LAKE Sebu in South Cotabato is a popular tourist destination, what with its vast lake and the well-preserved culture of the Tbolis as come-ons.
As such, there are several tourist inns there. But nothing beats homestay. That's what we opt for whenever my friends and I are there.
Homestay, specifically at Maria Todi's place where we get to meet the family and hang out in the kitchen while they prepare the meals or just gaze at the huge pot simmering on a wood stove inside the longhouse eagerly awaiting your "neytib" Tboli coffee.
Maria or Mayang, but who is better known by her Tboli name, Oyog, is quite popular in that area, so you can always ask around where the Homestay is. Its official address is barangay Poblacion, but it's across the smaller lake before the Poblacion. Meaning, if you have reached the poblacion, then you have already driven passed. But don't worry, it's just a very short drive back. Better to just call: 0935 456 9359 and look for Mayang.
Homestay is just P350 a night with breakfast. Now if you would want them to cook other meals, then it's P150 per head that will cover two simple viands (one of which will be the ubiquitous tilapia) and rice.
If you plan to have a meal there aside from breakfast, then request the native chicken stewed in herbs, it's heavenly. Just give them ample tiem to prepare because this chicken is simmered over low fire for hours and hours until tender.
As it's a homestay, Mayang will have the family present the traditional dances if you desire so.
The performance works best with dinner when you can have the food explained to you as well, aside from the dances and the music. It's a whole package, really, and they'd advise you as well on where to go and explore. Just ask.
The Tboli has been the home of many local and foreign visitors, they can sit down with you and discuss their tribe at length if you so want