GenSan News Online Mag

Today, February 28, 2009 is the final day for voting for your top choice as “BEST PHOTO” among the 30 +4 qualifiers to the “Tahanan ni Maria” Photo Exhibit which will be held in March.

Our Ladyof Peace and GoodVoyage Parish, circa 1965

A project of Bariles Republic and the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish together with the GenSan Camera Club, the Blog Viewer’s Choice Award contest has gathered so much participation and votes already which is  another show of  overwhelming support from GenSan News Online Mag’s readers from all over the world again!  Whew!  Thanks so much.

I have to clarify however that we will only be counting ONE ENTRY PER VOTER and if you submitted more than one, the rest of your choices will not be tabulated.

Watch out for the results Monday, March 2, 2009.  The photographer of the winning photo will receive P2,500 from the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and a token from Bariles Republic during the launch of the Tahanan ni Maria Photo Exhibit next month (March).

Salamat uli sa lahat ng mga sumali.  I love you all.  Promise. 

Bariles did not finish the baptismal rites for Queen Elizabeth Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao’s daughter at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish and proceeded to the KCC Mall of GenSan where the reception is going to be held.  The rooftop parking area was still one third full at that time (11:00pm) and his brother’s driver did not have a hard time finding a choice spot.

The alley going to the convention center was still free from onlookers, thank God!  Upon reaching the main entrance to the reception venue however, he found out that it was already full of people, obviously waiting for Manny Pacquiao’s other guests to appear.  The Ms. GenSan ladies and the Bodyfest men were at the door, dressed in princesses and princes and served as guides to the party venue of Queenie behind the large wooden doors.

The usherettes got my invite pass and ushered me inside the cavernous convention. Lo and behold! The sight which greeted me was straight out of a fairy tale book, courtesy of party organizer, Gatchi Gatchalian, owner of BluGre Coffee Shop.

Here is the gallery of pictures.  Click on them for bigger views.  The captions can be seen by hovering your mouse over each one.

That’s not all.  Here’s more…

To Queen Elizabeth Pacquiao, welcome to the Christian world!  May you grow as pretty as your mom, Jinky, as humble and generous as your dad Manny and as God-fearing and religious as you Lola Dionisia.

And here are more pictures…

Bariles with (standing from left) Kristine Lorn dela Pena, Ms. GenSan & Queen of Aliwan 1st runner-up Romarie Ivy Cunanan, RD Resorts Bikini Hunk Greggy dela Pena, Kristel Velayo, Rhyndyll Bartolaba, STI stude Marrell de Pedro, Macmac Pilapil. Sitting from left, Mr. & Mrs. Dave Areglado (Asia United Bank), Orman Manansala & Lea Cunanan.

Sitting from left, Manny’s personal secretary Bren Manansala Evangelio, AUB’s Orman Manansala, Rue Rama. Standing from left, CPIO’s Chris Sulit, Brigada’s Anter Alcos, actor-comedian Bayani Agbayani, Olympian Onyok Velasco, Bandera’s Paul Bernaldez.

Bariles is happy to announce that this blog, GenSan News Online Magazine already has more than 300 subcsribers as of today, February 25, 2009!  Not a large number compared to A-list bloggers, but hey!  The blog is only 1 year and 3 months old.

Here is a screenshot of his Google Feedburner Account which you may want to click to enlarge the image.

Just over a year ago, his subscribers consisted of just a few family members, office mates and close friends who have access to the Internet and who were coaxed, threatened, bribed and if those didn’t work, blackmailed the rest to subscribe to his feeds.

Being a place blog focusing on General Santos City, he also started targetting the “generals” and promoted it on his Friendster, Multiply, Hi5, Tagged and Facebook accounts.  And as advised by one of his mentors, Blogie Robillo, he also joined forums and mailing lists in case, a “general” who lurks there somewhere may be “misled” into checking out Bariles Republic.

He also optimized his blog title, changing it from purely Bariles Republic, to Bariles Republic’s GenSantos.Com to the current Bariles Republic’s GenSan News Online Mag, thus upping its standing in Google searches.  This definitely attracted a good number of “generals” who were looking for news about home.

Bariles started giving away freebies, spearheaded eyeballs (MBS2), sponsored contests to make his presence felt in his own turf in Soccsksargen.  In a big way, these too helped increase awareness of his little blog’s presence and subsequently, his subscriber base increased and increased to what it is now.

