GenSan News Online Mag

For the first time in the history of their group, four original members of the VIVA Hotbabes will perform in General Santos in what promises to be an exciting show dubbed as “Viva Hotbabes in the Flesh” – LIVE IN GENSAN on August 9, 2008, Saturday at the KCC Mall Convention Center.

A lingerie fashion event cum variety show which will surely excite the male generals, it features Andrea del Rosario, Jennifer Lee, Maui Taylor and Katya Santos.

General Santos City has recently been invaded this year by Manila-based performers like Pops Fernandez, Geneva Cruz, Jay-R, Danilo Barrios, Mocha, Sarah Geronimo, Mark Bautista, to name just a few. That only means one thing – the generals now know how to enjoy themselves and party!!!!

Viva Hotbabes In the Flesh – Live in Gensan is brought to us by Advision and the GenSan City Government.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Boy Scout of the Philippines – GenSan Chapter. Other sponsors are KCC Mall of GenSan, GRAB-A-CRAB, Coca-Cola, Citra Mina, Family Country Hotel and Convention Center, Coffee Club 101, Gregoria Printing Press, Fine Pixel and Media Partners ABS-CBN and MOR 92.7 For Life.

Viva Hotbabes In the Flesh is rated R-18.  In short, it’s FOR ADULTS ONLY.

My alma mater, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University now ranks #1 among the schools in Mindanao offering Nursing Courses.  This, according to the NDDU Alumni Office headed by Ms. Mea Dayot since her passing percentile is 83%, way above the national average of 43%.

To Notre Dame President Bro. John Tan, FMS, his staff, the teachers and the student passers, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Here is the list of passers from NDDU:

1. Jovelyn G. Alaba, RN
2. Kathrine Grace C. Aquino, RN
3. Jeslie Aiza O. Arco, RN
4. Irish Louie D. Arnado, RN
5. Jover Christensen A. Asentista, RN
6. Robelyn E. Atamosa, RN
7. Rochelle Kay G. Aure, RN
8. Ma. Cinthya C. Balayon, RN
9. Sherry Rose S. Bayron, RN
10. Rhodena Laurene P. Benedicto, RN
11. April Grace D. Bernaldez, RN
12. Conrado P. Bergundo Jr, RN
13. Rachel D. Bilbao, RN
14. Irish G. Blabagno, RN
15. Jo-ann A. Braga, RN
16. Rhodilyn V. Capili, RN
17. Keneith C. Castillon, RN
18. Efren T. Catimbang Jr, RN
19. Kristine Anne I. Chan, RN
20. Katrina Ivy D. Dafun, RN
21. Vener M. Damasco, RN

