GenSan News Online Mag

Most of you don’t know that as the rains were pouring mercilessly yesterday morning here in GenSan,  a small contingent organized by Mayor Jun Acharon was mapping out Plan B, in case the rains did not stop.  The opening and the performances for the Etho-Jazz Dance Competition at the oval plaza stage were to have been transferred to the oval plaza covered court.

Thankfully, the rains abetted somehow at lunch time and as the first dance contingent  began performing their number in front of the oval plaza stage at 2:00pm, the sun has already emerged from behind the clouds.

Mayor Jun Acharon, delivering his Welcome Address at the opening of the 10th Tuna Festival on August 29, 2008 at the oval plaza.

Upon the invitation of Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, House Speaker Prospero Nograles of Davao City gave the Keynote Address.  Together with him were other Mindanao congressmen, the Honorable Anton Lagdameo (Davao del Norte) and Honorable Mark Douglas Cagas (Davao del Sur).

(From left) Congressman Anton Lagdameo (Davao Norte), House Speaker Prospero Nograles (Davao City) Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio (South Cotabato 1st District), Congressman Mark Douglas Cagas (Davao Sur) and GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon at the opening of the 10th TunaFest at the Oval Plaza Stage

The three gentlemen from Davao seemed to enjoy the dance competitions and stayed on until after the Fireworks to partake of the Sashimi Night Buffet at the San Miguel Beer Party Zone.  They even gamely posed while carrying Tuna mock-ups with some young dancers.

Congressman Mark Douglas Cagas, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Congressman Anton Lagdameo jam it up for my camera at the sidelines of the opening of the 10th Tuna Festival

Mayor Jun Acharon, who formally opened the activities revealed that more visitors will be coming in the next few days leading to the Tuna Fest culmination on September 5, including Press Secretary Jess Dureza (Guest of Honor at the Karagatan Awards on August 31, Sunday) and Senator Mar Roxas (at the Closing Ceremony on the 5th).

Here are other pics of the opening.

Up, up in the air! Could you help me identify the school from which these young high school dancers belong?

Fish-men or Fish-boys doing their dance routine.  Again, please tell me which school these dancers represent.

Champions of the Ethno-Jazz Competition:

• Elementary School Category – Dadiangas South Central Elementary School.

• High School Category – GSC School of Arts and Trades, Inc.

• Local Government Unit Category – Cluster 5 (City Mayor’s Office, ECOSHERA, PESO, City Vet, City Budget, City Admin, City Finance, City Permits, City Prosecutor, BAC, Barangay Community Affairs, CPIO, CSU, Traffic)

More pictures below… CLICK ON EACH IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW please.

I just arrived tonight from Davao City (which is celebrating its Kadayawan Festival) where I met up with my balikbayan friend Rey whom I have not seen since 1991. We had a few hours to catch up on the times gone by and suffice to say, we both had fun updating each other on how we’ve been.

Since I only hitched a ride with my best friend Francis, I had to leave before 5 in the afternoon and after buying a few things at SM Davao which was so packed with festival shoppers, we started our way home.

Earlier, I noticed a poster inside the mall announcing the appearance of the two lead starts of ABS-CBN‘s teleserye, “MY GIRL“, Gensan’s very own Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu at their upper floor that very same time.

Gerald Anderson & Kim Chiu during the Bench Blackout Show

That got me into thinking how unfair ABS-CBN really is.

Yesterday, Friday, when I was preparing to blog about the upcoming shows of the artists of competing television stations ABS-CBN and GMA for the Tuna Festival, I received some discouraging news.

According to an ABS-CBN Gensan Marketing executive, the August 30 KCC Mall of GenSan show of Gerald and Kim together with John Lloyd Cruz which they have been announcing on their local TV programs, Magandang Umaga Socsargen and TV Patrol Socsargen and FM radio programs for the past two weeks has been cancelled!

The reason?

The fear of the ABS-CBN Talent Center that Gen. Santos City may not be a safe place to bring their priced stars due to the recent events in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

Whaaat the f….ck!!!!!?????

I was so furious when I heard this flimsy and stupid excuse not wanting to believe that they did it again! During the last Kalilangan Festival in February, they also cancelled the supposedly appearance of the band CUESHE!

Granting that their Talent Center (headed by Mr. Johnny Manahan) has all the right to ensure the safety of their wards, why single out GenSan only?

This is an insult to the capabilities of the local security and peace-keeping forces and a mindless and insensitive message to the local government of GenSan which has been ABS-CBN’s biggest advertiser for the past five years in Region XII.

And what about GMA, the Kapuso Network?

Thank God, they’re not leaving us out in the cold and are in fact, pushing through with their Tuna Fest Kapuso Day with Regine Velasquez, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Dennis Trillo and many more. Same thing with SMART, Coca Cola, San Miguel, K101 and RMN who have also booked Manila-based artists for the Tuna Festival, including Kamikazee, among others.

That leaves ABS-CBN alone in their decision to forbid their artists to perform here, including Gerald Anderson who hails from this place and whose mother still LIVES HERE in their old house at Doña Soledad Subdivision!

Surely, something must be done about this affront not only on the local authorities but to all of us!

The comments and response section is all yours, my dear readers.

I have said my piece.

POSTSCRIPT:

Good news!  ABS-CBN Talent Center must have finally heard all our collective voices and agreed that in place of John Lloyd Cruz, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, they will be bringing in at the KCC Mall of GenSan on September 6, 2007 the latest Grand Prize Winner of the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition Season II – DYAAARAAAAANNNN – Davao City’s very own comic artist, MR. RUBEN GONZAGA!!!!

So, what do you have to say now, people of the Philippines????

The clock tower along Pioneer Avenue is one of the oldest standing structures in downtown Gensan. Strategically located at the center island right across the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College, it was built and donated ages ago by either the Mt. Matutum Lions Club or the General Santos City Lions Club, am not actually sure.

Unfortunately, I also couldn’t even remember a time when there was actually a functioning clock 30 feet up there giving the right time for the people traversing along Pioneer Avenue. If I can recall it correctly, it had more downtimes due to the numerous electrical blackouts before, and repairing it took a bit too much of the budget of the donor.  Eventually, it was abandoned and from the looks of it, forgotten for good.