Now his goal is for Bariles’ email readers to grow to 500 subscribers by yearend, a feat which could be easier to achieve if readers like you tell your friends about this little blog and enjoin them to subscribe, just like you did.

Or if not, you can join my 300+ intelligent subscribers by entering your email address below.

And yes, once you have done that, make sure that YOU ACTIVATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION by opening the ACTIVATION EMAIL sent to your email address and clicking the ACTIVATION LINK on it. Thanks a lot!

According to GMA TV Davao Manager Mariles Puentevella, in her email to Bariles today, their GMA Channel 8 – General Santos is now hiring for the following GenSan job openings:

TOC Technicians

Qualification Requirements:

• ECE graduate or equivalent  course
• at least 1 year experience in TV broadcasting
• must be between 22-28 years old
• can work independently with minimal supervision
• knowledgeable in system troubleshooting
• can prepare technical reports, computer literate
• willing to work long hours and during weekends
• above average written and communication skills
• works well with people/team player

Sales and Marketing Officer/Representatives

Qualification Requirements:

• graduate of any 4 year course
• preferably with Sales and Marketing experience
• has basic appreciation of accounting and accounting principles
• analytical skills to explain variances between expenses and budgets
• above average written and oral communication skills
• works well with people, team player
• computer literate

Messenger/Collector

Qualification Requirements:

• at least 2 years in college
• knows the terrain of the area
• computer literate
• with pleasing personality
• average written and oral communication skills
• between the ages of 20-25
• male
• applicant with own motorcycle has advantage

SEND YOUR APPLICATION LETTER AND RESUME WITH PHOTOS TO:  gma8gensan@yahoo.com NOT LATER THAN SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28/2009, 12:00 NOON.

This is a special shoutout from Festival Director Orman Manansala who is inviting all the GenSan-based readers of Bariles Republic to watch the Finals of the Search for the 2009 Lakandula at Lakambini ng Kalilangan Festival tomorrow, February 25, 2009,  3pm at the Gaisano Mall of GenSan Atrium.

Admission is free and seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Congresswoman Custodio with the candidates during the 2009 Kalilangan Opening

Here are some photos taken during their Talent Show.  Click on each for larger views.

Although only 12 of the city’s 26 barangays joined the Parada ng mga Barangay Competition last Friday, February 20, 2009 to herald the opening of the 2009 Kalilangan Festival, the preparations of the Deparment of Education under Schools Division Superintendent Estrella Lariosa more than made up for their lean number.

Then of course, the participating barangays’ enthusiasm and fervor made a huge difference in ensuring that the start of the city’s celebration of its 70th Foundation Anniversary would be as meaningful and as significant as Kalilangan opening pasts.

Cash prizes of P5,000 per contingent were given by the Festival Director Orman Manansala to Barangays City Heights (Most Entertaining), and Calumpang (Most Organized.  The Grand Prize of P10,000 was awarded to Barangay Dadiangas North for being the Most Colorful.

Barangay Calumpang which won as Most Organized Barangay with Kapitan Cirilo Forones

ABC President & Brgy City Heights Captain Lulu Casabuena singing with their Rondalla

Barangay Dadiangas North’s Most Colorful Contingent

Here are some of the pictures taken earlier that afternoon.  Click on each for larger views.

When dusk came and the stars started to come out,  Congresswoman Darlene Custodio addressed the crowd gathered infront of the stage. Then, dance numbers followed from the DepEd depicting the arrival of General Paulino Santos seventy years ago and something from China courtesy of the Junior Cultural Academy.

Later, Mayor Jun Acharon banged a gong to signal the opening of the Kalilangan 2009 Festival.  At that very instant, a  ball of fire came down from the roof of the stage down to the ground below which lighted a pile of dried wood, creating one big bonfire.  The Lagao National High School Dancers then started their Kalilang dance while up in the sky, a magnificent fireworks also began wowing the hundreds of generals down below.

City Councilor Richard Atendido, Councilor Monching Milleza, City Administrator Mar Dospueblos, Councilor Meg Santos, Congresswoman Darlene, Councilor Odjok Acharon, Dr. Rose Acharon, Councilor Lulu Casabuena and Mayor Jun all smile for Bariles’ camera

More pictures below.  Click on them for larger views.

Bariles managed to drop by GenSan’s Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish at 10:30am today, Sunday in time for the godparents of Queen Elizabeth, the precious 2nd daughter of King Manny and Queen Jinky Pacquaio to arrive one by one.

