Things you don't know about South Cotabato

Some people would be surprised that there are things that they don’t know about South Cotabato. I was surprised too when I learned that the province offers unusual and exciting experiences to tourists!

• What province is popular for Durian fruit? Davao! But, have you tasted a Durian ice cream? It isn’t from Davao, it’s from South Cotabato! The province is also known as the home of the “king of all fruits”. If you don’t like the awful smell of the fruit but love its taste, you would surely enjoy the delightfully creamy taste of Durian ice cream from the Durian Garden, a three-hectare farm located along National Highway, Awas, Sulit, Polomolok, South Cotabato. 

Durian ice cream

www.flickr.com

•  Of course by now, you are already familiar with Lake Sebu, but did you know that “Sebu” is a native word which means LAKE? So basically, Lake Sebu is “Lake Lake!” How interesting!

Lake Sebu

www.markmaranga.com

• Tarsiers?  The beautiful province also has it! Yes, you heard it right. There are tarsiers in the municipality of Tupi. The Tarsiers have the freedom to roam around the forest unlike in Bohol where they are in cages. 
• Sadly, the tarsiers only live in Mt. Matutum in Purok Bagong Silang in Barangay Linan. So the B’laan tribe, with the help of the government is tasked to protect them and restore their homes by making it an eco- and volun-tourism destination. So let’s help save the tarsiers by planting trees!

tarsier
www.nomadperspectives.com

tarsier

• Lastly, did you know that South Cotabato has an official song? The song would really describe its wonderful province!

"South Cotabato March"

This is the land of South Cotabato/ a place on earth that all should know/ the hopes and joys of all with love aglow/ between the hearts of high and low...

The Mt. Matutum towering high/ that seems to reach the bright blue sky/ prosperity doth signify/ the hearts and emblems to passersby...

Beautiful province South Cotabato/ the land and seas that all should know/ beautiful towns are all around you/ and gleaming streams of Lake Sebu...

The busy trade in Sarangani/ do all bespeak of prosperity/wonderful land of long ago/awaits a love for life anew...

What a lovely province! <3

Sources:

www.wheninmanila.com

http://duriangardenatbp.blogspot.com

www.z13.invisionfree.com/Tinalak/ar/t8.htm

Mementos from Region 12!

Of course, a trip to the region would not be complete without seeing the most famous cloth in all in the region, the T’nalak! The T’nalaks are made by the T’bolis or the dreamweavers from the picturesque Lake Sebu town, and they weave what they dream!  It is sold for about P500 by the “regular dreamweavers”.  

www.civilizationisfine.blogspot.com

Why is it that there is such thing as “regular dreamweavers”? Well it’s because Lang Dulay exists! She is known for being the “T’nalak Master Weaver” who knows  hundreds of designs! She started weaving when she was 12 years old. But today, she doesn’t weave anymore but rather she designs T’nalak cloths and lets others weave it for her. You can buy Lang Dulay’s designs for P1200 or higher.

www.ironwulf.net

Before buying you would surely ask why it is so expensive. It’s expensive because of the process on how it is made! The precious and colorful T’nalak is made from abaca, and it takes the weavers 3-5 months to finish one cloth.

www.cebusmile.com

Next...

The Kafe’ Balos which is produced in Polomok, South Cotabato is one of the most expensive coffees in the world! Kafe’ Balos comes from an unusual source- the droppings of palm civet (a nocturnal, cat-like mammal) or "balos" to the B'laan villagers. Droppings are handpicked and collected early in the morning by the villagers and then processed to become- Kafe Balos or Coffee Alamid .

70 grams of Kafe' Balos costs P500 in the Philippines and S700 per kilo abroad, making it one of the most expensive coffee sin the world! 

www.mtmatutumcoffee.com

www.4,bp.blogspot.com

 The “Kafe Balos” and T’nalak cloth were chosen to be among the eight Philippine products for international packaging and country branding development.

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For the coffee lovers out there…

Have a taste of Sultan Kudarat’s  leading coffee, the Kulaman Coffee! The official outlet of BrownCup Kulaman Coffee is in Barangay Poblacion, Municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino. The pasalubong center is just along the national highway leading to Lebak town.

The smallest pack, containing 100 grams of ground coffee, is P40 each and P45 in some retail stores.

www.southcotabato.org

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You should visit the Cotabato Mega Square, Cotabato Mega Market and Barter Trade Center where you can find pretty much everything Maguindanaon. From their cloths to their clothes, you can find everything there! You’d get a taste of what they wear on a daily basis and also some of their more ethnic attires. If you’re looking for something to spice up your wardrobe, these places will not disappoint you.

