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T’nalak Festival + South Cotabato Travel Guide
Contents
Disclaimer: I was hosted by the Provincial Tourism of South Cotabato during my visit. However, all words written here were all mine. No need for the host to inlfuence me on what to write. My photographs I guess are enough to support my claim.
Just like the Dream weavers of South Cotabato who are responsible for making the beautiful abaca fabric, I had been dreaming of witnessing the T’nalak Festival.
This was the reason why despite the distance of South Cotabato from my place which is Bacolod, I really took the time to visit this part of the country.
It was quite challenging for me to reach this Province. I traveled first to Cebu and took another flight to General Santos. From Gensan, I traveled again for an hour by bus to reach Koronadal. Yes, it’s a long journey, but I tell you, it was all worth it.
Young T’boli dancers while preparing for the grand parade…T’nalak Festival + South Cotabato Travel Guide
T’nalak Festival, held every month of July in Koronadal, South Cotabato is said to be one of the most authentic ethnic festivals in the Philippines.
The colorful festival got its name after the unique abaca cloth with beautiful geometrical patterns weaved by the T’boli women. As an icon of the festival, the T’nalak cloth represents the blending of culture and the rich heritage of the people of South Cotabato.
Just like in most festivals around the country, the T’nalak festival is loaded with events that cater to various types of visitors. Below are just a few of what I have witnessed:
This is an exciting event for apart from seeing the beauties, you will be seeing various creations of the local fashion designers using the T’nalak fiber.
All municipalities and cities of the province showcase their products all beautifully integrated into their Bahay Kubo. The creative and neatly-built huts made of Bamboo and other native materials represent each town and the livelihoods of its people.
For the young ones, several concerts and street are happening nightly spread in various locations of Koronadal.
Along Alunan Avenue, you will find the T’nalak Food Garden which is a perfect venue to chill with friends. The place is also where some cultural presentation is being held.
I was made to witness the ADUSAY (Awit, Dula at Sayaw) Competition. This competition is between the Ten Towns and the lone city of the province. The competition showcased folk stories and legends creatively presented in songs, drama, and dances.
For me, this is the highlight of the T’nalak Festival. The spectacular parade is held every 18th of July (mark your calendar for next year) along with the celebration of the Foundation Anniversary of the Province.
The parade was divided into three categories representing the Tri-People of South Cotabato namely: T’bolis, Muslims and the Christian settlers.
Madal Be’ Lan – This is the category for the T’bolis. It is quite interesting to note that in order to participate in a group one must have a T’boli blood.
Kadsagayan A Lalan – This category is the representation of the Muslim Group in the place.
Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan – This category represents the Christian Settlers who are migrants from Panay, Negros Island, and Ilocos.
General Santos City is the closest Airport in South Cotabato. The moment you arrive at the airport, you need to take a ride going to the Yellow Bus Terminal to go to Koronadal City.
You have 4 options at the airport to reach the Yellow Bus Terminal:
1.The taxi which would cost you – P300
2. Jeepney – P50
3.Van (Air conditioned) – P100 (both van and jeepney will require you to wait for other passengers for a while or until the car is full.
4.Van which will bring you directly to Koronadal- P350 (if they cannot get the desired number of passenger, they will cancel the trip and bring you instead to the Yellow Bus terminal for P100 only)
From the Yellow Bus Terminal, take the bus traveling to Koronadal for P 100.
The moment you reach the terminal of the Yellow Bus in Koronadal, take a tricycle to bring you to your hotel.
PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE
Capitol Compound, Alunan Ave., City of Koronadal
Province of South Cotabato, Philippines 9506
Telephone No. (+63) (83) 228 3025 | Telefax No. (+63) (83) 228 8537 E-mail: info@southcotabato.gov.ph
ARTS, CULTURE, TOURISM AND SPORTS PROMOTIONS
UNIT 2nd Floor, Left Wing, South Cotabato Gymnasium, and Cultural Center
Alunan Ave., City of Koronadal
Province of South Cotabato, Philippines
Telefax No. (+63)(83) 228 3447 | Tel : (+63) (83) 878 2140 E-mail:landofthedreamweavers@southcotabato.gov.ph
The blogger during the T’nalak Festival
South Cotabato is not only about the T’nalak Festival. The place offers a wide array of attractions that any guests may enjoy.
Below is the link to the travel guide I crafted to help any would-be visitors to this city.
Koronadal City has a wide array of Hotels and Inns to cater to any tourist visiting the place.
For a list of accommodation facilities in the Province of South Cotabato, click here: LIST OF HOTELS AND INNS IN SOUTH COTABATO
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View Comments
Really Magnificent Nd Informational specially liked these cultural pics. Appreciated.
The festivals keeps the culture alive... great post
The pictures are amazing! I hope I will have the opportunity to visit this part of the world!
Photographs and narration are so nice.