Travel isn’t just about the places we see; it’s about the experiences we bring home. If you're looking for a destination that offers both beauty and meaning, Lake Sebu is a perfect choice.

Located in South Cotabato, Lake Sebu is a place where nature and culture thrive. Here, traditions aren’t just preserved in museums, they are part of daily life.

Home to the T’boli people, Lake Sebu is rich in craftsmanship and heritage that have lasted for generations. Visitors can meet National Living Treasures, or Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees, who have dedicated their lives to preserving their traditional arts. And beyond its cultural heritage, Lake Sebu also boasts breathtaking natural attractions. 

The name "Sebu" means "lake" in the T’boli language, making "Lake Sebu" literally translate to "Lake Lake." The area is home to indigenous communities, including the T’bolis, Tirurays, Ubos, and Manobos. These groups inhabit the lush rainforests surrounding the 354-hectare lake, which sits at an elevation of 1,000 meters. Located in the upper part of the Allah Valley, Lake Sebu’s landscape has even been declared a Cultural Landscape in Mindanao by UNESCO.

We recently visited Lake Sebu as part of the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program of the Tourism Promotions Board. Over four full days, we immersed ourselves in its culture, explored its natural wonders, and enjoyed a relaxing retreat.

Cultural Explorations

Lake Sebu is famous for its sacred woven cloth, T’nalak, which comes to weavers in dreams and is transformed into intricate, multicolored designs. Only those who experience divine visions from Fu Dalu, the deity of weaving, can become true dreamweavers.

During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting National Living Treasure Barbara Ofong, a master dreamweaver. Bo’i Barbara weaves over 90 intricate patterns that reflect T’boli cosmology, human relationships, and nature, using natural dyes. Her exceptional memory and mastery of abaca fiber bring each T’nalak piece to life, deeply connected to Lake Sebu’s cultural heritage, where spirits and generations of weavers reside.

We also visited the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, which honors National Living Treasure Lang Dulay, whose unparalleled skill in T’nalak weaving earned her a place in history. The center preserves her legacy by showcasing her original works and passing down the art to new generations. 

Our itinerary included a short visit with GAMABA awardee Datu Bundos Fara, a master brass caster. He practices Temwel, the art of brass casting, believed to be a gift from Ginton, the deity of metalwork. Using traditional techniques and his own creativity, he crafts both classic and unique pieces that are highly valued for their artistry.

Aside from meeting these cultural masters, we also visited the School of Living Traditions, established by T’boli cultural advocate Maria Todi, the T’nalak Gallery, and the T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub.

Nature Explorations

Lake Sebu is also filled with natural wonders, and no visit is complete without experiencing them.

I revisited the Seven Falls Zipline, one of Asia’s tallest, stretching 740 and 420 meters across two lines. This exhilarating ride offered breathtaking aerial views of the cascading falls and the lush, untouched landscapes below, a thrilling way to take in the grandeur of Lake Sebu’s natural beauty.

Next, I stepped out of my comfort zone for the trending lotus flower photoshoot. Guided by our tour leader, I donned traditional T’boli attire and posed aboard an owong (dugout canoe), gliding through a sea of delicate pink and white lotus blooms. The stillness of the water, framed by the vibrant greenery, created an enchanting and almost surreal experience.

Afterward, we enjoyed a leisurely cruise on Lake Sebu aboard a boat from Punta Isla Resort. As we dined, we were treated to another captivating cultural performance, a fitting way to immerse ourselves in the traditions that make this place so special.

Relaxing Retreat

Lake Sebu, the tourism capital of South Cotabato, is known for its unassuming charm, simplicity, and slow pace of life. Amidst its bucolic landscape, Dreamweavers Hill came as a delightful surprise.

Nestled on a hilltop in Barangay Lamdalag, this retreat offers breathtaking valley views and a peaceful escape. 

The resort seamlessly integrates with Lake Sebu’s natural beauty. There are bamboo walkways, thatched-roof reception areas, viewing decks, and cozy corners with deck chairs and picnic tables to create an inviting atmosphere. A mini lake adorned with lotus flowers and an owong adds to its charm.

Accommodations cater to various preferences, from air-conditioned glamping tents to spacious villas with private pools, all at surprisingly affordable rates. Prices start at ₱3,499 for two guests and go up to ₱10,000 for groups of ten, including free breakfast.

We stayed at Villa Adora, a cozy two-room villa featuring four beds, a pantry, and an outdoor space with a pool, dining area, and lounge. Waking up to the sight of lush greenery and a sparkling pool felt magical. 

A Place You’ll Never Forget

Lake Sebu is more than a destination, it is an experience. 

