There is so much more in Glan than White Sands

I never knew that there is so much more than the sun, sea and sand in Glan, Sarangani. Because what comes to my mind every time a friend mention this rustic town is that long stretch of white sand beach where the famous summer beach party is being held annually. Yes, I am talking about the famous “SarBay Festival” of Sarangani. Well, just recently, I learned that aside from becoming the favored beach destination of SoCCSKSarGen region, this laid back town also has its fair share of time and history

I was glad to join along with my Byaheng Mindanaw family on our trip to Glan, Sarangani for a heritage walk. We visited some of the colonial houses, heritage structures and centuries old trees that serve as the mute witnesses of Glan’s rich history.

Centennial Acacia Trees

Led by none other than the beautiful Tourism Officer of Glan, Miss Lodar Escobillo, we started our heritage walk by going to the Central Elementary school of Glan where a strip of Centennial Acacia Trees are standing still and strong for the past 100 years giving shed to the students from the heat of the sun.

If these trees can only speak, I can surely hear a lot of wonderful stories of the life of the young students in this peaceful and quiet town of Glan.

Heritage Church

Sta. Catalina De Alexandria Parish

Next, we dropped by at Sta. Catalina De Alexandria Parish which was built in 1949. We were not able to enter the church though because it was close.

This church may have undergone some renovations but the actual structure was retained. And it is being taken cared of perfectly basing on its looks both inside and out.

Heritage Houses

Emilio Alegado’s Heritage House

One of the many colonial houses you can see across the streets of Glan is the Ancestral house of the Alegados. This Spanish inspired heritage house was built after the World War 2 by the first elected municipal mayor of Glan - Emilio Alegado.

The interiors of this old house is bristling with splendid collections of antique furniture, some are much even older than the house itself. And through the efforts of the late mayor’s siblings, this heritage house was renovated and repainted to improve its condition to stand through the test of time.

I consider myself one of the lucky few who was able to take a glimpse of what’s inside this colonial house as they don’t usually allow visitors to enter the house for privacy concerns. But you can communicate with the tourism office of Glan for special permission.

Hacienda Don Juan/Don Juan Beach Resort

Another heritage house that was built during late 1930s is located in brgy. Lago, 15 minutes away from Glan’s downtown. Don Juan resort/hacienda was the ancestral house of the Escobar Family that is now being transformed into a restaurant/resto bar.

The interior of this house was already redecorated, repainted and reworked through the efforts of Allen Carino – Escobar Family’s nephew, designer and caretaker. One can instantly feel its nostalgic appeal the moment you enter inside the house as it was filled with intricate architectures, wooden furniture, paintings, old musical instruments, accessories and many more.

Foodtrip sa Glan

Namtam’s yummy Sisig and Kinilaw

Just after we visited the house of Emilio Alegado, we decided to take our lunch as it was past 1pm and we are already starving from our heritage tour. Miss. Lodar brought us to this small eatery named Namtam just near the house of the Alegados to feed our gastronomical delights.

I was actually surprised that this small eatery offers delectable dishes such as Kinilaw and Sizzling tuna Sisig. In case you didn’t know, Sizzling Pork Sisig was among my favorite food but I have yet to try Tuna sisig. The taste did not disappoint my taste buds, in fact, it tastes divine that I have eaten more than among others.

I was thankful I came on board on this trip to Glan, Sarangani and discovered for myself its rich history. Today, I write up this piece of experience with fervor and delight to point out to anyone that you must not only visit the white sand beach of Gumasa but take a dig deeper and thread your feet at this historic town of Glan as well.

Take a glimpse of its wooden heritage structures as it represents its colorful past. Because time might have created a gap between yesterday's past and today’s present, but through these remnants of old heritage houses, century old photographs, paintings and antique artifacts, it all conspires to remind us all of its utmost importance in our existence as a country. And finally, I am hoping that we do our share to create awareness to everyone about conserving these historical landmarks so as to not rob future generations an opportunity to have a glimpse of our glorious past.

All images used in this post are mine unless otherwise stated.

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