A few months back, I heard from Rotary GenSan Prexy Bing Royeca that their club wants to rehabilitate the clock themselves but I guess nothing came out of it.

Actually, the solution is really just simple.

Why don’t someone just ask manufacturers of watches like TIMEX, SEIKO, SWATCH, ROLEX, TAGHAUER, etc to sponsor the whole thing and donate a giant clock themselves?   That’s free advertisement for at least a decade for them, or until their clock conks out.   Has nobody ever thought about that?

In the meantime, the old clock tower just stands there proudly, but is actually just a skeleton of its old self, a reminder of the times when Pioneer Avenue used to be the city’s premier business and entertainment district and home to the likes of Ram’s Bombay Bazaar, The Terrace Restaurant, Eskimo, Pioneer Hotel, Capitol Theater, Pioneer Theater, State Theater, Cotton Bowl Grill, Bajunaid Department Store, Avelmans Tailoring, Conlu Department Store, Talion Restaurant, Crown Bookstore, Sacred Heart Pharmacy, Universal Grocery, Marietta’s Barbecue, Aliwalas Store, Albores Radio Shop, a Bowling Alley, and others whose names now escape my mind.

Oh Gawd!  How I miss the old downtown Pioneer Avenue….

15-year old Prexy Korina Whittmer, representing Barangay Bula bested 13 other young hopefuls in the Finals Night of the Search for Ms. Teen GenSan 2008, at the Oval Plaza Covered Court, to win the title and take home ten thousand pesos.  This is a project of the Sangguniang Kabataan in celebration of the International Youth Day on August 12, 2008.

Here is the story written by guest writer, Allanloi Villanueva.

Barangay Bula bagged the Miss Teen Earth 2008 title from among the 12 other candidates in the first ever Miss Teen Gensan beauty pageant in celebration of the 1^st International Youth Day at  the oval covered court on August 12, 2008.

Ms. Teen Earth – GenSan Prexy Korina Whittmer

Prexy Korina Whittmer impressed the judges after answering the final question with the right combination of grace, wit and confidence to bag the award. She earlier received the Miss Coke Zero award and bagged another award for the best in evening gown.

Other winners include Genevieve Mutia of Barangay Calumpang (Ms. Teen Water); Fermelyn Reyes of Barangay Dadiangas East (Miss Teen Air) and Karen Claire Barbon of Barangay City Heights (Miss Teen Fire).

Miss Whittmer (Ms. Teen Earth) received ten thousand pesos in cash, trophy and sash, seven thousand for Ms.  Mutia, five thousand pesos for Ms. Reyes and three thousand pesos for Ms. Barbon and consolation prize of one thousand pesos for the non – winning candidates.

Miss Teen Gensan will represent the city in the Miss Teen Philippines pageant as planned by the Sangguniang Kabataan officials of Gensan led by Federation Chair Honorable Jane Calunsag.

The pageant was the highlight of the first  celebration of the IYD.  It is an inter-barangay search open to female teens of Gensan ages 13 to 17.

(From left)  Karen Claire Barbon of Barangay City Heights (Ms. Teen Fire); Genevieve Mutia of Barangay Calumpang (Ms. Teen Water); Prexy Korina Whittmer (Ms. Teen Earth-GenSan); Fermelyn Reyes of Barangay Dadiangas East (Ms. Teen Air)

A close door interview was held last August  9,2008 that composed 40% of the total score while the remaining 60% was taken from their score in the pageant night.

Winners were judged according to their Intelligence and Communications Skills 40%, Personality, Poise and Grace under pressure 30%  and Beauty of Face and figure 30%.

The SK officials’ hard work paid off after having successfully achieving their goals in the celebration of the International Youth Day.  It is also expected that a grander celebration will happen next year.

I just received word from Ms. GenSan 2008 and BodyFest Modeling Competition Event Manager Orman Manansala that two former PBA giants and a former Olympian will be in town for the 10th Tuna Festival as judges of the two competitions next week.

Samboy “Skywalker” Lim, Team Manager of San Miguel

Wow!  After that piece of discouraging news about ABS-CBN Talent Center‘s cancellation of their show here for the Tuna Festival, this is a very welcome development.

Allan “Triggerman” Caidic, Coach of San Miguel

Planing in from Manila are former PBA player-stars Samboy “Skywalker” Lim and Allan “Triggerman” Caidic and Olympian Taekwando Master Monsour del Rosario.  Both Lim and Caidic are the current team manager and coach respectively of the 2008 PBA Fiesta Cup Champion Ginebra Kings.

Their visit is courtesy of Fusion-Excel International, one of the sponsors of the Search for Ms. Gensan 2008, the Bodyfest Modelling Competition and the Fishdance Competition.  In fact, they will be accompanied by no less than Fusion Excel Director and London-trained barrister Atty. Kenneth Lee from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who is married to a local beauty, the former Ms. Kimberly Posadas Villanueva.

Monsour del Rosario, Olympian and Movie Actor

The BodyFest Modelling Competition Finals will happen on September 3, 2008 starting at 3:00p pm back-to-back with the FISHDANCE Competition- the Mindanao Showdown at the Gaisano Atrium.

The Pageant Night of the Finals for the Search for Ms. Gensan 2008 will also be held at the Gaisano Atrium starting at 5:30pm on September 4th.  This will be followed by the SASHIMI Night of the GenSan Tourism Council.

Photos are courtesy of the Fusion-Excel Website.

I’d like to present to you, readers of Bariles Republic, our Guest Writer for today, a fellow general who is now based in Manila,  Jonathan “Toyski” Susvilla.  Here goes…

A little more than two hours before midnight, my shift was about to start and I was reading through some  email when a text message broke the news about a “general“, a friend, making it to the TOP 10 list of the 2008 Physicians Licensure Exam.

This came not as a surprise to me anymore and to everyone who knows him back in college when he was touted as the “Renaissance Man“.

In this age of consumerism where malling is the favorite pastime, being an artista is “the ultimate dream”, of every youth and our heritage is still being haunted by smallness, it is refreshing and inspiring to know people “living” from the center and excelling yet still meek – people our youth should revere.  People like Lemuel Benedict R. Non.