22. Princess Wendy V. Demaisip, RN

23. Renzie F. Diamante, RN

24. Leo Anthony T. Diongon, RN

25. Kirstine C. Domingo, RN

26. Jenny Rose S. Dusal, RN

27. Marie Conef V. Egano, RN

28. Cindy G, Empig, RN

29. Maria Rae C. Enad, RN

30. Jay B. Esgana, RN

31. Kristine J. Estaña,

32. Jowe L. Estrera, RN

33. John Dexter A. Fegarido, RN

34. Kristienne Marie M. Francisco, RN

35. Dulce Amor P. Fuentes, RN

36. Cecille Ruth G. Garciano, RN

37. Michael Kristoffer P. Hijastro, RN

38. Aisa Katrina Y. Irlanda, RN

39. Marve Joy M. Jandoc, RN

40. Marlon N. Japitana, RN

41. Jenny S. Javier, RN

42. Charmaine H. Labaniego, RN

43. Rochie Grace P. Lachica, RN

44. Antonette M. Lao, RN

45. Adelaida D. Leonar, RN

46. Catherine J. Lim, RN

47. Michael Lawrence M. Lu, RN

48. Catherine G. Macabenta, RN

49. Imee Clen O. Manlangit, RN

50. Abigail G. Miana, RN

51. Kareen D. Kaye Nacis,

52. Laverne D. Ninez, RN

53. Mohaliden A. Odasan, RN

54. Johanna G. Olarte, RN

55. Crystine Jel E. Olivarez, RN

56. James T. Oquendo Jr. , RN

57. Reich P. Oquendo, RN

58. Ray-Anne D. Pabalinas, RN

59. Mairille L. Paje, RN

60. Jollie Marie G. Palati, RN

61. Xy-za Graciela C. Panes, RN

62. Gillian Joy C. Paulate, RN

63. Charlene U. Reyes, RN

64. Angeline D. Rolan, RN

65. Xander Lyn P. Rollo, RN

66. Mira J. Rosali, RN

67. Kim Lochinvar M. Salamanca, RN

68. Keren A. Salvador, RN

69. Denver B. Sarabia, RN

70. Ma. Sheenah I. Sasam, RN

71. Danica Patricia A. Santos, RN

72. Kris A. Secreto, RN

73. Mary Keith Fanz A. Siotong, RN

74. Moniene C. Tabaco, RN

75. Ma. Aileen J. Tabingo, RN

76. Mairene Jane R. Tago-on, RN

77. Jackie Mae Lane G. Tatad, RN

78. Marvy G. Tirado, RN

79. Kenneth Jim L. Toribio, RN

80. Chrismae S. Vicente, RN

81. Nery M. Vigor, RN

82. Apple Llymar P. Vilaray, RN

83. Rochelle Lou X. Villaneza, RN

84. Cherrie Mae M. Ygot, RN

85. Carlo Christopher R. Yumang, RN

ategory A (100 examinees & up)

After a string of postponements due to my erratic schedule, I finally found time to visit and try the offerings of my good friends Noel and Sally Santos‘ first dining venture, the AforDabolz Oriental Native Food.

Located along Yumang Street (about 50 meters from Aparente Avenue), at the corner of Delfin Compound, the place has been a hit among passersby, mostly harried workers who are residents of the nearby subdivisions (Sarangani Homes, Lacap Subdivision, Villegas Subdivision, Pacheco Subdivision, among others) who are on the lookout for more than the usual barbecued fare.

For one, they serve TUNA & FISH DISHES TO GO at very affordable prices, since they source it directly from Sta. Maria Processors, Inc..  Second, they have a richly varied menu other than Pinoy food with a touch of Malaysian and Thai influences, also at friendly prices.  This is the very reason why Noel (grandson of Gen. Paulino Santos, founder of the city) thought of the name AforDabolz Oriental Native Food to make it easily stick on the minds of his clients.

Just recently, the back portion of their compound which have been converted into a dining area cum beer garden has been the favorite hangout of barkadas and families who want a dressed-down ambience. There they can stay under a roofed area or go al-fresco with the stars smiling down on them.

In fact, last night, I was there with my high school batchmates (Notre Dame 78) courtesy of Charles Lim who sponsored a get-together for my partner’s birthday on Saturday.   We had the time of our lives not only updating ourselves on each other’s “rakets” and laughing our hearts out, but also partaking some of Noel and Sally’s food bestsellers, pictures of which are posted below.

My high school batchmates (NDDU 78) all satisfied with AforDabolz delicious food

Thanks to Noel and Sally’s daughter, Ann Santos (of ABS-CBN) who took these photos.

Sizzling Spicy Tuna Sisig, made of tuna skin (!), drizzled with generous amounts of onions and green chili, is an AforDabolz exclusive priced at only P70. Tasty, tender to the bite, and healthy pulutan for LIVER LOVERS.

Stuffed Bangus: minced boneless bangus mixed with shredded itlog na maalat (salted egg), dashed with onions and tomatoes, wrapped in foil and steamed to perfection, this one is priced at P130. Coated with mayo, it is one pure drinker’s delight!

The Spicy Bagaybay (Tuna Gonad/reproductive organ) is my favorite. Flavored with Noel’s secret sauce, it doesn’t have that distinctive fishy taste (lansa) and is so tender to the bite that I could swear it easily melted in my mouth. Masarap pang-ulam, and matakaw sa kanin, this one goes for P70 ONLY!!!!

