GenSan News Online Mag

Trellis - (noun) a garden structure of open latticework that supports climbing plants or vines.

Tiongson Street in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City continues to strengthen its status as the city’s most exciting specialty-restaurant strip as another diner opened recently farther up on the Kanan (right) end of the road, at the corner of Calina Street.

For the opening weekend of the 2009 GenSan Tuna Festival Experience, a sports event which the “generals” are now starting to excel at will take center stage.

Faithful readers and subscribers, we are taking about an event heralding a thrilling and exciting water sports, “The 1st National Skimboarding Competition”!

Skimboarding is actually a board sport wherein a smaller version of the surfboard, called skimboard is involved to ride on an incoming wave.  Unlike surfing however, skimboarding begins right at the beach itself, with the skimboarder “running and dropping their board onto the thin wash of previous waves. They use their momentum to ‘skim’ out to breaking waves, which they then catch back into shore in a manner similar to surfing”.  (Source: Wikipedia)

The 1st National Skimboarding Competition, which will be a first for the Tuna Festival will be held for 2 days, starting tomorrow, August 29, Saturday until August 30, 2009, Sunday at the Queen Tuna Park, formerly known as Lion’s Beach.  This is a banner project of the Hilig Xtreme United Promotions.

Here is the itinerary for the two-day Skimboarding event:

Day 01 (Saturday) August 29, 2009

7:00am Registration
9:00am Coastal Clean-up Drive
11:00am Final Briefing of the Competition
12:00nn Lunch Break
1:00pm Start of Elimination Round and Semi-final Round
6:00pm End of Elimination Round & Semi-final Round / Prepare Dinner
Pitch Tent
7:00pm Dinner

Day 02 (Sunday) August 30, 2009

6:00am Wake up Call
Prepare Breakfast
7:00am Breakfast / Break Camp
Long Rest / Prepare for Final Round
Prepare Lunch
12:00nn Lunch
1:00pm Start of Final Round
6:00pm Prepare Dinner
Awarding Ceremony
7:00pm Dinner
8:00pm Party… Party… Party…
No Lights Off!!!

Day 03 (Monday) Aug 31, 2009

6:00am Wake up Call
Prepare Breakfast
7:00am Breakfast
Break Camp
8:00am Home Ward Bound

Note:
Participants are advised to bring their own camping equipment, food (good for three (3) days). Registration fee 200Php inclusive of T-shirt and certificate. STRICTLY NO WAIVER, NO ENTRY.
For reservation & more info. Pls. Contact Marlon Binarao @ 09085147109

I do not exactly remember the first time I ate Jo-Ann’s Bakeshop’s mini-siopao.

What I do remember however is that my Dad used to buy them by 10s or 20s depending on how many workers he has at that time in his tailoring shop.  I usually get to pick my share first because I was always tasked to buy them at their outlet along what was then Albert Morrow Boulevard (now Pedro Acharon, Sr. Boulevard).  Sometimes though, I couldn’t resist the urge to steal an extra piece while holding the big paper bag full of the steaming siopao in my lap on my way home on board a rickety tricycle.

Jo-Ann’s Bakeshop, established by the Kho Family sometime in the 60s, used to sell mostly breads, and was a supplier to smaller stores of regular pinoy pastries and cookies like patatas, palu, ugoy-ugoy, sampalok, ring crackers, tostado, luningning, hopia and biscocho, among other bread varieties. 

Their creambread became so famous that it soon was a familiar staple at any home in the old Dadiangas especially during the Christmas season when people had to line up infront of their store just to be able to buy some.  The Jo-Ann Bakeshop creambread was the hottest yuletide food item for so many years among families in the city and nearby municipalities.

Then, they introduced the classy and yet affordable “chiffon cake” which also became an instant hit.  At that time, cakes were considered as snacks for the rich but Jo-Ann’s made it pang-masa thru their chiffon.

Nothing comes close however to achieving iconic status than their mini-siopao.

Siopao which means Hot or Steamed Bun in Chinese, have always been sized almost as big as a platter as served in the local Chinese restaurants here before (Calpin’s, Capitol’s, Talion’s, Satea, Matutum, etc.), so when Jo-Ann’s came out with their own smaller size, a lot of people were shocked.

Their shock did not last long however.

Athough as small as s regular-sized fist, there was nothing small however in the taste of Jo-Ann’s mini-siopao.  Its fillings which come in two variants, pork and chicken asado have got to be the tastiest, chewiest and meatiest in this part of the island.

