Warmest greetings! Keep an eye on this page as we share our SoCSKSarGen USA experiences. From community stories and cultural highlights to personal reflections and updates, we'll bring you a slice of home no matter where we are—so stay tuned and join us on the journey!
Tnalak & Inaul at NY Fashion Week
South Cotabato's celebrated Tnalak and Inaul fabrics took center stage during a fringe runway showcase held alongside the Fall 2025 season of New York Fashion Week in New York City.
On September 13, 2025, designers Tonel Dacillo and Karl Malana presented contemporary collections featuring Tnalak and Inaul textiles at a special runway event at 160 Central Park West. The showcase brought the intricate artistry of South Cotabato's traditional weaving communities to an international fashion audience of buyers, creatives, and cultural advocates.
Tnalak, woven by T'boli master weavers using abaca fibers and age-old techniques, and Inaul, known for its vibrant geometric patterns and deep cultural symbolism, were reimagined in modern silhouettes while preserving their heritage roots. The presentation demonstrated how indigenous textiles can thrive within global fashion platforms without losing their authenticity.
The participation marked a significant milestone in the province's continuing efforts to promote local craftsmanship, cultural preservation, and creative industries development. By bringing South Cotabato's heritage fabrics to an international stage, the event strengthened awareness of the province's rich cultural identity and opened new opportunities for global appreciation and collaboration.
SoCot Celebrates T'nalak Festival
The province of South Cotabato celebrated the Tnalak Festival 2025 in July as part of the province's foundation anniversary, once again bringing together culture, color, and community in a week-long showcase of heritage and progress. Held annually, the festival honors the rich traditions of the province's indigenous peoples, particularly the T'boli, whose sacred and intricate Tnalak weaving tradition inspired the name of the celebration.
Tnalak Festival 2025 highlighted the vibrant cultural heritage of the different tribes in South Cotabato through street dancing, cultural performances, traditional music, and indigenous crafts exhibitions. The festivities also featured agro-industrial fairs, food expos, and tourism displays that promoted the province's local products and culinary specialties, reinforcing its growing reputation as a key destination in Mindanao.
The province of South Cotabato consists of Koronadal City, its capital, and ten municipalities: Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Polomolok, Santo Niño, Surallah, Tampakan, Tantangan, Tupi, and T'boli. Each local government unit took part in the celebration, showcasing its unique attractions—from the cool highlands of Lake Sebu and the cultural villages of T'boli, to the agricultural landscapes and pineapple plantations of Polomolok and the eco-adventure destinations of Tupi.
Beyond cultural pride, Tnalak Festival 2025 also served as a platform to promote local tourism, small businesses, and community enterprises, strengthening economic activity while preserving identity. As South Cotabato continues to grow and modernize, the festival remains a powerful reminder that development and tradition can move forward together.
NJ Twin Celebration a Success
SoCSKSarGen USA held its 2nd International Convention and celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Gensan-Jersey City Sisterhood in Newark, New Jersey on September 9, 2023, marking an important milestone for the organization and its partner communities.
The event underscored the continuing relationship between General Santos City and Jersey City, highlighting the significance of sustained collaboration and shared initiatives under the sisterhood agreement. It also reflected SoCSKSarGen USA's commitment to strengthening ties among Filipinos and supporters of the SoCSKSarGen region in the United States.
Bringing members and stakeholders together, the convention served as an opportunity to reaffirm connections, recognize progress made over the years, and look ahead to future engagements. The celebration of the fifth anniversary symbolized the durability of the partnership and the shared vision of fostering goodwill, cultural exchange, and mutual support across communities.
Overall, the gathering represented both a celebration of past achievements and a continued commitment to collaboration moving forward.