Hoisin Pusit (Squid) is a Malaysian dish cooked in Hoisin Sauce and is for people who prefer their dishes a bit on the sweet side. Still, since it’s from a Southeast Asian Country, it’s also spicy making it even more flavorful. Only at P50 per serving.

Afordabolz’s Honey Glazed Spareribs could give Ranchero’s a run for their money. Totally coated in Noel’s honey mixture, baked to tender-heaven and served with potato chips, this one does not disappoint. You will have to forget about using your utensils though and eat with your bare hands to get each morsel of glazed meat on the bones… never mind if you have to lick the sauce off your fingers. At P220, it’s a steal!

Now, what are you waiting for? Check out Afordabolz Oriental and Native Food at Yumang Street at the corner of Delfin Compound, Purok Malakas, Barangay San Isidro, GenSan.   Or better still, call them at 552-9411 to order your fancied menu in advanced and just let their server hand it to you while parked in front of their place when it’s time to pick it up.

And yes, tell them that Bariles sent you.

Grabe! Cebu Pacific has announced that it will now compete head-on with PAL Express by offering Cebu-Gensan-Cebu flights three times a week effective August 15, 2008!

A Cebu Pacific plane which just arrived at the GenSan International Airport.  Notice the cars?  Those are for the greeters of Pres. GMA when she visited the Tuna Capital last week.

According to Cebu Pacific’s press release:

Cebu Pacific is adding frequencies to its services from Manila to Bacolod, Tacloban, Cotabato, and Dipolog.

The airline will also expand its route network from Cebu with the launch of its direct Cebu-General Santos (GenSan) service starting 15-Aug-08.

CEB introduces the additional frequencies and announces its Cebu-GenSan operations with a seat sale which will run from 24-Jul-08 to 29-Jul-08. (Gosh! Tapos na! – BARILES) This is valid for travel from 15-Aug-08 to 30-Nov-08.

One-way fares to Bacolod, Tacloban and Cebu-GenSan is at PHP999 ‘all-in’ while fares to Cotabato and Dipolog is at PHP1,499 ‘all-in’.

Candice Iyog, CEB spokesman said, “We will continue to expand our operations and offer the lowest ‘all-inclusive’ fares especially to new CEB routes that have not been previously exposed to our low fares.”

The three-times weekly Cebu-GenSan service will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The flight departs from Cebu at 10:30am and arrives in GenSan at 11:30am. It leaves GenSan at 12:00nn and arrives back in Cebu at 1:10pm.

CEB’s Manila-Bacolod service will grow from 21 to 24 flights weekly while its Manila-Tacloban service will increase from 21 to 25 flights weekly. The carrier will also increase its operations to Cotabato from five-times weekly to daily while Manila-Dipolog will grow from four times to five times weekly.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. It has a fleet of ten A319s, eight A320s, and two ATR72-500 aircraft.

So that makes it SIX FLIGHTS out of GenSan International Airport, 3x weekly. TODO NA ITO!

With that, am encouraging everyone from CEBU to book you tickets now and be here for the TUNA FESTIVAL which runs from August 29 to September 5, 2008!

LIPAD NA!!!

The government of the Philippines has announced that, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1083 of 1977, the date of Wednesday, July 30, 2008, had been chosen for this year’s celebration of Lailatul Izra Wal Miraj (Nocturnal Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad) corresponding to the 27th day of Rajab 1429 Hijra.

The new Cotabato City Hall

As per the same decree, and Section 4 of the Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277, this public holiday will be celebrated in regions IX and XII, and offices and agencies of the national and local government are closed.

Meaning….. Muslims and non-Muslims are all excused from work.

Great! Another rest day for most of us!

It’s all systems go for the 10th Tuna Festival, in commemoration of the city’s 40th Charterhood Day slated this year from August 29 to September 7, 2008. Although the Charter Day falls on September 5, Friday, two days were added to the line-up of activities to give way for more merriment.

For this year, the festival theme is: A decade of fish-tivities and oppor-Tuna-ties. Below is the poster designed by Print Factory which you may click for a larger view.