Lemuel Benedict who took up BS Biology at MSU-Gen. Santos is that university’s first and only SUMMA CUM LAUDE.  It was his father’s dream for him from the very beginning to take up Medicine after college.  Inspired by theis profession because he grew up with three brothers who all became dectors, his father wanted him to continue this tradition.  He even arranged and prepared all the necessary documents for him to get into a good school.

His only job was to take the National Medical Admission test, where he got 99% assuring him a highly coveted slot at the UP, becoming one of the only 10 non-UP students to have become part of the 160+ members of the Class of 2008.

He graduated in the Top 9 of his class and during the preparations for the board exams, everyone was bugging him and his group to get into the Top 10.  He took the pressure half-jokingly, and insisted that he shall only study out of necessity and that the most important objective of the two months of self-reviewing all 12 subjects was to learn as much as he could to further hone his competency.  This way, every patient of his, every Filipino who shall consult him for some ailment shall benefit from all these knowledge.

The possibility of being one of the topnotchers is just the icing on the cake.

So he went through the process of studying at his own pace.  Finally, in August, he took the exams with confidence, knowing his family and friends were supporting him and praying for him.

Then came the hardest part – waiting.  The day before the results were out, someone broke into his room and stole his cellphone, laptop and wallet while he was alseep.  He was left with barely any money and no way of communication with his family and friends.

Thankfully, his family responded with clockwork precission and acquired him a new cheap phone just a few hours before the results.  And through the mighty Internet, he was able to broadcast with his new number rapidly.  Minutes after the results came out, his new phone was flooded with messages of congratulations.  Yes, he was among the TOP 10!  He was the 8th placer.

The new doctor was exuberant.

“The feeling of jumping up from a tragedy like what I experienced to the news that I was a topnotcher was so overwhelming,” he recounted.

When asked on what he would want to say to the younger generation, the now-famous “general” has this to say, “I guess the most effective advice I can give is to first love what you’re doing.  You should not go through school just because it is required or because you have to, but it should be because you wanted to.  Never go through something without enough passion to pursue it.  Learning will go smoothly from thereon.  And of course, put God first above all.”

EDUCATION/ACHIEVEMENTS:

Doctor of Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Medicine, Class of 2008

• Top 8, Philippine Licensure Examination for Physicians, 2008
• One of the Top 10 Graduates in Academics, UP College of Medicine
• One of the Top 10 Interns of Philippine General Hospital
• Most Outstanding Intern in Internal Medicine
• Outstanding Intern in Surgery
• 3rd place, Interns’ Research Forum for paper on “Value of Pathological Examination of Clinically-indicated Placentas:  PGH Experience, in 2004
• College Scholar, 2006-2007

BS Biology, Mindanao State University, Gen. Santos City, 2003

• Summa Cum Laude
• Philippine representative (Bayer) to the Eco-Innovate Forum in Sydney, Australia, 2003
• Winner, Best Poster presentation of Undergraduate Thesis in the Philippine Society for Microbiology Annual Conference
• National Finalist, Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, 2003
• National Finalist, Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines, 2003
• Manny Villar Excellence Award
• Top Student, Ten Oustanding Students of Region 12
• Gen. Santos City Youth Achiever Awardee, 2003.

Father: lfredo P. Non, a mechanical engineer, graduate of UST, who back then topped (Top 5) their boards.  Presently, he’s in Canada.

Mother: Vissia Agnes R. Non, a commerce graduate, and presently a homemaker.

His three other siblings:  April Kathleen, Lynn Abegail, and Lance Alread.

WRITTEN BY:  Jonathan “Toyski” Susvilla

Every year during the conduct of the Tuna Festival in Gen. Santos City, the Tuna Festival Council and the local government under Mayor Jun Acharon see it fit to recognize the unsung heroes of the Fishing Industry, the fishermen by giving them an award specifically for their own kind.

Aptly named as the KARAGATAN AWARDS, it seeks to honor fishermen who have been or are in the hand line or hook-and-line fishing in the SOCSARGEN are and currently owns a pumpboat fishing vessel.

KARAGATAN AWARDS 3 - Poster (Click on the image for a larger view)

Nominations for the awards are submitted by fishing companies. For their part, each nominee should submit a written report in any vernacular specifying the roles and duties of each member of his family who has contributed to the success of his fishing operations and the help he has extended to the people who worked with him or for him.

Other than a handcrafted trophy, each Karagatan awardee will also receive a cash prize of P25,000 and other gift items.

According to Tuna Festival Director Bebot Haw, the Karagatan Awards 2008 which is now on its 3rd year will be holding its “Gabi ng Parangal para sa Mandaragat” on August 31, 2008 at the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention and Events Hall starting at 4pm.

To be megged by the combined artistic geniuses of Egai Cadiente, Bing Cariño (the men behind the highly rated YAMAN AWARDS NIGHT) and Emy Alexander Ingles, the by-invitation awards night will revolve around the theme, “IMAGES OF THE FISHERMAN’S VALOR“.

For this year’s winners, our messages of congratulations are in order  while we thank you for helping make GenSan the star city that it is now. 

Finally, after over two years of research and development, OCEAN DELI Homestyle Tuna in Corn Oil, Gen. Santos City’s first canned premium grade tuna is here!

Ocean Deli Homestyle Tuna in Corn Oil, proudly GenSan made

Developed by some of the people behind Pacific Seas Seafood Market, sellers of high quality premium grade frozen tuna, the Ocean Deli canned products is their answer to the clamor for a higher quality and healthier alternative to the locally manufactured and mass-produced tuna brands.

According to Mr. Tito Santos, President of Ocean Deli Marketing, makers of this new brand, unlike other canned tuna available in the market, they use only fresh premium grade or export grade tuna.   Then, they season it with their blend of SECRET SPICES, and cooked the homestyle way in CORN OIL thus ensuring not only a tastier but a healthier tuna experience for anyone who tries it, since it is naturally rich in Omega 3 and 6.

It is also good for take-out or baon anywhere because of its easy-to-open flip-top.

