I have wanted to visit this place for the longest time. I even attempted to go there alone last year. My friend’s stories about this placid lake in the Allah Valley of South Cotabato and its cultural group, the T’bolis, piqued my interest. There was also the movie K’Na, about a T’boli woman who became a dreamweaver. On top of that, I wanted to meet L’ang Dulay, a T’boli artist honored with the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award in 1998 for her exceptional t’nalak creations.
So, when Izah Morales of Explore8 posted early this year about their planned SOCSARGEN tour, I immediately decided to join. It was my first time joining Explore8, or any local tour agency, and it was a really pleasant experience. I got to see Lake Sebu, meet Be L'ang Dulay, and buy myself a T'nalak. Plus, I also experienced a lot more about this soulful region.
T’boli Museum
We arrived mid-morning after a two-hour trip from General Santos City, where I met the rest of the group. We all took the early morning flight from Manila to General Santos City and had breakfast at Mt. Sabrina Resort, where Izah conducted her briefing for all her guests.
Our first stop in South Cotabato was the T’boli Museum, which was set up by former Lake Sebu Vice Mayor Bao Ba-ayto to preserve and showcase T’boli culture.
It was my first time stepping inside a T’boli house, and I really liked the layout. The sides are elevated, and the lower central space is perfect for activities, like weaving. The windows open outward and serve as shelves or hanging-out places during the day.
Memorabilia and artifacts are displayed at the museum. After an introduction to T’boli heritage, we were treated to traditional music and dance.
Punta Isla Resort
The street where the museum is located leads to our hotel, so that was where we proceeded next. That was where I had my first sight of Lake Sebu, and it was as beautiful as I expected.
The last performance was the most fascinating, with the lady trying to attract a man by swaying, turning, smiling, winking, and giggling.
Punta Isla proudly calls itself the best in Lake Sebu, and it does offer a spectacular view of the lake. The rooms are modest, so don’t expect white sheets, neatly folded tissue, or fancy scents. However, the hot shower works, and the beds are comfortable enough. They were also very kind to accommodate my request for extra pillows so I could elevate my left leg while sleeping—a thoughtful gesture for my PWD concerns.
We were allowed a few minutes rest then we took off to our next destination – the Seven Falls.
Seven Falls
One of the wonders of Lake Sebu is the Seven Falls. The first one, Hikong Alo, which is pictured below, can be reached via a footpath.
The main tourist drawers, though, are the ziplines, which stretch over four waterfalls -- Hikong Bente, Hikong B'lebed, Hikong Lowig, and Hikong K'foi. The zipline ride is divided into two legs. The first leg is 740 meters long, while the second leg is shorter at 420 meters.
I made the mistake of staring at my phone during the entire duration of the ride as I was shooting a video. But, if I paid attention, I would have seen the rainbow arching over the waterfalls. Anyway, it was still an exhilarating ride.
After the thrills, we relaxed on a cruise of Lake Sebu at Mountain Eco Lake Resort.
Lake Sebu Cruise
It was a perfect afternoon. We were surrounded by the beautiful lake, served local delicacies, and entertained by Y'egas, the chanting queen of Lake Sebu.
The cruise operator provided its own tour guide, who enlightened us about the rich culture of the T'bolis. Following this insightful briefing, Y'egas took the stage, chanting about us, her guests, and then gracing us with traditional dances. Lake Sebu served as the perfect backdrop for this cultural immersion.
After the cruise, we made our way to meet L'ang Dulay.
L'ang Dulay
Sitting in front of L'ang Dulay felt surreal. Even in her quiet demeanor as our guide briefed us about her and her intricate weaves, her presence commanded the room.
L’ang Dulay is a dreamweaver, someone who draws her intricate designs from the realm of dreams. She began her weaving journey at the tender age of 12, and now, at over 90 years old, she continues to pass on this treasured tradition to the younger generation of T’bolis.
School of Living Tradition
As dusk settled in, we bid farewell to L'ang Dulay's residence, the Manlilikha ng Bayan Center. Our final destination for the day unfolded at the School of Living Tradition (SLT), where a delightful dinner awaited, complemented by an enchanting performance of traditional dances by the school's talented students.
