[Snap Shot] Mt Matutum

It's as if a fairy is overlooking the field. =)

T’nalak

Have you heard of a dream weaver?

Well I am not a “Sibika at Kultura” girl when I was in elementary or high school and I never heard of a dream weaver as well. But I think we are lucky to meet the T’Nalak dream weaver herself Lang Dulay.

She was sleeping when we arrived at her humble house turned weaving area and it took her a few minutes to dress up before we finally meet her. Her grandchildren said she does not meet visitors with plain clothes. She makes it a point to look “fabulosa” in her native T’boli gown complete with makeup and red lips. ^_^

According to history, Lang Dulay was just 12 years old when she started dreaming about her designs. It usually takes her around 4-6 months to finish a product that would sell 1000Php per meter.

She was awarded by President Fidel V. Ramos as Philippine’s National Living Treasure in 1998 and is a living testimony of the T’boli tradition.

I hope that the T’boli tribe will continue to nourish their rich tradition and teach the new generation how to live the T’boli way.

*Credits to Kat for the picture. 

Lake Sebu – A calm retreat

The trip from GenSan to Lake Sebu lasted for approximately 2-3 hours including a van ride to the bucolic municipality. The town was reminiscent to my hometown with lots of rice fields and mountains in view. I felt the urge to think quietly while savoring the crisp sight of greeneries. I’m really an outdoor person and I love nature so it’s easy for me to find peace while traveling.

I was curious about Lake Sebu when I first saw pictures of my friend J posted on Facebook. She was raving about the place when she got back from a trip. I immediately put it on my “places to visit list” and was determined to go there when opportunity calls.

My quietness was broken when the lady beside me spoke to me, “First time niyo?” I humbly said “Opo.” Then she began lecturing us about the place. You see, people from the town can be your tour guide. They will tell you all you want to know. J

Then the grandeur of the lake peeked from afar. I was awed and mesmerized. This town is really blessed with such majestic creation of God.

I just hope we could stay longer but out tight itinerary dictated us to move on.

Don’t worry Mindanao, I’ll be back. =)

Tilapia All Over

After the zipline rush, we headed for lunch in one of the stalls in Lake Sebu. Don’t worry, there are a lot of food stalls in the area and they offer sumptuous tilapia dishes at reasonable prices.

Instead of going to a famous resort we opted to try a small canteen located along the road side. We ordered sugba, tilapia chicharon and crispy tilapia with a big platter of rice and 2 big bottles of soft drinks.

The sugba was perectly cooked. The tilapia skin was not charred and the fish tasted great. It’s really swak na swak sa toyo with calamansi and sili. (Yum Yum.)

At first I thought that the tilapia bones will be thrown away after getting the meat for the chicharon. I was astonished when you can actually choose to have it deep fried or cooked ala “paksiw.” We tried it deep fried and it was nom nom nom.

Unexpectedly, the tilapia chicharon was the favorite. We did not expect it to be so delish. I don’t know what they put on it but really it was a mouth watering and tummy bulging dish. Try it when you go there. J

At the end of the day it’s really not about how grand the celebration was but actually the company you are with. ^_^

Till next time.

Lake Sebu

At first I thought “Lake Sebu” is just the name of the lake located in South Cotabato dubbed to be the summer capital of Southern Mindanao. Little did I know that it is also a name of the municipality where the lake is located.

We went to Lake Sebu primarily to experience the tallest zip line in South East Asia. Of course I was excited but at the same time I was scared because of the freaking height.

The fee was 250Php each person for 2 rides – one long ride and one short ride. The long ride lasted for about 45 seconds while the short one around 15-20 seconds. Mind you, the first ride was the longest 45 seconds of my life. :P

The locals say that there are seven waterfalls in Lake Sebu. Well I did not see all of them but I am pretty sure they are all ”grandyoso”. Just take a look at the photos below. [No zipline photos but yes we did it.:) Photos courtesy of K.]

How to get to Lake Sebu?

From General Santos City ride a bus (Yellow Bus Line) going to Marbel, Koronadal. From Marbel you can ride a jeepney or a van to Lake Sebu. You will be greeted by the locals so relax and enjoy. Don’t worry, locals are courteous and kind.