By Cyrus A. Natividad

Thumbs up for Centralians in the South. With Centralians Manny and Ellie Palada, Jimmy and Fe Yanson and Cyrus Natividad at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

The grand culmination of the CPU CARES and Centralians’ Reunion 2023 was an exploration of the South, a region that offers a diverse range of experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. From Norala to Suralla, Gensan to Davao, the adventure unfolded.

Among the countless extraordinary destinations we encountered, Punta Isla Resort, nestled on the shores of Lake Sebu in the Municipality of Lake Sebu, near Surallah, South Cotabato, stood out as a place of indescribable wonder and excitement. This resort is enveloped by rolling hills and mountains cloaked in lush rainforests.

Lake Sebu, a vital watershed and a primary source of irrigation for the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato, has evolved into a natural haven for tourists in the southern Philippines. During our visit, we were accompanied by a group of Centralians, including Dr. Manny Palada and his wife, Ellie, and Mr. Jimmy Yanson and his wife, Fe. Our journey brought us to Lake Sebu around lunchtime, and we couldn’t help but notice the warmth and hospitality of the locals. When we inquired about the location of Lake Sebu, they cheerfully responded, “Lake Sebu, Ma’am, Sir. Where are you headed?” To our surprise, they spoke in Ilonggo, a native language of where we came from.

“We’re heading to Lake Sebu, indeed,” I replied. “Lake Sebu, Ma’am, Sir, is the name of this town, and also the name of the lake,” one of the locals explained. They kindly directed us to a spot with a monument of a tilapia, often referred to as “St. Peter’s Fish.” We had arrived at Lake Sebu, home to Punta Isla Resort.

While we waited for the boat that would take us on a picturesque tour of the lake, we were treated to complimentary snacks, including puto, boiled corn, and kalamay-hati (sugar-half or Sug-). The lake is known for its abundance of tilapia, which are cultivated by Punta Isla Resort.

The package tour included a boat ride around the lake with other groups of five. Our journey took us around an islet in the middle of Lake Sebu, where we enjoyed a scrumptious lunch accompanied by live music, storytelling, and captivating cultural dance performances. Grilled tilapia, served with a fresh vegetable salad, was the highlight of our meal.

Strolling by the lake’s edge, we marveled at the crystal-clear waters and the thriving marine life beneath. The unique architectural design of the lakeside homes only added to the charm of this place, once uninhabited by humans.

What’s particularly remarkable about Lake Sebu is how its operation and business strategy have transformed South Cotabato into a tourist hotspot while simultaneously providing employment opportunities to the local communities.

Our boat journey was complemented by a delightful storytelling session. We were regaled with a tale from ancient times about a Sultan with 35 wives and the intriguing story of how he managed to marry them all. Stay tuned for more on the Sultan’s story in the upcoming issue of the Weekly Centralian Link.