In the Land of the Dreamweavers Its called the Land of the Dreamweavers because of its legendary Tboli master weavers who, in their dreams, derive inspiration for their designs from Fu Dalu, spirit guardian of the abaca. These revered weavers translate the messages from the spirit world into the warp and weft of their tnalak cloth, creating tapestries the Tboli believe to be infused with Spirit. Through these marvelous textiles, the story of the Tboli is passed down the generations, preserving its peoples traditions and beliefs. But theres another reason South Cotabato earns the name Land of the Dreamweavers. For its not just the Tbolis who place a premium on dreams. Hundreds of thousands of people have come from various parts of the Philippines to settle in this young province, hoping to carve out lives they otherwise wouldnt have been able to. They, too, are weaving dreams. Until the early 20th century, South Cotabato was sparsely populated, mainly by ethnic Muslim Maguindanao and indigenous Tboli and Blaan tribes. Surrounded by mountains and isolated for a long part of its history, it remained largely unaffected by external influences. (Even typhoons avoid South Cotabato.) Immigrants from the Visayas, Ilocos, and Cebu began arriving around the 1930s. Their interaction with the indigenous people resulted in an eclectic cultural melange. The diverse but distinct cultures that comprise South Cotabato are showcased during the annual Tnalak Festival, all under the banner of unity. Peace and security are hallmarks of the province as is progress and development. As a province, South Cotabato is a toddler. As such, it bursts with new life and possibilities. Riding down the clean, wide highway, one intuits abundance as he espies the verdant fields guarded by stately Mount Matutum. Native huts ornamented by dazzling flora and languorous bovines grazing by the roadside make for an idyllic landscape. Lining the highway are fruit stalls teeming with mangoes, lanzones, pineapple, bananas, papaya, mangosteen, durian, and more. Ones eyes feast on the ubiquitous floral fiesta. Things just seem to bloom bigger, brighter, and more copiously in SouthCot. Koronadal, the capital city, is orderly, spacious, and expansive. It has the feel of a pioneer town. New businesses are springing up, following the trail of SouthCots largest industrial partner, Dole Pineapple. Pristine natural features and biodiversity seduce eco-tourists and nature lovers. Birdwatchers and avian photographers go to Mount Matutum and Lake Sebu, home to various migratory birds, indigenous wild birds, and the Philippine Eagle. Autochthonal fauna, like the tarsier, live in its primordial forests.The Linan Forest has the Tarsier Conservation Sanctuary and a series of waterfalls to attract campers and trekkers. Lake Sebu boasts of its own stunning waterfalls and springs, and those who want an aerial view of the lush forest canopy, the snaking river system, and the seven waterfalls can get hooked on one of Asias tallest ziplines. For adrenaline junkies, theres also bungee trampoline and zorbing. Numerous cave formations ready for exploration await caving enthusiasts, while mountaineers delight in the numerous peaks beckoning to be climbed. Seekers of cultural sustenance find satisfying fare in the rich Tboli culture, with its famed tnalak weavers, brass makers, dancers, chanters, and kubing players. Then there are the Maguindanaos and their resonant kulintangs. Those willing to rough it can find lodging at Lemobung Resort in Lake Sebu for as low as P60 a night. For luxury, theres The Farm at Carpenter Hill which has options such as private villas with personal gardens for P3,500; individual rooms facing an indoor garden with koi ponds; or dorm type rooms perfect for families. In between Lemobung Resort and The Farm, a wide range of accommodations is available. Wherever you stay, fabulous dreams await in South Cotabato.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 07:51:32 +0000
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