The beautiful white sand beaches of Gumasa, Glan town in Sarangani came alive with excitement as tens of thousands of visitors arrived for the three-day Sarbay Fest, Mindanao’s biggest beach party. Starting on Friday, May 24, the festival promised non-stop fun and adventure until Sunday, May 26. With around 800 security personnel ensuring everyone’s safety, tourists from near and far flocked to the stunning shores, eager to enjoy the festivities after a break due to the pandemic.
This year, the festival’s main events moved to Reyes Beach Resort. Sarangani provincial administrator Ryan Jay Ramos explained during a press conference that the new location would better accommodate the growing number of attendees while showing off the natural beauty of Sarangani Bay.
Fun and Conservation Go Hand in Hand
Sarbay Fest wasn’t just about partying; it was also about protecting Sarangani Bay. The festival, which started thanks to Provincial Ordinance No. 2006-5-030, has become a big eco-tourism event. It included activities like gathering crown-of-thorns starfish, Scubasurero (underwater trash collection), and the Sarbay Heroes Camp, all aimed at keeping the bay clean and beautiful.
The festival also offered a wide range of exciting activities. Visitors enjoyed the Inksplash Tattoo Competition 2.0, Adventourism Ride, Skim Jam, SarBay Drum Beating Competition, Swim Across the Bay Relay, SarBay Strongman, Yoga by the Beach, Sand Sculpture, and Bay Bodies. Sports fans loved the beach volleyball, frisbee, jet ski races, and fishing tournament, making the festival a hub of fun and excitement.
Music and Dancing Under the Stars
When night came, Sarbay Fest turned into a musical paradise. Every evening, concerts featured a mix of local and national bands and celebrities, creating an electric atmosphere. Bands like Mayonnaise, Kean Cipriano, Enchi, Hashtags, The Secret, Kuerdas, and guest DJs kept the beach rocking, turning it into a vibrant party scene.
The 2024 Sarbay Fest was the second festival since its return in 2023 after a two-year break due to COVID-19. According to the Sarangani Provincial Information Office (PIO), tourist arrivals grew from around 3,000 in 2006 to at least 150,000 in 2019. The festival’s comeback reaffirmed its status as a top attraction, drawing visitors to the six-hectare shoreline of Gumasa, famous for its beautiful sunsets and clear waters.
Sarangani Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao spoke about the festival’s importance, saying, “Sarbay Fest demonstrates our dedication to caring for our environment for the present and future generations.”