The parish priest Fr. Edward Loberiano, CP was kind enough to allow Queenie have her own Special Baptism, apart from the earlier 10:00am baptism for the rest of the babies of the parish.  “We don’t want a pandemonium here and make everything difficult not only for us but for Manny’s guests, most of whom having to fly here from Manila” he said while surveying the gathering congregation inside his church.

I spotted Queenie’s richest Ninang and the lady to whom the soon-to-open Robinsons Place GenSan is named after, the simply elegant and gracious Robina Gokongwei-Pe.  I engaged her to a small tete-a-tete to which she revealed that she was supposed to be here for the Robinsons Tenants Conference but had to beg off due to a meeting for her son’s new school.  She then asked me who the pretty ninangs were beside her since nobody seemed to be introducing them to each other.  I had to get event organizer and Blue Gre owner Gatchi to help out.

In a little while, the other godparents trickled in.  You would know because of the ruckus which ensue once the gawkers inside the church spot them.  And they all came, kings and queens from far-away lands, to accompany Queenie on her first step to becoming a Christian – (in order of their entrance)  Senator Bong Revilla, Philip Salvador, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Migs Zubiri, Senator Loren Legarda, Congressman Monico Puentevella, Vice President Noli de Castro, ABS-CBN’s Korina Sanchez, couple Eddie and Annabelle Gutierrez, among others.

Order was somehow restored when Davao Archbishop Armando Capalla, DD proceeded with the Opening Prayer leading to the christening ceremony.  That did not stop the photographers to hover around Manny and Jinky and their baby Queenie when it was time for the 30 or so present godparents to take turns in blessing the sleeping baby on the forehead with a sign of the cross.

Here are some of the pictures I took which you may click on for larger views:

Robinsons’ Robina Gokongwei-Pe and ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo

Cebu Boxing Promoter Ninong Wakee Salud

Ninong Senators Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and Vice-President Noli de Castro at the front pew

Pink-cladded Jinky and Manny with Baby Queenie

Action Star Philip Salvador

Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla & OLPGV Parish Priest Fr. Edward Loberiano, CP

Annabelle & Eddie Gutierrez with ABS-CBN’s Korina Sanchez

Ninang Annabelle Rama and her jewels

Senator Loren Legards beside Manny, baby Queenie,  Jinky, Princess & Mommy Dionisia.  Take note of the people taking pics of the guests who seemed unmindful.

Philip Salvador, Quinito Henson, Congressman Monica Puentevella, etc.

Ninong & Former GenSan City Councilor Atty. Tom Falgui

Event Organizer and Blue Gre Cafe Owner Gatchi

Watch out for more pictures from the Baptismal Party at KCC Mall of GenSan Convention Center soon!

Good news to all the fans- Muslims, Christians, Lumads of Datu Khomeini Camsa Bansuan, lead singer of  Suara Mindanao Band D’ Khomeini Group!

The Kalilangan Festival in cooperation with Tulip Events Designs and Services is bringing this King of Moro Songs in a self-titled concert called “D’ Suara Mindanao Band Khomeini Group Live in GenSan” on February 22, 2009, Sunday, 6:00 pm at the General Santos City Gym in Barangay Lagao.

Datu Khomeini is a resident of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and is very famous among the Muslim population in the Philippines.  He has played in various sellout concerts all over the Philippines and has also performed in the Middle East.

Judging from his video below, he is one charismatic performer and despite the fact that Bariles does not understand a word of the song (Embalingan Ka Den Tayan) he is singing,  he truly enjoyed the artist’s performance.

Tickets to the D’Suara Mindanao Band by Khomeini Group live in Gensan are priced at P200 (Courtyard); Lower Box (P100) and General Admission (50.00).  For inquiries, call 0921-7968792.  Show at GenSan Gym in Lagao starts at 6:00pm on Sunday, February 22, 2009.

On the occasion of the General Santos City Hospital’s 35th Foundation Anniversary this month, Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. delivered his State of the Hospital Address (SOHA) in front of the hospitals workers, staff and stakeholders, on Valentines Eve at the hospital corridor.

