Region XII- Soccsksargen

        As we go through this region, the feeling of being in paradise but still linger. Region 12 has an extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges, known for its river system. The system is a rich source of food, portable water and energy production. Rich in Historical and Cultural Heritage Attraction. Although the weather of this region is unpredictable, we may not know if the weather is fine for the vacation trip but there are times the weather is good. Some areas are prone in disaster since the region is bounded on the southwest by the Celebes Sea. So all the tourist even the residents must be alert around the area for the safety of everybody. There are many opportunities in region 12. For instance, the adventurous travelers probably conquer vast mountain wilderness or explore the many forest, caves and wildlife reserves.  The regions hectares of rubber, palm plantation, citrus, pineapple, lanzones farms delight with nature’s freshest harvest. They use to compile of businesses and export the product around the world. As a result it will increase their economic growth and will help the region to improve. As well as increase the number of tourist and travelers.

       Region 12 known as Soccsksargen Region is located in Central Mindanao. The acronym of the region stands for 4 provinces and 1 of its cities; South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. The region is more formally known by its older name Central Mindanao. The total area of the region is 22,513.30 square kilometer (8,692.43 sq mi). It has 4 Provinces (Cotabato or North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat), 5 Cities (Cotabato City,General Santos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong), 45 Municipalities, and 1,195 Barangays.

Transportation and Accessibility

By: Land

Buses- (Yellow bus lines, Weena Express, People’s transport, Husky and unity trans) Jeepney Minivans Taxi Multicab and tricycle

By: Air

Airplane- Philippine airline and Cebu Pacific (Awang Airport) situated of the south city in the vacinity of Brgy. Awang of Datu Odin Sinsuat

By: Sea

Boat- Sulpicio lines and Super Ferry have routes to and from General santos. Manila, Cebu, Panay, Davao and Zamboanga

History

        Region XII was previously called Central Mindanao and originally included the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao. The creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 1990 left Central Mindanao with only Lanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato. Then, on September 19, 2001,President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Executive Order No. 36 reorganized the regions and provinces in Mindanao. This moved changed Region XII into the present SOCCSKSARGEN.

        The most significant development in the political history of Mindanao was the organization of six politico-military districts in Mindanao in 1860. The central district embracing Cotabato included Polloc, Illana Bay as far as the Western coast of Zamboanga at point Murcielagos and the Southern extremity of Mindanao down to point Glan. The capital of the government was Cotabato City until 1872 when the city was destroyed by a strong earthquake, after which the capital was Zamboanga City.

        The Central Mindanao region was created on July 7, 1975 under Presidential Decree No. 742. Under this decree, Central Mindanao was composed of the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao and the cities of Iligan, Cotabato and Marawi. The extent of regionalization was further seen in the establishment of Autonomous Region and Western Mindanao (Regions XII and IX) by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1618.

        On August 1, 1989, Republic Act o. 6734 was signed in law, which provided for the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The former Regional Autonomous Government of Central Mindanao has therefore been reverted to an administrative regions in 1990. Executive Order 429 was also issued on 12 October 1990, which provided for the reorganization of administrative regions in Mindanao and, in the case of Region XII, mandated the transfer of regional offices from Cotabato City to Koronadal City.

        On February 23, 1995, Republic Act 7901 ‘An act Creating Region XIII to be known as the Caraga Administrative Region, and for other Purpose’ was enacted. Section 3 of thee said law provided for the transfer of Sultan Kudarat to Region XI following Surigao del Sur’s transfer from Region XI to the Caraga Region.

        Pursuant to the provisions of the Final Peace Agreement signed between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on September 6,1996, Executive Order No.371 was issued by his Excellency Fidel V. Ramos on October 2, 1996. EO 371 established a Special Zone and Development (SZOPAD) in Southern Philippines, which encompassed five regions, including Region XII.

        At the local scene, the municipality of Kidapawan became a city with the enactment of Republic Act 8500 on March 21, 1998. In the same year, the Province of Sultan Kudarat was reverted to Region XII by virtue of Republic Act 8744, An Act Repealing Section 3 of RA 7901 and to Return the Province of Sultan Kudarat to Region XII and other Purposes, which lapsed into law on December 18,pursuant to Article VI, Section 27 (1) of the constitution.