Right now, Ocean Deli Homestyle Tuna in Corn Oil which is a certified heart-healthy brand is only available at all branches of Pacific Seas Seafood Market at National Highway, GenSan (Tel # 083-301-5678); Matina Highway, Davao; City Heights, Aparente Avenue, GenSan and Koronadal City.  Later on, it will be distributed among all SM and NCCC branches.

So for your pasalubong from the TUNA CAPITAL of the Philippines to your loved ones and friends, give them the easier gift to carry…. give them OCEAN DELI Homestyle Tuna in Corn Oil.  Also available is Ocean Deli Homestyle Bangus in Corn Oil.

The Ocean Deli labels were designed by Leonard Pe.

In light of the recent events in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Maasim, Sarangani Province, GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. called on an expanded Tri-Council Security Meeting yesterday (August 20th) afternoon at the Sydney Hotel.

In attendance were the city’s movers and shakers, business leaders, school heads, heads of government offices, leaders of the city’s indigenous tribes, military and police officials, members of the religious community and the media, among others.

PNP City Director PSSupt Robert Po, new Joint Task Force GenSan Cmdr. Col Leo Ferrer, Coast Guard Station Cmdr. Lt. Col. Charlie Rances and Naval Task Force Cmdr. Lt. Col. Raul Regis took turns in assuring the attendees on the city’s security preparedness in these times of uncertainty and briefing them on the real peace and order situation prevailing in the region.

EXPANDED TRI-COUNCIL SECURITY MEETING. GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. (center) speaks to the 120 or so attendees of the expanded Tri-Council Security Meeting held on August 20, 2008 at the Sydney Hotel.  Photo also shows DILG City Director Rodolfo Bernardino,  Naval Task Force Chief Lt. Col. Raul Regis, Joint Task Force Commander Col. Leo Ferrer, Gensan Commander City Director Senior Superintendent Robert Po, and Coast Guard Station Commander Lt. Col. Charlie Rances. (GenSan CMO/avel manansala)

Mayor Acharon, for his part asked the public to remain calm and vigilant while discouraging them to forward unverified text messages which only contribute to the panic situation in the city.  He then proceeded to distribute an additional 20 handheld radio sets to the GenSan police donated by the Tuna Festival Council and the GSC Chamber of Commerce and Industy.

HANDHELD RADIO SETS FOR GENSAN POLICE. PNP City Director Sr/Inspector Robert Po receives 20 handheld radio sets from Mayor Jun Acharon donated by the Tuna Festival Council and the Gen. Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., represented by Tuna Festival Director Bebot Haw (exteme left).  The turnover was conducted during the expanded Tri-Council Security Meeting called by the mayor on August 20, 2008 at the Sydney Hotel.

The mayor also released the EMERGENCY HOTLINE Numbers to call for any eventuality:

Joint Task Force GenSan
Landline: 302-1671
Cell: 0928-4948121

Coast Guard
Landline: 301-2112
Cell: 0929-6864091; 0929-6742312

Philippine Navy
Cell: 0906-5097011

PNP
Landline: 117 (DILG)
Operations: 301-6728 (Radio Room)

City Disaster Coordinating Council
Landline: 552-3939; 301-2929

Bureau of Fire Protection (Fire Department)
Landline: 160

Delta 9 (City Hall)
Landline: 302-2309

By the way, I have created a widget box at the HOME PAGE of Bariles Republic containing these numbers.

Ever since GenSan’s pride and World Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao became famous, two of the most requested and must-see venues in the city among Lakbay-Aral groups from other areas are his Pacman Convenience Store along Santiago Boulevard (which has since closed shop) and his house (referred to by local residents as the “Pacquiao Mansion“) at the NLSA Road in Barangay Lagao.

Now, there’s another up and coming landmark courtesy of Pacman and this time, it’s a two-storey commercial building which is nearing completion at the corner of South Osmeña and Sampaguita Streets.

Located at a lot formerly owned by a certain Dr. Romero, it  reportedly set back Manny about P12million.   He then invested another P20million++ in the construction of the mixed-use building which has a total floor space of 1,345 sq.meters. It’s designer is Architect Rex Acdal,  one of the most sought after architects in Soccsksargen.  In fact, my brother’s house is one of his very first projects here.

Other Rex Acdal‘s works are Plaza Nova (Santiago Blvd.), Chicken House (Magsaysay Avenue), Socsargen Hospital Expansion, Dumaran Shell Station (Mabuhay Road), Johnston Building (Magsaysay Avenue), Emily’s Pension House (Surallah, SoCot), Galaxy Galleria (Koronadal), and Patio Eloisa (Hicban Subdivision), among others.

Anyway, back to the champ, this new business venture of the Champ will be housing his convenience store, a restaurant, and offices including his own (about time).

Located right at the heart of the city, I am most certain that this will again turn out to be another famous TOURIST LANDMARK of Gen. Santos.

Now, I would like to post a question to everyone:

If you were to help Manny decide on what to do with his building, what do you think should it be?

Three commenters/responders with the best suggestions will each receive a BARILES REPUBLIC MUG.   Deadline of entries will be on August 31, 2008.

GO FOR IT GUYS! 

Pacquiao Building, seen from Sampaguita Street

Three of the 5 rentable spaces at the Ground Floor

Corner rentable space at the ground floor (Future restaurant cum coffee shop?)

2nd floor of the reserved space for a restaurant cum coffee shop

Alley at the 2nd floor leading to the rentable spaces

Rentable space at the 2nd floor facing Osmena Street

Proposed Pacman Convenience Store at the leftmost space at the ground floor. The door behind leads to a private mini-pad upstairs with kitchen & bedroom.

View of Osmena Street from the balcony facing that same road

Scouring through the pageviews and comments that my posts have garnered over the past few months, I have noticed that my article about Robinsons Gen. Santos tops it all when it comes to the # of readers and responses.

As of this writing, this post which came out two months ago on June 20, 2008 has already been visited 1,634 times and has received 147 comments.  Whew!

I never realized how very much welcome this development is to the people of GenSan, who make up bulk of my readers until faced with these data.  And judging from the latest comments, they are hungry for more news updates about what should be the biggest mall in GenSan next year (before SM GenSan opens its doors a year later perhaps?).