Mayor Jun Acharon delivering his SOHA on February 13, 2009 at the City Hospital

The numbers he dished out were impressive:

• 2,950 babies were delivered in 2008;
• 4,800 patients received 75% indigency hospital assistance;
• 2,000 patients were fully subsidized;
• 500 patients were given 50% discount;
• P12 million pesos were appropriated for the Hospital Assistance Program for indigent patients;
• P4.5 million pesos per year was invested in the Philhealth Cards given to the city’s constituents since 2003;
• Inauguration of 24 units of Private Rooms with 33-bed capacity;
• Inauguration of a fully-renovated OB-GYNE Complex with 35-bed capacity;
• Inauguration of a four-bed Intensive Care Unit or ICU;
• Inauguration of the Water Processing Facility in cooperation with Dow Chemicals Limited;
• Inauguration of fully-automated and expanded clinical laboratory equipment for hematology, clinical immunology, etc.;
• All the Nursing Service Managers and Supervisors underwent formal training on Supervision and Personal Effectiveness;
• The entire Nursing Staff, from Regular to Job Orders, completed their Personal and Inter-personal effectiveness Training;
• With the P100 million peso-budget for the City Hospital, the annual per capita appropriation for hospital services is P1,800 pesos.  However, after converting it into an economic enterprise, a Cash Revenue of P30.2 million pesos was realized.  This excludes receivables from patients and government agencies like Philhealth, Sarangani LGU’s and the City’s Indigent Hospitalization and Medical Assistance Program.
• The investment of the Department of Health of P10 million pesos in 2008 for the upgrading of the hospital infrastructure, equipment and facilities.
• The P30 million peso Fund Assistance from the Department of Health to upgrade the hospital into TERTIARY LEVEL.
• The unveiling of the perspective drawing of the GSC Hospital Facade followed by a Ground-Breaking Ceremony.

A priest blesses the four-bed Intensive Care Unit or ICU and its new state-of-the art equipment

The next two years will see the following projects completed, co-funded with the DOH:

• Installation of Piped-in Oxygen for the ICU;
• Completion of Hospital Warehouse;
• Additional room for the Operating Room Complex;
• Renovation of the Outpatient Department, Emergency Room, and the entire Hospital Facade;
• Renovation of the Pediatric Ward with Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; and
• Operation of a Dialysis Center.

These six projects will be given a budget of P7 million pesos from the local government and P16.56 million pesos from the Department of Health, for a total of P23.5 million pesos.

City officials (from left) including City Administrator Marcelino Dospueblos, Chief of Hospitals Dr. Arvin Alejandro, First Lady Dr. Rose Acharon, City Mayor Jun Acharon, and Councilor Rick Atendido during the inauguration of the 35-bed OB-Gyne Complex.

The 35-bed newly renovated OB-Gyne Complex

On top of the infrastructure fund, DOH gave an additional fund of P13.44 million pesos for various sets of hospital equipment.

All these are in preparation for the approval of the Tertiary Level License Application of the GenSan Hospital with the DOH, thanks in part to Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio for her untiring legwork and connection with the DOH along these projects.

Mayor Acharon wait for the priest as he was blessing the new ground floor wing of the City Hospital with its 24 Private Rooms, with a 33-bed capacity.

One of the 24 New Private Rooms of GenSan Hospital

The Water Processing Facility for the GenSan Hospital Drinking needs while being blessed by a priest.  This is a joint project of Dow Chemicals Pacific Limited Inc. and the local government.

Chief of Hospitals Dr. Arvin Alejandro and Mayor Jun Acharon unveil the design for the perspective of the future facade of the GenSan Hospital after which they performed the groundbreaking ceremony.

Yesterday, I got a pleasant surprise waiting for me at my office table.  It was pink cardboard canister with the name QUEENIE printed in front.  Inside is a pink linen scroll with wooden rollers on each end and a separate pink linen page, obviously trying out a “royale” theme.

Upon perusing through its contents, I found out that it is the invitation to the Baptismal of Manny Pacquiao’s daughter two-month old daughter, Queen Elizabeth!  Wow!

The invitation states that Queen Elizabeth Pacquiao or “Queenie” will be “christened” or “baptized” at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10:00AM along with other babies in the parish.

The reception for the (what I heard) 1,000 or so invited guests will be held again at the KCC Mall of GenSan Events and Convention Center, the same venue for his birthday last December 2008.

The invitation however did not mention any dress code which is good since that I do not have to rent an ill-fitting tuxedo again! 

I then checked the 2nd page of the invite which contains the names of the 48 godparents (!) of Queenie Pacquiao.

