T'bolis of South Cotabato

T'bolis are well known among the 18 tribes of Mindanao. Majority of them settles in the mountains of South Cotabato particularly in Lake Sebu. Even with the local government's push towards development, T'bolis were able to maintain and preserve their rich culture and traditions. Their ways of living, in the present progressive state of Lake Sebu, can still be compared with how their ancestors lived centuries ago.

Their contribution to the tourism industry of South Cotabato has been a big factor. They are famous for intricate handicrafts such as their colorful bracelets, earrings, brass ornaments and their world class woven fabric called the "t'nalak". Bags and clothes made of t'nalak are being sold expensive in parts of Europe and the United States.

The friendly T'boli Tribe in South Cotabato is worth a visit. Their happy characteristic will make your stay even more stirringly memorable. Moreover, when visiting Lake Sebu, don't forget to witness and be entertained by the T'bolis' tribal dances. These dances are inspired from the strokes of animals like that of the  monkeys and birds. Their tribal songs are the traditions they've cherished from their ancestors, likewise their living connections with them ( their great grandparents).

Legends say (excerpts from www.aliawanenterprises.tripod.com) ...

"...T'bolis are descendants of the survivors of a great flood. A man named Dwata warned the people of an impending great flood. But the tribe refused to listen, except for two couples, La Bebe and La Lomi, and Tamfeles and La Kagef. Dwata told them to take shelter in a bamboo so huge they could fit inside and in this way survive the flood. The first couple are the ancestors of the T'boli and other highland ethnic groups. The second couple descended the other Filipino indigenous groups."

"...T'boli women are named dreamweavers. The T'nalak weaving was taught by a goddess named Fu Dalu in a dream and that women learn this ethnic and sacred ritual, based on tribal designs and cloth patterns through their dreams."

Tourist Spots in Lake Sebu...

Hikong Bente Falls

Canoe Fishing

Lake Sebu Floating Kiosks

...Read more

Nadine's Lake Resort is Turning Two!

Everyone is invited for the upcoming 2nd year Anniversary celebration of Nadine's Lake Resort... That will be on September 28, 2010... I'm sure they'll have lots of activities prepared for their parokyanos. One of which is the buffet lunch (eat-all-you-can), serving their ever special tilapia recipes. So if given the chance of time, visit Nadine's Lake Resort, of course, at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

I was given the opportunity to be their food photographer and layout artist, so in return, I posted this advertisement for free! (",)

panorama shot from the Restaurant

Some delicious cuisines you can find in Nadine's Menu List:

Chicharong Tilapia

Kinilaw na Tilapia

Tilapia Rolls


Fried Tilapia

Garlic Chicken

Tilapia Fillet

Sinigang na Tilapia

Chicken Chopsuey

Paksiw na Tilapia

Nadine's Express


Inihaw na Tilapia

Lake Sebu Zipline Adventure

This video was taken months ago as we spent V-day zipping our way up at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato... I had featured this "Laag" in my other photo-blog already, but let me just re-post it here.

The promoters say that the 7 Falls zipline adventure is the highest among other ziplines in Mindanao. 'Di nga namin pinalagpas to experience the escapade that the municipality has been so proud of, aside from the lake... For a maintenance fee of Php 250, we had ridden a 45 second first zipline, about 350ft+ level above the gound, overlooking the laddering falls. We then went back to the base camp riding the faster second zipline for 25 seconds. Well, it's worth a pay... an experience of a lifetime.

And since we are talking about the seven falls, of course, we didn't miss to take a plunge and feel the ravishing stream of the highest and the only waterfall where you can have the pleasure to take a swim, the Hikong Bente Fall.

To make our escapade more exciting, we pitched our tents for an overnight stay at the camp site. But if you don't want to stress yourselves, you can still relax in any of the first class or affordable resort hotels just around Lake Sebu.... But for me, I will recommend Nadine's Lake Resort (please see my feature about the resort).

This is, indeed, an adventure that no one should ever miss... (more)

For more photos of our Zipline Adventure please see http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/81/02132010-_Lake_Sebu_Seven_Falls_Adventure#

Nadine's Lake Resort

Lake Sebu is known because of its significant preservation of the rich T'boli Culture. Likewise, the natural lake is one of the most important watersheds in the country... But aside from these, tourists are more attracted to the place's 7 magical falls, in which the municipality's tourism has been so proud of.... If you are planning to explore Lake Sebu, you must not forget to experience riding the highest zipline overlooking these bodies of water....

If you think you won't be satisfied to explore some other attractions in this place in just a day and you plan to stay overnight, or, three or more days without much to spend, NADINE's LAKE RESORT is recommended for you.

NADINE's LAKE RESORT, having started just two years ago, has already established a reputation as the third ranking resort in terms of eco-tourism among the surrounding resorts of Lake Sebu....

Two years and counting... With the owners' urge for more development, still, they always keep in mind to satisfy their customers through quality service at reasonable rates.








(more photos at http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/83/NADINEs_LAKE_RESORT_Lake_Sebu_South_Cotabato)