The Colors and Flavors of Eidl Fitr

Part 1

Its a celebration like no other. Far from the blaring sounds and the deafening drum beats im so used to during Festivals. It was my first ever experience of the Eid’l Fitr or the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

I received a message through my Facebook messenger telling me to fly to Cotabato the next day for a media event. I was clueless.
It was only when I checked in at Al Nor Business Hotel that I learned that there will be a Halal Goodness Culinary Tour.

The event, first of its kind, was organized by the Department of Tourism RegionXII and the City of Cotabato.

11755913_10153526695456457_6793567280537562090_n

Weird as it may seem, Cotabato City is actually part of Region 12 collectively known as the SOCCSKSARGEN region but the regional center and Administrative hub of the ARMM region is also located in this city.

During the first day, there was a press conference and media briefing on what’s going to happen and what to expect. The presscon was headed by DOT XII Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera and Cotabato City Tourism Officer Miss Gurlie Frondoza.

The Halal Goodness Culinary Tour is more than just a feast for the palate, it is an introduction for us on the local Islamic culture. Through the tour we were able to get a glimpse of how the Maranao, the Iranun and the Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City celebrate the grandest Islamic feast.

tinagtag
tinagtag

After the press conference we then headed to the People’s Palace where the Takbir prayers are recited by men.

After the takbir, just in time for the last sunset of Ramadan foods were served. We had preserved dates overflowing the table, dates are staple during the Eid feast.

Sunset prayers
Sunset prayers

We also had the traditional Maguindanao foods like the Beef Sinina tinagtag and dudol.

We also got to visit the ARMM Complex – ORG to check out the different tribal villages.

There was this distinct air of joy you get to feel when inside the ARMM Complex. The whole area is filled with locals enjoying their picnic snacks and dinner while young kids are having a good time at the play area.

Iranun Village
Iranun Village

Our first destination at the Tribal Village is the Iranun Village. Iranun are people mostly living in Parang Maguindanao.

We had the traditional Iranun feast known as “Pagana”. Pagana is usually served during special occasions like the Eid holiday.

We had arroz caldo, tinagtag and other local delicacies. Tinagtag is a popular snack common in Cotabato City it is made of rice but looks likesotanghon rolled like a wafer stick. It is lightly sweetened and a perfect pair for locally brewed coffee.

There were a lot of people going in a d out of thr village. Young visitors also also enjoying playing the traditional Muslim instruments like the kulintang, debakan and gong.

Pagana
Pagana

From the Iranun Village we then moved to the Maguindanao Village. The area is bedecked with coloful banners or locally known as lemba siganlling the joyous occasion. There was also a variety program held when we went there. We also got to check out one of the traditional Maguindanao houses with four-poster bed complete With all the decors fit for a royalty.

Our next destination is the Sama Village. The Sama-Badjao are k own to be the sea dwelling people living in Tawi – tawi.

There was also a program held at the Sama Village and a photo exhibit showcasing the rich culture of the Sama people.

From the Sama Village we continued our hopping spree with the Yakan Village. The Yakan people are known to be the inhabitants of the Basilan province. Quite a number of Yakan people also live along the coastal areas of Zamboanga City.

Yakan Village
Yakan Village

Yakan people is known for its colorful handwoven fabric with symmetrical and geometric patterns. Their creations are among the favored textile of choice for table Runners and handbags.

It ws already getting late and we have a 3am call time the following day so we decided to end our tour and return to the hotel.

The Colors and Flavors of Eidl Fitr

Part 1

Its a celebration like no other. Far from the blaring sounds and the deafening drum beats im so used to during Festivals. It was my first ever experience of the Eid’l Fitr or the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

I received a message through my Facebook messenger telling me to fly to Cotabato the next day for a media event. I was clueless.
It was only when I checked in at Al Nor Business Hotel that I learned that there will be a Halal Goodness Culinary Tour.

The event, first of its kind, was organized by the Department of Tourism RegionXII and the City of Cotabato.

11755913_10153526695456457_6793567280537562090_n

Weird as it may seem, Cotabato City is actually part of Region 12 collectively known as the SOCCSKSARGEN region but the regional center and Administrative hub of the ARMM region is also located in this city.