Major events not to be missed are:  FISHFEST SA FISHPORT (a hit among foreigners), Search for Ms. Gensan, Bodyfest Modeling Competition, Fishdance – Mindanao Showdown, the 1st GAGAMBA Fighting Competition, LGU Employees Showcase, the Tunafest Badminton Competition, the Tuna Float Parade, the KARAGATAN AWARDS, the Sashimi Night, the BANCARERA and the National Tuna Congress, among others.

Here is the SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES which Festival Director Bebot Haw emailed to Bariles Republic.  KITA KITS!!!!

A few minutes after we docked at the port of the town of Mabila in Balut Island Paradise, two motorized bancas approached the M/V Song of Dolly II at her right side, apparently pre-arranged by Ms. Tata Mondido (VP of Dolores Hotels and Resorts) to pick us up, while we were still groggy for lack of sleep but nonetheless excited for what lies ahead.

From afar can be seen the smaller Sarangani Island (which makes up the other half of the municipality of Sarangani’s two land masses) and its lush forest of coconut and other tropical trees.

My cameraman Marzz and I took the 2nd banca with the rest of the Dolores staff and their families, about 12 of us.  The Bikini Babes and Hunks from last summer’s 2008 BIKINI OPEN at Dolores Tropicana Resort rode the 1st vessel.

One of the two bancas we rented to take us island hopping in Balut Island

After loading our things and a few gallons of fuel from island, we set off to our first destination:  OLANIBAN ISLAND.

Enchanted Olaniban Island, about an hour and a half-ride away, is a 16-hectare coconut-filled island lying 1.5 nautical miles north of Patuco, the barangay to which it belongs.  Owned by the RD Group of Companies, it is encircled by three kilometers of fine sugary white sand.

Olaniban Island, here we come!

Sailing past Sarangani Island, I had fun admiring the lushness of its forest cover and the colorful marine life underneath us which was clearly visible from the boat.  It was almost mid-morning when we spotted Enchanted Olaniban Island Enin the distance.

The crystal clear waters of Balut

Upon arriving, and finding out that  it was low tide, our bancas had to anchor quite a distance away from the shores of Olaniban.  We all had to jump into the water and walk our way to the beach while our baggage were transferred to an even smaller boat.

Arriving at Enchanted Olaniban Island

We immediately unpacked our things at our campsite near the hut of a caretaker while Pastor Danilo Domingo, RD’s Farm Manager and our tour guide, announced that first-time visitors must first walk around the 3-kilometer beachfront as a tradition, to appease the “gods of the island” for “disturbing their peace”.

The two bancas a few meters from where we camped

Not wanting to anger some invisible force around us, I agreed to go but not before noticing that Olaniban’s sand has the same texture and same off-whitish color as that of Boracay’s.

Olaniban Beach, beach trekker’s paradise

But unlike Boracay, Olaniban’s beach is free from the green-algae which seemed to have permanently settled there due to the island’s poor garbage and waste disposal systems.  It is also free of the numerous ugly buildings and resorts which have lined up Boracay’s beach fronts.  In fact, Olaniban only has 2-3 makeshift huts peopled by her caretakers and their families and the whole island is heavily blessed with coconut and mangrove trees.

Olaniban’s settlers waiting for us

In short, Olaniban could have been Boracay about 30 years ago before tourists and developers came rushing in.

We immediately started our trek around Olaniban reminding me of Camiguin Island’s Good Friday’s PANAAD.  Even though the sun was shining down mercilessly upon our backs, a strong breeze was fanning the heat away.

We passed by an old lighthouse tower built by the Americans during the American regime and it since it was painted white it must have looked ghostly in the evening on a full moon.

Olaniban’s old lighthouse built by the Americans during the American regime to guide their warships enroute to Australia

We also reached the part where instead of sand, flattened rocks dotted the beach, a good area for picture-taking with Sarangani Island in the background.

Dolores Tropicana Resort Hotel’s Bikini Babes & Hunks pose dramatically at Olaniban’s flattened rocks at the beach

The trek which seemed like forever for chubs like me finally ended when we reached our point of origin at the camp site.  All in all, the whole walk-around-Olaniban thing took 45 minutes.  Gosh!  Am sure, the islands gods were very pleased with us, especially me.

