TUNA FESTIVAL
General Santos City
September 3-5
About the festival
A celebration of the city’s charter anniversary. Fishing which is 60% of the city’s economy is the essential theme of the festival. Its highlights anchor on the tuna industry being the prime fishing product. Tuna float and street dancing parade are awesome event to watch and also sumptuous tuna to taste during the culinary contest.
How to get there
BY AIR
The city’s international airport can be reached direct from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo or via Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Davao through Mindanao based flights.
BY SEA
Negros Navigation, Aboitiz Superferry and Sulpicio Lines provide the route networking the city to Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga and Davao while Indonesian shipping lines contribute their General Santos-Indonesia route for passenger and cargo traffic.
BY LAND
The city is accessible by land from andy point in Mindanao and the rest of the country.
Kalaja Cave, Nopol Hills, Sansapan Cave Falls and Fish Port Complexes
Have fun at Dole Philippines Inc. owned Kalsangi Gold Course where you can have a breathtaking view of Mt. Matutum, the landmark of SOCKSARGEN Area.
Where to Stay
East Asia Royale Hotel @ (083) 553-4119 / 302-4119
Sydney Hotel @ (083) 552-5479-81
Phela Grande Hotel @ (083) 552-4925 / 4230
Anchor Hotel @ (083) 552-4575 / 301-4660
Hotel Dolores @ (083) 552-4139 / 301-5792
Family Country Hotel and Restaurants @ (083) 552-8895 to 8897
Where to Dine
An array of dine restaurants conveniently located offers a spectacular variety of cuisine from continental to local. The succulent taste of Tuna prepared in a hundred and different ways awaits visitors.
For more information, you may call:
CITY GOVERNMENT OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY
Tel. # (083) 552-7321 / 552-4212
Fax # (083) 554-4212
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
Email:
HALAD SA STO. NINO FESTIVAL
Midsayap, North Cotabato
Every 3rd Saturday of January
About the festival
An annual event honoring Sr. Sto Nino, the patron saint of Midsayap, North Cotabato. Highlilghts of the festival include street dancing competition, carnival and cultural shows, religious processions, agro-trade fair, motocross/ cycling competition and civic parade.
Halad has carved a name of its own as it won several national competition as Champion, namely: Sinanto Nino Festival, Manila in 1997, Aliwan Best of Festivals, Manila in April 2003 and Aliwan Christmas Festival, Manila, December 2003.
How to get there
Weena Bus, Van and jeepneys go daily from Cotabato to Midsayap with traveling time of approximately forty-five minutes.
Where to stay
HILL PARK INN @ (064) 299-6088, other tourist inns & lodging houses are also available.
Where to Dine
HILL PARK INN @ (064) 299-6088, other tourism related establishment is also available.
For more information, you may call:
MUNICIPALITY OF MIDSAYAP
Tel. # (+63+64) 229-8018
Fax # (+63+64) 229-8450
HALAD SA STO. NINO FOUNDATION, INC.
Tel. # (+63+64) 229-9237
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL
Tacurong City
September 18
About the Festival
“Talakudong” is a neo-ethnic festival of head covering that blends Maguindanaon Muslims and Ilongo Chistian culture into a colorful and exotic exhibition of headgears indigenously made out of local materials. A cultural spectacle show in hilarious street dancing that mainly feature exhibition of headgears accompanied by exotic sounds of gongs, kulintang, bamboo drums and other indigenous percussion instruments.
The festival starts with a float parade and agro-industrial products.
How to get there
By Air
No direct flights to Tacurong City, however flights services the Manila route from two entry points- Cotabato City and General Santos City.
By Land
Buses, air-conditioned vans and jeepneys primarily constitute the means of transportation in going to Tacurong City. Cotabato City is 1- hour and 20 minute drive away while Gen Santos City is 1 hour and 40 minutes drives to Tacurong City.
Stay overnight at Tacurong City and see for yourself
Baras Bird Sanctuary (a natural habitat to thousands of black crowned nighy Heron and cattle Egrets)
African Oil Palm Plantations (vast plantation of palm oil, the city’s major product)
Southern Philippines Grains Complex (the biggest grains facility in Asia)
Where to stay
BELDENT STAR HOTEL @ (064) 200-3698, and other affordably-priced hotels, tourist inns and lodging houses.
Where to dine
BELDENT STAR HOTEL @ (064) 200-3698, other tourism related establishments are also available.
