Exploring Jose Abad Santos

In the southernmost part of Mindanao and within the province of Davao del Sur lies the coastal municipality of Jose Abad Santos. By virtue of RA10360, JAS will formally become part of the newly-created province of Davao Occidental when the province will have its own seat of government through the 2016 elections. It is the farthest municipality of the province that can be reached by land on an 7-8 hour trip, depending on the weather, from Digos City - the capital of Davao del Sur. It is a home to the B'laan people, a tribe in Mindanao that is rich in culture and tradition.

     Travelling to JAS is truly an adventure. Vans which are strong as bulldozers (they should be) are used as public utility vehicles to transport travellers to JAS. From Don Marcelino, JAS' adjacent municipality, we experienced high, rough, tough, rocky slopes and winding roads. This is why vans left Digos City at dawn because it's too dangerous to drive along these slopes when dark. Gee, I could just imagine myself in an off-road drive challenge. 

     When we reached the place called Winston we had to alight from the van so that it could easily pass through a high slope going down, since a truck overloaded with sacks of copra accidentally tumbled over along a sharp curve and blocked almost half of the narrow road. So, there we went walking almost a kilometer down the rocky road. But below those slopes is a vast stretch of the clear, blue waters of the Davao Gulf. Such an endearing and refreshing sight to behold. How awesome is it driving in the mountainside with the blue sea below . . . so picturesque. The kind I only see in post cards.

     I've been in this place eight years ago. The first time was for a short visit, now was for work. A lot has changed. But, it still amazed when I saw again those dried up rivers  and a few flowing ones where vehicles would literally pass through. 

     After a grueling but exciting trip, we arrived in the town's poblacion. We eat our lunch and settled at JAS Travellers Inn. It is a beachfront resort with cozy nipa cottages. Then, off we went to the municipal hall which is just in front of the Baywalk.

    Walking along the Baywalk in the afternoon is so refreshing because of the soothing sea breeze. You can sit on the benches under the talisay trees, looking at the horizon, reflecting, reminiscing . . . lost in your thoughts and imagination.  In the nighttime, isn't it romantic watching the stars while walking along the beach? It seems the stars, as in millions of them, are so near and shining brightly.

     And oh, the sunrise is perfect! And there's a kind of fantastic feeling when you're swimming and big waves roll over you and toss you to the shore. 

     JAS indeed is one of a kind, worthy to become a tourist destination. It has limitless awesomeness from sunrise to sunset. Its long stretch of beaches with both black and white fine sands, and pebbles is truly nature's gift. It's big waves are good for surfing. It's laid-back ambiance is so comforting. And, not to mention the seafood . . . fresh, big and colorful species of fish like lapulapu, squid and several kinds of lobsters, you can have them of course at lower prices. Since JAS is mostly planted with coconut trees, expect an unlimited servings of cool and refreshing buko juice. You can have them for free, just make friends with the warm people in the neighborhood.

     Indeed, JASsing was quite a wonderful experience. ♥