A Glimpse of South Cotabato

A GLIMPSE OF SOUTH COTABATO

South Cotabato is located in the southern part of the island of Mindanao. It is bounded by the province of Sultan Kudarat in the north and west, General Santos in the east and the province of Sarangani in the south. The province has a diverse and rich cultures with mixture of several cultural tribes. South Cotabato Map from wikipedia.org

Renowned as the “Land of the Dreamweavers” here you will discover and learned how the T’nalak weaving is made, hailed as the provinces ultimate cultural emblem is a traditional masterpiece of geometric patterns dreamt to life by T’boli women, or uniquely known as “Dreamweavers” who weave the colored abaca fibers into intricate and vibrant patterns.

Every July the province of South Cotabato comes together to celebrate the vibrant T’nalak Festival a colorful event that showcases the province’s cultural heritage enhanced with a touch of global perspective thus their tagline is “Sharing our Best with the World.” The official seal of South Cotabato. Photo from website.

The Land of the Dreamweavers is a perfect tourism destination for a culturally curious, adventurous and nature loving traveller like me. In South Cotabato a unique experience awaits for you. Make it your next travel destination and see you there.

#MySouthCotabato #LandoftheDreamweavers

My Top 8 Must try Experience in South Cotabato:

1. LAKE SEBU 7 FALLS & ZIPLINE

2. LAKE SEBU BOAT RIDE/CRUISE

3. VISIT LANG DULAY MANLILIKHA NG BAYAN CENTER

4. LAKE HOLON & MT. MELIBINGOY

5. CULTURAL VILLAGE IN LEMSNOLON, TBOLI

6. SURALLAH TRI-PEOPLE MONUMENT

7. SUMPTUOUS FOOD IN BOB NOWONG

8. SUNFLOWER FARM BY BLOOMING PETALS AGRI-TOURISM PARK

LAKE SEBU 7 FALLS & ZIPLINE

You knew that you arrived in Lake Sebu when you are greeted with this arc. Rudilin wouldn’t want to miss this spot and instructed the driver for a quick stop. Photo by Phos Graphi (@phos_graphi)

Lake Sebu is known for its majestic waterfalls located in the highlands of South Cotabato. Lake Sebu offers visitors and tourist alike a relaxing ambiance, a calm lake, foggy mountains and forest and most of all cool climate. Its is dubbed as the “Summer Capital of Southern Mindanao.” Majority of visitors and tourist go to Lake Sebu to see the Seven (7) Waterfalls located in Brgy. Siloton. A photo op with this marker is always a good idea when visiting the place. Photo by Nonie Isaac (@nonie_isaac).

Basically it is composed of 7 majestic waterfalls with waters coming from Lake Siloton and Lake Sebu. Here are the seven waterfalls of Lake Sebu with T’boli names: Hikong Alo (passage falls), Hikong Bente (immeasurable falls), Hikong B’Lebel (zigzag falls), Hikong Lowig (booth falls), Hikong K’Fo-I (wildflower falls), Hikong Ukol (short falls), Hikong Tonok (soil falls). Travel blogger James Arthur Ambayic Adalim travel wouldn’t be complete without having a photo op with these waterfalls. Photo by @asanasadsijames

Did you know that Lake Sebu’s Seven Falls Eco-Tourism Project Zipline is one of the highest in South East Asia at 180 meters (600 ft.) high. The zipline has two legs, first is the longest at 740 meters (around 40 seconds travel) and the 2nd is 420 meters (around 20 seconds travel). You can either go solo or duo with their zipline. While at 600 ft high you can will experience a spectacular view and you will be flying above the 4 of the 7 falls mentioned above with forest and rainbows.

LAKE SEBU BOAT RIDE/CRUISE

A wonderful shot from Camille Morales (@moresaaay) over Lake Sebu water lotus and the Owong cruising.

Want to witness the way of life of T’boli natives as they go around on their daily routine and chores on board an Owong, a traditional canoe which is the main mode of transportation inter-island? One will be greeted with a field of water lotus flowers. Joel (@joel_the_lakwatsero) on board an Owong now ready to cruise over Lake Sebu for a closer look on water lotus field.

Take that 30 minute boat cruise around the lake with fantastic view of the six islands and islets in Punta Isla Lake Resort for a minimal price. That boat cruise over lunch at Punta Isla Lake Resort. Photo by Princess Aguilar (@printetzharmin).

