Lakwatsarah

Derived from the word “Talakudong”, an Ilonggo term that refers to a hat or any head cover, Tacurong is situated at the crossroads of Central Mindanao. The city, which became a component city of the province of Sultan Kudarat on September 18, 2000 serves as the gateway to the 4 major cities of Mindanao: General Santos, Cotabato, Davao and Cagayan de Oro. Although it’s considered as the smallest province in Sultan Kudarat, it’s the most populated with Roman Catholics making up 83.6 of the total population. 2012 last year, Tacurong was declared as regional winner for city category in the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, an award given to the local government units that showed exemplary performance in the local governance. Tacurong also elevated itself to the Top 5 Best Performing Cities of the Philippines in the same year.  WELCOME TO THE CITY OF GOODWILL Photos from top to bottom: Tacurong City Hall by night, Inugyunay Festival, Farm road, Tacurong City Hall by day, City Hall grou...

Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato I've already created countless of  Lake Sebu travel videos in the past. I couldn't help, I always find myself visiting the place over and over again. Obviously, it's my favorite place on earth. The lake, the serenity of the place, its cold breeze and my dear relatives. Because there, I always feel I'm home.    So, without further ado, let me share my enchanting Lake Sebu trip video (watch it in HD) :) Check out my other Lake Sebu Videos: 2 Part TourismVideo , Mystical Fog Exhibition , Mountain hiking and T'boli dance .

September 18, 2013. Under the scorching heat of the morning sun, I patiently walk the streets of Tacurong as I struggle to find a decent spot to take photos and witness for the very first time the Talakudong Street Dancing and Field Demonstration . My burnt skin due to previous festivals and farm visits screams for some time out, but I just couldn't let the unforgiving sun ruin my excitement. It's another day to explore the city, my birthplace and my family's home province on this one festive day. Plus, this is after all, the fourth and last festival of my almost 3 month long Mindanao itinerary.   performers swaying their vibrant kudongs

Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat The capitol carries a design that is a combination of Muslim and Christian symbols with a commanding gold painted dome. The exterior is magnificent, a far cry from the country’s usual capitols. This landmark, more so, is said to be Southeast Asia’s biggest. 

Black Crowned Night Heron It’s been sunny for the past 2 days in Tacurong so I decided to push through with an afternoon visit to Baras. The day is good and the roads are dry, it's a perfect time to see those migratory birds. This simple barangay located west of poblacion, houses one of Sultan Kudarat’s most sought after tourist spot, giving visitors a one of a kind bird watching experience.

My first ever T’nalak Festival experience happened in 2008 . Unfortunately, it was just a (half) day short as I booked my return trip to Manila the day the festivity started. Little did I know I would be missing on a lot of fun street festivity. I was able to do a quick tour though of the bahay kubo exhibit, the agri-trade fair and did last few minute pasalubong shopping inside the Protech Center. It was a very short introduction to T'nalak Festival but it sure did ignite my interest to watch the much talked about parade on my next visit.  In 2010, I made sure to catch the Street Dancing Parade . I was on the streets of Alunan by 6am before the street dancing started with the tribal music pumping the festival vibe, I was extremely excited as it was my first ever festival parade experience. But rain poured, hard. Despite that, I was totally blown away to see student performers, still in full spirits, merilly dancing in the rain draped with t'nalak costumes. I wasn’t abl...

I'm now in Tacurong city, Sultan Kudarat. I plan to embark on yet another long trip to this southern part of the Philippines. With just one way ticket, my first long trip to Mindanao, happened in 2008, right after I left my job. It lasted for a month. Then in 2010 I found myself wandering in South Cotabato again for 2 months hopping from one habalhabal to another. This 2013, I'm back in Mindanao. my packs onboard Yellow Bus Liner from GenSan to Tacurong For this particular trip, a Sandugo Ascent 45L Backpack will serve as my home for 3 months.