From its stunning landscapes to its rich culture and warm hospitality, every visit leaves a lasting impression. Plan your trip today and discover the wonders of Lake Sebu.

Lake Holon is not just a natural wonder; it is also a cultural treasure. 

For adventurers seeking more than breathtaking views, Lake Holon offers an unforgettable experience that seamlessly combines the beauty of nature with the vibrant culture of the T'boli people.

Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Melibengoy, also known as Mt. Parker, Lake Holon is a serene crater lake perched 1,341 meters above sea level. Spanning 304 hectares, it is celebrated as one of the cleanest inland water bodies in the Philippines. Its turquoise waters, framed by lush greenery, evoke a sense of peace and stillness that few places can match.

I had the privilege of climbing this sacred place during the Domestic Tourism Invitational Program Soccsksargen, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

Reaching Lake Holon is an adventure in itself. There are two trails to choose from: the Kule trail, ideal for seasoned hikers seeking a challenge, and the Salacafe trail, which is longer but gentler. Our group, composed of travel content creators and tour operators, opted for the Salacafe trail.

The adventure began at Guno Bong (or Gono Bong), a traditional T'boli home known as the "Big House." This wasn’t just a logistical stop, it was a warm introduction to T'boli culture. 

From the very start, the experience blended nature and tradition. Here, we met our guides, led by the ever-enthusiastic Laiza. They were more than hiking experts; they were cultural ambassadors, sharing stories, rituals, and traditions that brought the landscape to life.

We began with an opening program featuring traditional T'boli dances. Before the trek, we did some warm-up exercises and learned to count in T’boli. Along the way, Laiza showed us plants and trees that inspired T'boli designs.

The Salacafe trail consists of five stations. The first station is a T'boli community, offering a glimpse into their daily life. Here, guests can also have coffee and purchase locally made souvenirs. The second station emphasizes environmental stewardship, serving as a tree-planting site. The third station, whimsically called the "kissing store," carries a charming legend that a kiss shared here could lead you to your soulmate. At the fourth station, we were rewarded with our first stunning view of the lake. The trail concludes at the fifth station, a serene lakeside campsite. 

It took us about four hours to reach the campsite. The rain began after the fourth station and turned into a downpour just as we arrived at our destination.

Far from discouraging us, the rain added an ethereal quality to the landscape, making the lake appear even more magical. We gathered in one of the huts, sipping warm native coffee and sharing stories as we listened to the soothing rhythm of the rain. Although the weather compelled us to postpone some activities, such as the boat ride, it gave us a rare and cherished moment of connection and camaraderie.

While we bonded, Laiza and our guides prepared meals, pitched tents, and, when the rain subsided, organized a cultural presentation by a bonfire.

Under the stars, Laiza shared the legend of the 15 guardians of Lake Holon, mystical beings believed to protect the sacred waters and surrounding lands. Each guardian plays a specific role: Bulol Kolon grants permission to visitors, while Kutong Busaw, the chef, metaphorically “cooks” those who disrespect the lake. 

The evening concluded with traditional dances and heartfelt reflections from each of us. By the time the fire dimmed, it felt as though we were no longer outsiders but part of a shared appreciation for this extraordinary place.

Laiza left us with a meaningful reminder: “You are not just tourists; you are tourists with a purpose.” Visiting Lake Holon isn’t just about enjoying its beauty. A portion of the fees collected goes toward scholarships for local students, giving them the opportunity to pursue education. 

Tourism here is managed entirely by locals, from the guides and porters to the operators of horses and banca boats. This community-driven model ensures that the T'boli people directly benefit from tourism, supporting sustainable livelihoods while preserving their cultural heritage.

The next morning, we woke to the beautiful sound of hymns in T'boli, praising God. This was followed by a cheerful birthday song for the celebrants in our group and a welcome song for everyone. 

Afterward, we enjoyed one of the most delicious camp breakfasts I’ve ever had.

Lake Holon isn’t just for climbers; it’s for anyone looking to reconnect with nature, culture, and themselves. Whether you’re drawn to the adventure, the stories, or simply the chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air, you’ll leave with more than just photos. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the harmony between people and the land they hold sacred.

Culture. Adventure. Nature.

Over the span of seven days, we embraced the cultural richness of indigenous communities, sampled delicious local fare, explored awe-inspiring natural landscapes, participated in heart-pumping activities, and enjoyed some well-deserved shopping. 

At the Blaan Du Tabih Festival

At the beautiful Lake Holon

The view from Bansada Agri-Eco Adventure Park

This one-of-a-kind experience was curated by the Tourism Promotions Board or TPB’s Domestic Tourism Invitational Program. Our travels took us to South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City, all parts of SOCCSKSARGEN, or SOX, in Mindanao.