I looked for my name but sadly, it was not in the list which includes among others, a vice president (Noli De Castro), the AFP Chief of Staff (General Alex Yano), seven Senators including 3 Presidentiables (Villar, Legarda, Estrada, Revilla, Zubiri, Honasan and Escudero),  a Tai-pan’s daughter (Robina Gokongwei-Pe), a famous TV & Radio personality (Korina Sanchez), Kapuso bigwigs (Wilma Galvante and Annette Gozon), a beauty and makeover Diva (Vicky Belo), an actor and former son-in-law of a former President (Philip Salvador), a political kingpin (Luis Chavit Singson), a PAGCOR Chair (Epraim Genuino), a mother of a beauty queen (Annabelle Rama), a governor (Sarangani’s Migz Dominguez), a member of the Congress (Monico Puentevella), wives of prominent politicians in Luzon, and even a former gambling lord (Charlie Ang)….. but no full-pledged BLOGGER!!????!

Oh well, better luck next time.   I am sure Kumpareng Manny would want more kids every year anyway and by the time he rans out of famous people to get as godparents, I will be very famous by then. 

But now, the next immediate question should be – what gift should somebody like Bariles give to  Baby Queenie, the small royalty  who has everything already?

The Filhair Co-op, GenSan Chapter, in line with the celebration of the Kalilangan Festival 2009, is mounting a competition among hair dressers in the city at the Gaisano Mall of GenSan Atrium this afternoon at 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

The event, billed as “Ultimate Hair Record Gunting at Suklay” Pinoy Style is actually a Search for the fastest haircutter in the Philippines and an attempt to to break the record for the  “World’s Most # of Haircuts done in a day”.

With no less than Mother Ricky Reyes as the Guest of Honor, this competition is open to all hairdressers in the region.

For the mechanics, please click on the image below to enlarge it.

Then tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, is the turn of the  Hair and Make-up Competition 2009 Seminar and Fashion to be conducted at the same venue from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Registration Fee for Competitors and Seminar attendees is only P150 per person.

Below are the mechanics.  Please click on the image for a bigger view.

Thanks to Ms. Donna Mae Congson, the statuesque manager of Envy Me Salon and Spa for this info and for the posters above.

Finally, the first PEZA-registered I.T. (Information Technology) Park in General Santos City held its ground breaking ceremony this morning.

Located at CED Avenue, the driveway leading to the campus of Brokenshire College, Mabuhay I.T. Park or MITP is a 2.8 hectare property and project of the Father of Internet in GenSan, Mr. Jan Ced who was featured here last year.

This dream project of Mr. Ced was actually issued a Certificate of Registration # ez 07-42 more than a year ago in November 5, 2007 by the PEZA (Philippine Export Zone Authority), pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1383 Dated September 11, 2007, the provisions of Republic Act No. 7916, as amended, duly registering Mabuhay Technopark Corporation (MTC) as the developer/operator of Mabuhay I.T. Park (MITP).

According to Mr. Ced, the MITP will serve as the city’s shining landmark for I.T. and I.T.-enabled services business.

Mr. Jan Ced stands witness as his father and CEMCDO OIC Coralyn Espinosa lead the groundbreaking of his Mabuhay I.T. Park

MITP is a well-planned I.T. Park, to operate in a 24/7 fully-secured community.  It is envisioned to be a one-stop shop facility capable of carrying voice, video and data services that would deliver a superior, reliable and secured network communications and back-up power suppy.  It will have fiber optic network and microwave links making data exchange faster.

An Incubation Center will consist of 9 intelligent offices (four small-sized 24 sq meter areas; three medium-sized 35 sq meter ateas and two large-sized 60-75 sq meter areas) and support facilities such as three conference facilities/training rooms; mini-exhibition hall including a cafeteria, central waste facility system, worship center and secured parking area.

In short, it will cater to business process outsourcing companies like call centers, medical transcription centers and the like.

Meanwhile, the Brokenshire College next door will offer I.T. and I.T.-enabled service-related courses.  This will allow strong partnerships between business and the academe, specifically for the manpower needs of the ICT industry in GenSan.

Last Thursday morning, February 12, 2009, General Santos City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. presented his administration’s accomplishments for 2008 and his blueprint for the remainder of his term which ends in 2010 in front of the members of the City Council including Vice Mayor Florentina Congson at their SP Hall, a few minutes after their weekly session opened.

