The word dangerous has been tagged with the Island of Mindanao and has been sensationalized by the tri-media, creating lots of negative impressions about the island which results to the establishment of paranoia for those who have no idea about Mindanao. This part of the Philippines had been stereotyped with unstable security due to some political issues in the ARMM and has placed the tourism industry of the whole region in peril.
Months ago, my heart literally broke after I learned that I will be transferring to Makati coming from Surigao del Sur for a transition period of our company . For the longest period of time, I have been promoting the tourism potential of Mindanao as a form of individual advocacy. After I have decided to end the tenure from my job in Mindanao, it made a great impact and depression on me, thinking that it was the end of my advocacy for Mindanao.
AVLDA & LGSP-LED Links the Bridge
I have never
thought that I will be returning very soon to my beloved island after I received an invitation from
the AVLDA & LGSP-LED through Mr. Alfred “Red” Allaga for a Familiarization Tour in Allah
Valley, encompassing South Cotabato and
Sultan Kudarat. Sacrificing some
commitments with some organizations, I found myself packing my bag heading to
the NAIA Terminal 3 bound for General Santos City.
Edgar and I were both recipient of OpenWater Diving License sponsored by Mr. Johann Jake Miranda, operator of Punta Bilar Dive Shop in Surigao City and accredited by Scuba Diving International (SDI).
The SCUBA diving
adventure in Saranggani made me appreciate more the beauty of the Philippine
marine resources that were barely given protection in this part of the country.
I just hope that the local government, promote this educational sport not only
to the locals but internationally as it possesses huge potential for tourism.
ALLAH VALLEY
TOUR 2013
The day of my
excitement came when the invited guests coming both from “print media” and
Philippine Travel Bloggers joined together with the objective of discovering
and promoting the tourism in South Central Mindanao.
The Allah Valley
Tour was organized by the LGSP-LED & AVLDA, a collaborative effort of the local
government of South Cotabato and its NGO partner and private establishments to disseminate
the information about the emerging tourism in the region.
Headed by the Lady
Governor of South Cotabato, Daisy Avance-Fuentes and the executive officers and
staff of LGSP-LED, the objective of this media aggregation was explained to all
the participants in one of the surprisingly existing resort and accommodation,
The Farm at the Carpenter Hill.
South Cotabato
is a province that has been poorly promoted in terms of tourism destination.
But behind its silence, this sleeping giant can actually overrun the other
established Philippine tourist destinations when it comes to untainted tourism
spots in Mindanao and the outcome of our Allah Valley Tour is a proof of its
tourism potential.
Here are the 10
things we did during the Allah Valley Tour 2013
Kalsangi Club House is an exclusive place supposedly for the
executives and personel of Dole Philippines, one of the biggest producer of
pineapple, papaya and banana in the world.
 |
| Lois Yasay modeling for Dole Pineapple: We Are "Dole" Sisters ? |
Kublai Millan is one of the treasured artists from Mindanao that have
created some of the most noted sculptures displayed publicly in the Philippines.
The giant sculptures by Kublai in Surallah is more that just art as it depicts the
uniqueness of South Cotabato particularly its diverse cultures, traditions and
religions.
 |
| Quirkie pose with Edgar Yap at Surallah Tri-Monument |
Lake Holon is a place that must
be ticked out of your bucket list. The lake is the perfect epitome for peace , beauty
and magic. It is situated in the crater of Mt. Melibingoy, T’boli , South
Cotabato.
4. Lake Tour in Lake Sebu |
| Me and Louie Pacardo's Zombo at Lake Holon, Mt. Melibingoy (Parker) |
If South Cotabato is a music album, Lake Sebu must be its carrier
single. It is the most popular place in the province with their finest tilapia
grown in the lake.
