#soxregion

View of Mt. Matutum from CEBU PACIFIC window

Last January 2019, Cotabato City exited the Region 12, and now became the capital of the Bangsamoro Regional Government. Administratively, it may have changed, but in the traveling community, Cotabato City will always be a possible part of the itinerary whenever visiting the Region 12.

PORTS OF ENTRY:

  General Santos Airport serves mainly the region, alternatively, Davao City and Cotabato City can be port of entry and exit.

Location of Airports in and near Region 12

Land Travel within the Region 12

The cities and municipalities are linked by public vans and public buses, and grand terminals are strategically located within the town centers. Usually, the public vans last trips are from 5:00PM – 6:00PM, special trips after these hours.

There are tricycles and motorcycles you can charter for intracity trips or transfers.

The Husky Bus Lines and Yellow Bus Lines, commonly, has hourly trips depending on routes.

Being able to visit all of its provinces, here are the list of places I have been:

SOUTH COTABATO

Koronadal City

Lake Sebu

SARANGANI

Kiamba

COTABATO

Matigol Falls, Arakan

Lake Agco, Kidapawan City

SULTAN KUDARAT

Baras Avian Sanctuary

Provincial Capitol Building

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

Fish Port

Sarangani Highlands

Location Map

TO T’NALAK FESTIVAL OF SOUTH COTABATO

Our adventure in Region 12 started with a rainy take off from Manila and landed on a pristine sunny early morning in General Santos International Airport. We chartered a car to whisk us to City of Koronadal. (Travel tip: Whenever you are in the region, City of Koronadal is locally known as Marbel. Better ask directions within the region and use Marbel, instead of Koronadal.) We arrived with quite heavy traffic in its main corridors, as expected, as we are heading to the town center, Alunan Avenue to be particular to witness the T’nalak Festival. Only three remaining contingents are on the streets and we hurried are cameras to take snapshots.

Grand Entrance

flowers and flamboyance

street performance

Outpour of emotions

a male performer

that smile

focus…

The festive spirit is so evident, with the happy crowd busy taking photographs and selfies, free market stalls brimming on the both side of the Alunan Avenue and major commercial area playing the signature sound of the festival as house music. After gobbling our late breakfast, we hurried to the Grandstand to witness the grand performance. I was lucky to obtain a media pass the same day, despite the stress with the crowd, I kept that genuine smile while coordinating with security staff, police officers and bomb squad on duty. Little did I expect, to have found myself with the media team right in front of the stage where the VIPs are. Shortly the contest started. The performances are grouped into three: Christian theme, Ethnic Theme and Muslim Theme. Being under the late morning sun is quite stressful but seeing the performances with live music with the awesome synergy of the dancer’s energy and colourful props. It was a sight to behold! Just before the last group ended their performance, I hurried to the exit to avoid the crowd. It was a tiring a day and we capped the day at a local boutique hotel.

Tranquil Lake Sebu

Another tourism landmark of South Cotabato is Lake Sebu. About more than an hour drive from Marbel proper, you will reach the high altitude town of Lake Sebu. This town house one of the peaceful tribes, the T’boli. We are privileged to have billeted in School of Living Traditions, a school and homestay owned by Maria Todi. Mam Maria Todi is one of the celebrated leaders of the T’boli as she actively teaches their culture, tradition and music to the young ones. At her homestay, we experienced small part of their daily lives, sleeping in common quarters, dining with their native dishes, and trying out their musical instruments. Note that it gets cold at night since of their high altitude setting.

Lake Sebu offers a wide range of experiences – from zip lining above its roaring waterfalls park, marvelling their brassware techniques, paddling on Lake Sebu and Lake Seloton and learning on of their prized handicraft – the T’nalak cloth.

Photo by: Tubong Heneral

With content creators from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, photo by: Sandy Pilarca

with blogger idol Potpot of Travel Trilogy site

Where to stay in South Cotabato?

Eighty Eight Hotel

Located at the downtown area, fronting KCC Mall and few minutes walk to restaurants and establishments. Booked my stay via Booking.com

Queen Sized Bed

Lavatory

Spacious Toilet and Bath

Prices is modest versus its amenities. Huge queen size bed, spacious toilet and bath with full hot shower enclosure, large TV and clean. Already stayed here in two occassions will always stay here whenever I’ll be back in Koronadal City.

The Farm at Carpenter Hill

Located along National Highway, it is an expansive property with amenities ranging from restaurant, events and conference halls, hotel rooms and villas.

Spacious Room

Clean Toilet and Bath

What I love is the Japanese Zen inspired gardens and other instillations you will see around the property. The pool area is also a big plus!