General Santos City

Our tour began in General Santos City at the iconic Heneral Santos Plaza, a two-hectare landmark featuring the General Paulino Santos Shrine, which holds the remains of the city’s namesake and his wife. The plaza also showcases the historic Dadiangas tree and a memorial dedicated to fishermen lost during Typhoon Pablo. It also has a monument with Andres Bonifacio’s poem Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa in Baybayin script.

We stayed at Greenleaf Hotel, the only 4-star hotel in General Santos City, where we enjoyed a convenient location near a shopping mall and the added perk of its own spa.

The next day, we visited the bustling General Santos City Tuna Market. As the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” GenSan’s fish port comes alive each morning, which showcases the thriving tuna industry that drives both local and international markets.

South Cotabato

Our South Cotabato adventure began at the first Blaan Du Tabih Festival in Sitio Amgu-o, Barangay Landan, Polomolok. This festival celebrates the tabih, an intricately handwoven cloth of the Blaan people, created using natural dyes from endemic plants. 

Before we left, we made a brief visit to the Fu Yabing showroom and weaving center, which now proudly markets under the brand name FUYA, as well as its homestay and Fu Yabing's grave.

From Polomolok, we proceeded to T’boli to visit the Lemsnolon Cultural Village. Here, we dined on traditional fare, donned T’boli attire, and enjoyed cultural performances. The village also offers homestays and traditional crafts, making it an ideal spot for cultural immersion.

The Lemsnolon Cultural Village is one of the many recipients of TPB's assistance.

One of the unforgettable highlights of this SOX tour was the hike to Lake Holon. Initially, I hadn’t signed up for the climb, but I’m grateful I changed my mind. The journey to the lake was both physically invigorating and spiritually rewarding, with breathtaking views.

Part of Salacafe trail to Lake Holon

Lake Holon, often regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the country, offered more than just a serene escape. It was a window into the rich culture of the T’boli people, whose stories and traditions are deeply intertwined with this sacred lake. Spending the night at camp by its shores was an experience unlike any other.

Cultural presentation at Lake Holon's campsite

No visit to SOX would be complete without exploring the Land of the Dreamweavers and the Home of the Living Treasures. 

Our journey began with a cultural gem: the School of Living Traditions, established by T’boli cultural advocate Maria Todi. This institution is dedicated to preserving the tribe’s heritage through native songs, dances, and practices, including the iconic T’nalak weaving. After enjoying a hearty lunch accompanied by captivating cultural performances, we immersed ourselves further in their timeless traditions with a visit to the T’nalak Gallery.

Another unforgettable moment was partly fulfilling my dream of meeting all the National Living Treasures, or Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. I had the honor of meeting Bundos Fara, a GAMABA awardee celebrated for his dedication to preserving the brass-casting tradition (temwel).

We spent our first night at Dreamweavers Hill, a scenic and comfortable accommodation that exceeded my expectations with its beautifully landscaped spaces, stunning lake views, and well-appointed villas.

On our second day in Lake Sebu, I was thrilled to meet another GAMABA awardee, Barbara Ofong, who continues the legacy of T’nalak weaving. It was a happy and inspiring moment to see her passion for preserving this beautiful tradition.

I also tried the trending lotus flower shoot at Lake Sebu. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I eagerly followed our tour guide's instructions and posed in traditional T'boli attire while riding an owong (dugout canoe).

Following this, we dined while cruising Lake Sebu aboard a boat from Punta Isla Resort. The meal was accompanied by another cultural presentation.

I also experienced the Seven Falls Zipline again, one of Asia’s tallest. Stretching 740 and 420 meters across two lines, the zipline offers breathtaking views of the falls and lush landscapes below.

Our final stops were the T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub and the Lang Dulay Weaving Center. The T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub is a space dedicated to fostering a love for reading among T’boli children and young adults while encouraging an appreciation for their cultural heritage.  At the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, family members of Lang Dulay, another GAMABA awardee, continue her weaving tradition. 

The only remaining T’nalak woven by Lang Dulay with her family, bearing her signature.

Sultan Kudarat

From South Cotabato, we ventured to Sultan Kudarat, another province to tick off my list.

We visited the Bansada Agri-Eco Adventure Park in Titulok, Bagumbayan. This hilltop attraction features a cable car, a café, and picturesque views. 

Afterward, we dropped by the provincial capitol, followed by the Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City, a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. Although the herons and egrets were elusive, the sanctuary’s conservation efforts left a lasting impression.

For dinner, we went to SG Farm in Tupi, nestled at the foot of Mt. Matutum. Unfortunately, it was already dark, but we got to see some of the amenities it offers.