For more information, you may call:
CITY GOVERNMENT OF TACURONG
Tel. # (+63+64) 384-2139
Fax # (+63+64) 384-2302
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
T’AULAK FESTIVAL
South Cotabato Koronadal City
July 16-19
About the Festival
The Foundation Anniversary celebration of the province of South Cotabato which demonstrates the importance and significance of T’nalak cloth as the cultural image of South Cotabato.
Highlights of the festival include T’ nalak Parade (Madal Be’lan) & Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan, Agri-Industrial Trade Fair, Technology and Tourism Expo, National Motocross and Flat Track Competition, Practical Shooting Competition, Modern Dance Competition, National Indigenous People Convention.
How to get there
By air
Accessible via General Santos City or Cotabato City then land trip to Koronadal City.
By Sea
Regular ships from Manila to General Santos City and vice versa by Aboitiz Superferry, Sulpicio Lines and Negros Navigation
By Land
General Santos City to Koronaldal is 45 minute buses and van ride while Cotabato City to Koronadal is 2 hour bus or van ride.
Stay overnight at Koronadal City and find time to visit nearby municipalities that offer breathtaking attractions for nature lovers not to mention cultural destinations like..
Mt. Matutum (boundaries of the municipalities of Tupi, Tampakan and Polomolok), Mt Parker Ranges and Lake Manghan (T’boli), Lake Sebu and its Seven Falls (Lake Sebu), T’boli Cultural Community (West of Lake Sebu) and Sta. Cruz Mission School (Lake Sebu).
Affordably-priced tourist inns and pension houses are available and conveniently located in every municipality you wish to visit.. Any array of restaurants serve seafoods and other native, Chinese and continental dishes.
For more information, you may call:
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH COTABATO
Tel #. (+63+83) 228-3754 / 228-2431 / 228-2432
Fax # (+63+83) 228-2620
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
KALIMUDAN FESTIVAL
Sultan Kudarat
November 21
About the festival
Annual gathering of different tribal groups of the province and celebrate for a bountiful harvest. Activities include street dancing parade, horse fight, trade fair and sports competition. The festival highlights the foundation anniversary of Sultan Kudarat Province
How to get there
By Air
Accessible via Cotabato City and General Santos City airports.
By Land
Buses, jeeps and air-conditioned vans primarily constiture the means of transportation in the province. Cotabato City to Isulan is 1 hour drive while General Santos to Isulan is
By Sea
M/V Amerlyn plies the route Cotabato City to Kalamansing and vice-versa for 3 hrs. Launches and other motorized bancas are used in ferrying commuters and goods from the coastal towns of Lebak and Kalamansig to Cotabato Ctiy and vice-versa and from Palambang to Kiamba, South Cotabato.
The Province offers attractions like….Historical sites, man made and natural attractions that include rivers, mountains, lakes, beaches and falls. Among these are…
Pilot Cave and Bamban Falls (Bagumbayan), Tal Blao Cave (Columbio), Mambucal Hot Spring (Esperanza), Nuling Hot Spring and Makan Falls (Lebak), Burial Urns (Kalamansig and Sen. Ninoy Aquino) and Lake Buluan (Lutayan)
Affordably-priced tourist inns and pension houses are available and conveniently located in every municipality you wish to visit…Any array of restaurants serve seafood and other native, Chinese and continental dishes.
For more information, you may call:
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF SULTAN KUDARAT
Tel.# (+63+64) 201-4662
Fax # (+63+64) 201-4262
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
MUNATO FESTIVAL
Sarangani
November 26-28
About the Festival
A thanksgiving festival and a grand celebration in commemoration of Sarangani’s progressive evolution. It is also the province’s foundation anniversary.
Major Highlights:
Sayaw Di Dalon (Street Dancing)
Bancarera
Agri-Trade Fair
Water Tubing Challenge
Motocross
Cultural Presentations
How to get there
By air
Accessible via General Santos City then land trip to Alabel, the province’s captain town.
By sea
Accessible via General Santos City seaport.
By land
It takes 15 minute ride from General Santos City to Alabel.
Stay overnight at ISLA PARILLA RESORT, the province’s premier resort hotel that responds to the changing demands of guests for quality resort, restaurant and hotel services.
Other attractions in the province include…
Gumasa Beach (Glan), Pinol Cave & Bat Sanctuary (Brgy. Pinol, Maitum), South Point Dive Spots (Maasim), Kapatan-Lago Dive Spots (Glan), Nalus Falls (Kiamba), Tampat Shrine (Maasim), Sarangani Gold Country Club ( Malungon), Century Old Houses (Glan) and Kalon Barak Skyline (Malungon)
For more information, you may call:
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF SARANGANI
Tel # (+63+83) 508-5231
Fax # (+63+83) 508-2258
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
HUNUGYAW FESTIVAL
Koronadal City
January 10
About the festival
A showcase of merry-making activities with its weeklong events of beer and food festivals, celebrity concert, beauty pageant, trade and fun fare, bargain shops and street parties.