And so, I tried to pull some strings, sent out a few email and got what I wanted -  Robinsons’s artist’s rendition of how the Robinsons General Santos would look.  Here it is, faithful readers: (click on the image for a larger view)

The country’s LEADING wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) recently signed an agreement with the local government of General Santos City delegating it as the exclusive telco partner of the city’s 10th Tuna Festival, slated on August 29 – September 7, 2008.

Tunafest Festival Chairman Bebot Haw (4th from left) affix his signature to the MOA designating SMART as Official Telecom Partner of the 10th Tuna Festival from August 29, 2008 to September 7, 2008.  Photo also shows (from L) SMART VisMin Trade Marketing Manager Grace Ruperto, City Administrator Marcelino Dospueblos (in place of the Mayor), GenSan Chamber prexy Jan Ced, and GMA Davao Bureau Chief Mariles Puentevella. The signing was conducted at the Grab-A-Crab Restaurant.

According to Smart’s Public Affairs Group head  Mon Isberto, “We are proud to be Gensan’s partner in the celebration of the Tuna Festival, and we are excited to continue contributing to the prosperity of this city.”

Gensan, the economic hub of the Soccsksargen growth area, is one of the country’s most competitive medium-sized cities, with business investments from both here and abroad pump-priming its economy.

The yearly Tuna Festival puts in focus the main product of Gensan, the TUNA and one of its people’s major livelihood, fishing.  For its 10th incarnation, the festival theme is:  A decade of FISH-tivities and opporTUNAties.

The telecoms giant will take part in all the official festival events, which includes among others, the Karagatan Awards at the KCC Convention Hall on August 31, the finals night of the Search for Miss Gensan 2008 Pageant at the Gaisano Mall Atrium on September 4, and the much-awaited Tuna Festival Float Parade on September 5.

Smart is also flying in the rock band Kamikazee, who composed the wacky Smart Buddy jingle “Me na Me“, for a big FREE concert at the Oval Plaza on September 5, the festival’s culmination day, according to SMART Media liaison Haydee Bernabe.

A raffle will be held for those who will buy a Smart Buddy SIM at the venue and load P15.   Smart Buddy prepaid handsets will be up for grabs.

Smart’s participation in the Tuna Festival this year again is its commitment to Gensan’s development, with cutting-edge communication and information technology infrastructure that redounds to the benefit of both the local residents and visitors.

Now with more than 33 million subscribers all over the Philippines, it continues to offer to Gensan lowest-ever call and SMS rates to help subscribers cope with rising food, power, and transport prices, while still enjoying high-quality mobile services. Smart also recently introduced Smart Bro Prepaid, and continues to make Internet access available to a broader segment of the population with affordable hardware cost, sachet pricing, nationwide coverage, and easy loading.

The Tuna Festival is the time when performers from Manila come in droves to strut their stuff and help enliven even more this yearly tribute to GenSan’s Tuna, held in commemoration of the city’s charter anniversary.

It’s also that period when both the government and private sectors come together in doing their share to up the ante when it comes to providing entertainment to the “generals” (as people here call themselves).

For Paseo del Sol Events, owners of Ranchero Grill, they have booked no less than the Philippines’ current hottest big band crooner Richard Poon himself in a DINNER SHOW billed as “Swing in the Moon with Richard Poon“.

Touted as this generation’s Jose Mari Chan, Richard Poon whose mother is an opera singer from Taiwan and whose father is a famous basketball player and cook from HongKong, sings mostly “50s standards” which he reinvent and given a fresh take.  He calls his music “FRESH OLD-SCHOOL“.

Richard released his first 13-track solo-album last February 2008 “I’ll Take Care of You” under MCA Music containing his livelier and more upbeat versions of songs popularized by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Matt Monro, Harry Connick Jr. and others of their class.

But he doesn’t stop at that however.  Other than arranging his own music with his pianist Osen Fernando, he also does “big band arrangements” of current hits like “Irreplaceable”, “My All”, “Umbrella”, “My Girl”, among others with his 4-piece jazz band.

He is also a composer having penned the song “Lalala” from the soundtrack of the Piolo Pascual and Regine Velasquez starrer, “Paano Kita Iibigin” and “Kahit Di Mo Napapansin” from the current ABS-CBN teleserye hit, “My Girl“.

Less than a year old in local showbiz, Richard Poon has already been nominated twice in the 2008 Awit Awards for Best Male Artist (against Garvy V, Martin Nievera and Jose Mari Chan) and Best New Male Artist, testaments to his excellence as a performing artist.

So what are you waiting for?

To experience the man, his music and his artistry during the Tuna Festival, buy your tickets now to “Swing in the Moon with Richard Poon” at Ranchero Grill priced at only P1,500.  Or  better still, call telephone numbers (083) 553-9298, 301-9298, and 0906-5788548.

Source:  Richard Poon’s Multiply Site

President Donex Ballicud, of the GenSan Tuna Shuttlers, organizers of the Tuna Festival 2008 Badminton Tournament which will be held at the BigShot Badminton Court from August 29 to 31, 2008 just released their tournament guidelines.

The poster for the TunaFest Badminton Tournament (click on the image for a larger view)

TOURNAMENT GUIDELINES:

General Provisions:

• Leveling date is scheduled on August 28, 2008 (Thursday), 6:00 pm onwards at Mr. BigShot Badminton Court.

• Deadline of Registration of Entries is at 10:00 PM August 25, 2008 (Monday)

• All interested participants are required to attend the scheduled leveling date.

• The Committee has the discretion to automatically assign the level of players/s who failed to come on the leveling date.

• A Non-Refundable Rule will be observed in whatever circumstances may occur during the tournament period such as false affirmation of level, default, etc.

• Any protest as to the leveling guidelines shall be honored/ entertained only before 12nn of August 29, 2008 (Friday).

• Any protest as to the eligibility of the player/s shall be brought to the attention of the Committee by writing a letter of protest made by any interested player stating the name of the player/s and the reason/s for his/her disqualification. Such protest of eligibility shall be raised only before 12nn of August 29, 2008. No protest shall be entertained during the tournament date.

• A NON-REFUNDABLE fee of Php 1000.00 will be collected before entertaining any protest

• Teams, in any event, belonging to the same Club/Organization/Association will have the chance not to go against their fellow Club/Organization/Association members during their respective first Matches only.

