Exploring Lake Sebu’s Heritage and Natural Wonders

If there’s one word that perfectly encapsulates my experience on Day 4 of the Marketing Enhancement Program (MEP) organized by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), it’s undeniably adventurous. But adventure, as I discovered, isn’t just about scaling heights or plunging into depths; it’s also about diving deep into vibrant cultures and uncovering hidden gems that stir the soul. This particular day was a magnificent tapestry woven with threads of cultural immersion, a serene lake cruise, and genuine thrills that truly swept me off my feet – sometimes quite literally, as you’ll soon find out!

My journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Mindanao, specifically the Davao to Soccsksargen region, offered a story so rich, so full of life, that it will forever be etched in my memory. And today, we’re focusing on the heart of it all: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato – often revered as the Land of Dream Weavers. Are you ready to step into a world where ancient traditions meet thrilling escapades? Let’s go!

Before we embark on this day’s incredible narrative, why not catch up on the previous chapters of our epic trip? Explore what we’ve discovered so far:

• 24 Hours in Davao City: A Day of Culture, Cuisine, and Scenic Views | Atom Pornel
• Brewing Memories: Chocolate, Coffee, and Cultural Discoveries in Davao City & Davao del Sur | Atom Pornel
• Cultural Threads: Tracing Traditions from Davao del Sur to South Cotabato | Atom Pornel

Cultural Immersion: Weaving Stories, Preserving Legacies

After a hearty breakfast, our group wasted no time in heading straight into the vibrant heart of T’boli culture. We were about to witness living traditions that have been passed down through generations, each stitch and every beat telling a profound story.

Kesesonom Weaving Center: Witnessing a Master’s Craft

Our first stop was the revered Kesesonom Weaving Center in Sitio Tablo, Brgy. Lamdalag. Imagine stepping into a space where the very air hums with history and artistry. This center is lovingly managed by Barbara Ofong, a name that resonates with profound respect in the world of indigenous Philippine arts. She is the second T’boli master weaver to be recognized as a National Living Treasure, an honor bestowed upon her in 2023 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a Manlilikha ng Bayan. Her unparalleled skill and dedication to preserving and promoting T’nalak weaving are simply awe-inspiring.

While Bo’i Barbara (as she is respectfully known) may not be fluent in Tagalog, the immersive experience, coupled with the insightful interpretation of Sir Michael Yambok, transcended any language barrier. We watched, mesmerized, as she demonstrated the intricate process of creating the T’nalak, a sacred cloth woven from abaca fibers. Have you ever seen something you’ve only read about or watched on screen come to life right before your eyes? That’s exactly how I felt. Seeing the actual process up close, feeling the texture of her masterpieces—each one refined, clearly crafted with immense time, care, and heart—sent goosebumps down my arms. It was truly a sight to behold, a living testament to human ingenuity and spiritual connection.

As if the weaving demonstration wasn’t enough, we were treated to a captivating dance performance by young T’boli children. Their graceful movements, steeped in tradition, beautifully underlined the community’s dedication to keeping their heritage alive and thriving.

T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub: Nurturing Young Minds

Our cultural journey continued to the T’boli Community Library and Culture Hub, nestled in Upper Kawig, Brgy. Poblacion. We were greeted with warm smiles and a simple yet delightful merienda of boiled saging na saba (cooking bananas) and kamote (sweet potatoes) – a much-needed, comforting break in our eventful morning. It’s these small, authentic gestures that truly make a travel experience unforgettable, isn’t it?

This heartwarming hub, established and inaugurated in 2021 by the passionate teacher and cultural worker Michael Angelo Yambook, is a marvel of community spirit. Built with a blend of concrete, wood, and bamboo, its design pays homage to the traditional T’boli house, making it feel like an extension of the community itself. Today, this two-story sanctuary houses thousands of books, generously donated by supporters from across the globe, serving as a beacon of knowledge for T’boli children and the wider community.

During our visit, the TPB demonstrated its commitment to sustainable tourism development by donating a printer, an essential tool to support the library’s daily operations. This gesture further solidified the understanding that tourism can, and should, contribute directly to the well-being of the communities we visit.

For those of you with generous hearts, the library warmly welcomes contributions of books and school supplies for the T’boli children. If you’re inspired to support this wonderful initiative, you can reach out via email at [email protected]. Every little bit truly helps nurture the dreams of these young learners.

