Region 12 - SOCCSKSARGEN

SOCCSKSARGEN
is an acronym that stands for the regions's four provinces and one of its cities :
SOuth Cotabato
Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat
SARgani
GENeral Santos City

Provinces
North Cotabato
Sarangani
South Cotabato
Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat

Places Interest
Ginakit boat of Cotabato City

It is the parade of colorful boat will highlight the celebration of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival on December 19 in Cotabato City.

Grand Mosque in Cotabato City

Is the largest mosque in the Phils. and it was founded by Sultan Hassanal Bulkiah of Brunei Darussalam at a reported cost of US$48 million.

Mt. Matutum and pineapple farms in Tupi

Tupis fertile soil of volcanic offers ash a great entirement to speculators and investors particularly in the field of agriculture.

Venado lake at Mt. Apo National Park 

One of the highest lakes in the Phils. and the old crater of Mt. Apo near its summit.

White sand beach in Gumasa in Glan,Sarangani

It was called the small Boracay of the South in Gumasa Beach.

The pictureque mountain resort town of Lake Sebu

Lake Sebu is a montage landcapes put together by nature in one charming town.

T'boli tribe 

T'boli distinguish themselves from other tribal groups by their colorful clothes, bracelet and earings. This tribe is famous for their complicated beadwork, wonderful women fabrics and beautiful brass ornaments.

Baras Birds in Tacurong City

The most visited site in Tacurong, the Baras Birds Sanctuary is truly a humbling experience . In an  almost two hectares of land lying by a river bank here, the crack of dawn offers a melodius harmony of birds, thousands dot the skies also during sunsets a pleasure for land watchers.

Asik-asik in alamada,Cotabato

Is located at sitio Dulao, North Cotabato. The water comes from rocks, instead of a steam.

Pangi River, Sarangani

The clean waters of Pangi River in New La Union Maitum,Sarangani Province is where the water tubing action is.

Tuka Marine Park

One of the finest and serene places in Sarangani. You will see a lot of nipa cottages as well as wild grasses and shrubs that even make the area more wonderful not to mention the beautiful virgin forest that backdrops the area.

Lemlunay River

Is a secluded gateway to undiscovered paradise.

Foods to die for in Region 12

1. TILAPIA

As you visit Lake Sebu, you shouldn’t miss the 50 different kinds of dishes mainly made of tilapia! Some examples would be the Chicharon Tilapia, you could enjoy the view of Lake Sebu as you take a bite of this crispy Chicharon Tilapia

2.  NILAGANG TILAPIA

             

It’s a big bowl of soup with three tilapia that you could enjoy with your friends!

3. NILASING NA TILAPIA

 Another tilapia dish famous in the region is the Nilasing na Tilapia. It’s just like the dish nilasing na hipon, but with tilapia! I know that the word “nilasing” would be enough to entice most foodies to try it, but the reason they keep ordering it is its taste.

4. BEEF SININA

Cotabato’s beef stew that you would love. It has a twist that is different from other beef stews because it is the Maguindanaoans local version of Filipino beef stew! It is widely served in Cotabato City.

“SININA – a traditional Muslim delicacy that is usually served during festivities or what we normally call “Kanduli”. Traditionally served with tenderized goat meat and served without vegetables but, to be more appealing to the young ones and those who are health conscious, one can either add potatoes or carrots. The Sinina is indeed one multi-ethnicity Filipino cuisine!”

 5. FRIED CATFISH

VE-JR IHAW IHAW located in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. This restaurant is really famous because of its delightful fried catfish dishes. The resto has their own pond full of catfishes. You could choose from fried or grilled catfish dishes! No worries, their catfish is really fresh and clean!

6. MARANG

If you don’t want the smell of Durian, the Marang could be your next favorite fruit. It tastes even sweeter than the Durian! A small piece is worth P15 to P20 in Sultan Kudarat.

 7. PASTEL

A steamed rice topped with flaked chicken, beef, or tuna that is wrapped in banana leaves. It is also best if paired with hard boiled egg. This delicacy is loved by most locals in Cotabato City and tourists of the province, and it is also sold at bus stations. This is worth P8- P10, it’s really affordable!

 8. GRILLED TUNA AND TUNA TACOS TOPPED WITH CHEESE

Since GenSan is known for being the tuna capital of the Philippines, grilled tuna and tuna tacos must be tried! You can get this from BigBen Steaks and Grills for a unique experience. It is one of the most favorite restaurants in the province, located in Robinsons Mall.

 9. CALDERETA RICE

Glutinous white rice cooked with Maggi Magic Sarap, liver spread, corn and peas. It has a long cooking time, but it’s sure worth the wait. A must try for the adventurous foodie in Region 12.

 10. TINAGTAG

It is made of ground rice and sugar, mixed with a little bit of water. This glutinous mixture cooked then folded like a taco. It is best eaten with either milk or coffee or even a mixture of both! You can find this in Brgy. Tuyan, Malapatan, Saragani.

 Literary Forms
Epic
Legend
Myths
Bugtong

Language and Dialects
Ilonggo

Cebuano
Kinaray-a
Tagalog
English