The dough does not disappoint too.  Soft but not too fluffy, it had the right thickness that is not overpowering.

Many also swear by its thick siopao sauce, neatly packed in small ice-candy wrappers, which when poured into the fillings, makes it even more flavorful and sweeter.

And so from the 60s and up to the 90s until today, Jo-Ann’s Bakeshop’s mini-siopao‘s fame has continued and until now, is still top in the list of the general’s “comfort foods”.

But hey, there’s more.  Did you know that Jo’Ann’s mini-siopao has also evolved and now includes a bigger variety?

For those who can’t get enough of the small ones, comes Jo-Ann’s Big Siopao, conveniently packed in cellophane wrappers.

Yes, that’s the one up there in the picture beside its original small-sized brothers.  While the mini-siopao is priced at P16 (for pork pao) and P18 (for chicken pao), the big one comes at P26 (pork) and P28 (chicken). Both sizes however have still retained the same tasty quality that made it famous for over four decades now.

And so for those who want to bring home pasalubong from GenSan, remember not only to take value-added tuna products with you but also to include the Tuna Capital’s famous comfort food - Jo-Ann’s Bakeshop siopaos, in original mini or the new big size.

Jo-Ann’s Bakeshop Restaurant and Fastfood Center, P. Acharon Boulevard, may be reached through these #s – 552-2312/3012022.  They also have a branch at the Casa Luisa Restaurant Building, along Jose Catolico Sr. Avenue, GenSan.

It’s cooking time!

In line with the celebration of the GenSan Tuna Festival Xperience 2009, the General Santos City Tourism Association is mounting once again, the biggest food show in Socsksargen, The Tuna Festival Culinary Expo 2009.

Headed by restaurateur Kring Macion of Marasa Grill, the General Santos City Tourism Association, a private association of hotels and restaurants in the Tuna Capital, has been in the forefront of conducting events promoting tourism in the area (especially during the city’s festivals and LGU-sponsored conventions) and assisting member establishments in their overall operations through trainings and fora on business-enhancement opportunities.

For this year’s Tuna Fest, their official event, the 2nd Tuna Festival Culinary Expo 2009 will be held this weekend, August 29-31, 2009 at the Gaisano Mall of Gensan Atrium.

This year, Tuna Festival being a FOOD festival, the Tuna Festival Culinary Expo 2009 is packed with activities that will promote dining in Gensan in general and benefit hotel and restaurant and foodservice operators.

Activities will include culinary competitions (Live Market Basket and Table Setting Contest), daily cooking demonstrations and Food and Hotel Trade Exhibition. Distinguished chefs and food writers from Manila have already confirmed attendance to be judges to the culinary competitions.

It would be fun watching culinary students from the Golden State College, the NDDU, Holy Trinity College, the Mindanao Polytechnic College, the RMMC and other schools perform their skills and vie for the top plums in these competitions.  Wouldn’t you want to be there to cheer for your alma mater?

The Tuna Fest Culinary Expo 2009 is supported by Magnolia, Dari Crème, SAFI, UFC, Kikkoman, La Germania, Shellane, Gaisano Mall of Gensan, and the GSC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  Media partner is GenSan news Online Magazine.

For more information, please call 083-5524628 or email tcegensan@gmail.com.

In what is a clear sign that the election fever is in the air, three Presidentiables will be headlining the list of guests expected to attend the 11th National Tuna Congress scheduled on August 27-29, 2009 in General Santos City.

Meant to open the 11th GenSan Tuna Festival commemorating the city’s 41st Charterhood Anniversary, the 11th National Tuna Congress, which is expecting 400 delegates, will somehow, be an avenue for keynote speakers Vice-President Noli de Castro, Senator Loren Legarda and guest speaker Senator Mar Roxas to insert into their speeches, their take on a number of issues, but most specifically their plans for the fishery industry in particular…. if ever elected to lead the country in 2010.

This will be de Castro and Legarda’s first Tuna Congress outing while a 3rd one for Roxas.

Their speeches alone should be worth more than the price of the registration fee, especially for the expected 400 delegates comprising the movers and shakers of the country’s fishery industry plus the stakeholders from other tuna-producing countries, all of whom are affected not only by the worldwide financial meltdown but by the dwindling supply of tuna catch all over.