Zen inspired garden

Pool Side

Contact details:

Address: Marbel-Makar Road, 9506 Koronadal, South Cotabato

Mobile Number: +63 917 726 0721

Landline: +63 (83) 228 1888

Email: [email protected]

Facebook Page: com/thefarmatcarpenterhill

  Where to chill in South Cotabato?

Refuge Café

Spend your chill hours while in Koronadal City at Refuge Café located at Abad Santos Street. Ms. Charmaine Ladot, the owner, made the menu simple and straightforward – perfecting each recipe they have.

Quality Pesto

Swan!

Carbonara

Quality Cofee

Menu as of writing

Instagrammable couter

Tnalak inspired

Fresh Jasmine Tea

Enjoy its ambiance, tasty pasta dishes, and heartwarming quality coffee and teas right at the heart of the city. Thank you Ms. Charmaine for hosting us during the T’nalak Festival in Koronadal, South Cotabato.

The menu is fairly basic, yet the process of improving each dish precedes before being included in the list. The cafe has two floors and both are instagrammable. Did you know that this very cafe also holds various photoshoots? Thanks to the creative and brillian mind of Ms. Charmaine.

Address: Lao Building, Jose Abad Santos Street, Poblacion, Koronadal City, 9506 South Cotabato

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/RefugeCafe

(NORTH) COTABATO PROVINCE

From Tacurong, it will take almost two-hour drive to Kidapawan City. This city is one of the jump-off points to the summit of Mt. Apo. We planned to see Lake Agco, a nature park located at the foothills of the highest mountain in Philippine Archipelago. Due to its relevant altitude, the climate is cooler and contrary to that, the steaming Lake Agco sets a scenic and dreamy scene from a typical spooky film, a forest drenched in foggy mist. Going to this very resort is already an experience.

Road to Lake Agco

Picturesque Stairs

We travelled on a winding mountain road and enjoyed panoramic views of the lower slopes and hills as we continue the uphill, wished we could stayed longer or stayed for a night.

Belching spot of the resort park

Steamy background

Nice Mossy Area

Ann enjoying the higher steps

Lake Agco is also known for its believed health beneficial mud that tourists slather on their bodies, due to its natural sulphur and other mineral contents. There  are resorts and stores already existing in the park.

View of the Falls from the trail (Photo by Roland Fernandez)

Since of its mountaineous topography, the province boasts many towering waterfalls, one of them is the Matigol Falls. For about less than 3 hours drive from Davao City via Bukidnon-Davao road, you will be at its jump off point. Thank you to my friend Sheena, she was able to squeeze me in a group going to the falls – with Sir Roland and Sir Jason. Since they already knew the locals, we are able to embark on an unexpected wet adventure.

Another tier of the Falls

Rain Drenched

The trail leading to the waterfall’s basin is a bit tricky during a downpour. Just less than an hour after we start our trek, the rain clouds above us formed, and as expected, we are trodding on a slippery muddy trail with few inches of sheer cliff on our right side – one missed step, and we could slip to our deaths. Thank God we survived and, actually, enjoyed the experience. The buko pie we brought all the way from the jump off point survived too, without being mushy or drenched because of the rain.

We arrived at the basin safe and with a stronger cascade. The multitier waterfalls came down with a monstrous roar and strong blasts of wind and mists. We rested and consumed our snacks. The uphill trek is another adventure. The foot trail is steeper, however, shorter. We reached different tiers of the waterfalls, and crisscrossed its cascade. There are ropes you can grasp, in case you would slip. We ended up at the topmost tier almost dark. As we reached back to the jump off point, our footwears collected much mud that made the trek arduous. We have to clear our soles otherwise endure another dangerous slip and fall onto deep ravines in the dark of the night.

We are happy and contented as we drove back, as this is another one-for-the-books experience.

SULTAN KUDARAT

Bust of Sultan Kudarat, whom the province is named after

The following day, our chartered car picked up us as schedule and we visited the Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City of Sultan Kudarat province. At the time of our visit, it is breeding season, and from afar, we can actually see white specks from the canopy, indicating the high population of the birds there.

Bird Sanctuary Signage

Egrets hunting for food

Egret perched

QingTravels posing

We arrived and paid registration and found ourselves sauntering through the pathways. Surely, there are lot of migratory birds, the nice and smell of bird poop fills the air. Travel tip: to get close up shots, stay still as long possible and have your telephoto lens handy.

Beautiful Capitol Facade

The Capitol building of Sultan Kudarat is a destination itself. Its iconic yellow gold dome signifies the Muslim culture influence in the province.

