Seslong Festival
Introduction
The Seslong Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in the Municipality of Tboli, South Cotabato, Philippines, every March. It is a week-long festival that showcases the town’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and natural beauty. The festival’s name is derived from the Tboli word “seslong,” which refers to a socio-economic activity of the Tboli people with other ethnic groups for an exchange of goods or barter in a specific place and time, usually accompanied by merrymaking. It signifies the importance of trade and commerce in the Tboli community.
The Seslong Festival features a variety of events, including:
Street parades: Colorful street parades with marching bands, dancers, and elaborate floats depicting Tboli’s cultural heritage fill the streets of Tboli.
Cultural presentations: Traditional dances, songs, and games are performed by local Tboli cultural groups.
Arts and crafts exhibits: Local Tboli artists showcase their traditional handicrafts, such as weavings, jewelry, and wood carvings.
Agricultural fairs: Agricultural fairs showcase Tboli’s agricultural products, such as rice, corn, and vegetables.
Culinary demonstrations: Renowned Tboli chefs demonstrate how to prepare traditional Tboli dishes using local ingredients.
Sports competitions: A variety of sports competitions, such as basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw, are held.
Seslong Festival Queen Coronation: The highlight of the festival is the coronation of the Seslong Festival Queen, who is chosen for her beauty, intelligence, and advocacy for Tboli’s culture and heritage.
The Seslong Festival is a fun and lively celebration that is not to be missed. It is a great opportunity to experience the rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty of Tboli.
Date, Days
The festival begins every year in March.
Please refer to the button below for the exact date.
(This is the starting date of the festival or the date on when the festival is being held.)
Location
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to T'Boli is General Santos International Airport (GES), also known as General Santos Airport (CAv), located about 8 kilometers from the city center. Several airlines offer direct flights to GES from major Philippine cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
By Bus
Several bus companies offer regular bus services from major cities in the Philippines, including Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro, to General Santos City. Bus travel times vary depending on the route and traffic conditions but typically take around 12-24 hours from Manila.
By Car
If you are driving to T'Boli from General Santos City, take the General Santos-Marbel Highway (N944). The drive from General Santos City to T'Boli is about 89 kilometers and takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
