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”.  

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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.

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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

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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

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 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.

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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

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 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