LAKE SEBU: OUR ECO-CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

I've been to Lake Sebu in the Province of South Cotabato back when travel blogging and all of these tourism hype weren't a big thing yet. Roads were rough and mode of transportation was so basic that you can still see trail of horses balancing sacks on their backs carrying local's produce lining by the side roads.

Today, Lake Sebu is fast becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the Province of South Cotabato owing to its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural milieu.

And so when Olan of the TheTravelTeller.com asked me if I can join them, I arranged my domestic schedules right away so I won't be feeling so guilty for stepping out of my kitchen for several days. It was offered so timely that rejecting it would make me regret it for as long as I live - because more than anything, I need this break so bad, I could cry.

This Lake Sebu Eco-Cultural Tour was organized by Mindanao Tourism Council headed by Jonallier Perez (https://www.facebook.com/jonallier) and Olan Emboscado of www.thetravelteller.com. This is MTC's initiative to assist the LGU of Lake Sebu promote their rich culture, the stunning sights and unknown to many, the must-indulge food scene of Lake Sebu.

It took us about 3 hours travel by bus from Davao City to General Santos City. We then took the van service provided by LGU of Lake Sebu and met their charming Municipal Tourism Officer, Ma'am Thelma Arcallo.

If you're travelling on your own, getting to Lake Sebu is as easy as 123. Bring yourself to General Santos City. From GenSan, ride a bus to Koronadal and from Koronadal take a jeep to Surallah and from there, take a van service or another jeepney to Lake Sebu. Travel time would be around 2 hours and you'd only be spending around P200 for the fare.

Upon arrival, we had our courtesy call and a short briefing with the good Mayor of The Municipality of Lake Sebu, Mayor Antonio Fungan.

The Municipal Hall of Lake Sebu in the Province of South Cotabato

Mayor Fungan emphasized that the main thrust of Lake Sebu LGU is to intensify the road networking project to make all potential tourist spots accessible. Generate jobs for the locals, support entrepreneurship and offer incentives to tourism related initiatives. The LGU also marks peace and order as top priority and also deals on measures relating to sanitation and waste disposal. This is done in preparation with the influx of tourists both local and foreign.

Culture change is inevitable especially with today's fast social dynamics. The move of the LGU to pass ordinances to protect and preserve the T'boli culture is very commendable and I'm one of the many who will support these efforts.

Stunning mountain backdrop of Lake Sebu's Municipal ground

And our role here is to share with you what you can do and where to go around this scenic, culturally rich and peaceful town when you decide to make Lake Sebu your next leisure destination.

And without further ado, journey with me as I'll take you around Lake Sebu to experience the stunning sights, the rich culture, the warmth of its people, the calm sounds and the gastronomic adventure this small and idyllic town has to offer.

First stop, MOUNTAIN LAKE ECO RESORT, read on and see what this graceful and calm resort has to offer.