        In the year 2000, the status of the two local government units where elevated. The municipality of Koronadal became a city on August 16, 2000 through Republic Act No. 8803. On the other hand, the municipality of Tacurong in the Sultan Kudarat became a city on September 18, 2000 by virtue of Republic Act o. 8805.

        On August 14, 2001, a plebiscite was conducted in the ZSOPAD to determine the areas that shall comprise the ARMM, pursuant to RA 9054. The cities of Marawi in Region XII and Isabela in Region IX joined the ARMM. (As a result administrative measure) following the reconfiguration of ARMM, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 36 dated September 19, 2001, which realigned the regions in Mindanao. The province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City of Region XII were transferred to Region X. The provinces of South Cotabato, Saranggani, and the cities of Koronadal and General Santos of Region XI became part of Region XII. Thus, per EO No. 36 Region XII is now composed of the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, South Cotabato and Cotabato Province and the cities of General Santos, Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, andTacurong.

        The Region has a total land area of 20,566.26 sq. km, 20 percent of the total Mindanao land area of 101,587 sq. km. Along the coasts are lowland areas covered with mangroves and beaches. A chain of inactive volcanoes and low hills occupy the interior. The region belongs to the fourth climatic which is characterized by having an event distribution of rainfall throughout the year.It is seldom visited by typhoon.

       South Cotabato its capital is Korondal City and the total area is 3,935.95 square kilometer (1,519.68 sq mi). It has 2 Cities (Independent and Component) and 10 Municipalities. The province is generally flat dotted with some hills and mountains.

Climate: The hottest period is January to April while July to December being the coolest.

People: The Hiligaynon-speaking peoples from Panay and Negros in the Visayas. People from the Ilocano-speaking peoples of Luzon Cebuano is also the main ethnic ethnolinguistic group of the municipality of Polomolok and is one of the main ethnolinguistic groups of Tupi (along with Hiligaynon and Tagalog, which slightly differs from Manila Tagalog). Both towns are near to General Santos City, which speaks both, Ilonggo and Cebuano. Chavacano-speaking peoples are even found scattered in some areas of the province, as well as Maguindanaons.

History

       Centuries ago, the area that would be South Cotabato was sparsely inhabited by Malay Pioneers which later evolved into various ethnic groupings that still exist in the province today.

       Settlers,who would lay the foundation of what would become a progressive province,started trooping down in 1914. The significant thrust occurred during the term of President Quezon in the late 30’s. The first of waves of settlers that time was led by Gen. Paulino Santos, a man whose undaunted pioneering spirit inspired thousands. After World War II, the final exodus of settlers from Luzon and the Visayas poured into the virgin land of promise.

        In the early 60’s as population, trade and industries grew in this southern part of Cotabato, a clamor for local self-governance arose. Thus, on July 18, 1966,South Cotabato was finally formed as an independent province raring to push its own development.

        In 1992, South Cotabato gave birth to a new province. Seven towns in the southern and coastal section of the province now form part of the Province of Sarangani. That was a new challenge. And South Cotabatenos, with their indomitable pioneering spirit have proven once more their ability to face and hurdle diverse challenges and ably went through with the demands of times.

       South Cotabato sparks new interest having emerged as the favorite venue for conventions and big events of national significance like the National Secondary School Press Conference, the Palarong Pambansa and the 9th Mindanao Business Conference to name a few.

       The new millennium ushers in a new beginning for the province with the coming in of regional offices in the area in consonance with EO 429 dated October 12, 1990 issued by President Corazon C. Aquino and EO No. 36 dated September 19, 2001 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, provide for the reorganization of the new Administrative Region in Mindanao and having the city of Koronadal as the regional center of Region XII.

        In only three decades since its province hood, South Cotabato has already surpassed dozens of provinces established half a century ahead in almost every aspect of development. In a short span, it become one of the leading provinces in Mindanao. What it got to show today are vivid results of human synergy and the richness of its resources.

       Cotabato formerly but colloquially known as North Cotabato its capital is Kidapawan City and the total area is 9,008.90 km(3,478.36 sq mi).  It has 1 Cities,17 Municipalities, and 43 Barangays. Cotabato is considered a major food basket in Mindanao. It is a top producer of cereals, tropical fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, coconut,coffee, freshwater fish and livestock. It is also one of the country’s leading producers of raw and semi-processed rubber and industrial trees, with markets in Asia and Europe.

