Beautiful Mindanao: 2013

I've been traveling around Mindanao since 2009. Lately, I enjoyed organizing group tours. I planned several trips together with my travel buddies (my photographers) and friends. Almost all of the planned trips except Asik-Asik Tour were successful, I always have a fear to mess up the trip though.

It all started when I dragged three of my girlfriends to come with me in Gumasa in Sarangani Province. Perhaps they’re afraid to lose a crazy good friend, they go unprepared, and the other one just got out from the night shift.

After we posted our Gumasa photos in Facebook, another group wants to go to Gumasa. This time I am with a group of boys. Glad they enjoyed and amazed with their short visit.

White Have, Gumasa Sarangani

Before the year of 2010 ended, I invited my group of friends to tour around Lake Sebu, specifically Punta Isla and the Seven Fall for a zipline. We ate too much Tilapias, talked with our amazing Lolos =)) and have a good night sleep, the temperature was very cold that time.

I really wanted to explore Balut Island since I’ve read few but good reviews about the place. My initial plan was to visit the place all by myself to make sure it is safe for my friends. But since most of them wished to go that month, the “Villalobos - Olanivan Expeditions” was initiated. I gave up my first plan and gamble with uncertainty, brought my friends with me. It’s a good thing the place was very peaceful and the spots were all breathtaking. It became my number one favorite, EVER!

At Olanivan Island, Davao Occidental

They said “Strike while the iron is hot”, while we’re still mesmerizing from our recent trip my friend from Mati and I organized again the “Laag sa Pujada” after two months. The highlights of this trip were Hot Spring, Dahican Beach, Pujada Beach and the small white island, where we jumped at the shore ala ninja style. It’s fun. In this trip, I’ve learned how to play some cards, the “1, 2, 3, Pass” and I am such a loser.

Pujada Island

Anime Style in Pujada Island

Assassins Cover in Puting Balas (White Island)

Struggle Moments with Big Waves, Dahican

Dahican Beach in Mati

It was mid of 2012, when the Asik-Asik Falls and Sultan Hadji Hassanal Bolkiah Masji became popular. All of my friends were screaming to go, I organized and it failed- not just once but twice. Ouch! I guess it’s not meant to be for my group to meet and know Asik-Asik and the grandest mosque in Cotabato City. I told them I won’t initiate any trips til end of 2012 kay malas. Hahahha

Our recent group trip was “A Taste of West Coast Sarangani”. Yes, every trip has a unique name to make it more interesting. Sixteen travelers occupied one van, headed to Nalus Falls, ate organic at Cresing’s Food, had an hour of white water Tubing at Pangi River of Maitum and went swimming in Tuka Marine Sanctuary Park. The trip was more challenging since I had to manage 16 people. But the enjoyment drowns out any worries. Plus, it was my birthday ^_^


Tuka Marine Sanctuary Park

Dragon Park in Kiamba, Sarangani Province


Nalus Falls in Kiamba

Cressing's Food and Products

White-Water Tubing in Pangi River, Maitum

For my 2014 Mindanao trips, one thing is for sure, it will be special. Soon, you’ll know why.

P. S Each trip woldn't be complete without Bloopers!

In Balut Island, Davao Occidental
Me: Guys, Olanivan, MV Songs of Dolly and Sabang HotSpring are owned by RD Group of Companies.
Friend 1: Anong RD?
Me: Rivera D?
Most of them gave their own RD meaning
Bloopers 1: (w)Rong Definition?
hahahahha

In Mati, Davao Oriental
Girls are so busy playing 123 pass cards while the boys set up their hammocks to sleep early.
BANG! Someone fell from the hammock. 1,2,3,4, 5, silence then we filled up the house with laughter.

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Hello beautiful followers of Beautiful Mindanao!
Today, I am writing a travel guide for South Cotabato. It's one of my favorite province here in Mindanao because it's near Sarangani and few years ago, Sarangani was under the said province. I went several times to different municipalities of South Cotabato such as Lake Sebu, Surallah, Polomolok, Tupi, etc. so I guess it's about time to write and share my experience.

This province is a home of ethnic group T’boli, it is also the official language of the province. But they can speak and understand English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon and Cebuano. People in South Cotabato speak different dialects. For instance, municipalities in Banga, Norallah and Surallah speak Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, as they came from Panay while the Cebuanos from Cebu settled in Polomolok. Some Ilokanos lived in Tantangan, Tampakan and in Tupi.