While the initial plan was to spend the night here, the unexpected influx of visitors prompted a change. I am reserving that now for future stay.
In an SLT, a cultural specialist imparts traditional skills and techniques to students, preserving the rich heritage of arts and crafts. This particular SLT is overseen by T'boli cultural worker Oyog "Maria" Todi-Arroz.
Lamlifew
Our second day of the Soulful SOCSARGEN Tour commenced with a visit to the first village museum in the Philippines, Lamlifew. Located at Sitio Lamlifew, Malungon, Sarangani Province, it was a three-hour drive from Lake Sebu, passing through the starting point of our tour, General Santos City.
Our itinerary outlined a packed morning, beginning with a museum tour, followed by a cooking demo, and concluding with a visit to the school of the B'laans. Despite the seemingly busy schedule, all these activities were conveniently situated in the small village.
Upon our mid-morning arrival, we were warmly greeted by adorable children performing traditional dances.
The B'laans are renowned for their expertise in brassworks, beadwork, and tabih weaving. Similar to the T'bolis, they adorn themselves in vibrant, embroidered native costumes and intricate beadwork accessories. Notably, the B'laan attire includes charming tassels.
Manilay Ancestral House
Following our visit to Lamlifew, we proceeded to Manny Pacquiao's farm, checked in at Drigg's Pension House to rest, and later enjoyed dinner at Manilay Ancestral House. It was quite intriguing to discover this ancestral house in the heart of the young city.
Purposefully constructed by Mr. and Mrs. Warren Manilay, using ruins from old houses in Laguna and Batangas, the residence served as a home for their expanding antique collection.
Before our evening meal, we were treated to a brief tour of the house. Beyond showcasing vintage cabinets, paintings, and memorabilia, the Ancestral House also housed an impressive collection of vintage vehicles.
GenSan Tuna Port
When thoughts turn to General Santos City, fondly nicknamed GenSan, the iconic images of tuna and Manny Pacquiao quickly come to mind. We immersed ourselves in both experiences on the third day of our tour.
Our first destination was the tuna port, marking my second visit to this bustling location.
It's important to note that this port stands as the Philippines' most modern and extensive facility dedicated to fisheries. Boasting impeccable standards of cleanliness and safety, all visitors are equipped with boots provided by the fish port and are required to pass through a foot bath before entering.
Notre Dame Museum
Moving forward, we continued our journey by passing Pacquiao's stadium and then proceeded to Notre Dame of Dadiangas University's The General Paulino Santos Museum, Inc.
This museum is a treasure trove of memorabilia from General Paulino Santos, the visionary leader who guided the first settlers of General Santos City in 1939. Beyond his legacy, the museum also showcases cultural artifacts and dedicates a section to celebrate the prominent sons and daughters of General Santos City, prominently featuring Congressman Manny Pacquiao
My attention was drawn to the Maitum Jars exhibit, bringing back memories of my time with the Department of Tourism.
The Maitum Anthropomorphic secondary burial jars were unearthed from Ayub Cave in Pinol, Maitum, Saranggani Province in 1991. They were prominently featured in an exhibit sponsored by the Department of Tourism while I was still working there.
MunaTo Festival
Following the museum tour, our next destination was the Sarangani Provincial Capitol, where the highly anticipated MunaTo Festival awaited.

As the afternoon rain poured down, we decided to return to General Santos City for some much-needed rest. Our chosen accommodation for the final night in SOCSARGEN was Saranggani Highlands.
On a Sunday, I concluded my 3-day SOCSARGEN journey with a peaceful mass at the nearby Our Lady of Good Voyage and indulged in a delightful buffet at Sarrangani Highlands. Unfortunately, an ulcer attack prevented me from joining the rest of the group for a nightcap. I had to retire early, as the following day brought an early morning flight.
There you have it. While our brief 3-day trip wasn't sufficient to fully immerse myself in these culturally rich experiences, I was treated to truly captivating glimpses of what makes SOCSARGEN soulful.
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