With Manny Pacquiao resigned to facing Mexican Antonio Margarito in November, the Filipino world boxing champion took a huge break Saturday to explore the natural wonders of Sarangani along with fellow Rep. Cesar Jalosjos of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampo.
Manny looked like a kid who just got his first bath in the rain after one exhilarating whitewater tubing ride down Pangi River in the scenic village of La Union in Maitum, Sarangani.
The 1.6-kilometer ride in icy crystal clear waters took the world welterweight champion a little less than 30 minutes of unadulterated fun and had him and his guests asking for more. But the overcast skies and late start abruptly killed the fun.
The towering Jalosjos, he of the Dakak Resort fame, is no stranger to outdoor adventures but swore it was one thrilling ride he will not forget.
What made the Maitum whitewater tubing unique for him is the scenic view of the town?s lust green forest serving as panoramic backdrop just a few hundred meters upstream.
Pacquiao was wide-eyed, all wet and cannot help but linger for a long while along the concrete banks of the dam at the finishing line of the ride while exchanging the thrills of the ride.
It brought out the kid in him unmindful of the little sleep he had the night before and the hour-long dive at the famed world-class Tinoto Wall in Maasim just hours before.
Up the river, his close friends sighed a huge relief Manny did not injure himself.
River guides who went to Cagayan de Oro for the more uppity whitewater rafting said nothing beats their own tubing ride.
With even rainfall year-round, the Pangi River will never dry up for as long as the forest cover up the mountains are preserved and protected.
It was Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez who egged Pacquiao to try the rubber tubing adventure two weeks before during a development summit of local executives in the province.
Dominguez and Pacquiao went their separate ways during the May 10 elections but appeared to have put behind their political differences.
I am certain Manny did not regret in obliging to Dominguez.
It was the day, Manny wet his butt out.
It was fun and cheap way to commune with nature.
To get there contacts Digs Movilla on the following numbers: 09103127772 and 09103594227 White Water Tubing Adventures – 2010 Rates: River Tubing: Php.120.00 for the short distance [roughly 30 minutes] Php.170.00 for the long distance [roughly 45 minutes] Gate Entrance: Php 3.00 per Person Php 10.00 for 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles Php 20.00 for 6 Wheel Drive Vehicles