History

        Cotabato derives its name from the Maguindanao word kuta wato (fromMalay – “Kota Batu”), meaning “stone fort”, referring to the stone fort which served as the seat of Sultan Muhammad Kudarat in what is now Cotabato City (which the province derives its name from).

       Islam was introduced in this part of the country in the later part of 15th century by Sharif Mohammed Kabungsuwan, an Arabo-Malay Muslim warrior-missionary. Sharif Kabungsuwan invaded Malabang in 1475, facing armed resistance from the non-Muslim natives,nevertheless successfully vanquishing and subjugating them to his (Islamic)rule through the might of his Samal warriors. Modern historians have pointed to the Cotabato delta as the medieval location of Toupo, the successor of the Maguindanao/Cotabato Sultanate.

       Sultan Kudarat its capital is Isulan and the total area is 5,298.34 square kilometer (2,045.70 sq mi). It has 1 Cities, 11 Municipalities, and 249 Barangays.

Religion: The four major religious groups are Roman Catholicism (55.99%), Islam (22.88%),Evangelical (7.20%), and Iglesia Ni Cristo (2.26%).

Climate: Heavy rainfall occurs from April to November.generally free from typhoons as it is situated outside the “typhoon belt”.

History

       Sultan Kudarat was part of the former empire province of Cotabato, until its creation as an independent province (along with Maguindanao and North Cotabato) on November 22, 1973,through Presidential Decree No. 341 signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

       The name Sultan Kudarat given to the province was derived from the Muslim ruler, Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat who begun to assert his leadership in the year 1619 and reigned in the Sultanate of Maguindanao from 1625 to 1671. He is considered a national hero,and in his honor the province was named after him.

       Sarangani its capital is Alabel and the total area is 3,601.25 square kilometers (1,390.45 sq mi). It has 7 Municipalities and 141 Barangays. Sarangani divided into 2 Sections: Eastern(Alabel, Glan, Malapatan,and Malungon) and Western(Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim) separated by the Sarangani Bay and General Santos City in the middle.

Religion: Roman Catholic, Evangelicals, Islam, Iglesia Ni Cristo

        Sarangani has ancient burial jars, discovered by archaeologists from the National Museum in Ayub Cave in Maitum, in 1991 and in 2008, and at Sagel Cave in Maitum (now declared by National Historical Institute as a national historical site). Amid Mindanao’s armed conflicts, artifacts found thereat prove settlements of pre-historic civilization in Maitum.

History

        The earliest civilization in the province can be found in Maitum, Sarangani, where the Maitum Anthropomorphic Pottery or Maitum Jars were found. The jars have been dated to approximately 5 BC to 370 AD, one of the oldest in the entire Southeast Asian region and the Philippines. The discovery testified to the long history of cultural exchanges in Sarangani and its people.

       The island of Sarangani (now part of Davao Occidental) was named by Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos in 1543 as Antonia, in honor of Antonio de Mendoza y Pacheco who commissioned the Villalobos expedition to the Philippines. The early inhabitants who first inhabited Sarangani were the indigenous natives, called MunaTo, a native term for “first people.”

        In 1942, the Japanese troops occupied Southern Cotabato. In 1945, Filipino troops of the 6th, 10th, 101st and 102nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and 10th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary entered in and liberated Southern Cotabato and fought against the Japanese Imperial Army forces during the Battle of Cotabato at the end of World War IIunder the Japanese Occupation.

       Before its inception in 1992, Sarangani was part of South Cotabato as the Third District of South Cotabato. The province was created by Republic Act No. 7228 on March 16, 1992, penned by Congressman James L. Chiongbian. His wife,Priscilla L. Chiongbian, was the first Governor of Sarangani.

       General Santos City officially the City of General Santos abbreviated as GenSan. Located on the island of Mindanao, it is the southernmost and 15th-most populous city in the Philippines and is geographically located within the province of South Cotabato but administered independently of it. 1st class highly urbanized city in Soccsksargen, Philippines. The total area is 492.86 square kilometer (190.29 sq mi) it has 26 Barangays. GenSan has 2 major languages these are Cebuano and Ilonggo. General Santos City is known as “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” because of their largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the Philippines. The city is also a top producer and exporter of quality livestock such as poultry, hogs, and cattle. It is the regional center for commerce and industry of the Soccsksargen region.

