GenSan News Online Mag

Never in my life have I ever come across a blog post as racist as this one written by supposedly “best-selling author and columnist” Chip Tsao of Hong Kong.

Entitled “The War at Home” and featured in the news blog, HK Online published yesterday, March 29, 2009, (but nowhere to be found now amidst calls for the editors to apologize together with the author) the write-up deals mainly on the Philippines’ opposition to China’s continued presence in the Spratlys” and his bitterly scathing remarks about the country which he calls a “nation of servants“.

Hong Kong’s author & award-winning columnist Chip Tsao: Philippines’ Public Enemy #1 for his racial slur on the country, “nation of servants”

He then related how he “summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.”

I won’t want to say much about Chip Tsao’s article and let you, my dear readers react to his remarks.  I am supposed to be sleeping now but after reading about it, I knew that I had to share it with you.

Although this post is not particularly about GenSan which this blog Bariles Republic is all about after all, still it pertains to the hundreds, no, make that thousands of OFW’s from Soccsksargen who are slaving it out not only in Hong Kong but all over the world, for the future of their families back home.

UPDATE:  4:30PM, March 30, 2009. As of this writing, Chip Tsao’s article on the “nation of servants” has been taken off the HK Online site but Bariles Republic has managed to save it.  You can view and read it in its entirety by CLICKING HERE

UPDATE 2: HK Online Magazine has publicly apologized but Chip Tsao himself remained defiant and unapologetic. Below is a SCREEN SHOT of the article.

How does one know that it’s summer already in General Santos City aside from the heat and frequent browouts?

Sirit?

Well, it is the proliferation of posters heralding events like this one:

Yes, you’re reading it right.  It is a Body Painting Show!

Now before I see those eyebrows rising, this is not one of those wet t-shirt events that crops up every now and then at some of the street parties here in the city.  This event features an activity called Body Painting which is actually considered as the most ancient form of body art.

Unlike other forms of body art like tatooo, Body Painting is temporary and can be washed off since it uses liquid latex which is non-toxic.  Some, like henna or “mehndi tattoo” can stay for days or weeks.

Anyway, according to my good friend, DJ Moko, who’s mixing the music for the  Body Painting Show, their event at Babes Bar on April 4 (Saturday) will feature only female models, some of the sexiest in GenSan.

And take note, the tickets only cost P100, very affordable for a show that is sure not only to display the skills of GenSan’s body paint artists but some of her finest and most daring models, courtesy of Ground Level Arts and Events.

By the way, the show starts at 9:00 at Babes Bar, East Asia Royale Hotel Arcade who is sponsoring it together with San Miguel Beer.  Be sure to be there early since the venue can only accomodate 200 eager, excited and panting young male “generals”.

Will you be one of them?

General Santos City Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon, Jr., in a letter dated March 26, 2009 to all the business establishments in the city, urged them to participate in the Earth Hour 2009 on March 28, 2009, Saturday.

The mayor’s request was his positive response to the Secretary of Energy Angelo Reyes‘ letter to him enjoining the city to support the move to switch off their lights for one hour (Earth Hour) beginning beginning at 8:30pm to 9:30pm. The Sangguniang Panglungsod, in their regular session on Thursday, March 19, 2009,  also issued Resolution No. 118, Series of 2009 “Supporting the Celebration of Earth Hour on March 28, 2009″.

This is the first time that the local government of General Santos City is officially joining what is hoped will be the world’s largest mass participation event, Earth Hour 2009.  It will culminate in the participation of one billion people around the globe, in more than 1000 cities, turning off lights and sending a message to world leaders in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 that we need a commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the short and long term benefit of the planet.

The Philippines will again join this league, just like 1 million Filipinos last year to literally “turn out the lights” for Earth Hour 2009. Leading the country is the WWF, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, The Green Army, and the SWITCH Movement in turning off lights nationwide – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, aiming for the participation of 10 million Filipinos.

Earth Hour 2009 is a major call to action to every general, to every Soccksargen resident to take responsibility and play a role in ensuring a sustainable future.  Here in the Tuna Capital, the local government buildings will go dark, led by the General Santos City Hall building, up to the street lamps along the center islands of Pioneer Avenue and Pedro Acharon Boulevard, hoping that along with it are the buildings along the city’s major thoroughfares.

Remember that you do not have to turn off all your appliances.  Your extinguished house lights will do just fine in bringing a message of hope and action to the entire world.

For more info, log on to http://www.earthhour.org

Bariles just got word from the Alumni Affairs Office of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University that the 50-year old premier educational institution in General Santos City will be offering the course Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management when school year 2009-2010 opens in June.

And in addition to that, under NDDU President Bro. John Tan, FMS‘ administration, an HRM Laboratory will also be built.  Here is an artist’s sketch of the proposed building designed by R.G. Salanatin Construction, Inc.

NDDU joins the growing list of schools in GenSan offering HRM after graduates of the course have proven to be in demand abroad especially in the UK, Canada and Middle Eastern countries.