More of the Bikini Babes and Hunks at the Olaniban Island beach

At the camp site, Tata’s staff bought some fish caught by the island fishermen and had it grilled immediately.  Since it was to be our BRUNCH, they also cooked omelets and other breakfast food that only the Dolores Hotel staff could deliciously whip out.

“Isda-sa-bato” grilled over live coals, Olaniban style

While partaking of the sumptuous feast laid before us, I noticed some small weird-looking hairy pigs eyeing us from under the trees.  I found out later that these are wild pigs and there are about 20 or so in the island, whose ancestors were maybe brought in by stranded seafarers ages ago.

Wild pig of Olaniban

Pastor Domingo then announced that we have to leave before 12 noon, before the peak of the low tides forcing our boats to anchor farther up the sea.   We then spent the next hour or so swimming and having our fill of the island’s allure.

Aisa, Olaniban muse, in her feeling mermaid pose.

Now for this part of the post, please make sure you are aged 18 and above.  Don’t tell me that I did not warn you. 

Bariles and all his republic in almost its full glory.

Then it was time to go.  Since the small banca couldn’t carry all our baggage back into the two boats moored farther away at the sea at once, Tata’s men fashioned two large styrofoams into a floating vessel by tying them together.  As for us,  we started  wading in the water again back to our waiting boats.

Time to go home by wading thru the water back to the boats

At this time, because of the chaotic waves caused by the now strong winds, I had so much difficulty balancing myself.

The Styrofore Boat

I also discovered that farther into the sea where our bancas were, the sea floor has now turned into a bed of corals and rocks, making it an even more difficult terrain for us city folks, causing some of us to slip and fall.

We finally decided to plop ourselves up into the styrofore floater so that we can easily reach the banca and transfer there.

The styrofore boat to the rescue against the chaotic waves of Olaniban

Almost there…

Finally, after we all transferred to our respective boats, some with scratches on their legs, feet and torso due to the corals, we again set sail, this time to Balut Island’s Sabang Sulphur Spring.

Watch out for the 3rd part of Balut Island Paradise, the Series…. soon!

Finally, I am submitting my list of nominations to Janette Toral’s writing project.  This is the search for The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008.  It took me awhile to come up with my own list even submitting it during the last qualifying week, because there are just sooo many of them around.

I hope you find these blogs wothy and interesting as much as I did.  Read on…

1. Davao Delicious – a food blog by Davao’s blog guru Blogie Robillo.  I am including it here not only because it has influenced the way I write about food and events but as a tribute to the person who has been unwavering in his desire to spread bloging in Mindanao, and has been open to helping noobies like me to be more effective bloggers in our own niches.
2. Work With Ria – I first met the author, Ria Jose even before I read her blog at the Blog Seminar in Koronadal where she was one of the speakers.  By the time she opened her mouth to talk about her numerous blogs and regale us with her amusing experiences as a blogger, I turned into a disciple.  Ria rules!
3. Mar Roxas for President – you should hand it over to blog author Kevin Ray Chua for coming up with this political blog which has gathered  so much praise and flak at the same time.  Although 2010 is still far away, Kevin’s blog has sure influenced a lot of still undecided young voters.
4. Homeward Bound -  blog of a young teacher from Alabel, Sarangani Province.  Ariel Lalisan’s blog has taught me a lesson or two on writing from a first person’s personal point of view.  His takes on his job, the environment, his students and a whole lot of varied topics is always welcome reading in my INBOX, being one of his RSS subsribers.  
5. Bong S. Sarmiento – a photo journalist based in Koronadal city,  he is one prolific writer!  My idol when it comes to feature writing, Bong has influenced me on how I currently do my stories… although I know that I still have a long way to go. 
6. Build That Geek – the blog of a fellow general but decades younger Mikko Gozalo.  Now a freshman at UP Diliman, he is one of the youngest Pinoy brainiacs I have come across in the blogosphere.  He writes exceptionally well and he rants and raves like nobody in his age bracket ever does… which is a compliment of course.  Another future millionaire, mark my word!
7. Techy Kid – authored by my Bariles 1.0 theme designer, Winston Almendras who is one of the best, and the youngest in his field.  His posts are decipherable to the non-techie since he writes in simple layman’s terms.  He will soon be a millionaire, mark my word! 
   
