Friday, November 14, 2014

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

Saturday, November 8, 2014

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.

www.c1.staticflickr.com
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

Sunday, November 2, 2014

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


Sunday, October 26, 2014

Foods to die for in Region 12

1.       TILAPIA

As you visit Lake Sebu, you shouldn’t miss the 50 different kinds of dishes mainly made of tilapia! Some examples would be the Chicharon Tilapia, you could enjoy the view of Lake Sebu as you take a bite of this crispy Chicharon Tilapia




www.libotero.com


2.  NILAGANG TILAPIA

             It’s a big bowl of soup with three tilapia that you could enjoy with your friends! 

http://www.pinterest.com


3. NILASING NA TILAPIA

           Another tilapia dish famous in the region is the Nilasing na Tilapia. It’s just like the dish nilasing na hipon, but with tilapia! I know that the word “nilasing” would be enough to entice most foodies to try it, but the reason they keep ordering it is its taste. 


http://myjourneytolife.info


4. BEEF SININA

Cotabato’s beef stew that you would love. It has a twist that is different from other beef stews because it is the Maguindanaoans local version of Filipino beef stew! It is widely served in Cotabato City.
“SININA – a traditional Muslim delicacy that is usually served during festivities or what we normally call “Kanduli”. Traditionally served with tenderized goat meat and served without vegetables but, to be more appealing to the young ones and those who are health conscious, one can either add potatoes or carrots. The Sinina is indeed one multi-ethnicity Filipino cuisine!” -www.bublews.com
http://alantooth.wordpress.com

 5. FRIED CATFISH


VE-JR IHAW IHAW located in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. This restaurant is really famous because of its delightful fried catfish dishes. The resto has their own pond full of catfishes. You could choose from fried or grilled catfish dishes! No worries, their catfish is really fresh and clean!

http://www.pinasmuna.com

6. MARANG

If you don’t want the smell of Durian, the Marang could be your next favorite fruit. It tastes even sweeter than the Durian! A small piece is worth P15 to P20 in Sultan Kudarat.


https://smokebear.wordpress.com

 7. PASTEL


A steamed rice topped with flaked chicken, beef, or tuna that is wrapped in banana leaves. It is also best if paired with hard boiled egg. This delicacy is loved by most locals in Cotabato City and tourists of the province, and it is also sold at bus stations. This is worth P8- P10, it’s really affordable!

www.sezsers.wordpress,com

 8. GRILLED TUNA AND TUNA TACOS TOPPED WITH CHEESE


Since GenSan is known for being the tuna capital of the Philippines, grilled tuna and tuna tacos must be tried! You can get this from BigBen Steaks and Grills for a unique experience. It is one of the most favorite restaurants in the province, located in Robinsons Mall.

http://journeyingjames.com

 9. CALDERETA RICE

Glutinous white rice cooked with Maggi Magic Sarap, liver spread, corn and peas. It has a long cooking time, but it’s sure worth the wait. A must try for the adventurous foodie in Region 12.

http://darkfat.blogspot.com

 10. TINAGTAG


It is made of ground rice and sugar, mixed with a little bit of water. This glutinous mixture cooked then folded like a taco. It is best eaten with either milk or coffee or even a mixture of both! You can find this in Brgy. Tuyan, Malapatan, Saragani.

http://www.mindanews.com




SOURCES:
www.mindanews.com
www.ironwulf.net
www.journeyingjames.com
www.thefoodieschoice.com
www.choosephilippines.com
http://ati.da.gov.ph

Thursday, October 16, 2014

THE 10 NATURE'S GIFTS IN SOCCSKSARGEN

1. THE  AWE-INSPIRING GUMASA BEACH IN SARANGANI

www.tropicalvacationspotblog.com

As I said on my previous post, the Gumasa beach is dubbed as the “Small Boracay of Mindanao”. As you walk along the shore, you will be greeted by the relaxing view of sparkling white sand, crystal clear water and you will be caressed by the cool breeze coming from the pristine and beautiful ocean. This is a perfect place for a vacation with family or friends because you won’t be surrounded by a very large crowd and a lot of urban developments to ruin the mood. This place is the destination for you if you’re looking for some quiet time and relaxation. Also, up early to gaze upon the beautiful sunrise when you’re at Gumasa beach!

You won’t have a hard time looking a place to stay in because there are lots of inns around the place. The place is also an hour’s drive from General Santos City.

ph.news.yahoo.com


2. THE IMPRESSIVE MT. APO NATIONAL PARK, KIDAPAWAN, NORTH COTABATO


www.mtapoadventures.com
 Mount Apo is considered as the highest mountain in the Philippines and it is also known as the “Grandfather of all mountains”. The local tribes or the Bagobos in the place worship the mountain because they believe in the gods of Apo, and the Bagobos call it Sandawa or “Mountain of Sulphur”. Mount Apo is an active volcano and mountain climbers love to hike on this mountain because of the beautiful attractions you would see as you climb the mountain, you would experience a lot of adventures and see different creatures in the mountain. The easiest way to reach the summit is through the Kidapawan Trail which is lined with flowers. The path is where you would also discover unique bodies of water, such as Lake Agco, where cold and hot springs collide, then the Marbel River, then Lake Venado which is 2,194 meters above sea level. You would also meet a lot of curopus and playful wild animals such as monkeys, and it is also home to our very own Philippine eagle.

www.explorecotabato.blogspot.com

www.southcotabato.org


3. THE MAJESTIC ASIK-ASIK FALLS IN ALAMADA, COTABATO


www.hikersitch.com

Water falls lover? Well, this falls is a must-visit for you! Be enthralled by this beautiful falls with your family and friends!