The mayor’s guests, representing the different local and national government agencies and multi-sectoral representatives came trickling in as early as 8:00am and immediately filled the newly-renovated Sangguniang Panlungsod Hall.

The 15 members of the City Council were all accounted for including ABC (Association of Barangay Captains) President Honorable Lourdes Casabuena and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Honorable Jane Calunsag.  Since not everyone could not be accommodated inside the SP Hall, other guests were seated at the pathway leading to the stairs at the lobby where an overhead projector was mounted.

At exactly 8:45am, the mayor arrived with his wife Dr. Rose, his daughter Joahanna and  his brothers Honesto and Yolando and entered the session hall right after the singing of the National Anthem to a warm applause.

Councilors (from left) Dom Lagare, Oco and Jong Gonzales listen in rapt attention to City Mayor Acharon’s SOCA whil behind them is the Mayor’s daughter Joahanna, wife, Dr. Rose and brother Engineer Honesto “Butch” Acharon.

The Mayor’s SOCA was full of optimism amidst the global crisis expected to hit the Philippines this year with him saying that the local government is “ready and prepared to cushion the impact” while asking the city council to craft investment policies “that are responsive and friendly to micro-enterprises,” a measure meant to help turn homecoming OFW’s to entrepreneurs.

Inside the media room (Vice Mayor’s Conference room) where ABS-CBN and SkyCable set up their equipment for the SOCA’s live airing, other media folks also prepared their phone patch units.  From left are DXDX’s Lito, Brigada’s Ernie Gabonada, UMBN’s Chito San Pedro and RPN’s Faith Barcelona.

Mayor Acharon also cited the city’s gains in terms of the economy, where earnings of P651 million were realized, thanks in part to GenSan’s onte-town, one-product processors; where new businesses contricuted P1.4 billion, generating more than 4,000 jobs.  One of this is the Robinsons Land Corporation which earmarked P445 million for a new mall.  Also included are the KCC Property Holdings, Inc.a t P350 million and Mabuhay IT. Park with P37 million, Nanhai Food Industries at P15 million and Atoco Philippines Trading, Inc. with P15 million.

All together now.  (Sitting from left) Councilors Nep-nep Natividad, Meggie Santos, Mayor Jun Acharon, Vice Mayor Flor Congson, SK Federation Chair Jane Calunsag and ABC Prexy Lulu Casabuena.  (Standing from left) Councilors Monching Milleza, Dom Lagare, Jong Gonzales, Dante Vicente, Boyet Leyson, Richard Atendido, Orly Oco, Odjok Acharon, Jun Avila and Bing Dinopol

For the tuna sector, local processors serving the local market increased by 35% while those distributing nationwide went up by 50% and exporters by 76%.  A P5.3 million tuna laboratory was established inside the Fishport Complex, managed by Philexport.

The First Couple with ABC President Councilor Lulu Casabuena

Other than his administration’s gains last year, Mayor Acharon also launched 2009 as the Year of Legacy while adopting “Magandang GenSan” as the new city brand, which will be its mark of distinction and its icon, an icon of excellence.

“Magandang GenSan, as in our vision statement, will be a city where fellow Generals create opportunities for each other and protect each other’s well-being, rejoice in each other’s triumphs and support in each other’s nedds and interests,” he explained.

“The Year of Legacy will be more than tangible things like infrastructure and properties, money or resources.  The legacy that I envision is the legacy of partnership and cooperation, the legacy of accountable democracy, and the legacy of excellent service to the Generals,” he continued.

For more of Mayor Jun Acharon’s State of the City Address, please click here for the transcript—-> soca.

Genee, the newest restaurant in GenSan, named after its “generals” has also something up its sleeve for Valentine’s Day.

On February 14, 2009, Genee Restaurant located at the Oval Plaza, will be the only dining establishment in town who will be offering a “Valentine’s ICE CREAM BUFFET‘ for its customers from 9am to 10pm!

Meaning, ALL THE ICE CREAM YOU CAN EAT! And for only P100 bucks!

But before that of course, why not try their healthy, delicious and affordable fare like the ones below:

Either you partake of their healthy, delicious Tuna Snacks..

…or if you are early, try their Breakfast first, especially their Congee

Genee Bangus Inasal delights

Genee Chicken Inasal

Frozen Treats

Refreshing Thirst Quenchers

Genee Fruity Nourishments

All these are guaranteed to be ABSOLUTELY HEALTHY not only for you and your partner but for the kids too, making a trip to Genee on Valentine’s day perfect for a memorable  bonding time for the whole family….. without burning a hole in your pockets. 