Lang Dulay T’nalak Weaving Center: A Legacy Continues

From the community library, we ventured to another significant weaving center, this one bearing the name of the late Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee and T’nalak master weaver, Lang Dulay. Located in Sitio T’bong, Brgy. Lamdalag, the center has evolved into a more permanent concrete structure, a testament to the enduring legacy of Lang Dulay. Yet, its design faithfully preserves the essence of a traditional T’boli home, ensuring its authenticity remains intact.

The ground floor functions as a shop, offering exquisite T’nalak pieces, while the second floor is dedicated to the weaving area – where the painstaking, magical process of T’nalak creation unfolds. Young T’boli children, vibrant in their traditional attire, greeted us with a dance, a heartfelt expression of their warm hospitality. It was incredibly touching to witness how this community actively preserves its unique intangible culture, passing down these precious traditions to the younger generation, ensuring they echo through time.

We were then introduced to master weaver Sebulan Dulay, who now leads the weaving center. Historically, T’boli traditions dictate that only women are allowed to weave T’nalak, with knowledge meticulously passed from mother to daughter. This ensures the art and its spiritual significance are kept alive across generations. However, Lang Dulay, not blessed with a daughter, chose to pass on her profound weaving knowledge to her sister-in-law, Sebulan Dulay, who had served as her dedicated assistant and apprentice. When Lang Dulay passed away, Sebulan was entrusted with the sacred responsibility of continuing this vital T’nalak weaving tradition within their community. What a powerful testament to adaptation and dedication!

They also meticulously demonstrated the entire process of making T’nalak, from the gathering of abaca fibers, their intricate preparation and drying, natural dyeing, and the meditative act of weaving, all the way to burnishing the finished textile with a cowrie shell to achieve its signature sheen. It was a brief crash course, yes, but one I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone eager to delve deeper into T’boli culture and the profound art of T’nalak weaving. It’s more than just cloth; it’s a living dream.

100 T’nalak Gallery: A Canvas of Heritage

Just when I thought our T’nalak immersion couldn’t get any more profound, we made a delightful detour to the 100 T’nalak Gallery, conveniently located near the Lang Dulay Center. This was truly a T’nalak-overload kind of day – fun, insightful, and utterly unforgettable!

The owner, Sir Reden Ulo, welcomed us warmly into his gallery, a treasure trove showcasing a vast collection of Lake Sebu’s precious textiles. Each piece was stunning, a testament to generations of skilled hands and vibrant imaginations. “This is for the whole community,” he shared during our tour, revealing the beautiful purpose behind his extensive collection. He explained that his goal is to ensure the local community can continue to see T’nalak masterpieces from various generations of weavers. It also provides tourists and visitors an invaluable opportunity to appreciate these magnificent textiles when they visit Lake Sebu.

“As you see, the T’nalak pieces are usually bought by buyers here in Lake Sebu. But I’m trying to save some… at least they can still sell, but something is left behind for the community. That’s the goal of this [T’nalak Gallery],” he explained. That makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Imagine, if owning a single piece of T’nalak is already a treasure, then having hundreds is nothing short of a cultural legacy, a living museum preserving the soul of a people. For anyone looking to truly appreciate the depth of T’boli artistry, this gallery is an absolute must-see. I can honestly say it was one of the major highlights of my visit to South Cotabato.

Cooperative of Women in Health and Development (COWHED): Empowering Artisans

To walk off our satisfying lunch and wait for a brief rain shower to pass, we headed to COWHED, just a short walk from Punta Isla and right next to our resort. COWHED stands for the Cooperative of Women in Health and Development, and it serves as a vital hub where T’boli artisans, predominantly women, sell their exquisite products. Here, you’ll find an array of woven fabrics, traditional clothing, intricate beadwork, and so much more.

The moment we stepped inside, it felt like walking into a vibrant, living museum. Yes, another museum moment, after our profound immersions at the Kesesonom Weaving Center, the Lang Dulay Weaving Center, and the 100 T’nalak Gallery! At that point, my mind could only exclaim: “Wow, grabe!” (an emphatic Filipino expression of awe). It’s fascinating how one region can hold so much concentrated beauty and heritage.