During the first day, there was a press conference and media briefing on what’s going to happen and what to expect. The presscon was headed by DOT XII Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera and Cotabato City Tourism Officer Miss Gurlie Frondoza.

The Halal Goodness Culinary Tour is more than just a feast for the palate, it is an introduction for us on the local Islamic culture. Through the tour we were able to get a glimpse of how the Maranao, the Iranun and the Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City celebrate the grandest Islamic feast.

tinagtag
tinagtag

After the press conference we then headed to the People’s Palace where the Takbir prayers are recited by men.

After the takbir, just in time for the last sunset of Ramadan foods were served. We had preserved dates overflowing the table, dates are staple during the Eid feast.

Sunset prayers
Sunset prayers

We also had the traditional Maguindanao foods like the Beef Sinina tinagtag and dudol.

We also got to visit the ARMM Complex – ORG to check out the different tribal villages.

There was this distinct air of joy you get to feel when inside the ARMM Complex. The whole area is filled with locals enjoying their picnic snacks and dinner while young kids are having a good time at the play area.

Iranun Village
Iranun Village

Our first destination at the Tribal Village is the Iranun Village. Iranun are people mostly living in Parang Maguindanao.

We had the traditional Iranun feast known as “Pagana”. Pagana is usually served during special occasions like the Eid holiday.

We had arroz caldo, tinagtag and other local delicacies. Tinagtag is a popular snack common in Cotabato City it is made of rice but looks likesotanghon rolled like a wafer stick. It is lightly sweetened and a perfect pair for locally brewed coffee.

There were a lot of people going in a d out of thr village. Young visitors also also enjoying playing the traditional Muslim instruments like the kulintang, debakan and gong.

Pagana
Pagana

From the Iranun Village we then moved to the Maguindanao Village. The area is bedecked with coloful banners or locally known as lemba siganlling the joyous occasion. There was also a variety program held when we went there. We also got to check out one of the traditional Maguindanao houses with four-poster bed complete With all the decors fit for a royalty.

Our next destination is the Sama Village. The Sama-Badjao are k own to be the sea dwelling people living in Tawi – tawi.

There was also a program held at the Sama Village and a photo exhibit showcasing the rich culture of the Sama people.

From the Sama Village we continued our hopping spree with the Yakan Village. The Yakan people are known to be the inhabitants of the Basilan province. Quite a number of Yakan people also live along the coastal areas of Zamboanga City.

Yakan Village
Yakan Village

Yakan people is known for its colorful handwoven fabric with symmetrical and geometric patterns. Their creations are among the favored textile of choice for table Runners and handbags.

It ws already getting late and we have a 3am call time the following day so we decided to end our tour and return to the hotel.

The Colors and Flavors of Eidl Fitr

Part 1

Its a celebration like no other. Far from the blaring sounds and the deafening drum beats im so used to during Festivals. It was my first ever experience of the Eid’l Fitr or the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.

I received a message through my Facebook messenger telling me to fly to Cotabato the next day for a media event. I was clueless.
It was only when I checked in at Al Nor Business Hotel that I learned that there will be a Halal Goodness Culinary Tour.

The event, first of its kind, was organized by the Department of Tourism RegionXII and the City of Cotabato.

11755913_10153526695456457_6793567280537562090_n

Weird as it may seem, Cotabato City is actually part of Region 12 collectively known as the SOCCSKSARGEN region but the regional center and Administrative hub of the ARMM region is also located in this city.

During the first day, there was a press conference and media briefing on what’s going to happen and what to expect. The presscon was headed by DOT XII Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera and Cotabato City Tourism Officer Miss Gurlie Frondoza.

The Halal Goodness Culinary Tour is more than just a feast for the palate, it is an introduction for us on the local Islamic culture. Through the tour we were able to get a glimpse of how the Maranao, the Iranun and the Maguindanao people living in Cotabato City celebrate the grandest Islamic feast.

tinagtag
tinagtag

After the press conference we then headed to the People’s Palace where the Takbir prayers are recited by men.

After the takbir, just in time for the last sunset of Ramadan foods were served. We had preserved dates overflowing the table, dates are staple during the Eid feast.

Sunset prayers
Sunset prayers

We also had the traditional Maguindanao foods like the Beef Sinina tinagtag and dudol.

