SOCCSKSARGEN: THE TWELFTH PARADISE Published on: 18 Nov, 2013 Travel expatph The Philippines is a paradise of some 7,100 islands, with its diverse topography, rich biodiversity, and alluring cultures. So when the Department of Tourism – Region 12 rebranded South Central Mindanao, it could be referred to as no other than the proverbial Eden or Shangri-la from religious texts and legends. It is neither exaggeration nor bandwagon branding to refer to this abundant area as paradise. Composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, [North] Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the cities of General Santos, Cotabato, Koronadal, Kidapawan, and Tacurong, this region is better remembered by its fancy mnemonic: Soccsksargen. South Central Mindanao, which forms the core of the Cotabato Empire Province, boasts of a rich cultural heritage. Its gateway is the bustling City of General Santos which can be reached by taking a 90-minute flight from Manila, or about 50 minutes from Cebu and Iloilo. From Davao City, General Santos is three hours away by public transport passing through the scenic mountain roads of Davao Del Sur. “GenSan,” as it is affectionately called, is situated by the scenic tuna-rich Sarangani Bay, which has made it the country’s “tuna capital” since the 1970s. Its rich catches surpass the aggregate yield of all local fish ports. But beyond its tuna powerhouse tag, it is an emerging destination for conventions and agribusiness-based tourism. Situated in the upland barrios are Sansapan Cave Falls, Nopol Hills, and Kalajah Karst, which are being developed by the Department of Tourism and the City to be top ecoparks. This area is great for “roughing it,” offering soothing night and day vistas of the city. Fun-loving guests can get an adrenaline rush at the 5th Mountain Adventure Park zipline in Barangay Olympog, with the breath-taking view of Mt. Matutum. But for a true taste of paradise, one must go out of the urban comforts to uncover the region’s rustic charm. Sarangani Beach lovers can bask in the sun, sea, and sand along the secluded stretch of white sand beach in Gumasa in Glan – touted as the “Boracay of Mindanao” minus the maddening crowd. Its town proper is like a living museum with its quaint antiquarian houses sporting mixed colonial and indigenous art. On the western side of Sarangani is Lemlunay Resort, in Maasim town, which takes pride in its lush marine life making it ideal for eventful snorkelling and diving just a few meters away from the shore. The resort houses South Point, the only dive site in the region. Meanwhile, the hills of Maasim are a paraglider’s haven with ideal winds and the soothing panorama of Sarangani Bay. Further west is Tuka Marine Park in Kiamba and Pangi River in Maitum which is a white water tubing site—both are favorite watering holes of the province’s “Fighting Congress man,” Manny Pacquiao. The municipal hall of Maitum has a museum containing replicas of the pre-colonial anthropomorphic man and burial jars excavated in its caves some 2,000 years ago. Venado Lake at Mt Apo National Park Exotic tropical fruits from Cotabato TBoli women paddling canoe at Lake Sebu Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol Replica of burial jar of the Munato anthromorphic man TNalak handwoven souvenirs Tuka Marine Park in Kiamba, Sarangani South Cotabato Named in a recent nationwide search as among the top 10 emerging destinations in the country, Lake Sebu is a mountain lake resort town and the domain of the exotic T’boli tribe. Cruise on the placid lake and immerse in the culture, music, and exquisite t’nalak ethnic customs. This mystical tribe are called the “Dreamweavers” because of their unique and exquisite hand weaving traditions. If time allows, seek out Lang Dulay, a nonagenarian weaver, regarded as a national cultural artist for elevating the t’nalak fabric into an art form. Glide atop the Seven Waterfalls via the 1.1-kilometer, 180-meter high two-line Zipline, the tallest in Southeast Asia. And if you’re rough and ready, pristine Lake Holon in the neighboring T’boli town beckons. Sultan Kudarat This province may sound intimidating because of the fiery Muslim leader it was named after, but the reality is quite the opposite. A predominantly Ilonggo and Christian territory, it claims itself as a land of harmony amid diversity where its peoples live in peaceful coexistence. Its main tourist spot is Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City where guests can closely observe endemic and migratory birds in this 1.5-hectare nature haven. One need not have high-powered bird-watching gadgets as egrets, kingfishers, herons, and exotic fowls are easily within eyeshot. The capital town of Isulan boasts of its palatial Provincial Capitol inspired by Islamic motifs and the legendary chieftain Sultan Kudarat who ruled Mindanao during its golden age. Cotabato Sometimes called North Cotabato, it is the “mother” in the region from where the other provinces were culled out. The mighty Mount Apo, the country’s tallest peak, can be trekked via New Israel Eco-Park in an upland barrio in Makilala town. So-called because of the Moncado religious cult, who regard the colony as the biblical promised land, the Eco-Park also has an exciting zipline which glides guests above mountains and valleys. Mt. Apo can also be accessed through the trails of Magpet and Kidapawan, passing through thick rainforests, waterfalls, and natural springs. Asik-Asik Falls, tucked in the hinterlands of Alamada, is a must-visit destination, the province’s major tourism icon. The rough roads leading to its last few miles are physically challenging, but the falls’ magical cascade and rejuvenating cool water are worth all the trouble. Its final staging point is a view deck on a plateau which affords trekkers a sweeping view of Cotabato’s undulating mountain ranges. Before heading home, sink your teeth in the freshest tropical fruits such as durian, marang and mangosteen in Kidapawan City, one of the fruit baskets and agricultural trading posts in the region Text and photos by BERNARD L. SUPETRAN Where to Stay • Green Leaf Hotel, Gen. Santos City—the region’s only four-star hotel, this newly-opened facility boasts of well-appointed rooms and amenities comparable to the best in Visayas and Mindanao. It is also an ideal home-base when exploring the rest of Soccsksargen. Its restaurants will likewise take you to an Asian culinary adventure. • Lemlunay Resort, Maasim, Sarangani—Taking its name from “heaven” in B’laan tribal mythology, this resort-cum-dive shop is simply that: with its commanding view of Sarangani Bay and lush marine life. • Monte Cielo, Lake Sebu—A “home in the sky.” It is a cozy lodge with farm-like rooms set amidst airy, organic gardens overlooking the tranquil Lake Sebu expatphilippines.ph/?p=4748
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:16:09 +0000
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