(Fun fact: Did you know COWHED was one of the places visited by Catriona Gray and her team when she shot video materials for the Miss Universe competition back in 2018? Talk about being in famous footsteps!)

Thanks to COWHED, T’boli women, especially mothers, are given invaluable opportunities to earn a sustainable income and support their families. It’s a powerful example of community-based tourism directly benefiting local livelihoods. So, for those seeking authentic T’boli crafts, unique souvenirs, and meaningful pasalubongs (take-home gifts), this is absolutely the best place to be. Your purchase directly supports these talented artisans and their families.

Adventure Awaits: Thrills and Breathtaking Views

After immersing ourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the T’boli people, it was time to embrace the adventurous side of Lake Sebu. This region isn’t just about ancient crafts; it’s also a playground for nature lovers and thrill-seekers!

Lake Cruise and Culinary Delights at Lake Sebu

With all the incredible places we’d visited that morning, I barely noticed it was already lunchtime. Time truly does fly when your mind is deeply immersed in something you’re passionate about! For our midday meal, we headed to Punta Isla, a charming lake resort in Lake Sebu that offers a truly unique cruise experience. I mean, lakas maka-sosyal! Who wouldn’t want to dine while gliding across a beautiful lake?

I honestly never imagined I’d get to experience something quite like this: a lake cruise complete with a delicious, catered lunch. And really, who am I to say no to an experience that promises both culinary and scenic delights? I can confidently say this trip was a feast for all the senses. Why? Because beyond the stunning and incredibly relaxing views that stretched out before us, the food they served was absolutely delicious. It was a true delight, not just for the eyes, but for the stomach and taste buds as well!

And, as any good cultural immersion would dictate, our lake cruise featured a delightful cultural show! Our talented food servers simply changed into traditional T’boli attire, and voilà—an instant performance unfolded before our eyes, adding another layer of authenticity to our experience. So, for anyone planning a trip to Lake Sebu, make sure to include their lake cruise in your itinerary. It’s absolutely worth it – and truly one-of-a-kind. Sulit! (It’s worth it!)

Seven Falls Zipline: Soaring Over Nature’s Masterpiece

After our short yet enlightening visit to COWHED, which conveniently happened to be right behind our resort, we ventured to the famous Seven Falls of Lake Sebu, ready for an adrenaline rush on their renowned zipline. Upon arrival, the sheer beauty of the place left me speechless. It felt both familiar and yet utterly new, a lush canvas of vibrant green vegetation that stole my breath away. My heart pounded with giddy excitement as I caught sight of one of the massive waterfalls – one of the magnificent seven – majestically cascading in the distance. It was truly a postcard-perfect scene.

(Another fun fact for you: Yes, Catriona Gray and her team also filmed here for her audio and video materials during the Miss Universe 2018 competition. It seems Lake Sebu truly is a queen’s choice!)

After snapping a few photos near the majestic waterfall, it was time to face our fears – or at least, my fears – as we lined up for the zipline. Our guides proudly announced that it’s the highest zipline in Southeast Asia. With that fact alone, who wouldn’t feel a tremor of nerves? I know I did! Sinong hindi kakabahan? Hahaha!

I was fifth in line, but since those ahead weren’t quite ready, they asked me to go first. Talk about pressure! It was a chaotic mix of pure excitement and genuine anxiety. Good thing Miko, one of the vloggers on the trip, was there to accompany me. While I was trying to calm myself, I could tell he was just as nervous – it showed all over his face! Haha!

To cut a long story short – we conquered our nerves. Not just once, but twice! Sumakses, kumbaga! It was absolutely nerve-wracking at first; we ended up screaming our lungs out, a primal release of exhilarating fear. But halfway through, something shifted. We calmed down, our screams turned to hushed gasps of awe, and we just soaked in the breathtaking view below. On the way back – still via zipline, mind you – we rode in total silence, quietly scanning the verdant expanse to spot the other hidden waterfalls. I’d describe that experience as both liberating and totally worth it! Plus, I got to see four out of the seven waterfalls from a unique aerial perspective. It’s definitely something I’d love to do again, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone brave enough and truly up for an unforgettable adventure. Are you?

