The T’nalak Festival is an annual celebration in South Cotabato, Philippines, honoring the province’s rich culture, heritage, and vibrant spirit. The festival showcases the unique weaving tradition of the T’boli people, who create the beautiful T’nalak cloth. The 2023 T’nalak Festival promises to be a grand affair, filled with colorful activities and events that highlight the best of South Cotabato’s culture and tradition. In this blog post, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to this year’s T’nalak Festival, including the schedule of activities and events that you won’t want to miss.
T’nalak Festival 2023 Schedule of Activities and Events
To give you a glimpse of what awaits you at the T’nalak Festival 2023, here’s the schedule of activities and events:
| DAY 1 – JULY 13 (THURSDAY) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| AGRI TRADE FAIR: | 8 AM | Alunan Ave |
| • BAHAY KUBO & PLANT COMPETITION | 8 AM | Alunan Ave |
| PANUBLI: DREAMWEAVERS | 8 AM | Alunan Ave |
| INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING | 4:30 PM | So.Cot GYM |
| KORONADAL’S NIGHT | 7 PM | Alunan Ave |
| FIREWORKS DISPLAY | 7 PM | Alunan Ave |
| DAY 2 – JULY 14 (FRIDAY) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| GRAND OPENING | 6 AM – 9 AM | Main Streets |
| • CIVIC MILITARY PARADE | ||
| • FLOAT COMPETITION | ||
| OPENING PROGRAM | 9 AM – 12 NN | So Cot Sports Complex |
| • THEMATIC MUSICALDANCEGOMPETITION | 9 AM | |
| JOBS FAIR | 7 PM | Mall of Ace Centerpoint |
| DAILY TNALAK EVENTS | 2 PM | Alunan Ave |
| DAY 3 – JULY 15 (SATURDAY) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| MOTOCROSS (DAY 1) | 8 AM | Brgy Lampitak, Tampakan |
| PINAKA COMPETITION, FARM WALK & FARMER’S FESTIVAL | 8 AM | Provincial Nursery, Banga |
| BUSINESS SUMMIT (DAY 1) | 8 AM | The Farm, Carpenter Hill |
| GOLF TOURNAMENT (DAY 1) | 8 AM | Paraiso Golf Course, Brittannika Golf Course |
| DAILY TNALAK EVENTS | 2 PM | Alunan Ave |
| MUTYA NG SOUTH COTABATO | 7 PM | So Cot GYM |
| DAY 4 – JULY 16 (SUNDAY) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| TIMOG COTABATO: PBM CONGRESSIONAL DAY | 12 AM – 11:59 PM | Alunan Ave |
| Pagyamanin, Balikatin, at Mahalin | ||
| MOTORCROSS (DAY 2) | 8 AM | Brgy Lampitak, Tampakan |
| BUSINESS SUMMIT (DAY 2) | 8 AM | The Farm, Carpenter Hill |
| GOLF TOURNAMENT (DAY 2) | 8 AM | Paraiso Golf Course, Brittannika Golf Course |
| DAILY TNALAK EVENTS | 2 AM | Alunan Ave |
| GOVERNOR’S NIGHT/DANGAL NG SOUTH COTABATO | 7 PM – 10 PM | So Cot GYM |
| DAY 5 – JULY 17 (MONDAY) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| FOLK DANCE COMPETITION | 8 AM | So Cot GYM |
| WEAVING FLAVORS OF THE SOUTH | 10 AM | The Farm, Carpenter Hill |
| HIPHOP COMPETITION | 2 PM | So Cot GYM |
| DAILY TNALAK EVENTS | 2 PM | Alunan Ave |
| DANCESPORTS COMPETITION | 6 PM | So Cot GYM |
| DAY 6 – JULY 18 (TUESDAY) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| STREET DANCING COMPETITION | 6 AM | Main Streets |
| * Madal Be’lan | ||
| * Kadsagayan a Lalan | ||
| FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM | 9 AM | So Cot Sports Complex |
| DAILY TNALAK EVENTS | 2 PM | Alunan Ave |
| GRAND FIREWORKS DISPLAY | 10 PM | Alunan Ave |
Highlights of the T’nalak Festival 2023
Now that you have an idea of the T’nalak Festival’s schedule, let’s take a closer look at some of the key events and activities that you won’t want to miss.
1. Agten Tufi: T’nalak Weaving Competition
One of the highlights of the T’nalak Festival is the Agten Tufi weaving competition. This event showcases the T’boli weavers’ skills and craftsmanship, as they create intricate and colorful T’nalak designs. Visitors can witness firsthand how these stunning fabrics are made and even buy some authentic T’nalak cloth to take home.
Key attractions of the Agten Tufi competition include:
- Live weaving demonstrations by skilled T’boli weavers
- T’nalak textile exhibit showcasing various designs and patterns
- T’nalak weaving workshops for those interested in learning the craft
2. Kadsagayan Street Dancing Competition
– The Kadsagayan Street Dancing Competition is a vibrant and energetic event that brings the streets of South Cotabato to life. Local groups and schools perform traditional dances while wearing colorful costumes, showcasing the rich culture and history of the province. This event is a must-see for anyone attending the T’nalak Festival, as it combines music, dance, and tradition into one unforgettable experience.
