GenSan News Online Mag

It’s really must be final.  Confirmed.  Sigurado na.

Over a week ago, Bariles found out that the website of Jobstreet released a news bulletin from their client, SM Supermalls which will delight most of the people of General Santos City and the whole of Soccsksargen.

The bulletin, released on October 16, 2008 announced their search for a LEASING MANAGER who will be assigned in, taah-dahhh, SM City- General Santos. (Click on the image below for a larger view.)

Now that should put to rest any speculation on whether SM Supermalls is really intending to include GenSan in their list of cities in the Philippines which host their malls.

With this new development amidst the ongoing construction of Robinsons Place – GenSan, this does not only cement General Santos City’s role as South Central Mindanao’s premier city but also its assured place in the hearts of more multionational investors.

And as for SM City-Gen. Santos’ location which I blogged about earlier, well, things might still change. It could still be someplace else along the National Highway.

Now, if you want to get that job, log on to the JOBSTREET site by CLICKING HERE.  Deadline of applications is on December 15, 2008.

IBANG KLASE NA TALAGA ANG GENERAL SANTOS CITY!!!

HANEPS!!!

When 9-year old Philip Nadela was announced the first grand winner of the Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers during an exciting Finals night earlier this month, I was at that time at the residence of Gen. Santos City Mayor Jun Acharon together with his wife, Dra. Rose and some household members.

We were at their living room all busy trying to send the last of the text messages we could to ensure that Philip wins.  Earlier, while the First Lady was calling and texting all her friend and relatives in Cebu to support Philip, the good mayor was then busy reminding his barangay captains to go all out for the young “general”.

When his name was finally announced as the GRAND LITTLE WINNER, I and the rest let loose shrieks of delight. While glancing at the mayor, I noticed that he was misty-eyed but grinning from ear to ear, obviously proud that another champion emerged from among his constituents.

So when the young singing sensation, now known by his screen name Philip Nolasco came back home with his parents, no less than Mayor Jun Acharon was there at the General Santos City International Airport to welcome him.

Later, he was whisked off to a waiting vehicle for his motorcade, the same one used by Manny Pacquiao every time he wins his fights.  Joining him were Ms. GenSan 2002 Ivy Cunanan and her court Kitel and Faye, together with Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Jane Calunsag.

I had the rare chance to ride the same car and so I took shots of the people of Gen. Santos waving at him from the roadsides, all wanting to take a good look at him.   Philip was a trouper, gamely waving at everyone while his pretty “yayas” were beside him, acting as his consorts.

The scenes of the crowds greeting us wherever we turn were reminiscent of Manny Pacquiao’s hero’s welcome everytime he goes home to GenSan after every fight.  I had goosebumps all over with the similar kind of adulation that this 9-year old singing sensation received during the motorcade.

The motorcade eventually winded up at the Oval Covered Court where his fans, schoolmates, teachers, etc. and the Gen. Santos City media were waiting for him.  They were later gifted with a couple of songs from the Grand Dreamer after answering a few questions during the mini press conference.

Later on in the evening, a Grand Feast was tendered to him by the mayor at the 6′Blings Restaurant, owned by Mr. Bebot Haw.  There, GenSan’s youngest pride mingled with his guests and in between photo ops, lest we forget that he is still a child, focused on playing with his new portable PlayStation.

A few days before the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit, I decided to drop by the Gen. Santos City Gym (formerly called Lagao Gym) after learning that it is now ready for the National Cooperatives Teamshop’s 2,000 delegates.

Gen. Santos City Gym (formerly Lagao Gym)

For three months, it underwent some major improvements to the tune of P5,000,000, funded by the office of City Mayor Jun Acharon.

Newly-installed blue window blinds

This included the repairs of the toilets and the water system; the repairs of the 10 airconditioning units and the purchase and installation of window blinds for the uppermost glass windows, among others.

Construction Signboard

This is great news for the next set of event organizers who are planning to stage their concerts, conventions, competitions inside the 8,000-seater gymnasium which was built through the office of the Representative of the First District of South Cotabato more than a decade ago.

The Courtyard

As for myself, I couldn’t wait to witness the live telecast of Manny Pacquiao’s fight here against Oscar dela Hoya because for sure, the airconditioning will be working just fine despite the capacity crowd of generals all eager to cheer for their hometown champ inside what is South Central Mindanao’s biggest air-conditioned structure.

Electronic Score Board

I still have a hangover of last weekend’s 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit that I couldn’t write a more detailed assessment of what transpired starting from the time my fellow bloggers started arriving in GenSan on the afternoon of October 24th till the time when the few remaining ones from Davao left on Monday afternoon, October 27th.

Oh well, I will just leave you guys to do the writing first, the links of which I will publish here anytime today.

For the moment, here is the video file of the short feature which our Official Media Partner ABS-CBN Socsksargen, part of its Regional Network Group did on the MBS2.

This clip was aired this morning, October 29, 2008 over their morning program, “Magandang Umaga Socsksargen” hosted by DJ Joey C and Ms. GenSan 2006 Rhean Hazel Hacosta.

