Top 30 Favorite Spots in the Philippines: 9.Lake Sebu

Tucked in the mountains of South Cotabato, the town of  Lake Sebu has all that it takes to be called the ultimate travel destination -- cold breeze, fresh foods, majestic waterfalls, glassy lake water, warm people, and well-preserved traditions . It is a one-stop place for those in search for a relaxing, cultural, and an adventure-filled travel.

I immensely enjoyed my stay and profoundly learned to appreciate the quiet and laid-back life of the people there. The trip was highlighted by our lunch overlooking the placid lake, meeting Lang Dulay (a National Living Treasure and dreamweaver of T'boli's famous cloth T'nalak), and the thrilling zip line ride to the Seven Waterfalls (saved us an arduous trek without missing the breathtaking view).

About two hours away from General Santos City, Lake Sebu is a destination worth-visiting. You may brush off your fears regarding security issues as this is one of the most peaceful places in Mindanao that I've been to. The local people are friendly and accustomed to visitors, thus going around is not a problem.

Visit my posts about Lake Sebu here.

One of the Seven Waterfalls at Lake Sebu

Mindanao Roundup (Lake Sebu, South Cotabato): T'nalak Weaving and Lang Dulay's Legacy

It was a day before her 89th birthday, but the mood in that sunlit and simple hut where we met her was far from festive. There were only faint conversations in the vernacular T'boli being translated to us by her granddaughters because she could not speak Tagalog. Sitting comfortably in that old rattan chair, she looked every inch a master. Donned in a beautiful T'boli costume, which is by the way her usual attire with or without visitors, I felt very honored to be in the presence of this amazing woman, the legendary dream weaver, Lang Dulay.

Me with Lang Dulay at her weaving school in Lake Sebu

A recipient of Gawad sa Manlilikha sa Bayan Award and declared a National Living Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 1998, Lang Dulay was recognized for her excellent craftsmanship in weaving the prized T'nalak or the traditional T'boli cloth.

Mindanao Roundup (South Cotabato): Placid and Picturesque Lake Sebu

The wisp of the cold breeze did not escape me the moment the non-airconditioned van trailed the well-paved and uphill road dotted with nipa houses, corn plantation and  forested hills. I was enjoying the green scenery outside my window, and as soon as the sight of the lake came to view, my excitement started to swell. I instantly knew we have finally reached our destination -- the dreamy town of Lake Sebu.

The verdant mountains mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Sebu

We were dropped off at the poblacion where a number of habal-habal drivers wait for passengers. In that early Friday morning of August, it seemed like Anchi and I were the only tourists amidst the busy mass of people going about with their daily grind-- children in their school uniform, brimming commuters and some busy vendors.

As we were taking the roads from the town proper to Punta Isla Lake Resort, we passed by some stands selling tilapia, a common agricultural product from the lake. There are also a number of guesthouses and resorts near the lake and most serve food, mainly fried fish.