Also all ears will be the hosts from GenSan, who despite the flat volume of tuna catches upload at the GenSan Fishport, still doubled to $300 million over the past 12 years their annual tuna exports volume, due in large part to the development of value-added manufacturers (value-added products: tuna sausage, hotdogs, embutido, chicharon, etc).  The presidentiables’ commitment of support for them, in any way possible, will surely be most anticipated.

According to Mr. Marfenio Tan, CEO of San Andres Fishing Industries, Inc., and president of the General Santos-based SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing & Allied Industries, Inc.,(SFFAII) lead organizer of the National Tuna Congress, the two-day event, in consonance with the theme, “Changing Mindsets towards sustainable fisheries, ” will conduct plenary sessions to address just that.

Scheduled are sessions on current management regimes & market trends, on investment opportunities along with the initiatives on tuna resource management, the industry’s socio-economic impact and accountability, fisheries and economic cooperation with various other industry players in the Pacific and in the BIMP-EAGA, updates on maritime boundary issues, safety and protection of property and life at sea, as well as the effects of the global financial crisis to the Philippine tuna industry.

The 11th National Tuna Congress will also present congress resolutions expressing the industry’s commitment and concerns towards a more sustainable and competitive tuna industry.

A major highlight will be a Trade Exhibit at the same venue showcasing various modern technology, and services, as well as fishery products and supplies for fishing and its allied industries, from more than 60 merchants and dealers.

Entering its eleventh year now, SFFAII has been actively promoting for a more competitive and sustainable tuna sector, and perseveringly pushed for the Philippine Tuna Industry to become a considerable influence in international fisheries.

The SFFAII based in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santos City, whose membership includes purse seine and handline fishing groups, tuna canners, processors and traders, and aquaculture producers, has for the 11th year now, pursued a more competitive and sustainable tuna sector, and worked to make the Philippine Tuna Industry a major influence in international fisheries.

Working closely with the national government and various government agencies, the private-sector Federation also played a role in the creation of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, a treaty-based organization aimed at conserving and managing tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks.

The 11th National Tuna Congress is co-presented by the City Government of General Santos, 1st Congressional District of South Cotabato, Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, SOCSKSARGEN Area Development Project Office, Department of Trade & Industry, together with the assistance of various other supporters and development partners.

For more info,  contact the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing & Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII)

2/F SAFI 4 Building, Magsaysay Avenue

9500 General Santos City, Philippines

Telefax: +6383 552 9736; +6383 301 6543

Website: www.philtuna.org

Yes, you are not dreaming!

Crocs™, that weird-looking footwear that has spurned a thousand and one jokes and yet is so uber fashionable that people in the know just gotta have a pair, is landing in the shores of General Santos City!

While negotiating the kilometer-long span of KCC Mall of GenSan‘s ground floor yesterday, Bariles noticed a small sign plastered at the plywood-covered frontage of one of the mal’s soon-to-open stalls.  The sign read, “OPENING SOON: CROCS“.

For the uninitiated, Crocs™, is one of the most in-demand imported footwear among fashionistas today, aside from the Brazilian flip-flops, Havaianas, featured here last month.  It is actually an American brand founded in July 2002 in Boulder, Colorado.

Crocs™ was meant just to be a boating and outdoor shoe but because of its slip-resistant, non-marking sole and despite its unusual form, it was an instant hit.  Looking much like the traditional Dutch shoe for its first models, it has since evolved to also include flip-flops, sandals, high-heeled models and sneakers, among others.

Bariles does not own a pair yet but with the opening of this CROCS™ outlet at the KCC Mall of GenSan (which is the franchisee for the brand in Socsargen), it won’t be long before he can be seen wearing it one of these days.
Just give him time to scrimp on his favorite siopao and save money for his first purchase.

By the way, Bariles‘ shoe size is 7 1/2 (Pinoy size).

Here is something for golfers and golf enthusiasts!

The Rotary Club of General Santos City, headed by President Rey Billena (owner of Generals Logimark Exponent), is sponsoring this year’s 14th President’s Cup Annual Invitational Golf Tournament on August 29-30, 2009 at the DOLE Kalsangi Golf and Country Club, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

According to Prexy Rey, exciting prizes are in store for the players of this 2-day charity tourney at the most premier golf course in Soccsksargen located at the foot of Mt. Matutum, overlooking Sarangani Bay.