Full facade of the Capitol Building

the Golden Sofa sets

We are lucky that we are given access to the prestigious Sultan Hall inside the capitol building. This is where VIPs are lounged during official visits. The interiors are adorned with golden details, another characteristic of Muslim inspired architecture.

Pasalubong Store at the basement

Grand Lobby

The Capitol Complex also houses various provincial offices within its fences. Also, it is beside the common terminal and visiting to this government complex is not daunting or tiring. We are blessed to have met staff and security personnel who are so accommodating that we got access to the elevator, different balcony and the rooftop. Also, they assisted us to the basement where we are able to purchase souvenirs and bring home treats.

SARANGANI

Layers of mountains taken during sunrise

Kiamba is another western coastal town of Sarangani. We decided to spend our day in Tuka Marine Resort, located on one of its scenic coves. About less than 20 minutes of boat ride from Kiamba town, we docked on of the clearest waters I have seen. We never spoiled a minute as we immediately snatched our cameras and started documenting the beach. We stayed on an air-conditioned room with balcony.

waiting for Sunset with Ella, Ann, Qing

magnificent Sunset

Cream colored sandy beach

After which, we tried to ascend the trail leading to a view deck, however, was still on construction at the time of our visit. On our descent, we encountered a wild snake along the trail, we shooed it away to have my friends pass by safely. We marvelled at the sunset over the white sand beach of Tuka Marine and experienced one of the best views.

Jump from buoy

View of another cove

Local fishermen

The morning after, we woke up early and others swam its clear waters briefly. Our boat arrives and fetches and left the beach, the other guests are already jumping their hearts out from the floating hut. This is just one of the hundreds of experience that Sarangani can offer to adventure-seekers.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

This amazing city caught my attention since I love Tuna Sashimi. Thank you to Francis of Isko Wanders blog, a GenSan-based influencer, who help me access one of the city’s destinations and front row admittance during their main event – the Kalilangan Festival Street Dance competition.

Performer bearing a flag

These boys performing

Young child performing

Happy faces

Lining Up

Live music

That knelt pose

Performers over the risers

Young child performing

On a sunny after, we witness different units sauntering their way to the main judging area donned on glittery and colourful costumes typical of a Mindanaoan descent. Upbeat live music follows each group making us too, dance as we document the exhilarating performances.

Official weighing in

Best to start the day early off to its iconic industry – the fish port – that calls locals and tourists every early morning to witness auctioning of fresh Tuna and deep sea catch. Never did I saw this much of fish in my life – surrounded by boats-load of it, transported via precisely-designed rails, allowing large containers of fish to slid down back to land.

Tuna for sale!

Fish Port Worker

Lots of fresh catch!

Also, being surrounded by large tunas of various sizes being wheelbarrowed from different directions was another preliminary experience. I wish I could have another round of break Tuna Sashimi.

Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant is an uphill property that boasts commanding view of the vast Sarangani Bay and nearby rolling hills and mountainscapes. This is located few minutes drive from the General Santos Fish port.

basic table set up

One of the function halls

Freshly Brewed Coffee

It is best to have your breakfast after your early morning tour from the pier. We spent few hours enjoying its different pocket gardens and of course,  a good dose of quality caffeine – coffee!

One of its pocket gardens

Contact Details:

Address: Purok Wal, Tambler, General Santos City, Philippines

Landline: +63 (83) 304-0752, +63 (922) 859-0043

Email: [email protected]

COTABATO CITY

The city’s boundaries are within Maguindanao’s province of BARMM, however, still administratively with Region XII. The city is served by Awang Airport, which located few minutes’ drive from city center. The famed Grand Mosque in the city is one of the picturesque architectural beauty to marvel.

Facade of the Grand Mosqie

It is named as  Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, funded by the Sultan of Brunei for the Muslim community of the city. The structure stands visibly over the plains of Cotabato City, with its four towering minarets and many domes that create a synergetic elegance. Should you be setting foot within its premises, one must follow the rules and culture of Islam. Women should wear hijab and abaya-like dress covering the feet. Men should wear long pants and sleeved top.

Never leave the city without going to its barter, where you can find malongs and sarongs at a very low cost.

Grand Mosque

Another view of the Grand Mosque

THE ARCHIPELAGIC REGION OF MINDANAO IS MORE THAN WHAT WE SEE IN TRADITIONAL MEDIA. IT IS A MELTING POT OF COLORFUL ETHNICITIES AND FAITH ALL CO-EXISTING IN THIS MAGNIFICENT PLACE I WISH THAT IS MY SECOND HOME.