Climate: Tropical rainforest wet and dry climate. It is considered to be one of the driest places in the Philippines, even with a less pronounced dry season.

History

        The nomadic B’laan people are the original inhabitants of General Santos, and traces of their early settlement of the area are found in the city’s place names, which are derived from their vocabulary. Their name for the city, Dadiangas, is from the thorny Ziziphus spina-christi tree that was once abundant in the area and is now a protected species under Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Right Act of 2007. The B’laan tribe presently lives alongside the city’s new generation of settlers and other immigrants.

Attractions

Mount Apo

Mt. Apo is the largest and the tallest solfataric mountain on the island of Mindanao and in all of the Philippines. The mountain has an elevation of 9,692 feet and is located between the city of Davao and the province of Davao del Sur.

Conquer the highest peak in the Philippines: Mt. Apo. This majestic mountain is also a home of the endangered Philippine Eagle, the country’s national bird.  Mt. Apo is surrounded by moss-covered century-old trees, captivating flora and fauna, sulfur crater and massive boulders. It is one of the most popular summer destinations in Mindanao.

Mt. Apo, with a total land area of 72,769 hectares of tropical rainforest, is declared Natural Park.  It has an elevation of 2,956 meters above sea level.

TREKKING ACTIVITIES:

SUMMER CLIMB– during the first climbing season January – June

OCTO TREK–  during the second climbing season October – December

Asik-asik Falls

Asik asik Falls is located at Sitio Dulao, Upper Dado, Alamada, Cotabato. The water comes from the rocks, instead of a stream. Opao located at Kitub-Bao, Alamada, specifically between the boundaries of Alamada and Banisilan. It is blessed with natural grown trees and source of cold spring water.

Be captivated with the unique 140-meter wide curtain-like spring falls, feel the breeze of nature that could rejuvenate adventurers. Asik-asik, which is now the most popular destination in the region, is a perfect place for nature lovers.

The Grand Mosque

The Sultan Hassal Bolkiah Masjid (The Grand Mosque) in Cotabato City was funded by the Sultan of Brunei through the initiative of former Congressman Didagen Dilangalen to the tune of Php300 million.It is located at Barangay Kalanganan Dos, Cotabato City, 2-3 kilometers away from the city’s Husky Bus Terminal.The mosque is visible from both land and sea through the Moro Gulf to the east and the Awang Airport to the south.The Sultan Hassal Bolkiah Masjid (The Grand Mosque) is an awesome sight to behold in Cotabato City, the administrative centre of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 

Baras Bird Sanctuary

From just four Egrets in 1996, the 1.3 hectare peppercorn farm of Mr. Rey Malana has turned into a sanctuary for more than 20,000 endemic and migratory birds in Baras, Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat.

Baras Bird Sanctuary is the only one of its kind in an urbanized setting that maintainsthe natural environment of the birds. The birds are cageless and their population changes depending on the season.

As you walk under the trees, you can see nests of the birds on branches with families of egrets while some birds are on the forest floor foraging for food.

For 20 pesos, you will not only be one with nature but learn how a segment of it and you as a human being, can live harmoniously and make the environment a better place.

Queen Tuna Park

Formerly known as Lion’s Beach, the Queen Tuna Park in General Santos is probably one of the less-maintained parks in the Philippines. Though, it is regularly visited by locals because of the large waves coming from the Celebes. Queen Tuna Park is located in Barangay Dadiangas South, nearby the Old Mosque and Public Market and it was one of the challenging places when managing the solid wastes because of the informal settlers.It’s free entry, a bit further in the Purok Acharon area, near the public market.The beach has gray sand, and there’s a bit of a faint fish smell.Waves were good enough for a few amateur kite surfers to run their boards (elsewhere in the area the waves are too low).

There are benches and cottages and a few stalls for you to buy food, so a family could make an afternoon of it in this place. Alcohol is not allowed, though.

Parking is plentiful and place is accessible. Not exactly a go-to place for tourists, but more like their version of Manila’s Luneta park. Symbolic but tad neglected.

