A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to visit the municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki as Mayor Mariam Mangudadatu and her constituents celebrated their 4th Kagalawan Festival.
The cancellation of dozens of flights caused by Xiamen Air Boeing 737-800 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport only delayed my flight by a day but I made it to Datu Abdullah Sangki as guest speaker Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go was making a speech. He was in the middle of a joke when I made my way inside the venue. I kid you not.
My experience in Maguindanao, which included meeting, riding with, eating with, talking with, and having photos with Gabby Concepcion, was one for the books.
In order to prolong that adventure a little longer, I bought pasalubong at the General Santos International Airport. We arrived there 15 minutes before boarding but the flights were all delayed, so we loitered inside the airport and purchased edible items that made my heart sing with gladness.
I did not buy tuna because the container was expensive. Maybe next time. 🙂
*Here are some pasalubong from General Santos City and Maguindanao:
Rhoda’s Barquiron, P50.00 (US $0.93). This was deliciousness wrapped in paper. I finished 12 pieces in one sitting! Rhoda’s Barquiron is manufactured by RGDR Rhoda’s Milky Durian from Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Rhoda’s Durian Barquiron, P150.00 (US $2.78). The durian smell and flavor are noticeable but not overpowering. There is a perfect balance of flavor. The barquillos is thin and crisp and the filling is to-die-for! This was a hit in the house and among my Spanish classmates. The best pasalubong I bought this entire trip, and that is saying a lot because the rest of the pasalubong are great. I regret buying only two packs. I should have bought at least six! For order, please call 0919 – 8941706.
Rhoda’s Durian Bar, P35.00 (US $0.65). It smelled and tasted like durian but it was not as divine as Lola Abon’s Durian bars.
Rhoda’s Macapuno Bar, P35.00 (US $0.65). I like macapuno in any form and this one was a decent representation of macapuno.
RoseChie’s Cashew Jam Tart, P45.00 (US $0.83). It was not so heavy and the pastry base was not thick so I tasted the cashew-flavored filling.
RoseChie’s Langka Jam Tart, P45.00 (US $0.83). Sooooo goooood. The jackfruit flavor was so pronounced in the filling, it took me back to the time when I would eat fresh jackfruit while sitting on the doorsteps. Our neighbor had a jackfruit tree that bore the biggest fruits, which rivaled 10-year old me in altitude and girth.
RoseChie’s Mango Jam Tart, P45.00 (US $0.83). Mango is my favorite fruit and this one did not disappoint.
Café Leticia’s Best Azucarada, P35.00 (US $0.65). I ate this inside the airport. It was okay, it was neither too sweet nor too bland. It was perfect with the bottle of mineral water I nursed while waiting for our flight to arrive. I shared this with the cab driver I hired from NAIA to my house and he liked it so much.
Sweet Valley’s Mango Chocolate, P125.00 (US $2.32). This had my favorite fruit wrapped in my favorite food group. So yey! I bought eight boxes! However, the cross-section of one spherical mango chocolate ball on the packaging is misleading. In real life, the chocolate was too thick and the mango center was miniscule. I love chocolates, but the presence of too much chocolate threw off my sense of taste. Despite my mini- grievance, I have to admit that it was still a noteworthy product.
*Exchange Rate: US $1.00 = P54.01