How to get there
By air
Accessible via Cotabato City and General Santos City airports.
By sea
Accessible via General Santos seaport.
By land
Accessible by buses and air-conditioned vans, Cotabato City to Koronaldal is 2 hour drive while General Santos to Koronadal is 1 hour drive.
Stay overnight at Koronadal City and visit…
Cadidang Cave, Cabillon Falls
Siok Falls, Suppon Falls,
El Gawel Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary
Where to stay
Marvella Plaza @ (083) 228-2327 or 228-3784,
Ramona Plaza Hotel @ (083) 228-3390 or 228-3284 and other affordably-priced hotels, tourist inns and lodging houses.
Where to dine
An array of restaurants conveniently located in the city serve seafoods, and other native, Chinese and continental dishes.
For more information, you may call:
CITY GOVERNMENT OF KORONADAL
Tel # (+63+83) 228-2438
Fax # (+63+83) 228-4141
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL
Mindanao’s Grandest Festival
Cotabato City
December 15-19
About the festival
The grandest festival commemorating the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arab-Malay missionary from Johore, Malay peninsula to propagate Islam in mainland Mindanao. Today, the celebration is marked by the happy and exciting beats of drums and gong as people celebrate on the streets and graceful flags sway with the gentle winds of the Pulangi as gaily decorated boats traces the route of Shariff Kabunsuan’s triumphant arrival. Colorful and intricate inaul malongs are queenly paraded in the Inaul Festival as everyone partake of the sumptuous dinner in the pagana Maguindanao.
How to get there
By air
From Manila is one hour forty-five minutes flight. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air service daily.
By sea
Aboitiz & Sulpicio ply routes from Manila, Iloilo, Zamboanga, General Santos City servicing areas of Cotabato City and Cotabato Province.
By land
Weena Buses go daily from Davao City via Kidapaawan City or taxis / vans go daily from Iligan City via Malabang, Lanao del Sur (ARMM).
Major Highlights:
Guinakit Festival
Qur’an Reading Contest
“KUYOG” Street Dancing & Showcase
Yamang Kutabato Trade Fair
INAUL FESTIVAL
Cultural Presentations
PAGANA Maguindanao
Battle of the Bands
Stay overnight at Cotabato City and visit….Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, ARMM Compound, and the Kutangbato Cave.
Where to stay
PACIFIC HEIGHTS HOTEL @ (064) 421-5832 o EL MANUEL HOTEL @ (064) 421-9883, o AZALEAS PENSION HOUSE @ (064) 421-8122 and other affordably-priced hotels, inns, and lodging houses.
Where to dine
I LOVE SUSHI @ (064) 421-8808, other tourism related establishments are also available.
For more information, you may call:
CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO
Tel # (+63+64) 421-7803
Fax # (+63+64) 421-8969
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net
TIMPUPO FESTIVAL
Kidapawan City
Movable from July to August
About the festival
Kidapawan takes its fruits growing industry to the streets- literally as the city celebrates the annual fruit festival. These are cultural shows, a parade of local fruit products, exhibits, street dancing competition and selected lectures on the fruit presentation process.
How to get there
By air
1 hour and 45 minutes flight from Manila to Cotabato City and Davao City by Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air then land trip to Kidapawan City.
By land
Cotabato City to Kidapawan and vice versa is a 2 hour drive by air-conditioned buses and vans.
By sea
Regular ship from Manila to Polloc Port, Parang, Maguindanao, (ARMM) & vice versa by Aboitiz Superferry and Sulpicio Lines.
Stay overnight at KIDAPAWAN CITY and visit
Lake Agko, Marble Falls and Hotspring, Mawig Falls, Paniki Cave and Waterfalls, Mt. Apo Natural Park and Fruit Farm and Orhards.
Where to stay
NEW JBL LODGE @ (064) 288-5002, tourist’s inns and lodging houses dishes.
For more information, you may call:
CITY GOVERNMENT OF KIDAPAWAN CITY
Tel # (+63+64) 288-1604 / 278-3361
Fax # (+63+64) 288-1604
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM – XII
Tel. # (+63+64) 421-1110
Fax # (+63+64) 421-7868
E-mail: stddotr12pldtvide.net