152
philippines
trip journal
PHOTOS: SAMUEL DE LEON (COTABATO); LESTER LEDESMA (GENERAL SANTOS); EDGAR ALAN ZETA YAP (TAWI-TAWI)
GENERAL SANTOS
COTABATO
TAWI-TAWI
Marjorie
Bulahan
Freelance writer/travel
blogger/e-commerce
website owner
IsabellaUmpa
Student/entrepreneur
JehanneMutin
Chairperson, Regional
Commission on
Bangsamoro Women
“Experience the sights and
sounds of the Bangsamoro
Cultural Villages, and look
into the traditions, arts,
crafts and history of the
people of the South.”
“Experience life at a slow
pace in Tawi-Tawi, as
you embrace nature in
beautifully raw form. White-
sand beaches, the culture
and fresh seafood will make
it worth your while.”
“At the tuna capital of the
Philippines, you’ll be excited
at the thought of going to
market. GenSan’s seafood
is so fresh and delicious it’ll
make you giddy!”
For customized and/or guided
tours, contact the City Tourism
Council or DOT-ARMM. Vans are
also available for rent around town.
Try the famous
tiolang itum
(black
soup) at the Tausug Village, or the spicy
yet delectable beef rendang at the
Maranao Village. Eating at any of the
villages is a steal at the price of a casual
diner or hawker.
In Simunul, you will find the oldest
mosque in the Philippines.
Find food
and accommodations at Almari Beach
Resort (+63 926 783 7000) in Pahut.
Order the
kamon
(sea mantis).
Don’t
miss island hopping! Tawi-Tawi has 107
islands and islets, each offering a different
experience.
Wake up early and head to the General
Santos Fish Port Complex for a full-on tuna
experience. You can buy (or just appreciate)
the freshest and the best tuna in the country.
Sample Roland’s Big Sunny Burger at
Roland’s Steak House (J. Catolico Ave,
Lagao). It’s big enough to share, but so
good you’ll want it all to yourself.
AREA CODE
+64
TOUCHDOWN
AWANG
(COTABATO) AIRPORT
GET TO TOWN
JEEPNEY, MOTORCYCLE, PRE-ARRANGED
CHARTERED VAN
AREA CODE
+68
TOUCHDOWN
SANGA-
SANGA AIRPORT
GET TO TOWN
TRICYCLE
(FROM PHP150-500, DEPENDING ON YOUR
BARGAINING SKILLS)
AREA CODE
+83
TOUCHDOWN
GENERAL
SANTOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
GET TO
TOWN
TAXI, TRICYCLE, HOTEL SHUTTLE
GENERAL SANTOS CITY CELEBRATES ITS WEEK-LONG TUNA FESTIVAL AT THE START OF
EVERY SEPTEMBER, AND ITS CHARTER DAY ON SEPTEMBER 5. THERE ARE CARNIVALS,
COOKING COMPETITIONS, PARADES, STREET DANCING AND OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES.
DID YOU
KNOW?
