The name Koronadal alone conjures the image of a crown, and true
enough being South Cotabatos capital, it is the crowning glory of the
exotic, eclectic province. It is the center of all major fetes and
festivities, the business mecca, the melting pot of modern nomads from
around the world, and the site of the must-experience Mambucal
Sulfur Springs.
Visiting South Cotabato, situated at the southern part of Mindanao, one can
always be sure of the welcoming, hospitable spirit of the true Pinoy. Case in
point is my recent trip to the province for its 33rd anniversary held last July 18.
My host, Governor Hilario de Pedro III, expressed his pride in his bailiwick,
especially now that more than three decades after, South Cotabato is a
bustling about-to-be-city and one that can boast of its cleanliness and
well-maintained thoroughfares all 3,376 square kilometers of the province.
The economy of South Cotabato is principally agriculture-based and
considered to be the breadbasket of the South, said de Pedro.
At the festivities that celebrated the provinces anniversary, was a music
festival hosted at Koronadal, the town revered by the locals as the booming
sports and entertainment center. According to its affable mayor Vicente R. de
Jesus, this is a first for the province, providing a venue to showcase their rich
throve of talents, in this case its singers and songwriters. The program was
undoubtedly a feast of musical creativity that can proudly compare to the
professionals here in Manila.
Another highlight of the anniversary fete was another first the Miss South
Cotabato held at the provinces main gymnasium and cultural center. Not
surprisingly, the affair drew thousands and being a melting pot, of both
foreigners and Filipinos Ilonggos, Maranaos, Maguindanaos, Cebuanos and
trekkie Manileqos were amazingly represented in the thick crowd. Everyone
cheered for their favorite candidate. Each of the local girls who paraded,
however, were stunning exotic beauties and were all winners. Most of the
contestants represented their own towns. Among those who participated were
the municipalities of Banga, Koronadal, Norala, Palomolok, Santo Niqo,
Surallah, Tupi and Tampakan.
After the pageant, the governor accompanied me to Koronadals newest bar
called Fad, a cozy hangout if only for its relaxing music. While modern bars
like Fad have already arrived in South Cotabato, nature is still the provinces
prime attraction. There is a vast array of sights to visit and enjoy with its
verdant mountains, inactive volcanoes, cool mountain lakes, waterfalls,
springs and caves.
After a few drinks, I was off to the Marvella Plaza, the hotel I was billeted in.
The staff was friendly, the service as pleasant as the simple and comfortable
rooms.
The next day, before joining Day 2 of the festivities, I dropped by the office of
Mayor de Jesus. The man talked about his vision for the town. Clearly, his
leanings are into sports, tourism and entertainment. Hence, his prime goal is
to make Koronadal a town known to sincerely take good care of its
environment to attract tourists. More road-widening projects are in the agenda,
together with the improvements in the drainage system. De Jesus just
recently launched a program called Tahum whose main focus is to make
Koronadal a clean and green destination.
Back to the festivities, the anniversary fete was capped by a street parade not
unlike the Ati-Atihan of Kalibo. It was a feast of colors and ethnic influences
as the different tribes of South Cotabato were represented. It was a
magnificent Mardi Gras althroughout with dancing that kept everyone on their
toes up to the wee hours of the morning.
With its many natural attractions and friendly people, Koronadal is a must. Or
if only for those tired urban jungle warriors wanting to escape from the dust
and noise of Manila, Koronadal is the place to be.
Its easy-travel as well. Taking the Cebu Pacific from Manila, I got to Davao
City in a short hour and a half, a length of time I hardly noticed because of the
very congenial staff clad in their La Pagayo uniforms. From Davao, its a
smooth ride of four hours to Koronadal, the heart and crowning glory of South
Cotabato.
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