Beauty that is Lake Holon

Panoramic Shot of the amazing Lake Holon in Tboli, South Cotabato

The mountains persisted in summoning my soul despite the countless times I dreaded it for its treacherous hills and its dangerous ravines. This time, I found myself in the deep jungles of South Cotabato's tribal municipality of T'boli, a land endowed with the gifts of nature and nurtured by the vibrant people that carried its name. In this town, simplicity is king, from its laid-back poblacion to the peaceful sitios. Life is slow here, which makes it all the more enticing. In this town also lies what could be considered as South Cotabato's prized gem—Lake Holon—which, despite its being serene and silent and relatively unknown, trumpets the moniker of the province as a prime destination for tourists possessing an excess appetite for adventure.

Centuries ago, the place where the lake is situated has become a witness to the rumblings of Mt. Parker, a stratovolcano that has last erupted in 1641. The eruption led to the formation of the Crater Lake, that became an abode for different creatures including the highly-celebrated tilapia. For two years in a row, Lake Holon—settled at 1,350 meters above sea level— earned the distinction as the cleanest lake in the Philippines.

The T'bolis protect it with highest regard, considering it as the gift from the Supreme Being. While allowing the public to marvel at the lake's unparalleled beauty, the tribe also sees to it that the lake will not be subject for abuse and destruction. The soft-speaking T'bolis, who undeniably bears the country's warmest smile, commit their life to maintain the sacredness and cleanliness of Holon.

Holon is an image of serenity and peace from afar and at close range.

In the waning days of this year’s blistering summer, I joined a number of travel bloggers from Davao and Manila to discover Lake Holon. From a distance or at close range, enjoying the beauty of the lake is sweet and satisfying. But getting to Holon is not easy as strolling in the park. One has to walk past through a thick canopy of forest trees, in a trail that will offer you different treats taking form of a cold stream, towering trees with really huge trunks, abaca, wild orchids and flowers or better yet, the company you’re with.

The Majestic Mt. Apo Experience

It all began with hesitation, but as soon as we started our journey on a broad daylight, I know there’s no coming back. This is no ordinary journey and certainly not for the faint-hearted.  We’re heading to Mt. Apo, the grandfather of Philippine mountains and the crown jewel of Philippine mountain climbing experience.

Last Holy Week, I felt like Bilbo Baggins of Shire—plucked from his comfort zone to take a part in a journey that could only be described as an ultimate adventure of a lifetime.  I certainly know how this journey would take its toll on us, especially on me—an obvious heavyweight and an inexperienced mountaineer. One would certainly wonder why I decided to join and the fact that we are aiming to reach the summit of the highest mountain in the Philippines for my first major climb is totally a crazy idea. As what we always say along the trail, kiat ray agi. Climbing Apo is not really included in my bucket list because I know that mountain climbing is not my cup of tea. Originally, I already planned to do a documentary about the holy week activities in Tagum last week but when I realized that majority of my officemates are joining the trip, I hastily agreed to take part and might as well give it a try. The journey to Apo started in Tagum two weeks before March 28, in early mornings at Energy Park where I did my exercise regimen.With just a little bit of jogging and more on walking and just few days to do it, I know this wouldn’t be enough. But still I pushed through with the plan, this time inspired by the idea of standing in the spot that every true-blooded mountaineer dreamed of reaching.

Mt. Apo's reflection is seen in a portion of Lake Venado. The country's highest lake sprawls at the foot of the country's highest mountain. According to local tribesmen, the lake is believed to be enchanted, killing countless mountaineers in the past.