• The Committee shall decide by a majority vote and such decision is considered final and irrevocable.

• The Committee is composed of Five (5) Members.

• In case any category is composed of less than TEN (10) teams/pairs, the Committee shall have the right to change or dissolve the category

Basic Provisions:

1. Scoring System: Best of 3 sets 1-21 Rally Point System
2. Tournament Format: Double Elimination
3. Defaulting System: 10 Minutes after the second call. (Time based on Mr. Bigshot Clock )
4. Court Courtesy: IBF Rules shall be applied regarding Player’s Conduct.

A. Mixed Doubles:

Rules:

1. Trainer, Former and Current members of National Team are ineligible to play unless he/she is 40 yrs old or above
2. Former and Current member of National training pool are also ineligible to play unless he/she is 40 yrs old or above.

B. Men’s/ Women’s Doubles Level C:
Rules:

1. Former Varsity Players who graduated last 2005 and/or below are eligible to join provided they have been inactive in Regional and/or National Competitions; Provided further, that they are not classified as Class B;
2. Players/Pairs that misrepresented their levels in the Class D Event and obtained an adverse judgment from the Committee upon a proper petition are elevated to Class C;
3. High School and College Varsity Players/Pairs are eligible to join provided that they have not participated in any national competitions [Sanctioned by the Public/Private School or by the governing body of Badminton (PBA)] in the year 2007-2008 and both players are not classified as Class B.

C. Men’s / Women’s Doubles Level D:

Rules:

1. High School Varsity players not classified as Class C or above are eligible to play;
2. Players/Pairs that misrepresented their levels in the Class E Event and obtained an adverse judgment from the Committee upon a proper petition are elevated to Class D.
3. Class E Players are encouraged to join.

D. Men’s/ Women’s Doubles Level E:

Rules:

1. Players/Pairs that misrepresented their levels in the Class F Event and obtained an adverse judgment from the Committee upon a proper petition are elevated to Class E.
2. Class F Players are encouraged to join.

E. Men’s/ Women’s Doubles Level F:

Rules:

1. Open to GENERAL SANTOS CITY Residents Only.
2. Players/Pairs that misrepresented their levels in the Class F Event and obtained an adverse judgment from the Committee upon a proper petition are elevated to Class E.

For details, please contact any of the following:

1. DONEX BALLICUD – 0926922227 – TM , 09229055033 – SUN

2. JOJO ALISBO – 09198457911 – SMART

3. DON2 PANLAQUE – 09212082407 – SMART

EMAIL AD-donpanlaque@yahoo.com

Gen. Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the Most Competitive Medium-Sized City in the Philippines is really on the roll!

In what is another paean to the city’s economic potential, global giant and cellphone manufacturer, NOKIA inaugurated on August 8, 2008, its world-class store outlet at the 2nd floor of the KCC Mall of GenSan, its first in South Central Mindanao.  This also makes GenSan the third Mindanao city after Davao and Cagayan de Oro to be given this distinction.

The NOKIA STORE at KCC Mall of GenSan

According to Nokia Philippines GM William Hamilton-Whyte who graced their store opening at the KCC, and who was kind enough to answer some of my questions, “We believe that GenSan is more than ready to host the Nokia Store.  Other than its burgeoning population, other indicators which made us decide to come here are the the vibrancy of its economy being the premier business hub of the Soccsksargen Area and the responsiveness of the local government to the needs of the private sector.”

He then explained, “All these indicate a very robust business climate, and a growing discriminating clientele, thus the need for us to come in.”

Ribbon-cutting sponsors during the opening of the NOKIA STORE at the KCC Mall of Gensan:  Nokia Retail Program Manager Azer Villola, Nokia Business Development Manager Rudolph Sanots, Nokia Phils. GM William Hamilton-Whyte, Wiltelcom owner Wilson Lu, KCC owner Chan Shui Lam, and Nokia Corporate Communications Mngr. Nikka Abes

The French gentleman also revealed that the 75-square meter store at the KCC Mall of GenSan is the 29th Nokia Store in the Philippines and is the very first one to adapt the new Global Design.  Thus, its look will be copied by the rest of the Nokia stores all throughout the country and the rest of the world!

The new Nokia Store design is more client-friendly and allows visitors to touch and feel the latest Nokia products.  Exact replica models of their newest units can be hand held, tested, poked, flicked, rubbed and handled every imaginable way possible. Definitely there are no “BREAKER, BUYER” signs posted within the premises. 

The KCC store with its minimalist interiors gives one a feeling that he’s inside an art gallery with the phone model units laid out on their display counters propped up against the walls, neatly categorized according to their SERIES grouping (N-series, E-series, etc.).

All these plus its well-illuminated spacious area, and the attentiveness of its well-trained sales staff who ready to give out expert advice without being obstrusive, the NOKIA Store in GenSan makes for some pleasurable shopping experience.

With this development, expect GenSan’s inclusion among Nokia’s numerous product launching events and other promotional gigs in the future.  And of course, they may now be able to join local festivals such as the Tuna Festival and the Kalilangan through their local trade partner Wiltelcom, owned by Mr. Wilson Lu.

And who knows, am keeping my fingers crossed that they could support the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit to be held here on October 25, 2008.  Now, that would really be cool!!!

And yeah, topping it all, watch out for the NOKIA CARE Service Center Outlet (NOKIA CARE) opening two doors to its right at the KCC Mall very, very soon!

Thanks to Ms. Nikka Abes for the photos.

It was on November 11, 2007 when I wrote and published my first post at Bariles Republic (An Idiot’s Guide to GenSan).  That initial post sported the unimaginative title, “Banana Snack Vendors at the Oval Covered Court“.

At that time, my objective was to come up with a photo blog and feature my shots around Gen. Santos City and so I did not bother much about content.  Gradually, guided by my readings and reviews of other blogs in the internet, it evolved from a purely photo blog to what I can proudly consider now as the definitive source of bits and pieces of info about the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

Since then, as a PLACE BLOG, Bariles Republic has published 193 posts, undergone 4 header changes and 3 major theme switches.  And midway in February 2008, it moved from utilizing the publishing flatform Blogger to the current self-hosted WordPress.

