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ngerous area in the Philippines. My American Navy friend once told me, no matter how beautiful the women are in Mindanao, he will never go there. (But I will tell you in another article about Mindanao).In Mindanao, we speak many languages and our main language spoken here is also called Visaya. Yes, it is similar to Cebu but we have a different tone. Though we understand each other. Like Luzon and Cebu, we speak many dialects as well.<figure id="c625"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*LZqvuueIJG_4_ALi93Mv7g.jpeg"><figcaption>Me and my hiking buddies and behind us is Lake Holon — Image by the Author</figcaption></figure>From Davao City, you will need to travel about four hours drive to go to South Cotabato prior to hike Lake Holon. Lake Holon was very beautiful before the earthquake.Please enjoy the images below.<figure id="2f17"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*LBBl_14X5cHYQOj_fcLUtg.jpeg"><figcaption>Lake Holon — by the Author</figcaption></figure>According to the locals who live near Lake Holon, currently, the water is yellow due to the volcano eruption nearby. No tourists are allowed currently.<figure id="a506"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*XqpIAS5tp39E-5bO1nNdWQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Lake Holon on a closer look — Image by the Author</figcaption></figure>When my friends and I arrived at the lake, we enjoy an afternoon swim. Some people soaking their feet underwater to cool off from the long hike.<figure id="2536"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*qkKiEmLaNlTv82S8mJiT-Q.jpeg"><figc

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aption>Lake Holon — Image by the Author</figcaption></figure>The natural spring water is so clear and you will enjoy the fish tickling around you.<figure id="0c61"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*4PxUwckQWnsWVbhaPvCqEg.jpeg"><figcaption>Image by the Author</figcaption></figure>Such beauty and pure relaxation we enjoyed that day.I spent the night here with a bunch of my friends. This is the Filipino way of hiking and sleeping outdoors in the wilderness.<figure id="57de"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*AFtOe62bLVToMyt2aaU9Jg.jpeg"><figcaption>Friends with local alcoholic drinks — Image by the author</figcaption></figure>We usually get very little sleep even after the long hour of hiking up. We like to chat and get acquainted with the new hikers in our group.<figure id="ac78"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*n3khViUSotvZjl8f6wxGWw.jpeg"><figcaption>This was one of our tents by the lake — Image by the Author</figcaption></figure>I remember waking up very early to see the mist coming out by the lake. It was so beautiful that even I forgot to capture that moment.<figure id="78c0"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*XEvAUs91qfhVLgwUjkTgcw.jpeg"><figcaption>image by the Author</figcaption></figure><h1 id="0fae">Looking back.</h1>I am thankful I was able to see Lake Holon before the earthquake ruined its beauty. Perhaps nature fixes itself.Thanking you for reading and I would love to see your snapshots too. Please leave a comment so I can easily follow.</article></body>

The author is posing. Taken very early in the morning

Snapshot of Lake Holon in the Philippines

These are unforgettable experiences and snapshots that I am about to share with every one of you.

Today, this lake is no longer the same due to the repeated tremors of earthquakes that hit Mindanao back in 2019.

Lake Holon is located in South Cotabato. The lake is called “The Jewel” by the locals because of its blue and clear water.

Before I go deeper, I need to explain to you a little about the Philippines.

The Philippines has 3 island groups:

The image is taken from Google — for Illustration purposes.

Luzon

This is the Capital of Metro Manila. Multinational firms are based here. Big hotel names are here. The main language spoken here is Tagalog. Tagalog is the Philippines National Language.

Visayas

The capital of this island is called Cebu City. Followed by many islands. Like the famous Kalibo — where you find Boracay. Cebu City is the home of the famous and most celebrated event called “SINULOG.”

The main language spoken in Visayas is called “Visayan” (vi-sa-yan).

Mindanao

Davao City is the capital of Mindanao. Let me guess, if you heard the word Mindanao — you may think it is a dangerous area in the Philippines. My American Navy friend once told me, no matter how beautiful the women are in Mindanao, he will never go there. (But I will tell you in another article about Mindanao).

In Mindanao, we speak many languages and our main language spoken here is also called Visaya. Yes, it is similar to Cebu but we have a different tone. Though we understand each other. Like Luzon and Cebu, we speak many dialects as well.

Me and my hiking buddies and behind us is Lake Holon — Image by the Author

From Davao City, you will need to travel about four hours drive to go to South Cotabato prior to hike Lake Holon. Lake Holon was very beautiful before the earthquake.

Please enjoy the images below.

According to the locals who live near Lake Holon, currently, the water is yellow due to the volcano eruption nearby. No tourists are allowed currently.

Lake Holon on a closer look — Image by the Author

When my friends and I arrived at the lake, we enjoy an afternoon swim. Some people soaking their feet underwater to cool off from the long hike.

The natural spring water is so clear and you will enjoy the fish tickling around you.

Such beauty and pure relaxation we enjoyed that day.

I spent the night here with a bunch of my friends. This is the Filipino way of hiking and sleeping outdoors in the wilderness.

Friends with local alcoholic drinks — Image by the author

We usually get very little sleep even after the long hour of hiking up. We like to chat and get acquainted with the new hikers in our group.

This was one of our tents by the lake — Image by the Author

I remember waking up very early to see the mist coming out by the lake. It was so beautiful that even I forgot to capture that moment.

Looking back.

I am thankful I was able to see Lake Holon before the earthquake ruined its beauty. Perhaps nature fixes itself.

Thanking you for reading and I would love to see your snapshots too. Please leave a comment so I can easily follow.