5. Zip Line Adventures in Lake Sebu |
| Scenic Lake Sebu |
Your adventure to Lake Sebu wouldn’t be complete without visiting
the magnificent seven falls. What better
way to enjoy the waterfalls by clinging from a zip line, overlooking the raging
but beautiful waterfalls below.
 |
| I tried to calm down while doing this zip line. Isn't obvious? |
Weaving is a tradition in many ethnic tribes in the Philippines but T’nalak must be the ultimate pride of the Philippines and superstar of Philippine fabrics. T'nalak created by the
dream weavers of Lake Sebu. Having a
close encounter with the living treasure and national artist, Be Lang Dulay herself, the last original dream
weaver is a surreal experience. She is now teaching other women in their tribe the art of T'nalak to preserve their culture.
 |
| Finally met Be Lang Dulay! How are you madam? |
If your having a tired and soled feet roaming around South Cotabato,
it is best pampered dipping into the Hot and Cold Spring of Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat not far from its grand Capitol in Isulan.
8. Wild Encounter with the Migratory Birds of Baras, Tacurong City |
| I like the hot spring than the cold spring |
If your experience of encountering wildlife is just through clicking
the remote control to Animal Planet, better visit the Bird Sanctuary of Baras
situated not far from Tacurong City. There you will see the shifting of the nocturnal and diurnal different species of herons found in the same habitat.
9. Street Dancing during the T’nalak Festival |
| This nocturnal heron is trying to keep awake during day time |
The grand exhibit of diverse traditions and cultures of the province
of South Cotabato can be summarized during the display of their street dance parade of the T’nalak Festival. The beating drums and seemingly never ending cheerful street
parade will lighten up your day, dancing to the ethnic rhythms while feasting
your eyes on colorful and traditional costumes.
10. Shopping for indigenous products by the T’boli |
| Party time .... |
Never leave South Cotabato without taking some remembrance. Prices are just and most of the authentic novelties from the tribes are worth buying
with emphasis on the sought after T’nalak fabric coming from the workshop area of Be Lang Dulay, the Dream Weaver of T'nalak.
 |
| Am a fan of their crafts and fabrics. |
To Our Partners:
Our sincerest thanks to the following organizations and private partners for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to discover the wonders of Allah Valley.
A. AVLDA &LGSP-LED, for organizing and funding the event through the efforts of their executives and ground personnel and to the government head of South Cotabato, Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes
B. The Farm @Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, for the accommodation and sumptuous food served upon our arrival.
C. The artisans and people of Brgy. Lem Snolon for the demonstration of their unique tribal arts.
D. The Head of T'boli, Mayor Dibu Tuan and the Local Tourism Officers for welcoming us in their municipality and the orientation about Lake Holon
E.. The Monte Cielo Resort, for an overflowing food served for our lunch after our tiring trek.
F. The LGU of Esperanza,Sultan Kudarat for accommodating us in their Hot and Cold Spring Resort.
G. The Province of Sultan Kudarat for the accommodation at The Governor's Palace .
H.The Mountain Lake Resort in Lake Sebu for the accommodation and lake tour.
I. The Head of Tacurong City, Mayor Lina Montilla, for the warm welcome and effort to promote awareness on environmental protection particularly the Bird Sanctuary in Baras.
J. Pinoy Travel Bloggers James, Yoshke, Gay, Gaile, Lois, Edgar and Louie for making this tour worth remembering.
Our sincerest thanks to the following organizations and private partners for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to discover the wonders of Allah Valley.
A. AVLDA &LGSP-LED, for organizing and funding the event through the efforts of their executives and ground personnel and to the government head of South Cotabato, Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes
B. The Farm @Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, for the accommodation and sumptuous food served upon our arrival.
C. The artisans and people of Brgy. Lem Snolon for the demonstration of their unique tribal arts.
D. The Head of T'boli, Mayor Dibu Tuan and the Local Tourism Officers for welcoming us in their municipality and the orientation about Lake Holon
E.. The Monte Cielo Resort, for an overflowing food served for our lunch after our tiring trek.
F. The LGU of Esperanza,Sultan Kudarat for accommodating us in their Hot and Cold Spring Resort.
G. The Province of Sultan Kudarat for the accommodation at The Governor's Palace .
H.The Mountain Lake Resort in Lake Sebu for the accommodation and lake tour.
I. The Head of Tacurong City, Mayor Lina Montilla, for the warm welcome and effort to promote awareness on environmental protection particularly the Bird Sanctuary in Baras.
J. Pinoy Travel Bloggers James, Yoshke, Gay, Gaile, Lois, Edgar and Louie for making this tour worth remembering.
SALAMAT KAAU!
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