It contains the 15-seconder TV ad which ran for a month at their regional stations in GenSan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.  It also features a greeting from GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon.

Voice over was done by DJ Mario Valentino Baladjay, of GenSan’s #1 radio station MOR 92.7 (For Life).

Look for Bariles behind the scenes and count the many number of times he was caught in the background, kunyari busy.  Hehehe!

Enjoy, Mindanaons!

To all those who joined the 2nd Mindanao Blogger’s Summit which wrapped up yesterday, Sunday, October 26, 2008 in GenSan, and helped make it a major mega-success, Bariles would like to say DAGHANG SALAMAT KANINYONG TANAN!

And yes, for giving Bariles a STANDING OVATION, an additional million and a half thank you’s once more.

He is very, very touched and still on cloud nine!

And now (drum roll please!), presenting the official delegates of the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit: (click on each name for their blog or personal website)

1. Miah Laborte
   
2. Kevin Paquet
   
3. Che-che Dionaldo
   
4. Charles Ortiz
   
5. Ghen Sabaldan
   
6. Dulce Rose Lada
   
7. Tiara Mejos
8. Brendel Balaga
9. Sarah Matalam-Alvarez
10. Joana Grace Lapore
11. Lyle Santos
12. Carmela Anito
13. Bientot Unabia
14. JM Flores
15. Waltzib Balane
16. Rhona Navarette
17. Pull Ablanido
18. Raphael Gregor Banta
19. Darl Osanastre
20. Eirvin Latasa
    
21. Kathy Dacanay
22. Bobby Timonera
23. Alritch Merin
24. Mia Vega
25. Ivy Grace Tutor
26. Denz Gajo
27. Robstroy Gunayan
28. Jerome Locson
29. Mary Grace Ignacio
30. Retche Santulio
31. Millet Kaindoy
32. Pastilan Liston, Jr.
33. Raincindy Bascon
34. Li-ann Baiño
35. Toniboi Edel
36. Beans Amorio
37. Iceah Liston
38. Rhee Jinon
39. Rai Remegio
40. Chattee Lara
41. Corinne Estrellada
42. Marvz Bobis
43. Romarie Cunanan
44. Maya Cartojano
45. Kitel Velayo
46. Vyne Hautea
47. Rose Lim
48. Lainy Ugbaniel
49. Jhonkie Lim
50. Vie Agulon
51. Psyche Fontanilla
52. Mark Aethen Agana
53. Margareth Rose Santos
54. Kea Estabillo
55. Rammyboi Pison
56. Wilfred Santiañez
57. Liezl Oberio
58. Job Oberio
59. Sarah Suyom
60. Mimi Dayupay
61. Andrew dela Serna
62. Pao Sison
63. Raf Logronio
64. Aryel Oclarit
65. Arlene Collado
66. Aice Lahora
67. Aweng Moral-Basco
68. Danzrev Basalan
69. Jinky Borela
70. Myk Tongco
71. Selee Condeza
72. Nel Pequiro
73. May Capili
74. Dave Dequito
75. Harvey Hervilla
76. Bejoy Dionaldo
77. Ruki Trumata
78. Patet Fermin
79. Nash Magarang
80. Weng Laglagaron
81. Lourds Cofreros
82. Michael Yap
83. Pam Santizo
84. Joy Villareal
85. Maxim Doria
86. Remo Aguilar
87. Marites delos Reyes
88. Junelle Nalla
89. MiGs Hipolito
90. Shie Tornaquia
91. Wanton Jay Dayupay
92. Blogie Robillo
93. Gigi Maitem
94. Binoy Magtibay
95. Xeng Sajo
96. Hecky Miñoza
97. Kim Asuero
98. Ria Jose
99. Mymy Jardiolin-Daniel
100. Lyna Estabillo
101. Bun Almeria
102. Zeny Miñoza
103. Mikko Gozalo
104. Marz Bendol
105. Yas Espejo
106. Edwin Espejo
107. Angela Vega
108. Bam Canales
109. Marex Obugan
110. Bong Sarmiento
111. Gwing Cabreira
112. Dasoy Sabino
113. Deejames Historia
114. Henry Palmones
115. Shengy Pineda
116. Ed-ed Fabrua
117. Elmer Cequiña
118. Jea Ramos
119. Jessy Narciso
120. Tanchi Franco
121. Bunsoi Laroya
122. Marvin Fernandez
123. Paul Lapore
124. Ariel Lalisan
125. Richard Diongson
126. Jester Galla
127. Aileen Apolo
128. Jay de Jesus
129. Francis Sablon
130. Avel Manansala

And by the way, do not forget to leave the URL of your post about the MBS2 here.  I love you all, Mindanao Bloggers!

FELLOW MINDANAOANS, LET US FLOOD THE BLOGOSPHERE WITH OUR POSTS ON THE 2ND MINDANAO BLOGGERS SUMMIT!!!

Mabuhay ang GenSan!  Mabuhay ang Soccsksargen!  Mabuhay ang Mindanao!!!

Mabuhay ang Mindanao Bloggers!!!!

