbed the Sarbay Fest, has been one of the biggest beach parties south of the Philippines.
Situated in the southernmost part of the country, it has grown to be considered a celebration for everyone. There has always been an abundance of people on the beach, ranging in size and skin tone from workers and villagers to the wealthy. All walks of life enjoy the extravaganza.
The Sarangani Bay Festival has regularly drawn over 100,000 visitors from all over the nation. An enormous turnout is always anticipated by the organizers for this summer event, which is typically held in the final week of May in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province.
What to see
Visitors can take part in or watch a variety of thrilling events and activities at the Sarbay Fest
Programs such as I Love Clean SarBay, Scubasurero, and the Crown of Thorns Collection are some of the festival's highlights. Some can also participate in various sporting events, like the beach volleyball competition and the SarBay Invitational Jetski Race.
The main events of the three-day festival come at night, as Sarbay will host beach parties featuring national and local performers, defining the fest itself and keeping the celebrations going non-stop.
Art enthusiasts can also participate in body painting competitions and sand sculpture contests. Some may watch pageant performances from both men and women when the sun sets too.
Environmental groups, such as mangroves and tree planting, will also lead cleanup activities and environmental projects.
Humble beginnings
It was not until 2006 that the first Bay Festival got underway. Hundreds of people camped overnight for a very low-key beach party kickoff at the height of the four-day event. Approximately 10,000 individuals traveled from all over the world a year later. In 2008, it increased to 17,000 for a two-night celebration, and the number of attendees has continued to rise.
Since then, sponsors have been vying to have their names and goods featured on the beach strip. It also changed Gumasa from just a handful of airconditioned facilities to various beach resorts with greater luxuries.
More than a few Westerners had joined the party, some of whom were participating in sporting competitions, while others could not resist joining one of the biggest beach festivals in the country.
From a simple beach party to highlighting Gumasa’s white sands and natural wonders, Sarbay became Sarangani’s most awaited tourism date.
Thanks to Sarbay, Gumasa has become one of the country's most sought-after beaches.
