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The Philippine Tour Operators (Philtoa), the country’s largest
association of tour operators and tourism promotions, is organizing
the 18th Philippine Travel Mart. It will run from September 7 to 9
at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall.
A major highlight in this year’s travel mart
is Central Mindanao and its largely unexplored tourism attractions.
Central Mindanao is composed of North and South Cotabato, Sarangani,
Sultan Kudarat and the cities of Kidapawan and Koranadal.
The mention of Central Mindanao brings Mount
Apo, the country’s highest peak, to mind. Rising majestically, at
10,311 feet above sea level, the country’s king of mountains is
host to the Philippine eagle and is surrounded by moss-covered
century-old trees, enchanting flora and fauna, sulfur craters and
massive boulders. It also has the freshwater Lake Venado whose
crystal waters mirror the twin peaks of Mount Apo.
South Cotabato has Mount Matutum, Lake Sebu and
Lake Maughann, a park and wildlife sanctuary. The place is home to
the T’bolis, where one can buy the unique hand-woven fabric,
T’nalak, that only the T’bolis can make.
Other attractions of the region include Lake
Agko in Kidapawan City, where hot and cold springs converge, the
hidden twin falls of Marbel, and also Mawig Falls, the source of the
crystal-clear Matingao River.
In North Cotabato the hot springs in
Batasan-Biangan is believed to have healing powers, while Epol River
and Gambudes Caves have three kilometers of river cascading into
six waterfalls.
The beaches in Sarangani have been wonderfully
preserved by protective coves and diving sites where one can check
shipwreck dating back to Spanish times, as well as Maitum
anthropomorphic jars among its treasured cultural wealth.
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