Getting There

Going here is very easy. The fastest way to reach South Cotabato is to take a plane to General Santos City. Davao is also a good option since it is open for local and international planes. But you need to take 3 hours bus travel going to Gensan. After 30 minutes ride you’ll reach Polomolok where you can see one of the largest pineapple plantations. Along the way, you can also see Mt. Matutum After an hour, you’ll see the provincial capitol of Koronadal City. After 3 hours, you can either reach Lake Sebu or T’boli. But I’d suggest you better visit both.

Best in South Cotabato

1.Lake Sebu (Lake Sebu)

One of the most visited places in South Cotabato is Lake Sebu. It consisted of islets and large bodies of water of approximately 365 hectares. Lake Sebu is surrounded with rolling hills and mountains. The home of the T’bolis is also where fishponds abound and migratory birds visit. If you wish for a more challenging experience in this spot, go hiking en route to the Traangkini River or perhaps submerge yourself at Falls No.2 of the 7 Lonon River Falls.

Lake Sebu is the best place not just for adventure, but also to know more about indigenous groups. If you stay overnight in Lake Sebu, then it is best to stay in Punta Isla. However, because this is a popular home for local and international guests, you can also choose Estares Lake Resort, Merl Garden Mountain Lake Eco-Resort, and Dolores Lake Resort.

2. Seven Falls in Lake Sebu (Lake Sebu)

The seven falls is the most interesting site in Lake Sebu. Some of these falls measures about 100 feet. The first 3 falls can be reached in just a day’s walk. The largest amongst them, Lonon Falls powers down a thousand cubic meters of water to a natural pool.

3. T'nalak

Time to learn about T’nalak, the most famous Tiboli product made by the women dreamweavers of Lake Sebu. You also need to meet Lang Dulay- the most famous weaver of T’nalak. DreamWeavers because Lang Dulay got all of her designs from dreams.

4. Mt. Parker Ranges and Lake Maughan in T'boli

Going back to T’boli. It is a town inhabited by different natives like Tagabilis, Blaan, Ubo, Maguindanao, Manubo Blit, Tiruray and Manubo Sdaf who later organized their own Tribal Datus.

Mt. Parker Ranges and Lake Maughan. The older version of the now popular eco-tourism destination in Luzon, Mt. Pinatubo. Its peak known as Asamblak peak stands tall at 1,750 m ASL and holds a mossy campsite. Overlooking is the Maughan Lake at 300 m below. It is the crater lake of Mt. Parker and is estimated to be 300 hectares wide.

5.T’boli Cultural Community ( West of Lake Sebu)

School for Living Traditions - reconstruction was finished and now accepts homestay

There are a number of minorities are found dwelling in the mountains. Among these minorities is the Tasaday tribe where they dwell in isolation in high caves of about 4,800 feet above sea level in a rainforest area. The T’bolis found on the western part are famed for their colorful costumes, intricate bead-work and signature woven baskets and traditional brass ornaments.

There is also a School for Living Traditions (SLT), where I met Ms. Maria Oyog Todi a devoted cultural worker and wants to preserve the T'boli's tradition, values and culture. I salute her dedication for doing such a hard task. You need to visit this SLT and witness how younger generations learn and live their cultures. They cater homestay now after the reconstruction of the school, since it was destroyed by a heavy a few months back.
6. Festivals

T’nalak Festival.

The T’nalak Festival is celebrated annually which commemorates the Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato.

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If you are one of my followers since 2009, you would think after traveling all this time, I already experienced everything. Perhaps, not until my recent trip to a town named after the late Senator Ninoy Aquino or also known as Kulaman in Sultan Kudarat.

Sticking out at the tight mouth of Lagbasan Cave in Brgy. Kuden, SNA, Sultan Kudarat

I’ve been to several white –sand-beaches, different waterfalls, met both big and size creatures. But haven’t been to any cave yet. And my first caving experience was in Kulaman. I am very thankful to DTI- Tacurong headed by Ma’am Nelly Dillera and staff of DOT-Sultan Kudarat especially Sir Noel Insular up to now for a memorable experience.

Manong Charito Santiago, the one who discovered Lagbasan Cave in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat last 2005. Sen. Ninoy Aquino is a 4th class municipality in the province of Sultan Kudarat. The town is named after the late Senator

My co-bloggers and I woke up so early, prepared ourselves for spelunking. After we ate our breakfast, we boarded on a dump truck, and then we headed to Brgy. Kuden, wherein the Lagbasan cave was located. There’s a huge of constructions in this area, including the road going to other barangays. It took us a couple hours before we reached the area. But it didn’t take us long to find the barangay hall. We parked for a while and listened to some orientation by brgy.officials and the discoverer itself Manong Charito Santiago.. Then we traveled again for an hour going to Siokong.

