GenSan: Booming city of Mindanao

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) — The southernmost tip city of the Philippines is endowed with modern amenities and friendly Old World Charm. Believe it or not, its very attraction is the people.

The city is not a melting pot because it brews and the outcome is a blend of cultures that is no doubt united.

GenSan, as it is popularly known, is the capital of South Cotabato and offers a delightful mix of cultures that results into a wondrous charm that is a class all of its own. Formerly under Region XI, it is now under the administration of Region XII Tourism director Sohura Dimaampao.

The year 1939 was marked when the Christian pioneers, led by General Paulino Santos, first set foot in its rich soil. Embraced by the inherent cultural and tribal hospitality of the settlers, the pioneers opened its doorway to a multitude of Filipinos for every side of the islands.

Also on that year, the late President Manuel L. Quezon conceived the opening of the valleys of Koronadal and Allah to the landless people in Luzon. Soon, 30 officials and 69 settlers had carved out a Christian community they called “Dadiangas” after the thorny shrub in the vicinity and then renamed it “Buayan” after the crocodile-infested river near the city.

To explore the beauty of the city, this writer together with fellow journalists – Chariez Parra of DZMM, Michael Tan of What’s On accompanied by Judy Aguilar of DoT-OSEC and Dang Ting, executive assistant of Atty. Tom Falgui, hied off in time to explore the beauty of the city.

GenSan presents its visitors with a cuisine range that is exciting as its culture. Dining establishments around town can satisfy one’s palate and cravings for Filipino, Asian, Western, and Mindanaoan food treats.

GenSan’s seafood is fresh from the catch and the agricultural products have fitted perfectly well in the sumptuous menus of GenSan’s numerous food outlets and restaurants.

Must-eats include the local food celebrities “Tuna” and “Opah” (Dayana), two of the best sellers which are served as “kinilaw” (fresh cuts in vinegar, ginger, shallots, cucumber and pepper) and “sinugba” (charcoal-broiled in special sauce).

The area’s asparagus rates high in the world’s culinary market and the homegrown Australian beef is a fast-selling commodity.

From GenSan, we went to Lake Sebu of Surallah, South Cotabato. Here, we met the T’boli people. A non-Muslim ethnic tribe, it is among the most highly-costumed and colorful.

The “T’boli” are admitted for the wealth of their crafts, elaborate ethnic costumes and vivacious dance and music. They create an unusual tie-dyed cloth called “Tinalak” from abaca and use this for blankets and ceremonial dress. The intricate process includes dyeing the loose bark fibers from the abaca plant using vegetable or natural stains. Then they painstakingly weave-in fine designs on backstrip looms.

The T’boli are also noted for their body ornamentation and beadwork. T’boli brasswork using the ancient process of wax molds find their way into popular figure statuary, into heavy belts and chains and into noisy round anklets worn by the much beaded and embroidery-bedecked woman.

The T’boli tribes live within the 365-hectare sprawl of the Lake Sebu area. Rolling hills and mountains, some reaching 900 feet above sea level surround the area. A fall coming from the lake irrigates Allah Valley, giant tilapias are cultured in the fish pens.

Also located here are seven waterfalls. The falls are frequented by the natives as well as students and local tourists. Other waterfall sites are in Koronadal, Gian, Kiamba and Malungan towns.

Situated in a T’boli municipality, Lake Maughan is the source of fine, big rivers, including Allah River. It is part of the approximated 50,000-hectare area proposed to be the Provincial Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary.

[ Lake Sebu Wiki ]