During your meal visitors are entertained with various dances & sounds of the T’boli while cruising the placid lake. One can also charter an Owong and have a picturesque pictorial on the lake while on board. Jeanete a young local beader from Lake Sebu is ready for action for this pictorial on board the Owong. Photo by Oni Montejo (@onimontejo).

LANG DULAY MANLILIKHA NG BAYAN CENTER

A photo of Lang Dulay taken early in the morning during their visit. Photo by Rocel Dantos.

Lang S. Dulay is a renowned dreamweaver. She was awarded by the NCCA as the National Living Treasure Awardee in T’nalak weaving in 1998. She begin weaving at the age of 12 and through the years has developed her skills in producing sought after T’nalak weaving patterns and design. It was believe that Lang Dulay dreamt of the said patterns and she brought it to life through her designs.

T’nalak is a cloth made of naturally colored abaca fiber. Its intricate designs are interpretation of dreams, weaved to life by Lang Dulay and now being preserved and pass to her younger protégés to the T’boli women originally produced in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

That is why they are called “Dreamweavers.” The Manlilikha ng Bayad Center was opened to focus on the preservation of the art of T’boli textile weaving. Here are some of the patters:

LAKE HOLON & MT. MELIBINGOY

This amazing view from the summit of Mt. Melibingoy (1280.16 MASL). The majestic Lake Holon in the middle surrounded by 15 mountains representing the 15 Guardians of the Lake. Photo by Edoo Cose Jr.

A scenic trek through Mt. Melibingoy (Mt. Parker) to Lake Holon is a must try activity for adventure and nature loving travelers, mountaineers, trekkers and campers. Lake Holon (Lake Maughan) is recognize as one of the Philippines cleanest inland body of water and thus its the T’bolis “Crown Jewel of the South”.

Lake Holon is accessible through two(2) trails – Salacafe and Kuli trails respectively. Salacafe Trail is the easier trail which only takes 3-4 hours to the lake while the Kule trail however is more difficult and takes 5-6 hours to the lake. For adventure lovers a traverse trek is advisable. Majority of the trail or around 80% consist of straightforward assault. For me I would personally recommend to take the Kule trail as starting point and end it via Salacafe trail. Kule trail by the way offers 360-degree view of the entirety of Lake Holon. Please note that if you decide to take the Kule Trail you are required to be there at the jump-off before 12nn since you are not allowed to hike via Kule beyond lunch. Buy necessary food supplies in the town before proceeding to there. You can reach Kule via a habal-habal (motorbike) ride for roughly 1-1:15 hour ride passing through different plantation of fruits and crops plus scenic view. “Ang Tagasundo” as DJ Gatchalian said. This boat captain delivers and secures its passengers to the paradise Lake Holon. Photo by DJ Gatchalian (@dustingatchalian).

The annual Pilgrimage to Holon is now on its Season 4 (2018): Forevermore Trek, happening on March 9-11, registration fee is at Php 888.00 inclusive of Certificate, Ground Rental, Entrance Fee, Event ID, Environtal Fee, Tourguide, Forevermore Tshirt and Transportation. For reservation contact FB page: http://www.lakeholon.com/lakeholon or call +639976091773 or tel.no. (083) 237-1205. On the other hand, please be advised that Lake Holon is temporarily close to visitors from January 6, 2018 to March 16, 2018. Operation will resume thereafter. This is pursuant to policy, guidelines and good practices of LGU of T’boli, Lake Holon as the 100th tourist destination deserves a break from receiving visitors, this is to allow nature to reciprocate and restore its natural wonders and opportunity for routine repair and maintenance and upgrading of staff skills. It will only be open during the Pilgrimage event.(L-R) Scenic view of Lake Holon with the Mountain Guardians; A reflection of the mountain and clouds in the Lake; An “Owong” ready to transport passengers over the lake; Groupie with Rudilin and Phos.

#LakeHolon #VisitTboli #VisitHolon #SOXisNext

CULTURAL VILLAGE in LEMSNOLON T’BOLI

Immersion is the state of exposing yourself to surroundings or conditions that are native in the area. Immerse yourself in the homestay program that gives guest and travelers to experience first hand the rich T’boli cultures, sumptuous food and delicacies and the warmth welcome of T’boli people. The cultural village in Lemsnolon is a must visit destination. Opened last February 28, 2017 (a year ago to be exact) the said village features a traditional Tboli long house or Guno Bong in their local dialect which can accommodate up to 100 visitors. Guest/visitors can learn the traditional living of the T’bolis, their traditions, arts, music and history.