With this development, Bariles hopes that NDDU gets the best teachers and instructors to ensure that what they produce in this new field are exceptionally trained and well-prepared and ready to face the challenges of their profession.

For inquiries regarding this post, please contact the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University through Tel. # (083)552-4444, local 2211.

General Santos City and the whole of Soccsksargen plus Davao and a host of other places in Mindanao have been suffering from a series of unscheduled power outages lately.

At one point, I could count a number of 3-4 brownouts during the 8-hour period in my office which causes a lot of strain on our computers.  I am just waiting for the time when my mini-Mac conks out due to this.

Anyway, below is the Press Release emailed to me by Ms. Belinda Canlas of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (formerly Transco, which used to be the Napocor), explaining their side on these irritating occurences and detailing the two (2) reasons why they have been happening.

Here goes their press release on the Mindanao-wide brownouts….. Highlighted contents are mine.

PRESS RELEASE from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines

March 23, 2009. General Santos City

All power customers served by NGCP-District 6 are experiencing rotational brownouts since March 16, 2009 due to a constrained power transmission network leading to southwestern Mindanao. A supply route, the Kibawe-Davao 138 kilovolt line no. 1 is out since 8:30 in the evening last Friday, March 20 when eight light-weight structures in Balintawak, Kibawe, Bukidnon, toppled due to strong winds and heavy rains, aggravating the situation.

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Mindanao head Emmanuel Abellanosa said the parallel supply line to southwestern Mindanao, the Kibawe-Davao line no. 2 is being used currently to feed power to the whole of Southern Mindanao. The combined load of line nos. 1 and 2 is presently absorbed and carried by one line (line no. 2) which could not transport the whole load requirement. To prevent overloading which would affect the entire power system, the NGCP resorted to load-shedding.

Another double-circuit line, the Kabacan-Nuling 138 KV line and Kabacan-Tacurong 138 KV line, is undergoing repairs, specifically on tower 142 at Malabuaya, Kabacan, North Cotabato which was bombed last March 16, 2009.

The two recent incidents have reduced the capacity of the supply network going to General Santos, Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, and Cotabato City. As a result, Abellanosa said, NGCP’s Southwestern Mindanao District (District 6) is being given 30 megawatt less its usual power supply. This will remain so until the completion of the repair of the Kibawe-Davao line no. 1 targeted within this week.

The area control center of District 6 is closely coordinating with NGCP’s customers in the implementation of the curtailment scheme. Abellanosa clarified though that NGCP only gives power utilities their corresponding load limits under the curtailment scheme, while the latter decide which feeders to drop at planned periods. The cooperation of power customers is very crucial at this time so implementation can proceed smoothly, Abellanosa said.

Abellanosa further said they are exerting all efforts to finish the repairs as early as possible to normalize the power situation in Southern Mindanao.

The NGCP is appealing for public understanding on the temporary abnormal power situation.

###

(Original Signed)
MANUEL A. HAMOY, JR.
Department Manager, District 6
NGCP

So there.  As of this writing, we will still be suffering from these brownouts and until when these will stop…. only God knows.

These Mindanao-wide browouts are brought to you by the renegade forces of the MILF and by Mother Nature herself.

As a sign of gratitude to all the readers, visitors and subscribers of GenSan News Online Mag, Bariles has come up with a Fun Page where they can test their knowledge about General Santos City. This is through a Top FREE Internet Game called Hangaroo, and its General Santos City Edition

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If you know the Hangman’s Game where the object is to guess all the letters of a mystery word to avoid the Hangman’s noose around your neck, then this top free Internet game Hangaroo has basically the same concept. This time, however, Bariles with the help of his SEO teacher Lyle Santos, did a few adjustments to be able to come up with an exclusive GenSan edition.

In this GenSan edition, a player needs to guess the words associated with General Santos City, most of which came out in Bariles Republic’s GenSan News Online Mag. Hangaroo GenSan Edition’s initial set of mystery words have been divided into categories which serve as the words’ clues – STREETS, RESTAURANTS, LEADERS – POLITICAL, LEADERS – BUSINESS, LEADERS- RELIGION, TOURIST SPOTs, FESTIVALS, COFFEE SHOPS and a few more.

These will be updated later on and more words/categories will be added. So what are you waiting for?  Play on the board below or you can go to Hangaroo-GenSan Edition’s own page by CLICKING HERE.

Bariles recently renewed his passport and eventually received his new machine-readable copy, thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office here in General Santos City, headed by Mr. Daniel Te.

This is how the old and the new versions look, side by side.

The old Philippine passports have green covers while the new version shifted to maroon. Other than that, the new passport is now machine-readable. Meaning, the data on the identity page (which has been moved from the Inside Back Cover to Page 2) is encoded on optical recognition format.

This is more advantageous for international travelers due to the faster processing of their arrival at airports by immigration officials. No more long slow queues this time because the immigration staff would only have to swipe the passports’ identity pages on their machines.

It’s actually very easy now to apply for a MRP (Machine-Readable Passport).

If you’re in GenSan, just go to their office beside the Big Chow Restaurant which is adjacent to Shakey’s inside the Gaisano Mall compound.