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. Be sure not to miss out on this unique experience!

www.ironwulf.com

4.    THE AMAZING PANGI RIVER IN SARANGANI

www.sarangani.gov.ph
 Have you tried the Rio Grande Rapids in Enchanted Kingdom or the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure in Universal Studios? Well… we have our very own natural rapids adventure in New La Union Maitum, Sarangani Province! This would be more exhilarating than the rides because this river is natural! It would be a wild 1.6 kilometers ride over rocks and white water! Pangi River is a great destination for water tubing because it’s the biggest water tubing location and has a clean river system that guarantees you a very thrilling, heart pumping yet fun adventure! Remember, Natural experience is more fun!

www.peopleedition.com
5.   THE TREMENDOUS TUKA MARINE PARK, SARANGANI
www.yousaytoo.com
 Want to avoid the pressure of urban life? Want to see something you would never see in the city?  Then visit the Tuka Marine Park in Kiamba, Sarangani! 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, and snorkeling and diving is perfect in this place! You would see big fish and colorful corals as you snorkel or dive. For only a hundred pesos, you would be able to rent snorkeling equipment. Plus, you wouldn’t see or hear cars and public transportation vehicles, so this is place offer a tranquil hideaway from your hectic city life.

To get here, rent a boat for 1,500 which accommodates 15 people
.
www.southcotabato.org

6. THE REMARKABLE KUTAWATO CAVES

www.flickr.com
 Kutawato caves is really one of a kind because it can only be found in the “Heart of Mindanao- Cotabato City”. These caves were also the reason behind the present name of the city, “kuta” means fort and “wato” means stone, as said on my previous post.
The caves have several entrances but only four are open to tourists. The gaping mouth entrance offers a distinctive experience! This cave is historical because the Filipino guerillas have used this as a garrison to fight against the Japanese invaders during World War II. As you enter the Bagua cave entrance, you would see mud, ponds and a large group of bats. It would really be astonishing when you experience being inside a historical cave!
www.teamqphotography.photoshelter.com


7. THE OVERWHELMING SEVEN FALLS IN LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO

www.kodakerdabawenya.com
You will be overwhelmed when you visit a place where you will enjoy nature in it’s full splendor, full of surprises and awesomeness; a place where you could forget about the stresses in life, and a place where nature-lovers unite.
South Cotabato is a prime eco-tourism destination; and not surprisingly, Lake Sebu is one of the destinations that nature-loving tourists visit. 
www.pbase.com
 Lake Sebu is described as the “Little Baguio” of Mindanao because of the cold air that will embrace your body. Lake Sebu is home to the seven falls namely Hikong ali (paasage falls), hikong bente (immeasurable, the tallest), hikong b’lebed (zigzag falls), hikong lowig (booth), hikong k’fo-I (wild flower), hikong ukol (short falls), and hikong tonok (soil).
You could ride the zipline as said in my previous post, where you can view the falls from the top! Also, get the chance to meet the T’bolis! I’m sure you would love to have new friends that have a different culture from yours!

8.  THE AWESOME WORLD-CLASS LAGBASAN CAVE IN SULTAN KUDARAT

www.southcotabato.org
You would be surprised that one of the Philippines’ caves is considered as a world class cave by the specialist Glen Malliet from the United States Speleological Society. The Lagbasan cave is located at the municipality of Sen. Ninoy Aquino in the province of Sultan Kudarat. It is located 20 km from the barangay hall, then another 1km of trekking through the Lagpasan Pass. The opening hole is a 3 feet wide and 6 feet length and getting into the chamber requires a 10 meter descent.

The cave got its name from a mountain pass that was used by the natives in Barangay Kuden in Sen. Ninoy Aquino, to go to the town proper and back to their mountain community. 
The cave has two huge cathedral-like chambers, filled with cave formations like dripstones and cave crystals. According to some tourists, it is the most preserved cave that they have been to.

www.twelveinchesbehind.com
For me, it’s a mystery why and how the cave has formed such thing like these stone formations.  The cave was first discovered by Mr. Charito Santiago when a farmer reported that there were birds coming out from a hole on the side of the mountain. The formation inside the cave is very rare, and you wouldn’t see something like this in any other cave! This is really one of a kind! Also, you are not allowed to touch anything white inside the cave or else, you might kill the cave!

If you plan to visit this cave, you must first coordinate with the provincial tourism office. Also, be ready for some trekking! Visiting a place like this wouldn’t be fun if there’s no adventure!

www.portaltotheplateau.com

9. THE AMUSING BAT SANCTUARY IN SARANGANI

ph.geoview.info
 You would be amused if you knew that the “largest bat in the world” could be seen flying every night in brgy. Pinol, Maitum Town in Sarangani! They are called Pteropus vampyrus, or “Giant flying foxes”. These bats look like a dog or a fox when you look at them up-close. But wait… they are not harmful, they are not the kind of bat who suck your blood, but they are the ones who feed on nectars and fruits. They are crowned as “The giant golden crowned flying fox bats” by the wildlife experts!

www.galleryhip.com

10. THE EXQUISITE NOPOL HILLS IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY

www.panoramio.com
This highest camping ground gives you a good view of Sarangani Bay and the neighboring towns. Because of this stunning view, you would enjoy hiking and trekking with your family and friends during the afternoon to capture the beautiful sunset in Nopol Hills!




Sources:
www.ecoearth.info
www.hikersitch.com
www.langyaw.com
www.wayph.com
www.choosephilippines.com
www.philippinesmyphilippines.com
www.visitmyphilippines.com
www.cotabatoprov.gov.ph
www.traverseph.blogspot.com
www.m.roughguides.com