Brass and Soul: The Artistry of Bundos Fara

Our adventure-packed day wasn’t quite over. Just a few minutes’ drive from the zipline, easily accessible along the highway, lies the workshop of master metalworker and National Living Treasure Bundos Fara. Stepping into his creative space, you can feel the echoes of centuries-old craftsmanship.

Bundos Fara’s Workshop: Echoes of Temwel

I had the distinct privilege of interviewing this proud T’boli artisan, who has been passionately dedicated to his craft since the tender age of 8. (He just turned 60 last March 21, a testament to his lifelong commitment!) He shared that while his designs are often given by his customers, he also creates traditional designs straight from his own imagination. “Depende sa tao. Halimbawa sa akin, kahit anong klaseng disenyo—kung anong gusto ko, ’yon ang gagawin ko. Galing sa isip ko (It depends on the person. For me, any kind of design—whatever I want, that’s what I create. It all comes from my mind),” he revealed with a humble smile.

A true master of “Temwel,” the traditional T’boli art of brass casting, Bundos Fara has poured nearly his entire life into this intricate craft. In 2023, he received the well-deserved recognition as a Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure). This honor comes with crucial financial assistance, helping him sustain and, most importantly, pass on his extraordinary artistry to future generations. “Malaking tulong [ang recognition]. Noong pagka-start ko—ako bilang third generation—medyo mahirap kung maghanap ng materials, mga financer, kasi walang suporta. Ngayon, kahit papaano, mas maganda (The recognition is a big help. When I was starting—as the third generation in my family—it was difficult to find materials and financial support because there was no help. Now, things are better),” he shared, expressing deep gratitude for the support he now receives.

“Maraming salamat sa tulong ng Tourism, sa DTI, taga-province, at taga-NCCA. Maraming salamat sa tulong nila sa akin (I’m truly thankful for the help from the Department of Tourism, DTI, the provincial government, and the NCCA. Their support means a lot to me),” Fara added, his words carrying the weight of years of perseverance. A father of seven, he proudly shared that all four of his sons have now learned the ancient art of brass casting. “Lahat ’yong apat marurunong (All four of them know the craft),” he beamed with fatherly pride. This is truly the essence of heritage preservation: family. One of his sons, Jefferson, added that students now visit their workshop, as brass casting has even been included in the curriculum of a nearby school! “Meron ng subject na brass casting. Pumupunta po sila dito nagre-research kung ano ba ’yong brass casting (There’s already a subject on brass casting. They come here to do research and learn what it’s all about),” Jefferson shared. This development is a profoundly promising sign that the T’boli tradition of brass casting will continue to thrive, carried forward by younger generations eager to learn and preserve the craft.

I also couldn’t resist asking where they sourced their metallic materials. “Sa junk shop (From junk shops),” he simply replied, a hint of resourcefulness in his voice. This revelation was a pleasant surprise! By recycling old metal into intricate art pieces, the Fara family not only preserves a vital cultural tradition but also breathes new life into discarded materials – transforming scrap into heritage. It’s a beautiful metaphor for life itself, isn’t it?

Reflections and Future Journeys

As the sun began its descent, we enjoyed a late merienda of pancit and refreshing fruit shakes at a nearby restaurant. Unfortunately, my phone was charging in the van, so I missed capturing photos or videos. Yet, it was a profoundly meaningful moment as we shared stories about our day – especially the exhilarating zipline adventure – and reflected on the bittersweet fact that it was our last full day in Lake Sebu. Have you ever had a day so packed with experiences that you wished time could stand still?

By 7 PM, we were back at the hotel restaurant for dinner, savoring the flavors of South Cotabato. The standout dish of the evening? A dessert unlike anything I’d ever tried before: vibrant blue ternatea (butterfly pea flower) ice cream, surprisingly topped with crispy tilapia flakes. It was rich, subtly floral, and unexpectedly, wonderfully good! Judging by everyone’s delighted reactions, I certainly wasn’t the only one pleasantly surprised. Two thumbs up for this unusually delicious ice cream dessert – a true culinary adventure to cap off an adventurous day.

Our journey through the Philippines’ rich cultural tapestry and thrilling landscapes continues! Stay tuned for Day 5 of our Community-Based Tourism (CBT) adventure, featuring last-minute discoveries in Lake Sebu and our journey to the not-so-nearby town of Tupi, as well as the bustling General Santos City. Catch it soon here on GoodNewsPilipinas.com!