Thanks to the kind assistance of Mr. Paul Espinosa, Globe Telecom’s Sales and Services Manager of their GenSan Business Center at KCC Mall, GLOBE agreed to support the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit which will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center.

Aside from providing wi-fi connection at the venue, they will also be introducing their latest product which is their answer to Smart Communications’ Smart BRO Prepaid.

This is their Globe Prepaid Visibility which allows you to surf the web wherever there is a Globe signal via GPRS, EDGE and 3G/HSDPA. (click on the poster for a larger view)

The Prepaid package includes one Visibility USB Modem  and 1 SIM.  It is pre-loaded with Free P30 load, good for 6 internet sessions (1 session = 15 minutes) equivalent to 1.5 hours of continuous internet time.

But here’s more.

If you buy the Globe Prepaid Visibility during the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit, you will get EXTRA 20 INTERNET SESSIONS (equivalent to 300 minutes of internet time)!

Plus they will be distributing free stuff for all the registered participants and raffling off some items!

Now, isn’t that great news for us bloggers???

Globe’s mobile internet access connections include GPRS, EDGE, 3G and HSDPA (with speed of up to 1.4mbps).  Free hours are applicable to browsing within the Philippines only.

Mobile Internet rate in excess of the free hours is charged at P5 for 15 minutes.

The SIM has Call, Text, Value-Added Services and charged based on standard Prepaid rates.

It can be reloaded at all Globe Business Centers and Autoload Max Retailers or using Share-A-Load or GCash.

The Globe Prepaid Visibility is also available at all Globe Gensan Business Center.

I was joyriding onboard my partner’s motorbike the other night when I saw a streamer along the corner of Lagao National Highway and Tiongson Street, which caught my eye.

Hey!  It’s an announcement about an upcoming branch of Mercury Drug!

The following day, I went back to the same place and took these pictures.

Now people from this side of GenSan wouldn’t have to go far downtown to buy their medicines and other needs.  Mercury Drug – Lagao will soon be here.

I just hope it will have a walk-in mini-grocery just like their Pedro Acharon Branch.  And let it open 24 hours!

Now that would be great for Lagao’s burgeoning night life since Lagao has a string of bars and restaurants along its main roads.

Mercury Drug will now have three outlets in GenSan:  P. Acharon, Pioneer and Lagao National Highway.

Yes!  You read it right!

Both the print and online editions of today’s issues of the Sunstar Daily and Business World Daily featured the 2nd Mindanao Business Summit!

The Sunstar article penned by Gensan-based Edwin Espejo is entitled, “Mindanao Bloggers to convene in GenSan for two-day summit”.  Edwin, who is my unofficial writing mentor has a blog, Edwin Espejo Portal.  Both his daughters are also bloggers. 

Another blogger, Bong Sarmiento of Koronadal wrote the Business World article, “Bloggers’ Summit to help improve Mindanao image”.  Bong, one of the best news and feature writers in these parts, also blogs in the self-titled, “Bong S. Sarmiento – Journalist from Mindanao“.

To both Edwin and Bong, Bariles Republic thanks you.    See you at the summit. 

Click here for the Sunstar Online article.

Click here for the Business World Online article.

In one of my earlier posts this year, I featured Leonard Pe, a talented young general who was mounting his first solo photo exhibit dubbed as “Earthscapes“ at the City Hall lobby, in celebration of the Earth Day.

During that time, one of his works, won the Silver Award in the 2007 Project Clean Water Photography Contest of the Greenpeace Southeast Asia making the exhibit even more signifact.

Just very recently, Leonard was once again in the news when no less than the Manila Bulletin published a 4-page spread about his works and his passion for photography in its Picture Perfect Section, in its October 14 edition.

Written by Yugel Losorata, the article was entitled “A GenSan pride“.

Here is an excerpt:

One artistic gem is Leonard Pe, born and raised in General Santos City.  His photographs of nature capturing the sceneries within the area has been his way of saying there is more to see in his hometown and that the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” showcases more than being associated to the admired “National Fist”.

Below is the scanned picture of the front page of the newspaper insert.

FRONT PAGE

Here are two of Leonard’s photographs featured in the spread.

“Bahay Kubo”.  This photo was shot in a field in Barangay Tambler.

“Siquijor”.

To read the full Manila Bulletin article, please CLICK HERE.

Congratulations Leonard! Bariles Republic and am sure, the whole of GenSan are very proud of you.  Now for those one-on-one photography lessons you promised, I am more than ready.  

For more of Leonard Pe’s work, please CLICK HERE

Everything is all set for the biggest EYEBALL of bloggers in this part of the country, the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

At this point, the Soccsksargen Convenors Collective, the group of bloggers tasked to spearhead the MBS2 is asking for more volunteers who can assist them to do various tasks during the conduct of the summit.

If you’re interested to help out and share your talents and skills on just about anything, and if you are based in GenSan, please drop by the Convenors Meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, October 21, 5:30pm at the GenSan City Hall lobby and look for a pretty lady named Lainy.

A surprise awaits each volunteer!  And yes, libre ang Snacks tomorrow.

Promise.