Wazzup Pilipinas!?
After an exhilarating four-day journey, from October 25 to 28, across SOCCSKSARGEN, the first-ever Landscapes SOX 2024 concluded with resounding success.
Organized by Jay Jallorina Photography, this unique adventure took photographers, vloggers, and nature enthusiasts through South Cotabato’s lush landscapes, vibrant communities, and inspiring culture. From sunrises over mist-covered mountains to intimate cultural encounters with the Tboli community, Landscapes SOX 2024 was more than a photography tour—it was an unforgettable immersion into the soul of Mindanao.
This event wouldn't have been possible without the support of our valued sponsors: Fujifilm Philippines , Summit Creative PH , Radiant Photo PH , and ASUS ProArt. Their generous contributions allowed us to share this rich experience with photographers who could capture the beauty of SOX from behind the lens, crafting images that inspire and connect us all.
Day 1 (October 25): Welcoming SOX’s Landscapes
The adventure kicked off with a welcome at 3G Garden Hotel located in General Santos City where we went off to our first destination were oriented by Jay Jallorina about the Landscapes SOX 2024 Photography Tour, then after a few minutes of checking in at our respective shared rooms, we had our first lunch at Daniella's located at Tiongsons Arcade - a local favorite food place especially at night when it gets crowded.
We then went off to our first adventure of a sunset shoot at the mangroves of Asuncion Beache located in Sarangani. Everyone took with them their tripods to capture and take advantage of the slowly setting sunset light.
We then had our first dinner at Ranchero, another local favorite but this time it's air-conditioned. I was telling Jay that normally, we would pick the air-conditioned one during the day when it's hot, and the Al fresco during the cooler night. But no matter since it's understandable being the first run of the Landscapes SOX 2024.
After our dinner, we went back to the 3G Garden Hotel to sleep overnight, and start the following day with an early morning trip for a sunrise shoot at Koronadal City.
Day 2 (October 26): An attempt to capture Mount Matutum
With a drink of coffee or not, participants gathered to prepare for the visual feast that awaited at the DOLE pineapple plantation. We set out early going there, catching sunrise from the area's viewpoints. Each click of the camera shutter and drone remote captured the awakening landscapes, punctuated by bursts of color as the first light hit the plantation and nearby surrounding mountains even though Mount Matutum was not kind enough to show it's full glory.
The day was filled with landscape photography, where participants honed their skills in framing the land’s natural contours. The vibrant greens, interspersed with silhouettes of other notable elements, added a distinctive depth to the photos—a beautiful merging of signs of humanity (a factory nearby and several passing vehicles, even cyclists, amidst the wonders of nature.
We then had breakfast at the Jollibee Koronadal branch after getting disappointed at our first breakfast destination attempt. With access to fast food restaurants being more convenient even in Mindanao, there is no surprise that even these farflung areas have already been conquered by the biggest iconic pabida when it comes to fastfood.
With our stomachs full of either corned beef, tocino, or beef tapa, plus the side egg that comes with it, our next destination was at a resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Exploring Lake Sebu’s Cultural Heartbeat
Continuing the second day, we ventured to Punta Isla Lake Resort located in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, a destination known for its enchanting lakes, waterfalls, and, most importantly, the warmth of the Tboli people.
At the Punta Isla Lake Resort, we had our sumptuous lunch onboard their Lake Cruise boat while listening to the stories narrated, and got entertained by the short performances as we traversed the lake admiring the views as well.
We were welcomed earlier by some local T'boli community members where our group had the privilege of photographing traditionally dressed Tboli models. Their stunning hand-woven costumes and intricate jewelry gave participants a glimpse into the cultural richness of this indigenous group.
We then proceeded to the location of Lake Sebu's falls called 7 Falls where we firstly encountered mischievous monkeys having gumamela flowers for breakfast. Yes, these flowers are indeed edible, even for humans. The first of the 7 Falls was of course majestic as it was our first time to witness it.
Later in the afternoon we went to Gono S'bong where our group gained a deeper understanding of Tboli customs through their stories and performances, further enhancing the cultural authenticity of the portraits we took of of the T'boli family especially of 12 year old girl Yuri.
The day ended with a dinner of grilled tilapia, adobong baboy and Tinolang manok, then went back to the resort to sleep after saying our goodbyes and thanks.
