15 Things I loved about Tnalak Festival and South Cotabato

Tnalak Festival, one of the most awaited feast in South Cotabato, it’s 13^th year has just ended last July 18, and certainly this 6-day celebration along with the 46^th Foundation Anniversary of the province of South Cotabato were indeed very successful 

            I’m a local of this province, and I feel fortunate that I’m always able to come, see and enjoy the yearly celebration of Tnalak Festival and the Foundation Anniversary of my home Province.

            It’s really more fun in South Cotabato, and I want to share the fun by giving you the top 15 things I( and you might love as well) loved about Tnalak Festival and South Cotabato.

            Here’s the top 15 things that made me fell inlove on Tnalak Festival and South Cotabato:

1.      First and foremost of course are “The People of South Cotabato” – I love them because despite of the differences in culture, belief, walk of life and even in gender preferences, still  everyone unites and contributed on the success of this province, without it, Tnalak festival won’t be this successful and together we will continue to make a difference, Amo na yah!

2.      The second is the place, “South Cotabato” itself, I don’t only love the people but of course this land of South Cotabato too. This land is blessed with natural resources, shielded by mountain from typhoons, and far from dangerous faultlines, who wouldn’t want a place like this. I know South Cotabateneos will join hands in conserving an preserving this God’s given gifts.

3.      “Lake Sebu” – this is the Summer Capital of Southern Mindanao, I’ve been here many times but I will definitely comeback to experience the Highest Zipline in South East Asia, and to see the 7 beautiful cascading falls of Lake Sebu.

4.      “Bahay Kubo and Product Display” – I finally got to discover the different products of the neighboring towns and city in South Cotabato. Before I was just aware of only few, only those that are popular just like Polomolok and their Pineapples which is already known globally.

During Tnalak festival, every town had their opportunity to showcase their respective products and to show how creative and imaginative they are in decorating their bahay kubo using the products that they represent.

5.      One of the event that really catches my heart was the “Harana sa Kubo” it’s fun, and I’m happy that my fellow youngsters were able to see how our parents and grand parents expresses their feelings to someone they love through harana. How romantic!

6.      Who wouldn’t fall in-love to the lovely candidates of “Mutya ng South Cotabato” I’m giving them all a two thumbs up! Basta South Cotabatenya, Gwapa!

7.      Magsinadya kita! – this is the only line that I can understand from the lyrics of the music played during the colorful and loud “Street Dancing” some words are probably Tboli words or from other tribes, but nevertheless I enjoyed the street dancing, in fact the music keeps resounding on my ears until I got home, how addictive!

8.       The Dancing Inmates of South Cotabato – I’ve seen when it was featured on national tv, particularly at 24 oras of GMA 7. I’m amazed by their performance because they joined the Hiphop Dance Competition, “Truly dreams can transcend beyond the iron bars” and despite of being an inmates they were still able to share and showcase their talents.

9.      the first ever “UGYON Fstival: Celebration of Freedom” this celebration was for the members of 3^rd-sex(gays,lesbians,bisexuals and transgenders) even though I’m not a member of 3rdSex, I’m happy that the province of South Cotabato acknowledge their contribution in our society. Respect, acceptance and understanding are really necessary to achieve Unity and Peace. Mabuhay South Cotabateneos!

10.   The “AgriFair and Plant exhibit” -  I bonded with my mom on this event, I’ve brought her on the exhibit, I know she will enjoy the various varieties of beautiful flowers and other plants, of course I enjoyed it as well, we are both plant lovers after all.

11.  the “Tnalak Weave” – well, it’s quite obvious that I love the Tnalak, I did actually used it as a design on my blog. I like it’s patterns and the mystical background behind it, I know the patterns were based from the dreams of the weaver, that’s why Tboli women who weaves Tnalak are also known as dream weavers.

12.  the Ornamental Fish Exhibit – I’m an ornamental fish hobbyist, and I’m glad that there was a Fish Show during the festival, because of it, I had the chance to see beautiful strains of guppy, lines of Betta Splendens(fighting fish), goldfishes and Flower horns.

I want the kids of South Cotabato to be exposed on this kind of hobby, so that they will learn how to be responsible and also to take them away from harmful vices.

For us adults, having pets can lessen the stress that we get from work, family, school, and of course lovelife? Hahaha

13.  Koronadal City – I was born here, and still a resident of Koronadal, I love it, even it is just a small city, it is very competitive and peaceful, Kanami Koronadal!

14 . The “South Cotabato Officials “– I salute the government officials of South Cotabato for their  efforts on the development of my beloved home province, without them and their sincere public service. 13^th Tnalak Festival and 46^th Foundation anniversary won’t be this successful.

15.  The “SUNtastic signal of Sun Cellular”, it has been greatly improved that’s why  I can now enjoy Sun’s unlimited call and text and other promos. It’s easier now to invite friends from afar to join the Tnalak Festival. Great job Sun Cellular, I’m SUNtisfied!

“This is my submission for the T'nalak Festival 2012 Blog Writing Contest, which is made possible with the support of sponsors such as Hon. Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr and the province of South Cotabato, Sun Cellular - get two days of unlimited text to all networks for only ₱15 with SUN TEXTALL15, Dole Philippines, Representative Teddy Casiño & Bayan Muna Party-List,  KCC Malls, SouthCotabato.Org and South Cotabato News.”

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