Culture. Adventure. Nature.

Over the span of seven days, we embraced the cultural richness of indigenous communities, sampled delicious local fare, explored awe-inspiring natural landscapes, participated in heart-pumping activities, and enjoyed some well-deserved shopping. 

At the Blaan Du Tabih Festival

At the beautiful Lake Holon

The view from Bansada Agri-Eco Adventure Park

This one-of-a-kind experience was curated by the Tourism Promotions Board or TPB’s Domestic Tourism Invitational Program. Our travels took us to South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City, all parts of SOCCSKSARGEN, or SOX, in Mindanao.

General Santos City

Our tour began in General Santos City at the iconic Heneral Santos Plaza, a two-hectare landmark featuring the General Paulino Santos Shrine, which holds the remains of the city’s namesake and his wife. The plaza also showcases the historic Dadiangas tree and a memorial dedicated to fishermen lost during Typhoon Pablo. It also has a monument with Andres Bonifacio’s poem Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa in Baybayin script.

We stayed at Greenleaf Hotel, the only 4-star hotel in General Santos City, where we enjoyed a convenient location near a shopping mall and the added perk of its own spa.

The next day, we visited the bustling General Santos City Tuna Market. As the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” GenSan’s fish port comes alive each morning, which showcases the thriving tuna industry that drives both local and international markets.

South Cotabato

Our South Cotabato adventure began at the first Blaan Du Tabih Festival in Sitio Amgu-o, Barangay Landan, Polomolok. This festival celebrates the tabih, an intricately handwoven cloth of the Blaan people, created using natural dyes from endemic plants. 

Before we left, we made a brief visit to the Fu Yabing showroom and weaving center, which now proudly markets under the brand name FUYA, as well as its homestay and Fu Yabing's grave.

From Polomolok, we proceeded to T’boli to visit the Lemsnolon Cultural Village. Here, we dined on traditional fare, donned T’boli attire, and enjoyed cultural performances. The village also offers homestays and traditional crafts, making it an ideal spot for cultural immersion.

The Lemsnolon Cultural Village is one of the many recipients of TPB's assistance.

One of the unforgettable highlights of this SOX tour was the hike to Lake Holon. Initially, I hadn’t signed up for the climb, but I’m grateful I changed my mind. The journey to the lake was both physically invigorating and spiritually rewarding, with breathtaking views.

Part of Salacafe trail to Lake Holon

Lake Holon, often regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the country, offered more than just a serene escape. It was a window into the rich culture of the T’boli people, whose stories and traditions are deeply intertwined with this sacred lake. Spending the night at camp by its shores was an experience unlike any other.

Cultural presentation at Lake Holon's campsite

No visit to SOX would be complete without exploring the Land of the Dreamweavers and the Home of the Living Treasures. 

Our journey began with a cultural gem: the School of Living Traditions, established by T’boli cultural advocate Maria Todi. This institution is dedicated to preserving the tribe’s heritage through native songs, dances, and practices, including the iconic T’nalak weaving. After enjoying a hearty lunch accompanied by captivating cultural performances, we immersed ourselves further in their timeless traditions with a visit to the T’nalak Gallery.

Another unforgettable moment was partly fulfilling my dream of meeting all the National Living Treasures, or Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. I had the honor of meeting Bundos Fara, a GAMABA awardee celebrated for his dedication to preserving the brass-casting tradition (temwel).

We spent our first night at Dreamweavers Hill, a scenic and comfortable accommodation that exceeded my expectations with its beautifully landscaped spaces, stunning lake views, and well-appointed villas.

On our second day in Lake Sebu, I was thrilled to meet another GAMABA awardee, Barbara Ofong, who continues the legacy of T’nalak weaving. It was a happy and inspiring moment to see her passion for preserving this beautiful tradition.

I also tried the trending lotus flower shoot at Lake Sebu. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I eagerly followed our tour guide's instructions and posed in traditional T'boli attire while riding an owong (dugout canoe).

Following this, we dined while cruising Lake Sebu aboard a boat from Punta Isla Resort. The meal was accompanied by another cultural presentation.

I also experienced the Seven Falls Zipline again, one of Asia’s tallest. Stretching 740 and 420 meters across two lines, the zipline offers breathtaking views of the falls and lush landscapes below.

Our final stops were the T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub and the Lang Dulay Weaving Center. The T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub is a space dedicated to fostering a love for reading among T’boli children and young adults while encouraging an appreciation for their cultural heritage.  At the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, family members of Lang Dulay, another GAMABA awardee, continue her weaving tradition. 

The only remaining T’nalak woven by Lang Dulay with her family, bearing her signature.

Sultan Kudarat

From South Cotabato, we ventured to Sultan Kudarat, another province to tick off my list.

We visited the Bansada Agri-Eco Adventure Park in Titulok, Bagumbayan. This hilltop attraction features a cable car, a café, and picturesque views. 

Afterward, we dropped by the provincial capitol, followed by the Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City, a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. Although the herons and egrets were elusive, the sanctuary’s conservation efforts left a lasting impression.

For dinner, we went to SG Farm in Tupi, nestled at the foot of Mt. Matutum. Unfortunately, it was already dark, but we got to see some of the amenities it offers.

Leaving SOX

Our final evening was spent at The Farm at Cabinet Hill in Koronadal City, a charming garden resort with beautifully landscaped surroundings. Before leaving Koronadal, also known as Marbel, we made sure to savor its renowned halo-halo, served in coconut shells.

We returned to General Santos City after for some last-minute pasalubong shopping, a quintessential Filipino tradition, before flying back home. 

This 7-day journey through SOCCSKSARGEN was the ultimate celebration of culture, adventure, and nature.

A heartfelt thank you to the Tourism Promotions Board for making these experiences possible. Many of these treasures would have remained undiscovered without their efforts, and I hope more Filipinos get the chance to explore and appreciate SOX as I did.