Leaving SOX

Our final evening was spent at The Farm at Cabinet Hill in Koronadal City, a charming garden resort with beautifully landscaped surroundings. Before leaving Koronadal, also known as Marbel, we made sure to savor its renowned halo-halo, served in coconut shells.

We returned to General Santos City after for some last-minute pasalubong shopping, a quintessential Filipino tradition, before flying back home. 

This 7-day journey through SOCCSKSARGEN was the ultimate celebration of culture, adventure, and nature.

A heartfelt thank you to the Tourism Promotions Board for making these experiences possible. Many of these treasures would have remained undiscovered without their efforts, and I hope more Filipinos get the chance to explore and appreciate SOX as I did.

Seventeen years on, the thrill of returning to the trails never wanes.

For our 17th anniversary outreach, we decided to go back to Sitio Polis in Barangay Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet. This was our fifth outreach to this remote community, continuing the bonds we first formed in 2010 and strengthened over subsequent visits in 2012 and 2017, as well as through our pandemic aid in 2020.

It felt like coming home. This year’s outreach held even greater significance as it was also our Christmas celebration in the mountains.

Before trekking to Polis, we stopped by Kibungan Central School, another recipient of our aid during the pandemic. It was our first visit to the school. We held a simple gift-giving ceremony, with presents coming from ninongs and ninangs who fulfilled the kids’ Christmas wishes based on letters sent a month earlier. After the program, we shared lunch with the community and some members from Sitio Polis who would later help us haul our donations through the mountains.

After Kibungan Central School, we began our hike to Sitio Polis. The start of our journey was a mix of nostalgia and discovery, with familiar faces greeting us. Seeing former students, now young adults, step forward to help us carry donations was profoundly moving. The path itself held memories: the familiar long staircases we had to descend, the long hanging bridge we crossed, and the mountain trail leading to Polis. The trek was as tough as ever, with steep trails that tested our endurance. Yet, it was even more beautiful, with blooming flowers and newly installed handrails making the journey safer.

In Polis, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality. Hot cups of lemongrass tea and rice cakes awaited us — a thoughtful gesture that made us feel at home once again. 

Despite being tired from the overnight journey from Manila to Baguio, the long jeepney ride to Kibungan, facilitating morning activities at Kibungan Central School, and the exhausting trek to Polis, our team still found the energy to embrace the tasks ahead with enthusiasm.

Our dental mission team promptly began providing their much-needed services, while other volunteers prepared for the turnover program with unwavering dedication and energy.

The next day, shortly after breakfast shared with the community, we gathered the kids and fitted them with new TREK shirts, jogging pants, and shoes. Once everyone was ready, having completed their dental checkups, we assembled for a short program. We began with a prayer, including a moment of silence for our departed volunteer, Busi, whose last project was providing pandemic aid to Polis Barrio School and Kibungan Central School.

We then proceeded with the distribution of gifts for the kids. Once again, we had our TREK X Conquer backpacks for each child, part of our ongoing collaboration with Conquer Outdoor Equipment. Through this initiative, our group sold backpacks to volunteers, friends, and families, and for every backpack sold, one was donated. Fortunately, we sold enough to provide for all the children of Sitio Polis.

Each backpack was packed with school supplies. In addition, we distributed new umbrellas, hygiene kits, and loot bags to each child. For each household, we provided grocery packs. As requested by the teachers, we also gave the school sleeping mats, sports equipment, mirrors, and more school supplies.

Seeing the children’s smiles as they opened their backpacks and the gratitude of the parents as they received their grocery packs reminded us of the true spirit of the season. It was a moment of simple yet profound happiness, one that left all of us feeling grateful and fulfilled.

This mission was particularly special for me as it coincided with my 50th birthday. Celebrating this milestone in the mountains, surrounded by co-volunteers and the community we have come to love, was a gift beyond measure.

Our volunteers managed to surprise me with a second birthday celebration at Sitio Polis, complete with cakes and balloons. I was amazed at how they carried the cake up the challenging trail without a scratch. The first celebration had been at Kibungan Central School.

Another highlight was reuniting with Dempsey, a boy we first met in 2010 who inspired the design of that year’s TREK shirt. Now a young man and a farmer, Dempsey has become more than just a celebrity among us TREK volunteers. He is a hero to his community and a source of pride for the entire country.

Dempsey's mother, the president of the Parents and Teachers Association, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the community. The program concluded with a touching song performed by the teachers and parents, dedicated to us.

As we began our journey back, our physical burdens were lighter, but our hearts were full. The scenic beauty of the mountains, coupled with the knowledge that we had made a positive impact, filled us with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.

Seventeen years is a long time, but our journey is far from over. The trails we walk may be rugged and challenging, but they are also filled with moments of joy, connection, and purpose. Here’s to many more years of empowering kids and transforming lives, one step at a time.