Cultural Tradition and Festivals

Tuna Festival in General Santos during August 29-September 10

Tuna festival is an annual festival celebrated in the General Santos City, Philippines on first week of September of every year. General Santos City is called Tuna Capital of the Philippines because of its large harvest of tuna.  The yellow fin tuna fish abound in the waters that surround the city, effectively making the city one of the leading producers of tuna. General Santos is recognized as a golden source of tuna globally. During the festivals there are a lot of activities such as The tuna dish cooking contest; one of the most incredible parts of the festival. And the outdoor lover will certainly fall in love with the floats designed like tuna fish. There are also musical and energetic performances, do look out for the drum-and-lyre performances.

Sharifff Kabunsuan Festival in Cotabato City, Cotabato every December 15-19

Shariff Kabunsuan Festival: A Fluvial Parade in the Longest River inMindanao. Every December 15 to 19, Central Mindanao celebrates the religious festival to commemorate the coming of the Arab missionary Shariff Kabunsuan in the 16th century. Shariff Kabunsuan was an Arab missionary from Johore and is credited to have spread the Islam religion in Mindanao. The introduction of Islam led to the establishment of the Sultanates ofMaguindanao, Rajah Buayan and Kabuntalan. One of the highlights of the festival is the Guinakit(bancas) fluvial parade at the mouth of Rio Grande de Mindanao where are enactment of the landing is done. The Rio Grande de Mindanao is the second longest river in the country running 373 kilometers. Guinakits are colorfully decorated with Muslim cloth in vivid colors of yellow, red and green. A dance interpretation accompanied by traditional music is also done during the celebration. Other activities of the Shariff Kabunsuan festival are: alimango festival, banca race, street parade, cultural presentations, trade fair and culinary contests.

Helobung Festival in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato every second week of November

A long parade of people all wearing traditional T’boli garbs filled the streets. It’s not a usual sight in Lake Sebu in this modern time even if the town is inhabited predominantly by T’boli people, but every second week of November the sleepy upland town of Lake Sebu becomes more alive with all things T’boli – it’s the culmination day of Helobung Festival! There were no gargantuan floats, no national celebrities invited to attract more visitors but you can feel that regular town fiesta feel. Helobung Festival is held to celebrate the Tboli culture. It is also celebrated to commemorate the founding of the scenic town settled more than 700 meters above sea level in the mountains of South Cotabato in Mindanao. It is said to be the liveliest time of the year in the town. The festival allows its streets to be adorned with geometric ethnic designs with striking red and deep black colors, hues that represent the indigenous T’boli culture. Red represents the bravery and love and black is for the soil, the source of life. The one week celebration showcases the life, history and stories of the T’boli peoples through the activities and competitions among local contestants. There’s bangka (dugout canoe) racing to showcase the traditional means of transportation T’bolis use to travel from islets of Lake Sebu to the main land.In between dances, seket kuda,which literally means a horse fight, gathers roars from the crowd. Seket kuda is known as the sport of the T’boli datus where two stallions are made to fight against each other over a mare. The festival also gives the T’boli the chance to present their culinary pride. T’boli foods and menus are mostly from root crop staples but the most interesting are the ones made with our amphibian friends: the stewed frogs and the char grilled frogs. The spirit of the celebration is best expressed in the traditional chanting and community dancing. Traditional stories of love, conquest, revenge and community celebrations are themes of the chants and dances. The best thing about it is that the ones performing Tboli chants and dances are T’boli peoples themselves.It is a celebration of culture and is celebrated by those who truly should.