Inside the spacious, white-washed office, you may wait for your turn before you report to the table under a sign which says STEP 1 manned by Ms. Edel Mae Patugan.  You may then show her your documents.

If you are renewing your passport, these are the things you need to give to Ms. Edel for verification:

1. Photocopy first two and last two pages of old Passport;
2. Photocopy all stamped pages (all travel, arrivals, departures, visas, etc.);
3. Bring any two documents to support your Middle Name:
   • Voter’s Affidavit
   • Driver’s License
   • Baptismal Certificate
   • GSIS Policy/SSS E-1 Form
   • PRC/Postal ID
   • NBI Clearance
   • Government Service Record
   • Seaman’s Book
   • Income Tax Return
4. 3 pieces Passport sized ID pictures (4.5cm x 3.5cm) colored picture with Royal Blue background
5. Processing Fees:   64 pages – P750

If you are applying for a new passport, then submit these for verification to Ms. Edel:

1. Authenticated Birth Certificate
2. Authenticated Marriage Contract (for married women & minors only)
3. OMA Certification (for Muslims only)
4. Any 2 of the following docs to support your Middle Name:
   • Voter’s Affidavit
   • Driver’s License
   • Baptismal Certificate
   • GSIS Policy/SSS E-1 Form
   • PRC or Postal ID
   • NBI Clearance
   • Government Service Recort
   • Seaman’s Book
   • Income Tax Return
5. 3 pcs. Passport Sized ID pictures – (45 cmx3.5cm) colored pic with royal Blue Background)
6. Processing Fee:  64 pages – P850

After your docs have been verified and approved, proceed to the table under the sign which says STEP 2 and submit them to Ms. Helen Grace Acharon for processing.

You may then approach Mr. Eric Camina at a table behind her under the sign STEP 3 for the encoding of your data.

Then, proceed to the Cashier’s Table for payment of the Processing Fees to Ms. April Joy Afinido.

Easy and simple right?  Now come back two weeks after to get your new (MRP) machine-readable passport from the cheerful and helpful Mr. Elmor Maglunsod at the 2nd floor.  Two weeks, no more, no less. 

Sunday, April 26, 2009 could now be one of the most anticipated days in history by teeners and adults alike in General Santos City and outlying areas after ABS-CBN announced that the auditions for Pinoy Dream Academy Season 3, Pinoy Big Brother Season 3 and Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Season 2 will be held at the Tuna Capital.

GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon allowed the free use of the 8,000 capacity General Santos City Gym (the biggest in Mindanao) in Barangay Lagao for the auditions after ABS-CBN wrote him a letter requesting to utilize the venue. He has also agreed to provide security for the expected 6,000++ audition hopefuls who will be coming in from as far as Cotabato and Zamboanga.

At one point, he even thought of opening up some of the classrooms at the nearby Lagao Elementary School to be used as sleeping quarters of out-of-towners.  I just don’t know now if he is still pushing through with this plan.

Gen. Santos City Gym is Mindanao’s biggest airconditioned gymnasium

That means that GenSan will be paying overtime to the more than 100 police, military and security personnel who will ensure that everything goes well, aside from providing for the 3 meals that day.  Not only that.  The city will also have to shoulder the costs for the electricity and water consumption during the two days that ABS-CBN would be needing the General Santos Gym.

Bariles hopes that all these support for their top-rated programs from the city government will make the notorious ABS-CBN’s Talent Center think twice before always singling out GenSan as a “MUST-AVOID” place for its stars, including homegrown PBB Teen Edition winner Gerald Anderson,  the first PDA Little Grand Dreamer Philip Nadela (of Barangay Fatima, GenSan) and Sultan Kudarat’s Laarni Lozada (PDA 2 Grand Star Winner).

Mga taga-rito na ang mga iyan, pinagbabawalan pang pumunta rito ha?  Tsk-tsk-tsk!

Anyway, here are the classifications and requirements for the auditions:

• For Pinoy Dream Academy:
  • 18-25 years old
  • Bring Photocopy and original copy of Birth Certificate, Close-up and full body pictures, Valid ID and ballpen.

• For PBB Teen Edition 2:
  • 16 to 19 years old by April to June 2009

• For PBB Season 3:
  • 20 – 35 years old by August to December 2009.
  • Bring Photocopy and original copy of Birth Certificate, Close-up and full body pictures, Valid ID, and ballpen

So there, good luck to all the auditioners.  I hope somebody from South Central Mindanao will make it again this time.  If only I were younger than my age, I would be the first in line to audition.  As PBB and PDA Director Dyogi Laurente keeps on saying, “IT’S NOT THE LOOKS.  IT’S THE PERSONALITY.”

O di ba?  Laban ka? 

Watch the trailers below.

Here is another one:

And as for the identity of KUYA, here is his most recent pix:

South Osmena Street, known to some as the Heart of General Santos City, has been pulsating with life for the past fifteen or so years ever since a string of restos, bars and coffee shops made it their home.  The latest, BluGre Cafe just had a star-studded opening.

