Tacurong's Talakudong

First Place. Young Black-Crowned Night Heron by Jonathan Jara

MANILA, Philippines -- If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't it paint a thousand birds and a thousand smiles as well?

Tacurong City, home to the Baras Bird Sanctuary and the colorful Talakudong Festival, was the fitting subject of the Igpat Sang Kamera photo competition for the city's growing community of photographers as part of the city's recent 11th city founding anniversary.

Regarded as the commercial center of Sultan Kudarat Province, Tacurong is a best-kept tourism secret in Mindanao which is a virtual paradise for shutterbugs, nature lovers and culture vultures.

Baras Bird Sanctuary, which some 20,000 black crowned herons and five sub-species of egrets consider their haven, has one of the highest concentrations of fowls in the world in its 1.7 hectare area. It is perfect for birdwatchers and nature photographers as they don't need to wait long hours for the perfect shot under the heat of the sun, as the birds are within the camera range in the native kakawate trees.

They leave the sanctuary at sundown to hunt for food in the nearby Buluan Lake, Lake Sebu and Liguasan Marsh which boasts of a lush biodiversity.  Bird watching can be done throughout the day since herons are nocturnal fowls. In the late afternoon, it offers a photog's dream shot as thousands of birds return to the sanctuary.

Meanwhile, the Talakudong Festival is among the country's pioneer cultural events dating back to 1976, long before street festivals became a craze as a way of luring tourists.

Talakudong, a Maguindanao word for headgear worn, is the native salakot woven out of pandan leaves by its early settlers. It became a major product of Tacurong, and is believed to be origin of the city's name.

According to Tacurong City mayor Lina Montilla, herself an enthusiast, photography is a good vehicle to promote the city as an emerging travel destination in Region 12 or South Central Mindanao. She said it is also an opportunity to enhance the skills of home-grown shooters even as they take pride in their hometown.

With the support of the local chief executive no less, Igpat Sang Kamera will continue to bring out the best of the city's sights and sounds, and the best in its photographic talents.