SOCCSKSARGEN or SOX is a hidden gem nestled in South Central Mindanao is a perfect destination every traveler must have on their bucket list.
Covering the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City– the province offers nature and adventure from ridge to reef, from breathtaking landscapes to a diverse cuisine.
In the 13th edition of the Regional Travel Fair, the Tourism Promotions Board – the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism – brought vloggers and influencers to experience Soccsksargen from September 26-30.
“This is an opportunity to promote Gensan as a premier travel destination as well as Soccsksargen, from mouth-watering seafood to excellent weaving industry and natural landscapes,” Teresita Landan, TPB acting head of the Office of the Deputy COO of Marketing and Promotions said.
The five-day RTF was held at General Santos City, promoting local and national tourism-related products and services through business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sessions.
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato- a tapestry of culture, customs, cuisine
In the upland Lake Sebu town, when visiting the lake, Punta Isla Lake Resort – home of a famous floating restaurant – is the best to go to. From a lunch full of Tilapia dishes served hot, Punta Isla offers a tour around the 354-hectare Lake Sebu in a 45-minute boat ride.
A couple of minutes away from Punta Isla Lake Resort, a T’boli museum known as “House of Gongs” is home to about 80 gongs small to large, collected by Datu Bao Baay, former vice mayor.
If one fancies how a T’boli princess lives, the Gono Kem Boi (Princess House) is just the right place. Located in Tuko-ful Lake Sebu, it is owned by the Cooperative of Women in Health and Development, more than a pasalubong center, it is a center for women’s skills development in T’nalak weaving, wood carving, embroidery, bead works, among others.
The Lang Dulay Weaving Center, located in Sitio Tukolefa, Lamdalag, Lake Sebu named after the late Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan, Lang Dulay, is a testimony to how culture stands through the test of time. Known as a dream weaver, Lang Dulay gets inspiration for her intricate designs in her T’nalak fabric from her dreams. A single piece is incomparable to the other due to its unique inspiration.
T’nalak weaving is passed on from Dulay’s generation to the next, the weaving center is now managed by her daughter-in-law and grandson, teaching young girls to preserve the tradition they are most known for.
Meanwhile, tourists are advised to pay a visit to the museum of more than 100 collections of T’nalak fabrics personally collected by Reden Ulo, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Commissioner where the works of Lang Dulay, and Barbara Ofong are preserved.
Of course, the Lake Sebu trip would be incomplete without visiting the breathtaking Seven Falls (Hikong Alu). The popular destination features the 7 Falls zipline – where guests can have a view of four out of seven waterfalls while ziplining through two stations.
Outside Lake Sebu: Other SOX must visit
Roughly an hour and a half drive from Gensan, Strawberry and Guyabano (SG) Farm, declared the top tourist site for August 2023 in South Cotabato. SG Farm is known for its ambiance as it is located at the foot of Mt. Matutum.
“A Place of Peace and Joy, Experience Farm like no other,” SG Farm offers cozy staycation with their glamping huts; activities such as the giant swing, cable cars, kalesa, strawberry and lettuce picking, and indulge in their buffet at SG Fiesta – Filipino Cuisine Restaurant.
Going to Polomolok, in the southern part of South Cotabato, tourists have to drop by the largest pineapple plantation in the country with 12,000 hectares – DOLE Philippines. Take at least a 10-minute layover to enjoy the backdrop of the plantation- Mt. Matutum.
While Polomolok is splendidly gifted with pineapple products and other fruits, it is also home to a rich weaving culture. The Blaan Amgu-o Wellness Village in Amgu-o Landan, Polomolok is the home of 2016 Gawad sa Manlilika ng Bayan for Tie Dye ikat weaving and Blaan Dreamweaver, the late Bai Yabing Masalon Dulo.
Fu Yabing, has registered six Tabih designs through Ikat weaving, with intricate designs inspired by reptiles such as crocodiles and lizards. Lamina Dulo Gulili, 62 along with son Arthur Gulili, who manages the center, lets the tourists immerse in the weaving process – from harvesting abaca, tie dying, and up to the weaving proper – which takes about 40 steps.
Arthur also teaches the young in the malong weaving to preserve their culture. Currently, there are three kids under his supervision including one of his children, Prince Xian, 8, who instead of playing under the sun, spends time with his father weaving.
While they take pride in their designs, they only create a piece once there are bulk orders from clients, keeping their craft special. Some of Fu Yabing’s designs are now displayed in the National Museum’s collection.
In Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, lies the Baras Bird Sanctuary—a 2.5-hectare home to more than 20,000 birds of various species, including, but not limited to, the Rufous Night Heron, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Pied Fantail, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher, and Rusty-Breasted Cuckoo.
The sanctuary is best visited around May or the mating season of migratory birds such as the Black Crowned Night Heron. Considered the nesting sites for herons and egrets, the sanctuary is the best spot for bird watching.
Sarangani, your adventure
The province of Sarangani, the southern central section of Mindanao, bears the tagline “Sarangani, your adventure” as tourists can choose their own adventures.
From the ridge, Malungon, a municipality in Sarangani offers Kalonbarak Skyline Ridge, an eco-cultural tourism spot that hugs the clouds 750 feet above sea level. While it is an hour’s ride away from General Santos City, it is worth the while as the spot lets you connect with nature and be amazed by its pine trees and view of Mt. Matutum.
Forty-five minutes away from Kalonbarak, visitors can immerse themselves in the B’laans in Lamlifew Living Museum, situated in Datal Tampal, Malungon. The museum preserves the culture of the B’laan tribe, through continued practice of the young. The Lamlifew School of Living Tradition dedicates 45 minutes for every class daily to teach the elementary pupils the basics of bead-making, malong garments, and bamboo crafts.
Meanwhile, the best spot for reflection and learning is the Center for Community Transformation (CCT) Retreat and Training Center. The center offers a serene environment and peaceful sanctuary where visitors can conduct retreats, camps, and conferences to experience spiritual enrichment.
Aside from reflection, visitors can dive into cultural enrichment as the center immerses them in the culture of two Indigenous tribes particularly the B’laan and Tagakaulo tribes– from food preparation to the performance of Indigenous instruments and dances.
Fill your tummy in Koronadal’s Gastronomy
In Brgy. Zone 1 in Koronadal, Arpochi Seafood and Resto is the best place to have lunch with its finest and finger-lickin’ crabs that will satisfy your cravings for seafood. Arpochi has been serving 20 years to tourists who want to feel at home while munching on the seafood fest, as the place is a residential type with a homey vibe.
Still in Koronadal, Brgy. Morales, visitors who enjoy a variety of delicious but healthy organic food, the Organikian Urban Farms and Cafe is the perfect fit, with their farm-to-table concept. The cafe serves salad, smoothie bowls, and snacks all from their organically and hydroponically grown vegetables sourced from their own garden, promoting sustainable urban gardening.
For a sweet treat, Apareja Buko Halo-halo in Barangay Saravia is the best place. The diner serves fresh buko halo-halo of ingredients such as ube halaya, sweet cassava deli, and homemade leche flan, which one can eat from the coconut itself.
Gensan- Undefeated Tuna Capital
To complete the SOX experience, one must visit the General Santos City Fishport, and experience firsthand how Gensan lives up to its name – Tuna Capital of the Philippines. Tuna, sized small to gigantic, will not fail to amaze visitors, from disembarking it from the boat to weighing it in preparation for exportation.
Gensan now holds the Guiness World Record for having the “World’s Largest Fish Display” with a total of 25,594.49 kilograms of various fresh tuna varieties.
From satisfying your palate to cultural and spiritual enrichment, SOX is a gem to add to your bucket list.
