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Saturday, September 22, 2007

South Cotabato: An afternoon in Lake Sebu

From Sultan Kudarat, we entered South Cotabato. Our main stop for the day was Lake Sebu. The municipality has three lakes including the main Lake Sebu. On the way, we got to see Lake Lahit.

Before proceeding to the restaurant, we checked out the viewpoint of Lake Sebu beside the municipal hall. It was a disappointment since the view was not spectacular since it was blocked by trees. What a waste of PTA money! Guess whose name is painted on the structure? This shameless self-promotion in government is really sick. And next time they select and construct a viewpoint, they should make sure there is a view. Anyway, I didn't let that ruin my afternoon in such a great place.

We passed by a small house converted into a T'boli Museum. Not so many items inside but we got some souvenirs there. We then had a really late lunch in a floating restaurant of the Punta Isla Lake Resort where tilapia was the main course on the menu. There were over a dozen tilapia dishes in fact. The view was serene. Nothing beats eating amidst nature at its finest.

After lunch, we took a pump boat around the lake. We spent PHP350 for the 45-minute boat ride. The area is the ancestral domain of the T'boli minority and we got to see their dwellings and way of life from the boat. There are also several islands in the lake where the T'boli have built their homes.

Sadly, more modern structures are crowding the banks of the lake. It uncontrolled, the lake may lose its charm. In fact, there was a gargantuan church built on top of a hill. I feel that it should at least been blended with its surroundings since it sticks out like a sore thumb.

From Lake Sebu, we went to Koronadal to meet up with our brod Gibby and his wife Shay who live in the the Dole Plantation in Kalsangi, Polomolok where we were going to stay for the next two nights. On the way, we bought more fruits in Tupi.

I took some night shots of Gen San from what they call the highest point in Kalsangi.

14 comments:

  1. Thanks Again Ivan for sharing your latest trip with us. My wife and I are in the middle of a project here on Boracay but as soon as the weather clears we'll be taking a short 10 to 15 day trip. Who knows, maybe it will be in Mindanao. Bill and Lorna of Casa Camilla- Boracay

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  2. Thanks for dropping by. Hope you have fun in Mindanao! :)

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  3. Anonymous5.10.07

    i think they need to put in some small development to make lake sebu a major tourist attraction. anything bigger may damage the beauty of the area.

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  4. That's right. The current development already scared me. They are building this large church on top of a hill which I find out of place. I hope they cover it with trees.

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  5. Anonymous16.2.08

    Nice Blog. Keep on Blogging Mr. Ivan, can't wait for your next post.

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  6. Anonymous23.2.08

    i once worked in lake sebu way back1988 now that i have family wanna take my girls and hubby there..not so sure about security?? is it still safe?/ let me know...

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  7. Anonymous24.3.08

    w0w nice place!! just want to ask sir how mch d accommodation?? lodging/hotels!!! for couples or even family!!! tel me more details!!! just 1 week vocation on that place!!! just mail me junx0071984@yahoo.com just give me some info thanks in advance!!!

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  8. Lake Sebu is safe and tranquil.

    I'm not sure about the cost of accommodations since I didn't stay overnight but you could check with the tourism office of South Cotabato: - (083) 2283447

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  9. Anonymous10.6.08

    Thanks for the nice Picture. Wow, i miss my town so much. Mr.Ivan, hope you can upload some more pictures. :) Lyn Prokopovich

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  10. The best view of the lake is in brgy Tasiman. Lake Sebu has so much more to offer like the 7 falls, Traangkini Falls and the sunrise in Lake Seloton. You should come back there :)

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  11. Yeah, I wanted to visit the falls but the trip was just too short. I'll definitely be back!

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  12. Anonymous26.11.08

    Visited Lake Sebu in 1999. The place is wonderful. The T'boli are a very warm people.

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  13. Been to Lake Sebu with friends. the water is a bit polluted already with overcrowding fish cages. the guide we had CHE CHE is warm, friendly and has lots to say about the place. She said she may be a native T'boli but she is proud to be one. Mabuhay!

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  14. Update: The park in front of the General Santos City Hall just went awesome. Check them out here: http://thedayiscaptured.blogspot.com/2010/01/plaza-heneral-santos-and-more.html

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