On May 25-27, 2023, party-goers once again troop to the white sand beaches in Glan, Sarangani Province for the Sarangani Bay Festival.
Also known as "Sarbay Fest", the 3-day extravaganza which is also dubbed as the "biggest beach festival in the country" has attracted more than 100,000 tourists and guests coming from different places in the country.
With the theme "Return to Paradise", Sarbay Fest 2023 has featured a variety of activities that does not only entertains but also promotes conservation efforts for Sarangani Bay.
According to Sarangani Provincial Tourism Officer April Marjorie Rudes, the festival organizers and the Provincial Government of Sarangani partnered with different government agencies, resorts owners and private sectors, the municipal government of Glan and barangay council of Gumasa for the success of the events and to make sure that cleanliness of the vicinity is maintained.On the opening day activities includes Sarbay Color Run, Sarbay Zumba, Bancarera, Beach Volleyball, Skim Boarding Competititon, Frisbee Tournament, and the Reggae Night which featured Chocolate Factory and Jayson in Town bands.
"We consider this place as a treasure", Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao said during the opening ceremony referring to the white sand beaches in Gumasa.
Gov. Pacquiao also stressed the importance of promoting awareness on the protection and preservation of Sarangani Bay.
The next day, the Sarbay Invitational Jetski Race, Sarbay Strongman, Sand Sculpture Contest, DJ Battle, Fire Dancing Exhibition, Bay Bodies and Foam Party with celebrity DJs Jennifer Lee and Inna Gita were among the activities.
On the final day, the Sarbay 50km Ultramarathon, Swim Across the Bay, Sarbay MTB Challenge were held and was followed by the Sarbay Party - the biggest beach party in the country with December Avenue, Kuerdas and Daybreak bands.
Sarbay Fest activities that focused on environmental protection and conservation includes Crown of Thorns Collection, Scubasurero, and the I Love Clean SarBay segment.
The 3-day Sarangani Bay Festival this year was a huge success, not only because of the massive turnout of attendees but also because "it's a clean Sarbay" as proclaimed by environmental groups and advocates.