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If you’re looking for something more substantial than new clothes, you should pay the brass craftsmen of Barangay Kalanglangan a visit. They make the finest urns, gongs, and kulintang in the region.

www.2.bp.blogpsot.com

2.bp.blogspot.com

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There is a unique store in GenSan, A Manny Pacquiao theme store called Team Pacquiao! It is located in Robinsons Gensan and this unique store commemorates manny by having him as the theme of their products. If you are a big fan of Manny, don’t miss your chance to get authentic Manny memorabilia found nowhere else!

www.mindstyle.com

www.mindstyle.com

www.1.bp.blogspot.com

 Add these mementos to your pictures to have a truly unforgettable trip!

Sources:

www.mindanews.com

www.southcotabatonews.com

www.pinoyadventurista.com

www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com

Picturesque places in Region XII: Soccsksargen

1. The beautiful Gumasa beach

www.gensanportal.com

You would be in awe when you see the small Boracay of Mindanao, especially during sunrise and sunset. You would want to walk or relax along the crystal clear shore. If you want a place where you could relax and enjoy one of mother nature’s gifts, Gumasa beach, Sarangani is the place to visit.

The place is also an hour’s drive from General Santos City.

2. The unforgettable Seven waterfalls

www.panoramio.com

Be inspired by the seven falls in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Be amazed as you ride the spectacular two-line zip line. It’s 1.1-kilometers long and 180-meters high that pass five of the seven falls. Never miss this chance to glide above the stunning view of the falls.

3. The biggest lake, Lake Sebu in South Cotabato

www.sakosana.wordpress.com

There are three lakes in the town, and lake Sebu s the biggest of them! The lilies will be greeting you as you experience the beauty of this lake while be friending with the t’boli tribe!

4. The falls lover's favorite, Asik-asik falls

www.choosephilippines.com

 As you see the Asik-asik falls in Alamada, Cotabato up-close, you would be stunned by its serene beauty and glamour. So if you want to escape from stress for a while, Asik-asik falls could be your stress reliever.

You  could take a jeepney or a van for 20-30 minutes from Midsayap to Alamada for only 50 pesos. You may also want to ride a motorcycle or the “habal-habal” going to Sitio Dulao, Brgy. Dado and feel the excitement of 1 hour and 20 minutes from the entry point down to the falls

5. The sunset in Nopol hills

www.panoramio.com

 This is the highest camping ground in the region, and it gives you a good view of Sarangani Bay and the neighboring towns. In addition to the stunning view, you would also enjoy hiking and trekking with your family and friends during the afternoon to capture the beautiful sunset in Nopol Hills!


6. The corals and clear water of Tuka Marine Park

www.southcotabato.org

It is a protected area where fishing is banned. There are four coves in this place, and only the Tuka Cove 2 is open to the public. The sparkling white sand and an overwhelming coral garden that is just a few meters away from the coast is a must see! You would see big fish and colorful corals as you snorkel or dive.

To get here, rent a boat in Kiamba, Sarangani for 1,500 which accommodates 15 people.



7.  The world-class Lagbasan Cave

www.portaltotheplateau.com

 You may want to visit a “world class” cave in Sultan Kudarat. The cave has formation like dripstones and cave crystals that would surprise you, and you could discover for yourself why this cave is “world class”.

If you plan to visit this cave, you must first coordinate with the provincial tourism office. Also, be ready for some trekking!

8. The Venado Lake of Mt. Apo National Park

www.escapemanila.com

 The Spanish word “Venado” means deer because of the deer-like shape of the lake. The beauty of this lake is very unique because you could see the reflection of Mt. Apo. This is also one of the hikers’ favorite place but tourists and hikers are not allowed to take a dip on the deep lake because of the legend that there is a fairy living there that’s  taking people’s lives according to the locals! So beware! Just enjoy the beautiful view of Venado Lake on the foot of Mt.Apo.



9. Masjid Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, a.k.a The Grand Mosque

www.escapemanila.com

This is the largest mosque in the Philippines that opened in 2011. This mosque is not only for muslims, it’s open to tourists too! The mosque is quickly becoming the landmark of Cotabato City.  You will be inspired by the structure of this mosque, and you would never have guessed it, but the designers and architects behind the Grand Mosque are Christians!

Sources:

www.choosephilippines.com

www.ironwulf.net

www.escapemanila.com

www.panoramio.com

www.philippinesmyphilippines.com

www.southcotabato.com

www.jashabulan.blogspot.com