Two weeks before that however, another new entrant in the food and beverage business opened its doors to the public ahead of Manny Pacquiao’s establishment.  This time, it is a restaurant simply called as Kiko’s Family Restaurant located beside the building housing the DTI office

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Kiko’s Family Restaurant is owned, managed and operated by Gary and Cherry Ocampo, a couple who loves cooking and showing off their recipes among friends, who regularly drop by to feast on their personalized take on various native dishes. Late last year, upon the  prodding of their friends and families, they decided that the time has come to open up their very own dining establishment and let more people sample their kitchen creations.

I first visited Kiko’s in time for dinner one warm, stuffy night last week excited on what lies in store for me.  I was a bit worried however because I knew beforehand that Kiko’s was not airconditioned and at that time, I was having a slight case of asthma.  To my delight, upon entering the spacious venue, I found out that this new GenSan restaurant was properly ventilated by an open air garden on one side where an artificial drizzle cools the ground and its surroundings.

We were immediately served the Kiko’s Specialties by the Master Chef, owner Gary himself.  This was his famous-among-friends’ Greaseless Fried Chicken, which I swear is comparable in taste and softness to Chickenjoy and wife Cherry‘s tender with every bite’s Beef Estofado.

Kiko’s Greaseless Fried Chicken       and Cherry’s Beef Estofado

Master Chef and owner Gary hinted that he painstakingly deep-fries his chicken drumsticks for at least 20 minutes before serving it to his customers, making sure not to overcook them.  The rest of the dishes from the menu which we had were a must for visitors to the Tuna Capital, and for those who are into healthy, seafood dishes – his crispy, crackling Fried Tuna Panga and his tender and savoury Grilled Tuna Belly, both served with side garnishes.

Kiko’s Fried Tuna Panga                                Kiko’s Grilled Tuna Belly

Then, for foodie meat lovers like me, Gary served the chicharon-like skinned Lechon Kawali, which were soooo yummy while dipped in vinegar with lots and lots of garlic was to “die” for.   Then it was Gary’s very own version of the “Leche Flan” for dessert which had just the right amount of bittersweetness to it!  Perfect!

Kiko’s Sinful Lechon Kawali                     Kiko’s Leche Flan

We couldn’t take in all that Master Chef Gary was offering, so stuffed with what was laid before us and so we promised to come back the following day, in time for lunch.

And thus, the day after we were served more of Master Chef Gary’s masterpieces:  Bulalo, Bicol’s Laing (Spicy Gabi Leaves with coco milk), Seafoods Chopsuey, Steamed Pompano and Ginataang Casile (Eel in coco milk).

Of all these, I particularly love the Laing which made me eat more rice than the usual and the Guinataang Casile which had me licking my fingers and sipping the fish bones.  As the Ilonggos say it, “Kanamit gid!”

Then of course, also highly recommended are the previous night’s Beef Estofado and  Gary’s Greaseless Fried Chicken, which I bet will be the talk of the town once word gets around.  Just give Master Chef Gary 25 minutes to prepare it perfectly for you.

Kiko’s Family Restaurant is open from 10am to 10pm.  They can be found along South Osmena Street, beside the DTI office.  For reservations and advanced orders, please call

Got an email courtesy of SOCOTECO II (South Cotabato Electric Cooperative II) containing their Notice of Power Interruption for the March 14 and 15 weekend.

Knowing of how hot it is these days, you better be warned of this so that you can properly plan your electricity-less weekend.  If your habitat is on this list…. go to the beach, climb up Lake Sebu, make babad in the swimming resorts in the city, go watch a movie, go malling, etc.  Do anything but stay at home.

I still remember the time when our electric power cooperative used to be called KORELCO (Koronadal Electric Cooperative).  Those days, power outtages were more frequent than the hours when there was electric power.  Back then, we had to use gas lamps (or gasera) to light up our house and to be able to study and do our homework until late into the night.

The following day, our nostrils will all be blackened from the soot coming from the gasera’s smoke.   At school, you would then know which of your classmates had brownouts the previous nights by looking at their faces.  

Now, we have fewer night time brownouts, thank God, except in extreme cases when Transco (formerly NAPOCOR) poles get toppled, either by nature’s forces or by the currently disgruntled outlaws of this Promised Land.

Here is the scheduled Brownout from SOCOTECO II:

March 14, 2009, 8am – 5pm (9 hours):  Reason – Installation of recloser and Load Transfer

All areas connected to Calumpang Substation (All nearby areas of Pioneer Avenue, Dona Soledad, Calumpang, Labangal & Fatima

• Feeder 1-1

PI 16, LAUREL NORTH, BO. OBRERO, SPRINGVILLE, NDDC, PRK. PALEN, JOHNNY ANG PARADISE, VILLA, CONSUELO, MARIN VILL. PRK. SAN VICENTE, CR. MAKAR, BO. B’LAAN, BAGANGGA, SOGOD, YU, VILLAGE

Feeder 1-2

FILDEN, PRK. OLAER, MORALES, TOLEDO, SOLEDAD ESTATE, PROVIDO,ORINGO SUBD , DAGOHOY PARADISE.

