Talikud Island, Samal Guide

Talikud Island

Talikud Island is located in Samal, Davao del Norte. This is a paradise in the region that bears fine white sand beaches and is surrounded by emerald and crystal clear water. On the other hand, the underwater has a sanctuary of colorful flora and fauna. The shoreline is landscaped with trees and quaint cottages. The ambiance was made perfect because of the cool wind blowing. We didn't do anything for a couple of hours, just staring at its beauty and golden sunset.

SLT Homestay, Lake Sebu

SLT Homestay, Lake Sebu
School of Living Tradition (SLT) also offers homestay for travellers in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. I always wanted a unique experience, so I stayed here, just 5 minutes from the terminal. Its structure is based on the cultural wooden houses in the area; has a spacious interior, made of local and handcrafted products and musical instruments. Anything inside the house is unique. Maybe it's the reason why it was chosen as the place where Catriona Gray had her video shoot for Miss Universe.

Lang Dulay, a Filipino weaver from Lake Sebu

Lang Dulay
In the picture is Sebulan Dulay, the successor, with portraits of Lang Dulay.

A special visit to the house of Lang Dulay in Lake Sebu was epic. She's a former National Living Treasure awardee for the T'nalak weaving which the designs were based on her dream - the reason why she was called the "Dreamweaver." By the way, T'nalak is a traditional hand-woven fabric made from refined abaca fiber. This type of fabric got attention worldwide because it is done through a manual process but the finished product has amazing and unique patterns.

T'Boli Museum, Lake Sebu

T'boli Museum
During our visit, the T'Boli Museum was still closed but Jorie had it opened for us, he knows the caretaker. The architecture of the museum is also based on traditional houses. What's inside are the gongs used for different occasions, outfits made of T'nalak (a hand-woven fabric), accessories and many other antiques that were used by the locals for agriculture.

Lotus Farm, Lake Sebu

Lotus Farm Lake Sebu
The Lotus Farm is one of the top tourist destinations in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. It was early in the morning, around 6, when I was brought to this paradise to witness the blooming of the Pink Lotus flowers floating on the waters of the lake. According to my guide, initially, there were 3 types of this aquatic flower farmed but only the pink ones survived. By the way, a manual canoe is used to go to the spot of the flowers.

Ozamiz Cathedral

Ozamiz Cathedral

The Ozamiz Cathedral houses the most significant relic and patroness of the city - the Our Lady of Misamis, also known as the Virgin sa Cotta, The Blessed Virgin of Cotta, and Birhen sa Cotta. Originally, the statue of the patroness was set up outside the walls of Fort sa Cotta, but fray Jorge Carcabilla moved it to this church. In 1975, the statue was stolen and was only returned on December 8, 2017. Also, Ozamiz Cathedral is the home of the second largest bamboo organ in the Philippines, after the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occidental 

Ozamiz City Hall

 Ozamis City Hall
Ozamiz City Hall