8. Flavored Tongue – blog of a student nurse, Richard Diongson from the cool hills of Kidapawan who writes in both Tagalog and English with the vitality of the youth of today.   
   
9. Socsksargen Discourses – columnist Ben Sumog-uy’s collection of his write-ups, editorials and news features.  Might be heavy reading for some but insightful and provocative for his fans, including myself
   
10. Bariles Republic’s GenSantos.Com – what can I say?  Am not here to toot my own horn but hey, according to YOU (you know who you are) …. I deserve to be here.

And hey, if you find this blog worthy of being one of 2008’s TOP 10 EMERGING INFLUENTIAL BLOGS, why not blog about it?  Deadline is on August 4, 2008.

It has been almost three weeks since new WBC World Lightweight Champion Manny Paquiao arrived in his hometown General Santos City to another Hero’s Welcome and  a few people have been asking about it.

As promised, I am posting some of the photos I took during that morning of July 7, 2008 when he arrived at the airport, during the motorcade and up until the victory dinner at night tendered by Mayor Jun Acharon and Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio, which I emceed with Ms. Gensan 1972, Cora Tito. 

Since they are quite many, I am dividing the pictures into two sets, one set per post.  This is the first set, taken during the motorcade from the airport.

MSU High School Dancers at the GenSan International Airport

Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Dionisia Pacquiao while waiting for the champ at the VIP Area

City Tourism Officer Cora Tito (extreme left) & City Sports Development Officer Ernie Nanali (extreme right)

Manny alighting a PAL plane

Mayor Jun Acharon meets the champ
Manny with Congresswoman Darlene and Mayor Jun Acharon

Pacquiao’s Parents (Rogelio & Dionisia) at the motorcade float

Pacquiao with his parents, Congresswoman Darlene & Mayor Jun behind him
Passing by a jeepful of supporters at the airport road
A shot of the motorcade convoy at the airport road
Students from Fatima High school cheer for the passing champ

Residents of Uhaw, Barangay Fatima wave at Manny
Students at Calumpang Central School
Onlookers along the Calumpang Highway
Fishermen aboard their truck pass by the Pacman motorcade
Labangal High School students near Manny’s former residence
Passing by the old Silway Mosque
That’s Sarangani Rural Bank at the Pioneer Avenue-P.Acharon Blvd. junction
Queen Tuna Park (formerly Lion’s beach)

Passing in front of the Central Public Market along P. Acharon Blvd.
Entering Magsaysay Avenue & passing by this colorful bldg.

Still at Magsaysay Avenue, corner Bañas Street

School kids from South Elementary School run beside the float
The Marieta’s Barbecue Bldg.


Pioneer Avenue and the RCBC Building at the back

Turning left to Pendatun Avenue with Sydney Hotel in the background

Pendatun Avenue and the RD Plaza at the background

TO BE CONTINUED… More photos from the Presscon and the Victory Dinner… SOON!!!

Business Mirror, one of the nation’s leading business dailies ran an opinion piece entitled “YAMAN GENSAN” by famous columnist-writer Atty. Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr.

Atty. Cristobal was at the Tuna Capital last July 19 to keynote the Intellectual Property Forum at the NDDU Auditorium, one of the official events of GenSan Business Month or YAMAN Gensan 2008.

In his write-up, the writer observed that IP is alive and well in Gensan, “thanks to the trailblazing work of Trade Assistant Regional Director Doris Delima and the Intellectual Property Alliance of Soccsksargen.  The support of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council and, of course, the youthful mayor of Gensan, Pedro Acharon, Jr., made the mainstreaming of IP in the city possible.“

What struck me most about his article however, was his tailender which goes:  “Tuna production is still dominant in Gensan, but judging from the powerful currents of creativity and talent in the city, its second wave of economic development might just come from its creative industries.”

To read the full write-up, CLICK HERE.