Feeder 12-4

RBS BANK, PG ANG ENT., SKY CABLE, ST. ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, CAMIAS, RAMBUTAN, KADULASAN, CAMACHILI, LAUREL EAST, QUIRINO, CHAMPACA, ZAPOTE, KASOY, SENEGUELAS, LAPU-LAPU, WALING-WALING, ILANG-ILANG, SOUTH OSMEÑA, NARANJITA, MARANG, DELA PAZ, MANSANITAS, ROSAS, GUMAMELA, BEATILES, SALAZAR, MAGSAYSAY AVE. SOUTH, NIYOG, SAGING, CAGAMPANG, VETERANS ,CASQUEJO

Feeder 14-1

NATL. HIGHWAY (TROME MARKETING – DXCP RADIO STATION), j. cATOLICO SR. AVE.(dXCP – PETRON/COOKIE FACTORY), Leon Llido St., Loveland Subd., Munda Subd., General santos doctors hospital, QUEENIES SUBD., CAMIAZ EXT., bROKENSHIRE COLLEGE, sANTOS SUBD., ROYECA SUBD. ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS NOVITIATE, DXCP, GENSAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL(1 PHASE)

March 15, 2009, 8AM-3PM  (7 HRs) Reason:  Erection of pole at Santiago Boulevard

• Southern Union Hardware & GSIS Office

• *Note: Nearby areas will experience 15-min outage on the start & towards end of line activity.

MARCH 14-15, ‘09,  11PM-7AM  (8 HRs) Reason:  Oil Filtering

• All areas connected to Polomolok Cannery Substation

Yehey!!! Our neighborhood is not in the list!  Thank you, SOCOTECO II. 

By the way, why do we Pinoys call these power outtages as BROWNOUTs?  Why not BLACKOUTs?

For inquiries & details, please call SOCOTECOII hotline nos. 553-5848 to 50 or text   @  09177205365.

Finally, the City Mayor of General Santos, Mayor Jun Acharon announced this morning, in an interview by the local media that the General Santos Park, across his office at the GenSan City Hall Building will be unveiled to the public on August 7, 2009.

The billboard of the proposed look of the Gen. Paulino Santos Park (Click on the image for a bigger view)

The improvement project which will now cost approximately P34 million owing to the additional appropriation of P11 million to the initial  budget of P22.5 million, was started in October 2008.  The contractor, Dellosa Design Builders revealed that the improvements to the Gen. Santos Park include the construction of a carpark, a lagoon. a brick walkway in the center, fencing and the installation of lamp posts, among others.

Final landscaping and beautification will be handled by the First Lady’s Kagandahan GenSan Office, including the improvement of the area where the park’s two Dadiangas Trees are growing.

It is not yet sure if the additional approved budget of P11 million includes the installation of a fountain which will make the park even more beautiful.  Well, Bariles and his readers all certainly hope so and are looking forward to the time when the Gen. Santos Park truly becomes the Tuna Capital’s major tourist attraction.

Harinawa.

Last week, Bariles‘ buddies at Plurk and members of the Soccsksargen Bloggers Group met at Generals Brew Cafe, a new coffee shop located right between Landbank and Kristan Bookstore along Pioneer Avenue, GenSan City.

Owned by spouses Kin and Letty Du, Generals Brew has been around for about three months now on a dry run basis and hasn’t been officially inaugurated yet.  Last Thursday though, Letty told Blogger and fellow Plurker Gilbert that they will be ready for our group and will offer free coffee and eats.  Gilbert then lost no time in privately “plurking” all his buddies to announce a Plurk Fiesta or EYEBALL at Pioneer Avenue’s newest shop of coffee blends.

By the way, Plurk which is an abbreviation of “people” and “lurk’ was established in May 2008, as a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send updates (otherwise known as plurks) through short messages or links.

These updates can be read on the plurker’s home page using a timeline listing all the updates received in chronological order, and delivered to other plurkers who have signed up to receive them (and are therefore, friends). Each plurker can respond to other plurker’s updates from their timeline through the Plurk.com website, by instant messaging, or by text messaging.

Let’s just say that “Plurk” is somewhat like YM or Chat for bloggers. 

Anyway, aside from the freebies, the group of 12 bloggers/plurkers who came were treated to an acoustic performance by a male duo.  This time too, since Generals Brew’s WIFI is up and running, those who brought their laptops and nettops were eating, exchanging stories and plurking at the same time while photographers Leonard, Manoy Hecky, Arnel, Donna Mae and Bariles, himself were taking pictures from all angles.

Also present were Jes, MSU prof Gilbert of course, Samara Fae, DOLE’s Jinky, CMO gals Milette and Myla, NDDU teacher Rammyboi and PBB soon-to-be-famous Tanchi, boutique owner Rosilie, and sweet/sexy Tammyrose.

Generals Brew, obviously named after the people of GenSan has something which the other coffee shops do not have.  They are the only ones serving Kafe Balos or Kape Alamid, the most expensive coffee in the world which come from the droppings of the Philippine civet, a mammal which can be found in the forests and coffee plantations of South Cotabato.