We also got to visit the ARMM Complex – ORG to check out the different tribal villages.

There was this distinct air of joy you get to feel when inside the ARMM Complex. The whole area is filled with locals enjoying their picnic snacks and dinner while young kids are having a good time at the play area.

Iranun Village
Iranun Village

Our first destination at the Tribal Village is the Iranun Village. Iranun are people mostly living in Parang Maguindanao.

We had the traditional Iranun feast known as “Pagana”. Pagana is usually served during special occasions like the Eid holiday.

We had arroz caldo, tinagtag and other local delicacies. Tinagtag is a popular snack common in Cotabato City it is made of rice but looks likesotanghon rolled like a wafer stick. It is lightly sweetened and a perfect pair for locally brewed coffee.

There were a lot of people going in a d out of thr village. Young visitors also also enjoying playing the traditional Muslim instruments like the kulintang, debakan and gong.

Pagana
Pagana

From the Iranun Village we then moved to the Maguindanao Village. The area is bedecked with coloful banners or locally known as lemba siganlling the joyous occasion. There was also a variety program held when we went there. We also got to check out one of the traditional Maguindanao houses with four-poster bed complete With all the decors fit for a royalty.

Our next destination is the Sama Village. The Sama-Badjao are k own to be the sea dwelling people living in Tawi – tawi.

There was also a program held at the Sama Village and a photo exhibit showcasing the rich culture of the Sama people.

From the Sama Village we continued our hopping spree with the Yakan Village. The Yakan people are known to be the inhabitants of the Basilan province. Quite a number of Yakan people also live along the coastal areas of Zamboanga City.

Yakan Village
Yakan Village

Yakan people is known for its colorful handwoven fabric with symmetrical and geometric patterns. Their creations are among the favored textile of choice for table Runners and handbags.

It ws already getting late and we have a 3am call time the following day so we decided to end our tour and return to the hotel.

Getting Wild and Wacky at Maitum Whitewater Tubing

It’s not really bad to try out something new from time time. Especially if we get to try death-defying activities. Wait. Not really death defying. I was just exaggerating on that part. But trying out adrenaline pumping activities once in a while is a perfect way to kill the monster called “Monotony” and that monster sometimes breeds offsprings called “boredom”

Haha enough with the words.

And to kill those monsters living deep inside of me, off we went to the town of Maitum in Sarangani province Philippines to test our courage, through the white water tubing.

maitum whitewater tubing

photo by Mimi Boldios

MimiWayfareness

Maitum is around 45 minutes away from General Santos City. One of the prime business and oppurtunity centers in the Mindanao region. You may check out Lamudi for a complete listing of real estate for sale and for rent in General Santos City if youre interested. Also, for more information on what General Santos has to offer, go to Its More Fun In The Philippines.

This is going to be my second time to do this heartstopping whitewater tubing in Maitum, so I know what to expect, more or less.

whitewate tubing  2014    00001

Coming from Maitum Municipal Hall, we drove to Barangay New La Union around 11 in the morning. It was drizzling when we arrived at the whitewater tubing registration site. There was another group ahead of us who’ll be going down the river, so we decided to just take our lunch first take rest before we go down the river.

For lunch we had fried bangsi, salted eggs, latô salad and a few other local dishes. Bangsi is dried flying fish, the One Town One Product of Maasim. It’s yummy! Perfect for rainy day weather.

After we had lunch the young girls of Maasim performed some T’Boli dances to us. Once they were done with their dancing, we gamely traded places. We also did some Tboli dancing while the kids where watching us.

whitewate tubing  2014    00002

After an hour, it was finally our turn to try the whitewater tubing. From the registration center, we took a habal-habal going to the jump off point. But since it rained earlier, the road got slippery. It was scary, I must say.

At the jump off point, had a short briefing of what to do when approaching the rapids.

Finally it was time. Geez, the water is sooooooo cold. And the river current is much stronger compared during my first tubing experience in 2010. This means that this is going to be one hell of an experience!