Day 3 (October 27): Aerials and Bird Watching Adventures
Day three offered a different perspective— further taking photography to the skies. With drones, participants continue to capture stunning aerial views of SOX’s landscapes, from undulating hills to vast stretches of pristine lakes. One unexpected highlight was photographing the elusive Flowerpecker, a rare and vibrant bird species native to the region. For avid bird-watchers and photographers alike, this was a thrill, with the added challenge of capturing these colorful creatures in flight.
Day 3 included a trip to visit more closely the second of the 7 Falls. The rest of the falls were not conveniently accessible but one from our group was able to take a glimpse of the third using her drone that patiently took a video from first to third.
After our short time at the second waterfall location, of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete without tasting Lake Sebu’s renowned native chicken inasal. The resounding verdict? Never hesitate to order seconds or additional dishes even if Jay says to pick one, since the native chicken inasals are undeniably too small for an unlirice meal!
We then head off to a refreshing treat—a buko bowl of halo-halo, probably marking the beginning of a bonding tradition among participants. It was the birthday of one of our fellow participants so she generously paid for all the halo-halo orders. Belated birthday, sis!
Then back to our GenSan hotel, 3G Garden Hotel, where everything started, but only for a few minutes in our rooms because we had to proceed to our dinner destination. Then back to the hotel for our last nap.
Day 4: Lasting Impressions and Shared Memories
The final day started early in the morning with a visit at the General Santos Fishport Complex where we had to rent to wear white boots as a requirement before we are allowed entry. This is where we witnessed how the catch are processed from weighing, to cleaning, and then to temporarily storing them in iced water for a few hours before they are wrapped and packed for delivery. It was then back to the hotel after a few shots and purchase of some pasalubong from.the OTOP Store Outlet at the same fishport. It's at the hotel where we had breakfast that came complimentary from our stay. After which we had to say our goodbyes already to some of members of our group. The rest of the time was just wait mode for our flights back home. Those who came from Davao by road, already went back home that morning, another one had an earlier flight so she was taken to the airport ahead, while the rest of our group looked for a restaurant where we can have lunch before going to the airport for the later afternoon flights.
This Photography Tour was not just to satisfy our cravings for the best shots but is also all about making memories. From candid moments to creative shots, participants freely explored their photographic styles, whether by camera or drone shots, capturing SOX’s landscapes, residents, other living creatures and each other’s laughter. Whether it was a shared story over lunch or the humorous misadventures of ordering “just one more” native chicken inasal, the group had truly become a family.
We owe a huge thank you to Ms. Hydz Newtemple (on Facebook) aka Heidi Templonuevo of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato for helping us bring this journey to life. Her local knowledge and connections provided us access to SOX’s most captivating landscapes, local stories, and a truly unforgettable photography experience.
Our van service, expertly handled by the hunky Lemuel through coordination with Peter, brought us from GenSan to South Cotabato and back, through narrow mountain paths and unfamiliar backroads, ensuring we reached even the most remote yet breathtaking locations. A special thank you also goes to Brix for his invaluable support—handling logistics, guiding us through routes, and ensuring that everyone was comfortable, safe, and engaged throughout the experience.
The Participants: The Heart of the Journey
Finally, a heartfelt shout-out to our fellow participants—Jonathan, Kari, Dell, Denise, Paolo, Gino, Larry, Tom, and Lauren (aka Ms. Everywhere). You each brought your unique perspectives, energy, and passion to Landscapes SOX 2024. The way you connected with each other and captured the world around you made this experience not just a tour but a shared celebration of art, nature, and culture. And of course, big thanks to the brains, Jay, who creatively organized everything with Brix and Hydz. He was even the one who booked my flight to Cebu several days earlier before the actual days of the event.
Looking Forward: T’nalak SOX Adventure 2025
As we close the chapter on Landscapes SOX 2024, we're already looking ahead! Keep an eye out for the T’nalak SOX Adventure 2025. We’re excited to continue exploring the unparalleled beauty of SOCCSKSARGEN and welcoming new participants to join this journey. Follow Jay Jallorina for updates on upcoming tours and more opportunities to create and connect.
To our next adventure, may the memories, landscapes, and moments we captured together always remind us of SOX’s boundless beauty!
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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