Aside from the usual hot and cold coffee mixes, Generals Brew also serve After Dinner Coffee, Letty’s own concoctions which contain few drops of liquour in them.  Bariles ordered Spanish Eyes with rhum and boy, was he stumped in no time at all.

Spanish Eyes Coffee with rhum

They also offer sandwiches, using rye bread making it more healthy plus rice meals and pasta, all from Letty’s cookbook. Do not forget the cheesy, long and delectable Stromboli though.  Most of the Plurkers loved it.

Cheese-filled Stromboli

Here are the other pictures taken by Bariles during that 6:00pm – 10:30pm Plurk Fiesta at Generals Brew Cafe.

With the opening of Generals Brew, and more of its kind, we can expect a revitalized Pioneer Avenue in no time at all. Thanks to the Du couple for helping make this vision a reality and for giving us, Soccsksargen Bloggers/Plurkers another venue to FIESTA!!!!.

Generals Brew is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 10pm.  For inquiries, you may call them at (083) 552-6559.

This is a personal post, so Bariles is asking for your indulgence, dear readers and subscribers.

The picture you see below features Bariles together with the Day Shift staff of the Emergency Room of the General Santos City Doctor’s Hospital, taken on the afternoon of Sunday, March 8, 2009.

These people, especially attending physician Dr. Joy Flores (in white), nurses Anne Hazel Posadas (sitting, grand daughter of Bariles’ Godparents, Dr. Gervacio and Alice Posadas), John Pascua and Robert Romero attended to him when he showed up at their E.R., complaining of something.  They gave him all the assistance he needed, making him as comfortable as possible despite the pain he was feeling that time.

He also had no problem applying for a room and having his x-ray taken.  All the ladies he encountered were accommodating, friendly and cheerful, which was surprising considering the stressful field they were in.

At some point when it was clear that he does not need to be admitted (thank God) and was to be sent home, Nurse Anne, John and Robert even helped him with the process of reimbursing the money he paid for some medicines at the pharmacy which he did not need after all.

Bariles has always dreaded hospitals and emergency rooms for that matter but with the kind of service that the E.R. staff and other personnel of GSC Doctors Hospital showered him with, that feeling was erased from him, hopefully forever.

Thank you guys!

To my partner, my sister Maravel and her husband, Alan together with my nieces, who kept me company all throughout what could have been a painful and costly ordeal, no words can express how grateful I am even just with your presence. God is so good for giving you to me. 

Due to the success of their weekend buffets, Rombar Bartolome, GM of a premier GenSan hotel, the East Asia Royale has decided to expand the promo.

Now, their Eat-All-You-Can Dinners have been extended from Wednesday to Saturday every week!  And to top it all, acoustic performers will be on hand to entertain the diners during these evenings which they have billed as “ACOUSTIC NIGHTS“.

One artist who performed there last month was Italian classic guitarist Alberto Dal Pino, albeit on a limited two-night stint. Right now, local artists take turns in playing at Royale Lounge.  Some are veterans in the acoustic circuit, while the rest are budding talents of GenSan.

So if you have P250 to spare and would love to feast on 6 viands, a sushi bar, a fruit bar and a salad bar in a modern and posh setting, while being entertained by GenSan’s finest acoustic performers,  spend it at East Asia Royale Hotel’s Royale Lounge’s ACOUSTIC NIGHTS, Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 6pm to 11pm.

Bariles first tasted Mongolian Barbecue a few years back at a food stall inside the Greenbelt 1 Mall in Makati City.  Back then, he found out that it was neither Mongolian nor a barbecue.

It was actually, various ingredients from a buffet of thinly sliced raw meats and veggies and noodles which customers choose and mixed together in a large bowl which is handed over to a cook who then adds the diner’s choice of sauce.  These are then stir-fried in one section of a hot, open, solid griddle in about 5 minutes, after which they are scooped back into the bowl and served to the customer, usually with a cup of rice.

Although it was new to Bariles, he liked it instantly, bringing him back to the time when he used to work in Malaysia and Thailand.  Since then, a trip to that food stall became a regular thing each time he sets foot in Makati.

Now, the good news is: he doesn’t have to go that far, because a local GenSan restaurant just opened serving his favorite Mongolian Barbecue.

The name of the place is still simply: MONGOLIAN B-B-Q until they find a suitable monicker for it.  Owned by my “kinakapatid” Alan Sanidad, the same guy behind Abi’s Oriental Restaurant and Abi’s Goto House (both along Osmena South), the restaurant is located at the famous Tiongson Arcade, Tiongson Street in Barangay Lagao.  It’s right beside Gusteau’s Shrimps and Crabs and Euro Kitchen, which we also featured here months back.

What’s good about Mongolian BBQ is that the cook and his large griddle are positioned outside the diner where passersby can smell what he is cooking and maybe entice them to drop by.  The buffet of assorted meat and veggies, sauces and herbs plus noodles are also displayed outside.  When I was there earlier tonight, two other groups were also choosing their “sahug” and so, we had to wait in line before we had our pick which we then gave to the cook.  By the way, the meat had to be weighed by a kitchen staff for pricing.  If I can remember right, it’s P75 per 100 grams of assorted meat.