Tropics Grill has been around as far back as during my Procter and Gamble days when I used to frequent it with my salesmen or medrep friends for their grilled giant tilapia and ice-cold San Miguel Beer (San Mig Light was not even invented then).

Located along the Quirino Avenue, the 23-year old establishment has gone so many transformations from a purely beer house to a videoke bar and to its current state offering an acoustic ensemble every night.

Haven’t been there in ages but last Saturday while waiting for my friend inside Dr. Calderon’s clinic, I saw this tarp billboard announcing their Valentine’s offering.

Dubbed as Heart and Music at Tropics, it features Alberto Dal Pino, an Italian composer and musician.

From the looks of it, this guy plays the guitar and according to the info at the tarpaulin, he could play a diverse list of genre – Modern, Celtic, Historical, Ethnic, Dramatic and Romantic.

I interviewed a lady who was near the closed gate of the Tropics that time and she told me that the Alberto Dal Pino is a neighbor of the sister of Tropic’s present owner and will be flying in to GenSan basically to enjoy the Kalilangan 2008 festivities.  His Valentine’s performance on February 13 14 and 14 15, 2009 was just an afterthought.

Well, that’s cool.  Since I have nothing to do on the 13th 15th (which people say are reserved for “number two’s”), I might as well check out this guy, aside from trying out Tropics’ menu again after quite a long absence.

But after checking out his website, I was more than convinced to watch his show.  Wow!  This guy is very famous in Italy owing to his talents.  He composes, he sings, he performs various kinds of guitars – classical, electric, etc.

He has written musical scores for movies and televison shows! One word could describe his background – IMPRESSIVE!

Read these excerpts from his biography:

Alberto Dal Pino is an extremely accomplished and well-versed musician with a rare and special distinction in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance music.  Born in Florence, Italy his passion for music, literature, language and art developed at a very young age.  His diverse studies in music, composition, arranging, and vocal techniques have earned him a Master of Certificate as well as a Doctorate in Law from the University of Law in Florence.

His expertise and accomplishments have been recognized throughout Italy, Germany and the United States as a performing artist, lyricist, vocal arranger, composer and musician for film scores, television productions and record albums.

His talents have been utilized in scoring numerous documentaries and films for A&E, The History Channel and the Discovery Channel.  Alberto’s passion, studies, rich experience and professionalism give his music a unique and creative cutting edge style.

- from www.albertodalpino.com

See you guys on February 13th then! And of course, on February 14th, reserve it for David Pomeranz.

Among the dining establishments who have conceptualized gimmicks for this year’s Valentine’s weekend, another one seems to be a cut above the rest.

I am referring to Grab A Crab’s “Grab A Heart” Promo which can be shown in this poster below.  Click on the image to enlarge it.

This Valentine’s Day promotion of Grab A Crab has lots of give-aways and freebies to its dining patrons like “cuddly teddy bears”, gift certificates, novelty items, heart-shaped pillows and balloons.

Romantic love songs will be played all throughout your stay to make the ambience even more conducive to a lovely evening.

The real treat however is the chance of seeing David Pomeranz inside Grab A Crab, up close and personal since the producer of his concert, A Valentine Affair with David Pomeranz, Mr. Michael Wee is also the owner of the restaurant.  Who knows?  You may even get your picture taken with the King of Love Songs as a souvenir for you and your beloved one.

Wow!  Good food!  Lovely place.  Soothing tunes.  And a few moments with an internationally-famous romantic balladeer and composer!!!

Now who can top that one?

And of course, after that, you can both proceed to the General Santos City Gym and join David again as he serenades the people of GenSan with his ballads that only he, as the King of Lovesongs can rightfully sing.

Grab a Crab is located at Laurel East Avenue . For reservations , please call (083) 553-5430, 553-4878, 301-0555 (look for Arnie or Rick) OR email them at coffeeclub_101@yahoo.com.  Rooms are available at the 2nd floor for PRIVATE FUNCTIONS. Tickets to David Pomeranz’s concert on February 14 may also be bought from them.

So far, for Valentine’s (February 13 or 14, 2009), Bariles Republic has featured a native restaurant (Marasa Grill’s “My Pinoy Valentine”); an acoustic bar (Tropics’ “Heart & Music with Alberto Dal Pino”); a fine-dining steak house (Paseo del Sol’s Ajourner Pour Deux); and a bistro (Orange Bistro’s Bossa Nova Valentine’s Buffet).