Key attractions of the Kadsagayan Street Dancing Competition include:
– Exciting performances by talented local dance groups and schools
– Authentic traditional music played by live musicians
– Colorful and intricate costumes depicting South Cotabato’s rich heritage
3. T’nalak Festival Sale and Bazaar
– The T’nalak Festival Sale and Bazaar is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and handicrafts to take home. This event showcases the best of South Cotabato’s local products, ranging from T’nalak textiles and traditional crafts to delicious food and snacks. With a variety of vendors and stalls, you’re sure to find something special at the T’nalak Festival Sale and Bazaar.
Key attractions of the T’nalak Festival Sale and Bazaar include:
– A wide selection of T’nalak textiles and handicrafts for sale
– Local food stalls offering delicious South Cotabato delicacies
– Special discounts and promotions on selected items
4. T’nalak Festival Concert
– The T’nalak Festival Concert is an evening of entertainment featuring popular Filipino artists and bands. This event is a great opportunity for festival-goers to unwind and enjoy live music under the stars. With a mix of genres and styles, there’s something for everyone at the T’nalak Festival Concert.
Key attractions of the T’nalak Festival Concert include:
– Live performances by popular Filipino artists and bands
– A mix of musical genres, from pop and rock to traditional Filipino music
– An open-air venue for a relaxed and enjoyable concert experience
5. Sugbahan sa T’nalak: Food Festival
– No festival is complete without a feast of delicious food, and the Sugbahan sa T’nalak Food Festival is sure to satisfy your cravings. This event highlights the diverse and delectable cuisine of South Cotabato, with local restaurants and food stalls offering their best dishes for festival-goers to enjoy. From traditional Filipino favorites to unique South Cotabato specialties, there’s something for everyone at the Sugbahan sa T’nalak Food Festival.
Key attractions of the Sugbahan sa T’nalak Food Festival include:
- A wide variety of local dishes and delicacies to sample
- Cooking demonstrations and workshops by local chefs
- Food contests and eating competitions for added fun
6. T’nalak Fun Run
– Get your heart pumping and join the T’nalak Fun Run, an annual event promoting health and fitness among festival-goers. With various race categories and distances, participants of all ages and skill levels can join in on the fun. The T’nalak Fun Run is not only a great way to stay active during the festival but also an opportunity to explore South Cotabato’s beautiful landscapes as you race through the scenic course.
Key attractions of the T’nalak Fun Run include:
- Race categories for all ages and skill levels
- Scenic race routes showcasing South Cotabato’s natural beauty
- Exciting prizes and giveaways for race participants
T’nalak Festival 2023 Travel Guide
To help you make the most of your trip to the T’nalak Festival 2023, we’ve put together this handy travel guide. From transportation options to accommodations and local tips, this guide will ensure that you’re well-prepared for your T’nalak Festival adventure.
Getting to South Cotabato
The easiest way to reach South Cotabato is by flying into General Santos International Airport (GES). From there, you can take a bus, van, or taxi to the provincial capital, Koronadal City, which is approximately 58 kilometers away.
Alternatively, you can also fly into Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) in Davao City and take a bus or van to Koronadal City, which is approximately 200 kilometers away.
Transportation within South Cotabato
There are various transportation options available within South Cotabato, including:
- Tricycles: These are the most common mode of transportation for short distances within the city. Fares range from PHP 10 to PHP 30, depending on the distance.
- Jeepneys: For longer distances within the city and neighboring towns, jeepneys are a popular and affordable option. Fares start at PHP 8 and increase based on distance.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps: For a more comfortable and convenient ride, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are available within Koronadal City.
Accommodations
There are a variety of accommodations available in and around Koronadal City, ranging from budget-friendly inns and pension houses to mid-range and luxury hotels. Some recommended options include:
Budget-friendly accommodations:
– Anny’s Pension House
– Zet’s Pension House
– Casa Gemma Hotel and Restaurant
Mid-range accommodations:
– FB Hotel and Convention Center
– The Farm @ Carpenter Hill
– EMR Center Suites
Luxury accommodations:
– Greenstate Suites
– Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park
Remember to book your accommodations well in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during the T’nalak Festival
Local Tips
- Weather: The T’nalak Festival takes place in July, which is part of the rainy season in the Philippines. Be prepared for intermittent rain and bring appropriate clothing, such as a raincoat or umbrella.
- Clothing: Dress comfortably and wear light, breathable clothing to keep cool during the day. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as you’ll likely be on your feet for extended periods during festival events.
- Safety: While South Cotabato is generally safe for tourists, it’s always wise to take standard safety precautions. Keep your valuables secure, avoid displaying large sums of money, and be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Currency: The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). It’s a good idea to have enough cash on hand, as not all establishments accept credit cards, and ATMs may have limited availability during the festival.
- Language: The primary language spoken in South Cotabato is Filipino, but English is widely understood and spoken. Learning a few basic Filipino phrases, however, can go a long way in connecting with locals and enhancing your overall experience.
With this travel guide in hand, you’re ready to embark on a memorable journey to the T’nalak Festival 2023. Enjoy the vibrant festivities, immerse yourself in South Cotabato’s rich culture and heritage, and create unforgettable memories during this one-of-a-kind event.
The T’nalak Festival 2023 is an event that should not be missed. With a variety of activities and events that showcase the rich culture and heritage of South Cotabato, this festival promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