Choose your own mix of meats (pork, beef, chicken, shrimps, fish, fish balls, squid) and veggies plus sauces at Mongolian BBQ

Alan’s cook who have been with him for 8 or so years, finished preparing our Mongolian Barbecue in less than 15 minutes and so it was immediately served to us, piping hot.  This is how it deliciously looked, same as how it tasted.

Mongolian Barbecue ala Tiongson Arcade

Next, we were served another house special, Beef Teppanyaki, thin slices of beef ordered from Lisa’s Meat…. thus making it so tender to the bite and with Alan’s secret sauces, aromatic too.

Beef Teppanyaki

Then, it was the turn to taste Alan’s Fish Teppanyaki with Lemon Sauce.  It was super tender and eaten best when hot while dipped in its Ponzu sauce.  Except for its skin, this one easily melted in my mouth.  Without its smelly fishy taste, it is a good Lenten alternative for the usual grilled tuna panga we generals usually have.

Fish Tepanyaki

Then, finally we had to try Korean Chicken which Alan was so proud of since there is no one quite like it in GenSan.  A bit spicy and a little on the sweet side, it is best eaten straight from the grill too, to best appreciate its juicy portions.

Korean Chicken

The dishes we sampled can only be described in three words – sumptuous, healthy and affordable.  But what about the place’s ambience?

While Alan was explaining to us his future plans for his new venture, I took these pictures of the dining area which were tastefully decorated by RRMC’s Bing Carino.

Bing covered the entire floor with baby rocks and hanged white tarps on the restaurant’s walls giving character to an otherwise simple and rustic setting.  Galing mo Bing!

Mongolian Barbecue’s dining area.

With Mongolian BBQ‘s entry into the group of specialized mini-restaurants at the Tiongson Arcade, run by young entrepreneurs like Karl Macaraeg, Alan Lopez and Alan Sanidad (all of them not yet in their 40′s),  it gives us “generals” enough reason to salute them for introducing us to new and varied culinary fare while coaxing us to go out of our houses more often  and experience what the city has to offer at night, aside from the usual.

Bravo Karl and to the two Alans!

Watch out GenSan and the whole of Soccsksargen for two exciting visitors next month!

On April 19, 2009, stand-up comic and actor Pooh and comedienne-singer Kay Brosas will combine their comedic talents in a show entitled “Laugh Til You Drop with Pooh-K” at the GenSan Gym, Lagao, Gen, Santos City.

Pooh is well known for impersonating GenSan’s favored son Manny Pacquiao who calls himself Manny “Pooh”Quiao.  I first witnessed him perform live at the Greenbelt in Makati when he front-acted for Tessie Tomas, two years ago.  At that time, I saw a lot of promise in him and predicted that he will soon make it big in showbiz.

Kay Brosas, on the other hand, is the lead singer of the band, K and the Boxers, who popularized the novelty song, “Sasakyan Kita“.

So, if you want to forget about all your problems even just for one night, then this is one show that the “generals” should not miss.

Ticket Prices are:

• Platinum -  Php 600 (reserve seats, court area)

• Gold -  P400 (Free seating, court area)

• Silver -  P250 (free seating, lower bleacher, black seats)

• Bronze -  P150 (free seating, upper bleacher)

For more info, you may contact 0920-2078888 and 0905-8222220 or call the City Mayor’s Office at (083) 554-4214.  Look for Haydee.

And so with that, allow me to announce the Bariles Republic’s “Pooh-K Concert” Blog Writing Contest. Rules are simple.

• Write a blog post about the Pooh-K “Laugh Til You Drop” Concert in GenSan;
• Submit the URL of your blog post by leaving a comment below.
• Announcement of winners will be done on April 15, 2009.
• The TOP 5 Bloggers will each receive a Gold Ticket worth P500 P400.
• Again, you must be a Bariles Republic subscriber in order for your blog entry to qualify in the contest.
• Always check back for additional updates. 

Soccsksargen Bloggers, what are you waiting for????  Blog na! 

Bariles had the good fortune of entering the 8-hectare property of the Gokongwei’s along the Lagao National Highway two weeks ago when the group of Engineer Mark Reyes from the City Engineer’s Office conducted a meeting with the contractors inside their makeshift office to discuss matters pertaining to the construction of the upcoming GenSan Mall, Robinsons Place General Santos.

OIC City Engineer Mark Reyes (in red) in a meeting with the engineers of Robinsons Land Corporation to discuss drainage and other concerns.  Together with him are his staff Engrs. Ronel Cartojano, and Mylene Gecosala, Chief of Staff of the City Mayor’s Office Ernie Quisay and Engr. Marilou Tan.

From that meeting, I learned that barring any unforeseen circumstance beyond control, the Robinsons Place GenSan has been scheduled to open September 2009,  which is less than four months away.    I almost fell off my seat upon learning that, so excited at the prospect of watching movies in a whole new setting and doing window shopping in a completely different surrounding.