Today, taking center stage is a Gensan hotel which has prepared not only one but four of its venues for one romantic evening of magic.

Dear readers and lovers, make way for East Asia Royale Hotel’s “Enchanted Valentine Dinner” which could be a take on last Christmas’ Enchanted GenSan.

Click on the image above to make it larger.

At only P299 per head, you are entitled to an “EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN” dinner at any of these two venues:  the Ballroom where you will be serenaded by live classical music and at the Royal Lounge and the Garden where acoustic entertainment awaits you and your partner.

But that’s not all from this GenSan hotel managed by cornmiller turned hotelier, Mr. Rombar Bartolome.

After having your fill at East Asia Royale Hotel’s sumptuous Valentine’s gastronomic treat, you may opt to spend the rest of the evening at BABES BAR where your entrance is FREE!  A Davao band will make sure that you cap the evening with popular dance music meant to make both of you sway and do the moves which made you fall in love with each other years ago.

If that is not a complete Valentine’s treat for you and your loved one, then my name is not Bariles.

Lagao Road’s culinary jewel, Orange Bistro is also cooking something up for Valentine’s Day.

On the Day of Hearts, it is offering a Buffet Dinner at only P250 per head inside its main dining hall and at The Tent. According to Ms. Cathy Teng, its beauteous manager, they will be serving their famous oxtail kare-kare and chicken cordon bleu among others plus a chocolate fountain for dessert. I hope they will also offer their “spicy Thai squid” which happens to be my favorite among Orange Bistro’s Asian-inspired menu.

For each of the ladies, expect a red rose to be given to you while being serenaded by Bossa Nova singers performing songs ala-Sitti Navarro, who was once a customer of Orange Bistro when she was in town for a concert sometime last year.

Orange Bistro is located along Jose Catolico Avenue (near the Lagao Market Crossing). For reservations, please call(083) 301-0992 or 301-5555. The Valentine’s Buffet Dinner starts at 6:00pm.

Avez-vous déjà décidé où aller ce week-end de Valentine ? Sinon, considérez svp un Tableau pour deux chez Paseo Del Sol la nuit avant des Valentines.

Oops!  Sorry for writing in French.  I couldn’t help it since this post is featuring Paseo del Sol’s Valentine’s Eve event which is “Ajourner Pour Deux at Paseo Del Sol“.

That is “A Table for Two” in English, dear readers.

Paseo del Sol is one of the newer and classier fine-dining establishments in General Santos City. It once hosted balladeer Richard Poon in a dinner concert through its Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs which was quite a succes that they’re putting up another one again.  Pablo’s is only one of the very few offering Angus Beef in the city…. which I blogged and raved about last year.  Through the months since it opened it has been the choice venue of debuts, weddings, product launches and gatherings for foreign and local visitors.

Credit goes to the mother and son team of Sol and Paulo Sunglao together with their manager, Nestor Paras who have made sure that their new establishment (they also own Ranchero Grill) is a notch above the others.

For their Valentine’s Eve (February 13) offering, they have acquired the services of American Chef Lawrence Caro from New Orleans, Louisiana!  For the price of P1,600 per couple, expect a gastronomic feast like no other which only Paseo Del Sol can cook up.

For inquiries or reservations to “Ajourner pour Deux”, you may call (083) 553-9298, 303-1120, 301-9298 or 0906-5788548.

The GenSan Tourism Council, through its Vice-Chair Rey Billena, finally released the posters of the 2009 Kalilangan Festival.  This poster which won the poster contest they conducted is by Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College’s Grease Art Studio.

It now incorporates the official 2009 Kalilangan Festival Schedule and the list of sponsors.

The theme for this year’s festivities which celebrates General Santos City’s 70th Foundation Anniversary is:  “Pagbabalik Gunita sa Pitumpong Taon ng Kaunlaran, Kapayapaan at Kasiyahan”.

Judging from the 2009 Kalilangan Festival Schedule, expect more fun, pageantry and pomp with the whole family while giving tribute to our forefathers and the people responsible for the status that General Santos City has now achieved not only nationally but worldwide.

Click on the image below to better see the 2009 Kalilangan Festival Schedule.

However, if you want an EXCEL version on the schedule, just leave a message below and I will gladly do it for you.

Have a happy Kalilangan 2009!