Now, exactly nine months, one week and 1 day to that fateful time in November, this blog which now sports the name Bariles Republic’s GenSantos.com has just been proclaimed as one of the TOP 10 Most Influential Emerging Blogs for 2008 in a an exciting Awards Ceremony last night at the Legends Villas, Mandaluyong, Manila.

Mark Aethen Agana subbing for Bariles at the Awards Nite.

The Search for the TOP 10 Most Influential Emerging Blogs which is now on its second year is a writing project spearheaded by Ms. Janette Toral, which aims to “identify new and emerging blogs that are making an impact to its readers in 2008” and are “gradually gaining a considerable amount of readership and influence.”

For 2008, a total of 177 bloggers submitted their Top 10 lists, citing 413 blogs.

After 14 weeks, these are the results of the Search of the TOP 10 Most Influential Emerging Blogs for 2008:

1. Manila Foodistas
2. Filipino Voices
3. Visit Sagada
4. Missing Carlo
   
5. Mar Roxas for President in 2010 blog
   
6. You Got Tech
7. The Not so Talented DJ Montano
8. Davao Delicious
   Music Picks
9. Bariles Republic
   Fritzified
10. Bloggers Da Who

Too bad I could not make it to the affair and instead asked fellow Soccsksargen Blogger Mark Aethen Agana who now studies at the UP Diliman to sub for me and get my plaque.  Thanks a lot Mark.  I would have been the oldest blogger there if I showed up…hehehe!

By the way, congratulations to my fellow winners especially Aileen Apollo, Kevin Ray Chua and Davao’s blog guru, Blogie Robillo.

The awardees in a group photo

To all those who nominated me (you know who you are), thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To my subscribers (now 170+strong), regular readers and visitors, thank you for your time and continued patronage.

Lastly, to all the SOCCSKSARGENians, especially my fellow GENERALS, this award is dedicated to YOU.  (showbiz ba?  hehehe)

Photos are courtesy of Jehzeel Laurente.  Arigato Jehz!

GenSan’s rich are quite the finicky kind.  They have so much money to spend and yet when it comes to entertainment, they hardly spend it in the city.

An example would be their alarming disregard for most of the local fine dining establishments in the city.  A reason for this is their tendency to compare them with those from the metro cities.  A few which have passed muster like Ranchero Grill, Sud-an, Big Chow (formerly South Park) and the newer Grab-A-Crab are more like the exceptions, so that when I heard about this small steak house which seems to be packing all my “affluent” friends in, I was quite surprised.

Named Euro Kitchen and established 3 months ago by the brother and sister team of Karl and Mae Macaraeg (of the famous Macaraeg Caterers) and her expat hubby Henrik Stork, this new diner occupies one 4×5 sqm stall at the Tiongson Street side of the Tiongson Arcade (the one with the statue of the Virgin Mary).

The place still has no visible signboard to identify it except for a small hanging tarpauline banner which does not even face the road (!).  In fact,  you could mistake Euro Kitchen as just one of the ubiquitous barbecue and native food eateries in this famous landmark of Lagao.

EK (as I will call it) shares a a common open dining area in the center of the triangle with 10 other eateries in the arcade.   It could have been the last place on earth to serve steaks at this setting, but hey, their growing clientele doesn’t seem to mind.  So everyday, it’s always full house (EK only has 5 tables under their roofed dining area) and the spill-over would have to dine al fresco at the common triangle courtyard.

As simple as it may be, the owners are quite successful in giving character to the place.  Instead of plastic, they use iron-wrought chairs.  Their walls made of weaved local material contain framed european-inspired artwork and whatchamacalits.  A good number of imported red and white wine brands also adorn another wall.  The subdued lighting is courtesy of two art deco lamps hanging from the ceiling. The understated interiors makes it charming, to say the least.

The first time I was there, the inner tables have been reserved and so we had to occupy the ones outside the common triangle courtyard.  Immediately we were served fried peanuts together with the menu.

I had to try the t-bone steak and at that time, only the P360 size was available.  The attentive waiter who took our order also enumerated the other things on the menu but we preferred to focus on the steak.

While waiting for our dinner, I tried to find out who the other diners were and realized that these were the people who would normally not be caught eating in such a humble bohemian setting.   I noticed car dealer J and his family about to leave, while former councilor M with his wife, their daughter and her foreigner husband were just coming in. At the table behind us were a group of 2nd generation Chinoys attacking their steaks with gusto.

I also observed that owners Karl and May (when they’re not busy cooking at their kitchen) spend their free time mingling with these clients, making some small pleasurable talk, inquiring about the food and asking for suggestions.  I made a mental note of that.

Eventually, our food were brought in by our waiter, each super large steak served in a really big plate which also contains  vegetable sidings , pink rice (i swear!), and two slivers of butter.  The mashed potato came in later.

I did not pour any sauce or gravy on my 500-gram behemoth wanting to sample my first bite as is. Then I started cutting. It was soft and tender and cooked rare as I wanted it. May’s marinade had just the right mix to it, not too salty, not too sweet that it doesn’t need to be, er “worchestershired”.

Despite its size, I finished my steak in no time at all together with the house salad of lettuce, tomato and onions and the chefs’ own version of the mashed potato which could have used less of the onions on it.  Nevertheless, that one too disappeared inside my tummy even faster than the salad.

Seeing that we were finished, Karl served us their homemade “biko” (sweetened sticky rice), cooked with bits of langka (jackfruit) which was pure heavenly delight even for people who have sworn off sugar in their diets like me. It was individually wrapped in styro and could be bought separately.

We would have wanted to stay longer but more people were coming in, in small groups, mostly families. We decided to leave but not after congratulating Karl and May for their new venture.

On our way home, my companions and I decided that their steaks though excellent as they are, is  actually only a secondary reason on why Gensan’s creme dela creme keep coming back.

The real reason behind their immediate success is actually Karl and May’s own brand of quality service, their personal touch of making each visitor count, treating everyone like royalty.

These, I believe are things no amount of condiments, spices or secret sauces can ever duplicate.