And judging from their 24/7 non-stop work on the mall, they will surely open on schedule.

Here are the photos of ongoing construction of the Robinsons Place General Santos, for your viewing pleasure….

We have finally come up with your winner to the Blog Readers Choice Award among the 34 qualifiers to the “Tahanan ni Maria Photo Exhibit” slated this month in one of GenSan’s malls.

Since 27 readers made it their TOP CHOICE, “God is Watching” by Divino Rex Kintanar will receive P2,500 from the Our Lady of Peace Good Voyage Parish Commemorative Book commitee and a token from Bariles Republic.

The Blog Readers Choice Awardee: Divino Rex Kintanar’s “God is Watching” (Please click on the picture to enlarge it)

Here are some of the comments of the readers who favored it:

From Weng:  my vote goes to “God is Watching”… great concept…!!! Congrats!

From Kritiko:  more meaning by clearly showing the situation and reflecting the feeling of the occasion.

From Minda Ponce: the perspective is very good.

From Norma Canda:  Love this photo.  May mysterious effect siya.

From Alfred John Michael C. Yap:  Why? dun sa God is watching sa una una mo lang makita yung picture may malaking impact na talaga sya kahit simple lang yung angle ng shot sa likod lang ng bakod mapapa isip ka talaga and may connection din sya sa title na God is watching. Talagang may tumitingin talaga sa atin na hindi natin nakikita.

The next top photos are Alfonso B. Pading, Jr.’s “Chandeliers” and tying for 3rd top choice are Ronald Velasquez‘s “A Child’s Prayer” and (again!) Alfonso B. Pading’s “Spirits“.

#2 – “Chandeliers” by Alfonso B. Pading, Jr.

# 3 – Ronald Velasquez’s “A Child’s Prayer”

“Spirits” by Alfonso B. Pading, Jr.

To the winner, Dino Kintanar, congratulations from Bariles Republic! Your prize will be given during the Opening Program of the “OLPGV Commemorative Book Launching and Tahanan ni Maria Photo Exhibit” by the end of this month.

To all the rest of the participants, thank you and congratulations too for making it into the Magic 34. See you at the Exhibit.

And to our readers who voted and left their comments, a million thank yous. May God continue to bless us all with the gift of discernment for what is true, good, and beautiful.

And thanks to Sheng Dumalay, for being the official tabulator of this contest.  Mwah!

The local government of GenSan has just released a Memo No. OMMA2009-MAR-IGST-0096 dated March 4, 2009, to all its employees declaring March 9, 2009, Monday a Legal Muslim Holiday.

This is in observance of the Maulidin Nabi or the Birthday of Prophet Mohammad, S.A.W., corresponding to the 12th day of Rabbi-ul Awwal, 1430 Hijra (the Islamic Calendar).

According to the memo:

Per Presidential Decree No. 1083 and Section 4 of the Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277, in Regions 9 and 12, offices and agencies of the national and local government are closed, therefore, Muslims and non-Muslims are all excused from work.

To all our Muslim brothers and Sisters, may you have a meaningful celebration of the Maulidin Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammad.

Bariles Republic and all its readers are one with you on this occasion.

Last Thursday, February 27, 2009 was the culmination of the 2009 Kalilangan Festival and the 70th Foundation Anniversary of General Santos City.  President GMA almost forgot to sign the E.O. declaring it as a Special Non-Working Holiday that the City Mayor’s Office only received the confirmation from Malacanang on February 26, midmorning.

Anyway, everything turned out fine, from the Thanksgiving Mass at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish attended by all the local government employees, to the Salubong Reenactment at the Pioneer Avenue Junction, to the Opening Ceremony and Flower Offering at the Gen. Paulino Santos Shrine up to the Kadsagayan Street Dancing and Fireworks Display later that night.   Kapuso sexy star Francine Prieto even joined the closing ceremony at the oval plaza stage.

Cultural Affairs Officer Jahal Adat, Festival Director Orman Manansala, former Congresswoman Lu Antonino, Tourism Council Vice Chair Rey Billena, First Lady Dr. Rose Acharon, Vice Mayor Flor Congson, Gen. Santos’ great grandson Ramon Munda & Mayor Jun Acharon

Spotted Senator and Presidentiable Mar Roxas and the former Congresswoman Lualhati Antonino (who is rumored to run against Manny Pacquiao in the post to be vacated by Congressman Erwin Chiongbian in Sarangani) among the visitors.  I also met the Lakbay Aral guests from Cagayan de Oro (35-member strong); Roxas City (18 members) and six members of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.

The Oval Plaza was so super mega full of people that it could have been the most jampacked Kalilangan Festival Culmination I have ever witnessed. Yet, security was so tight, complete with CCTV cameras on the the 3 entrances/exits, K-9 units and metal detectors that everybody, including moi felt very secured even while inside the carnival where I rode the rickety Roller Coaster.

Here are the pictures taken during the day’s activities.  Please click on each picture to enlarge them.  Captions may be seen by hovering your mouse over each one.

To be continued…..