On the road, the sight of different trees made me smile. SNA was lucky enough to have a mountain covered with trees. Government should really take care of this. No to illegal logging, should say.

What you can see inside Lagbasan Cave

Then suddenly, the truck stopped. We are instructed to hike. Due to heavy rains for almost week, the trekking became more challenging.

“Do you think I can survive here?”

“How many kilometers do we need to walk?”

“Can I survive?”

These questions are really hard to answer now.

Um. Maybe I can. Then I am thinking to go back now.

Because I have no idea of what caving is, I came unprepared. No Helmet. No Flashlight. My clothes were not good for spelunking. Even my pair of sandals. Gosh! What I am doing here. Still, I went inside, walked slowly, extra caution was applied. Took some photos, walked, called a friend to light up my way. Took some photos again.

Lagbasan cave has two chambers, different cave formation scattered everywhere.. Sorry, I'm not familiar with them. But I know they're amazing. Really amazing. So I took the photo again. I can't help but to constantly pressed the button of my camera. Our wows and amazement echoed in every corner of the cave.

Barangay officials padlocked the entrance of this cave, to preserve it. That's why, you need to coordinate with Dept. of Tourism -Sultan Kudarat, Barangay Captain or Manong Charito if you're planning to explore Lagbasan Cave. Of course, don't forget to bring lights for caving, helmet to protect your head from stalactite.

My Lagbasan Cave experience is really different. It’s a new adventure that I only savored here in Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat. Actually I left one of my heart there… see the photo below to know why.

One heart of my sandal is missing

You can view more photos of Lagbasan Cave and my Sultan Kudarat Experience Tour at my BeautifulMindanao FB page.

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Embark on a thrilling 2-day adventure along the pristine West Coast of Sarangani, a journey that promises breathtaking sights, unforgettable experiences, and memories to last a lifetime. As I invited my officemates to celebrate my birthday, little did we know that we were about to discover hidden gems that would leave us in awe.

Our itinerary was carefully crafted to encompass the best of the region, and Nallus Falls in Kiamba was our first stop. Although Dakeol Falls in Maitum was not accessible at the time, we were more than content to spend ample time at Nallus Falls. If you've been to the majestic Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada or the awe-inspiring Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Nallus Falls may seem simple in comparison, but its charm lies in its unpretentious beauty.

The falls welcomed us with open arms, inviting us to immerse ourselves in its tranquil waters. We couldn't resist capturing every moment with nonstop pictorials, each click preserving the joy and laughter we shared. As we swam in the deep areas, the cool waters refreshed our souls, offering a delightful escape from the heat of the day.

The flowing waters cascaded gracefully, providing a natural massage that soothed our weary backs. It was a moment of pure relaxation, and we found ourselves at peace with the world around us. We marveled at the simplicity of the falls, finding joy in their unassuming nature.

As we explored the surroundings, we noticed that some areas were undergoing development. We eagerly await what the future holds for Nallus Falls, wondering what new wonders it will offer to travelers seeking serenity and solace.

But regardless of any changes, Nallus Falls will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was not just a destination on our itinerary; it was a place where bonds were strengthened, laughter echoed through the air, and the beauty of Mindanao's West Coast enveloped us in its embrace.

Our 2-day journey continued, taking us to Dakeol Falls in Maitum, Cressing's Food Products, White Water Tubing, and the mesmerizing Tuka Marine Sanctuary Park. Each experience was unique, and our hearts overflowed with gratitude for the wonders we encountered. Beautiful Mindanao, with its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, delectable foods, and warm-hearted people, has woven its magic into our lives. As we returned from our adventure, we knew that our journey had only just begun. There are countless more destinations to explore, and the spirit of exploration beckons us to venture forth and uncover the treasures that await in the heart of Mindanao. Join us on this thrilling odyssey, as we become the ultimate guide to Beautiful Mindanao. Let us revel in the beauty that surrounds us, and let every step we take be a celebration of the wonders that this enchanting region has to offer. Together, we will forge unforgettable memories, create lasting bonds, and discover the true essence of Mindanao's splendor. Let's set forth on this journey of a lifetime, and let Beautiful Mindanao captivate our souls.

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