Tawi-Tawi

Tawi-Tawi
Date: March 11-14, 2016

A trip to the southern most tip of the Philippines requires great attention to details, from timeline down to security.  One of the major concern and common question from the people who were informed about our trip to Tawi-Tawi was the "security."  Which is quite understandable, considering that it is situates near the islands of Jolo, Sulu and Basilan, and even nearer to Sabang, Malaysia.  However, upon our arrival in the province, we knew already that "security" is at the least of concern, you can easily forget about being kidnap and worry on how much weight you are about to gain from having fresh sea foods and sumptuous delicacies.

The trip to Tawi-Tawi was officially set in time for inauguration of the first "Women's Peace Center" in the municipality of Panglima Sugala, 45 minutes ride from Bongao, and the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of WCPU in the province. So it was quite official, alright!

Nonetheless, our team are not duty bound not to enjoy the place where "peace" is possible, no matter how laid back, you'll be surprised by how a simple environment could bring so much meaning to the lives of 387,000 Tawi-Tawinians.

Hut by the sea.

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (Part 3): Dream Trip

Place: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Date: February 23-27,2015
Unraveling the rich culture of T’boli and conquering an exhilarating adventure in and around Lake Sebu. (Part 3)

The best and easiest way to see the 5 waterfalls is through the 740 meter zipline ride.

Another thing that you must see is the Seven Waterfalls located in Baranggay Siloton, it housed the unbeatable ride on the longest and highest zipline.  This means crossing across and above the magnificent 7 falls zipped in a highly secured line, be ready to rock your lungs out for less than a minute.

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato (Part 1): Dream Trip

Unraveling the rich culture of T’boli and conquering an exhilarating adventure in and around Lake Sebu. (Part 1)

Lake Sebu is not just lake, but the name of the town.  It is one of the municipalities in the province of South Cotabato, and known as the summer capital of the province because of its temperature that is comparable to Tagaytay City in Luzon. The town is surrounded with placid lakes, hills and mountains with thick rain forest, which is known to be home to the indigenous people; T’boli’s, Tirurays, Ubos, and Manobos.  

Tale of three lakes

Lake Sebu is surrounded by three lakes:

1. Lake Lahit - is the smaller of the three lakes with a scope of 24 hectares.

2. Lake Sohoton - is the deepest of the three, which covers 48 hectares.

3. Lake Sebu - perhaps the most popular and largest of the three, measuring 354 hectares.

According to the locals, the deepest part of the lake that was explored by American divers is at maximum of 60 meters.  Much of its part is too dangerous to explore because it is said to be too dark and it characterizes a mountain like terrain with dense trees and logs.