Brgy. Lemsnolon is known for being home to various cultural masters such as chanters, indigenous musicians, storytellers and weavers. This entire immersion and T’boli encounter in the cultural village is another must try destination for every traveler before climbing to Mt. Melibingoy and Lake Holon, which are sacred places of the T’boli people.

Seslong Festival considered as one of the most anticipated event in the province.

In celebration of the 44th Foundation Anniversary and 20th Seslong Festival of the Municipality of T’boli happening this March 3-16, this half month long event will showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse eco-tourism activities and colorful costumes and dances of the Tboli people.

Visit Tboli! TBOLI KNOON!

#DiscoverTboli #SeslongFestival #MySouthCotabato #LakeHolon #Tboli #SOX

SURALLAH TRI-PEOPLE MONUMENT

Surallah is a first class municapality in the province of South Cotabato.

This huge, exquisite I must say and impressive artwork sculpture which aims to give tribute to the T’boli, Muslim and Christian people in the province will welcome your eyes upon entering the municipality of Surallah. This tri-people monument is located in 3 different areas in the downtown center just across the Surallah Municipal office.The sculptures showcases different cultural facets and way of living of the three ethnic tribe present in the area while also highlighting the town’s local produces – rice, corn, Pineapple, Banana & Coconut. A portrait of Kublai Millan courtesy of Ponce Suites.

This tri-people monument is made by the acclaimed local artist Kublai Millan (Ray Mudjahid Ponce Millan) aside from being a sculptor he is also an art photographer, painter, digital artist and performance artist. He is also the person behind the Giant Durian sculptor in Davao City and other giant sculptor spread around Davao City. The Giant Durian sculpture outside the Davao International Airport. #TukibaSurallah #KasadyaSurallah #SOX

BOB NOWONGBob Nowong is undoubtedly the most popular restaurant in Lake Sebu. Located in Purok Rosas and just a few minute ride from Lake Sebu landmark. This unique restaurant showcases a collection of Lake Sebu historical past and other antic collection of the owner. This restaurant is also unique since its the only Lake Sebu dining destination but not on a resort setting. “Bob” in Tboli means pond and “Nowong” is from the word “Owong” which means traditional Tboli boat. The two-storey restaurant has a billiard/dart and recreation area in the first floor, a garden area for dinning and the 2nd floor which the main counter is present. I for sure was amazed with its classy ambiance inside and who would have taught that there’s this kind of restaurant in the area, expensive looking but the price is reasonable. During our lunch they prepared BN Signature Steamed Chicken in Ginger Sauce, Vegetable Ukoy, Pork Sinigang, BN Lechon Kawali, BN Singaporean & Garlic Shrimp, Pork Sisig, Chopsuey and Fried Rice with cheese sticks as appetiser while waiting for the food.

The servings are very generous, I would say good for 3-4 persons sharing. Sumptuous food, good customer service, beautiful view and cozy ambiance which makes Bob Nowong a must visit restaurant in the area.Check out Bob Nowong Lake Sebu on facebook and website: http://www.bobnowong.com. For reservations contact them at mobile no. +63936-266-1076. Bob Nowong is located in Purok Rosas, Barangay Poblacion, 9512 Lake Sebu.

SUNFLOWER FARM BY BLOOMING PETALS AGRI-TOURISM PARKRudilin strikes a pose over these giant sunflowers. Photo by Phos Graphi.

Opened its doors last May 27, 2017 Blooming Petals Agri-Tourism Park became a hit in social media for its Sunflower Farm and it became a must see attraction in the area. Locals and tourist alike flock to the park to have their pictures taken. Travel Blogger Edge pictorial despite the heat of the sun with these sunflowers. Photo by @edgeventurer_tm.

Located at Purok 3A Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato. With a minimum fee of P30 one can visit the entire plantation of flowers. They’re open from 9AM to 6PM. The park is owned by the Mariano Siblings. Please take note that sunflower are not in full bloom all year round and thus has a short lifespan of about 3 weeks only make sure to contact ahead before going their if you want to witness the sunflowers. You can reach Blooming Petals Agri-Tourism Park at mobile no. 09189359352 or drop a message in their FB page at facebook.com/bloomingpetalsinc . (L-R) Backpacker Of the Philippines (BOP) admin Phos Graphi (@phos_graphi), traveller Rudilin Blanco (@thekwinrudi), myself and ably assisted by Mr. Droy Alcaya of Sarangani Provincial Gov’t.