Euro Kitchen may be contacted at telephone #s 304-9209.  I suggest you call them first for reservations to be assured of a table.  Tell them Bariles sent you and earn free sidings. 

(Thanks to our dinner sponsors Architect Cecille and Fish Trader Beck.  Mwah!  I love you girls.)

Tomorrow, August 8, 2008, in a flurry of activities from sun-up to way past sundown, the Mayor of General Santos City, Honorable Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. will celebrate his 50th birthday among his constituents.

Golden Boy Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.

This is the first time in two years that the Golden Boy is spending his natal day this way because for his past birthdays, he always preferred a simple and private get-together with his immediate family, usually out of town.

But turning 50 is considered a milestone for everyone and so this year, he is staying home to celebrate it with friends and other well-wishers.

Among the list of activities for tomorrow are:

• Turnover of Office Furniture to the Federation of Central Public Market Vendors,;
• Ceremonial Weighing of Timbangan ng Bayan at the Central Public Market;
• Unveiling and turn-over from Perfecom of Central Public Market Signage;
• Pedro’s Blood-Letting Activity at the Oval Plaza Stage (in cooperation with Red Cross & SMART);
• Palibreng Biyahe ng Alkalde (Yellow Bus Lines, Holiday Bus, Husky Bus, CONTRACA,  ALJODSTCO, ALLTRANSCO, etc);
• Blessing of the new Chapel at Gawad Kalinga Promise Land;
• Distribution of Educational Assistance at Barangay Mabuhay (c/o CSWDO);
• Handog ni Mayor sa Streetchildren at the Children’s Playground;
• Distribution of Philhealth Cards at the Oval Grand Stand

From all of us herre at Bariles Republic, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mayor!

May the good Lord bless and keep you, as always. 

While driving my way out of the Bulaong Bus Terminal last week, I chanced upon a billboard on the right side of the road along North Osmeña Street announcing the construction of another school campus.   This is the campus of the Gen. Santos Medical Foundation, Inc., which for the past five years has been holding fort at the Yap Building near the GSC Doctor’s Hospital along the National Highway.

Incidentally, the same people behind the hospital also own the school which offers Nursing, Radio Tech, Psychlogy and Education courses.

Eventually, I found out that the new campus is scheduled for groundbreaking on the morning of August 8, 2008, (that’s tomorrow) the same day that GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon turns FIFTY.

Anyway, the campus centerpiece is a 4-storey progressive building which can accomodate over a thousand students.

The fenced compound of the campus of GS Medical School Foundation, Inc.

Scheduled to bless the campus is Rev. Fr. Edward S. Loberiano, CP.  Leading the ground breaking will be Vice-Mayor Flor Congson, subbing for the mayor together with School President Dr. Genaro B. Valencia, Jr. and Vice-President Dr. Daniel G. Yap.

The locational map (click for a larger view)

Currently, GenSan has 3 schools offering courses in Nursing: NDDU, Brokenshire and GS Medical School Foundation, Inc.

It was during the great Holy year of the Jubilee in 2000 when I first heard about the Bahay Pari Project of Diocese of Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, DD.

I was then Managing Editor of the short-lived bi-monthly tabloid of the Parish of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in downtown Dadiangas, called The Voyager and was always present to cover various conferences, meetings and gatherings of the clergy.

At that time, Bahay Pari was mentioned as one of the priority projects of the Bishop to enable his aging and retiring priests to have their own communal retirement home, much like the late Cardinal Sin‘s Bahay Pari in Makati which he established in 1990.

A lot has happened to me since then and I eventually forgot about it until in one of my recent travels to Koronadal, this signage along the National Highway at the Crossing Rubber in Tupi, caught my eye.

I then made a mental note to visit this place and see what has become of it, 8 years after it was first envisioned by Bishop Guiterrez.

I finally had my chance last Saturday when after a late lunch at Nadie’s Chicken House in Tupi, my best friend Francis agreed to take me there because he too was curious about the place.

We then drove to where the Bahay Pari signage was, about 3-5 kilometers away in Barangay Crossing Rubber to the direction of Koronadal.  Finding it, we then turned left into a dirt road where we passed the Barangay Hall.  In a few more minutes,  we reached a fork at the end of the road and turned right, this time into what appears to be the Papaya Capital of Soccsksargen.  There were hundreds of papaya trees all around us, neatly arranged in rows, looking much like a mini-forest.

Crossing Rubber’s Papaya Plantations found on both sides of the road

We drove and drove, passing by an abandoned chicken coop and drove and drove again, finally realizing that we were lost. No Bahay Pari! Where the hell in heaven’s name is the Bahay Pari?

Luckily we chanced upon some kids who told us to go back some 20 meters up from where we came from and look for the small signage at the left side of the road where the gate to Bahay Pari was.  We finally found the sign which was so nondescript that it was really hard to catch.

The steel gate was half-open so Francis drove the car inside what looks like a farm with an empty field on our left all ready for planting.

Finally, we came at the end of the road and came down the car. Farther ahead, about 10 meters from where we parked was what we came here for, Bishop’s Gutierrez’s Bahay Pari.

Situated on top a hill which inclines down into a field of corn below, the Bahay Pari was still half-finished.

Made mostly of native materials like bamboo and coco lumber, the retirement home has two levels, the lower one still under construction.

The upper level has two rooms, one which is occupied by caretaker Fr. Freddie Paulo (who was on sabbatical at that time) and its own kitchen.

The left side opens into a wide veranda offering a breathtaking view of a winding brook about 30 meters down below and the majestic mountains of South Cotabato farther up west on the horizon.

According to the Bishop when I talked to him during the inauguration of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, they are still looking for more donations from kind-hearted souls for the Bahay Pari in Tupi to be finished.

In addition, he said, “Diocesan priests usually have nowhere to go when they retire. Compared to Religious Priests who have their own congregation to turn to, diocesans have to fend off for themselves. My Bahay Pari will solve that particular concern.”

The good bishop also revealed that a 2nd Bahay ng Pari will also rise in General Santos City as soon as the Tupi house is finished.

So if you want to donate for Bishop Gutierrez’s Bahay ng Pari, you may visit the Bishop’s Palace at Koronadal or talk to any diocesan priest in any of the parishes of the Diocese of Marbel.