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South Cotabato's T'nalak Festival 2014
South Cotabato - known as the melting pot of unique cultures
and scenic destinations celebrated its 48th founding anniversary
last July 18, 2014 featuring the grandest and the most colorful festival in the
province – The T’nalak Festival 2014.
T’nalak is an intricate tapestry made from abaca fibers which was meticulously hand woven by the T’bolis is a traditional masterpiece that serves as a cultural emblem of the uniquely dubbed “Land of the Dreamweavers” in the south. This unique weaving has served to inspire the celebration of the vibrant T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato.
I am just one of the thousands who joined in the streets of Koronadal to witness for the first time one of the most authentic festival celebrations of the country. Catching the proud and smiling faces of the participants while dancing to the pulsating rhythm of the drumbeats wearing their colourful costumes representing their unique tribe and culture is one of the most astounding scenes I enjoyed during my stay in this quaint town.
T'nalak Festival is not just a celebration of the weaving culture of the T'bolis but it also represents the rich diverse culture of the Indigenous People, Muslims and Christians in South Cotabato. This kind of celebration helps unfold the truth that there is peace and love in this side of the country. A sweet manifestation that there is indeed unity in diversity.
Did you know? only 4% are Muslims in Cotabato, 15% Indigenous peoples while 70% are Christians. The rest are the other tribes settling in Cotabato as a whole according to Sir. Cesar Sulit, the Provincial Tourism Officer of south Cotabato.
The week-long celebration of the T'nalak Festival also showcases the province's bountiful harvest of crops like vegetables, fruits, corn and fish. Cultural accessories are also being displayed in the different Bahay Kubos you can visit along the main streets of Koronadal.
T'nalak Festival is indeed a vivid representation of the culture-rich paradise in the south that has been often tagged misleadingly as a 'war zone' in Mindanao. What I witnessed during my 3 days and 2 nights stay at this province is the war of colourful cultural distinction of the tri-people living in peace and harmony with much love and respect to each other.
So, if you want to experience an authentic celebration of culture, heritage and scenic destinations, the T'nalak Festival of South Cotabato or simply the 12th Paradise of Mindanao is definitely a must-go.
How to get here:
• Major airlines have daily flights from Manila or Cebu to General Santos City. From General Santos City bus terminal, aboard a bus to Marbel (Koronadal), South Cotabato. Bus ride from GenSan to Koronadal is just an hour.
• From Davao City - you can take the air-conditioned/non-stop yellow bus to Marbel. Or you can aboard any bus bound to Gensan then take another bus bound to Marbel at GenSan bus terminal. Fare cost less than 300Php.
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| #ByahengMindanaw team with Sir Jovic Ferrer and Sir. Cesar Sulit. Photo Credit: Sir Jovic |
Special thanks to Gov. Daisy Fuentes of South Cotabato Province for hosting us during our entire duration in Koronadal. To Sir Cesar Sulit and Sir Jovic Ferrer of the Tourism Dept. for the history and heads up about the festival and the night well spent with a bottle of beer and laughters. Cheers to the success of the 15th Tnalak Festival.
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