Each one of us had guides that would assist us in “driving” our tubing away from the huge boulders. Going through the rapids is a surefire adrenaline pumping experience. The thrill of getting splashed with lots of water and falling off the boulders getting smashed with the water current an experience you should truly experience at least once in your life! Hahaha

Photo by Mimi Boldios

Photo by Mimi Boldios

And I did it already twice, with no scratch or bruise or whatever. Everything is safe at the Maasim Whitewater Tubing! The whole stretch of awesomeness is about 1.6 kilometers. I first tried it December 2010, and recently, just a few weeks back.

The current of the river on a normal day is more than enough to make you scream, but it is even more exciting during rainy season as the current gets wilder!

This was in 2010

This was in 2010

You wanna experience this one of a kind water fun too? Contact Go Sarangani Travel and Tours. They are the premier tour operator in General Santos City and in the whole South Central Mindanao Region

Go Sarangani Travel & Tours
Lagao, AH 26, General Santos, South Cotabato 9500
(083) 304 4398
gosaranganitravel@gmail. com



© Enrico Dee for BYAHILO, 2014. | Permalink | Be the First to comment! | Add to del.icio.us

Getting Wild and Wacky at Maitum Whitewater Tubing

It’s not really bad to try out something new from time time. Especially if we get to try death-defying activities. Wait. Not really death defying. I was just exaggerating on that part. But trying out adrenaline pumping activities once in a while is a perfect way to kill the monster called “Monotony” and that monster sometimes breeds offsprings called “boredom”

Haha enough with the words.

And to kill those monsters living deep inside of me, off we went to the town of Maitum in Sarangani province Philippines to test our courage, through the white water tubing.

maitum whitewater tubing

photo by Mimi Boldios

MimiWayfareness

Maitum is around 45 minutes away from General Santos City. One of the prime business and oppurtunity centers in the Mindanao region. You may check out Lamudi for a complete listing of real estate for sale and for rent in General Santos City if youre interested. Also, for more information on what General Santos has to offer, go to Its More Fun In The Philippines.

This is going to be my second time to do this heartstopping whitewater tubing in Maitum, so I know what to expect, more or less.

whitewate tubing  2014    00001

Coming from Maitum Municipal Hall, we drove to Barangay New La Union around 11 in the morning. It was drizzling when we arrived at the whitewater tubing registration site. There was another group ahead of us who’ll be going down the river, so we decided to just take our lunch first take rest before we go down the river.

For lunch we had fried bangsi, salted eggs, latô salad and a few other local dishes. Bangsi is dried flying fish, the One Town One Product of Maasim. It’s yummy! Perfect for rainy day weather.

After we had lunch the young girls of Maasim performed some T’Boli dances to us. Once they were done with their dancing, we gamely traded places. We also did some Tboli dancing while the kids where watching us.

whitewate tubing  2014    00002

After an hour, it was finally our turn to try the whitewater tubing. From the registration center, we took a habal-habal going to the jump off point. But since it rained earlier, the road got slippery. It was scary, I must say.

At the jump off point, had a short briefing of what to do when approaching the rapids.

Finally it was time. Geez, the water is sooooooo cold. And the river current is much stronger compared during my first tubing experience in 2010. This means that this is going to be one hell of an experience!

Each one of us had guides that would assist us in “driving” our tubing away from the huge boulders. Going through the rapids is a surefire adrenaline pumping experience. The thrill of getting splashed with lots of water and falling off the boulders getting smashed with the water current an experience you should truly experience at least once in your life! Hahaha

Photo by Mimi Boldios

Photo by Mimi Boldios

And I did it already twice, with no scratch or bruise or whatever. Everything is safe at the Maasim Whitewater Tubing! The whole stretch of awesomeness is about 1.6 kilometers. I first tried it December 2010, and recently, just a few weeks back.

The current of the river on a normal day is more than enough to make you scream, but it is even more exciting during rainy season as the current gets wilder!

This was in 2010

This was in 2010

You wanna experience this one of a kind water fun too? Contact Go Sarangani Travel and Tours. They are the premier tour operator in General Santos City and in the whole South Central Mindanao Region

Go Sarangani Travel & Tours
Lagao, AH 26, General Santos, South Cotabato 9500
(083) 304 4398
gosaranganitravel@gmail. com



© Enrico Dee for BYAHILO, 2014. | Permalink | Be the First to comment! | Add to del.icio.us