Talakudong Festival in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat every September 18

Talakudong originates from an Ilonggo word “kudong” which implies a “headcovering” worn by the early pioneers of Sultan Kudarat. One of the features of the Talakudong Festival is the road moving where contingents grandstand the Kudongs that are utilized noticeably in their move steps. Some portion of the move is a reenactment of the giving of the golded kudong by Christian pioneers to the Sultan of Buluan for the peace and success appreciated by the inhabitants in the region. While the onlooker is dealt with to mind boggling arrangements and move introductions, it additionally offers tribute to the town’s history and figures. Kudongs are basic salakots worn by our ranchers to shield themselves from the sun and rain. At the Talakudong, the humble salakot is changed into excellent workmanship pieces through paint,sequins, okirs, leaves and blooms. Entertainers raise and wave the kudongs while moving and droning to local drums. The kaleidoscope of hues and development take you in and influence you to need to participate on the good times. Tacurong’s Talakudong Festival might be a residential community celebration for a few, however it conveys huge heart performances. Talakudong Festival is the most praised occasion. Not just on the grounds that it is commended close by the celebration of the establishing commemoration of Tacurong but since it has the most chronicled criticalness to the city and its kin. The colorful Talakudong Festival reminds its people of the city’s rich past and a promising future.

 

Bangsi Festival in Maitum, Sarangani every end of January o first week of February

The town of Maitum in Sarangani Province hosts the one-of-its-kind Bangsi Festival every end of January or first week of February each year. What makes it unique is that it gives honor to its One Town, One Product (OTOP), the Bangsi, and its people renew its commitment to protect and conserve its seas. Maitumians do not just watch and listen. They participate through the different events. The town’s fishermen show their strength and compete in the Bangsirit (Outrigger race) and Lalumsay (Langoy Lumba/Bugsay) or Swim and Paddle Race. Cheers and yells from fellow fishermen pervade the air as each team vie for the championship and get to bring home a new motor for their boats. Others show their craftsmanship through Nipa (Nipa Palm) shingles weaving. The one who makes the most number of shingles wins. Of course, quality matters too. Children tell stories through dance about life at sea through the Bangsiyawan or Mass Demonstration and schools troop to the streets for the Bangsi Street dancing. The highlight of the fiesta is the Sugba-sugba sa Bangsi sa Kadalanan or the grilling of a ton of Bangsi in front of the Municipal Hall. Barangays all have their sugbahan(grillers) and everyone who asks for the grilled fish can have their share.Lunchtime is one big party for Maitumians and visitors enjoying their taste of Bangsi.

Gastronomy

Tuna Kinlaw

It’s the most known dish to make out of tuna. No need to cook because we will simply use raw tuna. Since Gensan is known to be the Tuna Capital City of the Philippines. They have here wide businesses on tuna export and local products as well.

The main income of General Santos City is coming from the fishing industries.

Pastel Rice

A Maguindanaoan delicacy that is basically steamed rice topped with flaked chicken, beef or tuna, and wrapped in banana leaves. Each serving of pastil costs between P8.00 to P10.00 which makes it a very affordable (and portable) meal. It may be paired with a hard boiled egg. Both Muslims and Christians in Sultan Kudarat love pastil that you can see pastil houses in almost every block in Isulan and Tacurong City.

Tinagtag

It is made of ground rice and sugar,mixed with a little bit of water. This glutinous mixture cooked then foldedlike a taco. It is best eaten with either milk or coffee or even a mixture of both.. Tinagtag came from the root word “Tagtag” which means tapping.

Sinanglay

It is fish wrapped in cabbage and cooked in coconut milk. This dish is somewhat similar to Ginataang Tilapia. However, certain ingredients and procedure differentiates this dish from the later.

Buko Halo

Definitely the local go-to spot for a heat quenching taste of the Philippines’ ultimate dessert, the Halo Halo, this time served in fresh coconut.

Tourism Marketing Campaign

#HelloParadise

#HelloParadise as the official brand name and centerpiece of the region’s tourism campaigns for this year. The new tourism identity was inspired by agency’s “12th Paradise” campaign strategy and brand name that was launched in 2013. The 12th Paradise brand name we’re giving it new face through #HelloParadise. They give more“personality” to the region’s world-class and “paradise-like” tourist attractions and destination. It describe what region 12 can offer to tourist with its rich natural attractions and resources. The region boast of its mountains,free flowing waterfalls and springs, captivating lakes, pristine white sand beaches as well as well-preserved culture and traditions of local tribal communities. The official include the hashtag or number sign in the tagline to give it a modern touch and assist its promotion efforts in various social media sites. Using hashtag in the tagline will facilitate its mainstreaming and trending as a topic in the social media using the campaign strategy and brand new name is just a part of what they are trying to communicate. It’s not just about branding and promoting or marketing but its’s also about how and what they need to communicate with the audience.