If you plan to visit the park please note of the following:

A. Apply sunblock for it will be really sunny in the area or bring cap, umbrella or sarong with you.

B. Be a responsible tourist and always follow rules, do not destroy the flowers.

C. Leave No Trace (LNT) practice LNT and do not loiter. Dispose your trash and place them in the nearest trash bins/cans located within the premises.

How To Get Here:

From Gensan (Bulaong Terminal) ride a bus (with 2 bus stops Polomolok & Tupi) bound for Koronadal City. Alight at Poblacion Tupi National Highway fronting SeaOil Gasoline Station. Bus Fare: Regular – P50.00

From the corner ride a tricycle going to Blooming Petals, Inc, distance is 1.2 km from the highway. Fare is P10.00 per head.

You need to walk towards the reception are for about 3 mins and pay the Entrance Fee: P30.00 per head.

How To Get Here in South Cotabato:

By Air

South Cotabato is accessible via General Santos (GenSan) Airport. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flies to GenSan on a daily basis from Manila & Cebu while Iloilo every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with Cebu Pacific only.

By Land:

From Manila (Pasay & Cubao Terminal) – Philtranco Bus departs daily to Davao City, Mindanao (Ecoland Terminal) via Bicol provinces in the Southern Luzon and Samar and Leyte in the Visayas, a total of 3 days travel time.

From Davao City (Ecoland Terminal) – Yellow Bus Lines and Holiday Bus departs daily to General Santos City – Koronadal City for a total of 3 hours and 45 mins estimated travel time.

From General Santos City (Bulaong Terminal) – Husky Bus Co. leaves General Santos – Koronadal City daily around 45 minutes travel time.

From Cagayan De Oro (CDO) City – Rural Transit Bus departs CDO – Tacurong City – Koronadal City on a daily basis. Estimated travel time is 8 hours.

The province of South Cotabato invites local and tourist to witness the biggest, brightest and most colorful celebration in the province every July as they celebrate their T’nalak Festival.

T’nalak Festival in South Cotabato is a festival that commemorate its woven cloth the “T’nalak”. It symbolizes the culture, tradition abs art of the people in the province. Each fiber of Abaca represents its diversity and yet when woven becomes a beautiful tapestry. The festival showcases South Cotabato’s bounty and culture while the province commemorates its Founding Anniversary. During this festival series of events are staged daily and each towns bountiful harvest are showcased and displayed on a bahay kubo (native huts). Also during the festival contingents from different towns dances to the T’nalak beats while their dance tell stories how the abaca fiber woven into T’nalak, the province history, its religious rites and of course the merrymaking to the townspeople. The Tnalak Festival of South Cotabato. Photo from lovemindanao.com

#TakeMeToTnalakFestival #TnalakFestival2018 #TakeMeToTnalak2018 #OurHomeNowYourDestinationThis wonderful #SOXisNext FamTour wouldn’t made possible without the following people behind, special thanks to:

Department of Tourism – Region 12

DOT Region 12 former Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera

LGU- Glan Tourism Operations Officer Ms. Lodar Dagoy Escobillo

DOT Region 12 Tourism Development Area Manager Ms. Jellybee M. Baay

DOT Region 12 Tourism Officer/s Ms. Richielyn Delos Santos, Mr. Droy Yuzon Alcaya & Ms. Nickjoy Amarille Mendez.

LGU- T’Boli Senior Tourism Officer Mr. Rodel Hilado

Special thanks also to our photo contributors below:

Nonie Isaac (@nonie_isaac).

James Arthur Ambayic Adalim (@asanasadsijames)

Camille Morales (@moresaaay)

Joel Ortojan (@joel_the_lakwatsero)

Princess Aguilar (@printetzharmin)

Oni Montejo (@onimontejo)

Rocel Dantos (hapipaks.com)

Edoo Cose Jr. (@iamedoocosejr)

DJ Gatchalian (@dustingatchalian)

Edge (@edgeventurer_tm)

Phos (@phos_graphi)

Rudilin (@thekwinrudi)

LoveMindanao.com

#LandoftheDreamweavers #MySouthCotabato #SOXisNext #BOPxSOXisNext #SeslongFestival #DiscoverTboli #LakeHolon #Tboli #LakeSebu #7Waterfalls #BobNowong #TnalakFestival #VisitSOX #TukibaSurallah #KasadyaSurallah #SOX #HelloParadise