Registration Fee is only P2,000, which is very minimal for most of our generous Rotarians.

For more information, please contact Danny at 0917-7005187;  Dos at 0917-3231284; Rey B at 0918-8012664.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred the awards to outstanding barangay Dispute-Mediator Councils or “Lupong Tagapamayapa” that have shown exemplary performance in promoting peace, harmony and solidarity in their areas of responsibility, in a simple ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacanang last August 12, 2009, way past noon.

Leading the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive awardees was GenSan’s very own Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay Katangawan, who was adjuged the Most Outstanding in the Highly-Urbanized Cities category.  See related story by clicking here.

First runner-up was Barangay East Tapinac in Olongapo City, while the 2nd runner-up was Barangay Gusa of Cagayan de Oro City.

The Centre for Communication Skills and Entrepreneurship, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (www.unimap.edu.my), one of Malaysia’s top universities, located in Perlis, Malaysia is URGENTLY looking for Five (5) English Language Instructors. Interviews for interested applicants will be conducted in Manila (August 21, 2009); General Santos (August 22, 2009) and Davao City (August 23, 2009).

Here is a screenshot of their website.

Here are the required qualifications for the vacant teaching jobs in this Malaysian University:

A bachelor’s degree in:

* TESOL
* TESL
* English
* ELT

Other qualifications which are similar to above mentioned can be considered.

Main responsibilities include the following:

* Teach undergraduate English language proficiency courses;
* Conduct intensive English Enrichment programmes; and,
* Conduct ESP courses for working people.

Work load:

* 14-18 hours per week

Tenure:

* Renewable yearly contract

Remuneration:

* RM2000.00 (roughly USD560.00) per month.
* RM50.00 per hour – additional payment for teaching more than the assigned work load.

Benefits:

* Medical
* Visa and work permit fees are shouldered by the university

Note: Accommodation in Perlis, Malaysia is not provided. The university will assist in the search for accommodation.

Starting date of employment: October 2009

Interested parties please email their application and CV to Associate Professor Dr. Syaharom Abdullah at drsyaharom@hotmail.com or syaharom@unimap.edu.my; cc to nice_aclan@yahoo.com on or before 19 August.

Short listed candidates will be called for an interview at Manila on 21 August 2009, at GenSan (General Santos) at East Asia Royale Hotel on 22 August 2009 and at Davao on 23 August 2009.

Teatro Ambahon, the multi-awarded resident theater group of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College once again proved its mettle by winning the Top Plum during the 2009  Mindanao Modern Dance National Competition during the T’nalak Festival last July 15, 2009 at the South Cotabato Gym in Koronadal City.

The group was the grand awardee of the Wifi Body Independent Dance Festival Young Choreographers Competition last year at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  This time, at the Mindanao Modern Dance National Competition, they won the Dual Category, with a new entry, “Portia“.

Eating their dust were the dance groups from La Salle and Bohol.

“Portia“, performed by Hanna Rivas and Roy Misoles and choreographed by Jan Robert Acharon with Husen Ngilay (both GenSan LGU Youth Awardees), was set to the music of Zander Khan‘s old hit from the 80s, “Tanging Ikaw“, which is still a regular jukebox staple.

The winners took home a trophy and P20,000 from the National Center for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, under Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes.

Congratulations to Artistic Director Bing Carino and kudos to Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College‘s unwavering commitment to support modern dance culture.

Here then is the Youtube video of their winning piece, “Portia” where their performance was greeted by cheers from the jampacked SoCot Gym all throughout its four-minute duration, a clear sign of its massive appeal.

Note:  The picture above is from “Manoy” which was mounted in Japan.

During  a recent press conference hosted by the GenSan City Mayor’s Office, Mayor Jun Acharon announced the city’s plan to improve the Uhaw Public Cemetery located at Barangay Fatima, beside the highway leading to the airport.

The Uhaw Public Cemetery (named after the desert-like barren district where it is situated), is the city’s biggest public cemetery, at 5.9 hectares and has been existing for over twenty years now, since the closing down of the old Alunan Cemetery in downtown Dadiangas.

Due to the city’s ever-growing populace, and with it, the increasing number of natural deaths among the sick and the aged, Uhaw has gotten too crowded and cluttered.  As proof, this is how it looks from above, in this aerial photo provided by the City Housing and Land Management Office.

“An aerial view of the Uhaw Public Cemetery. The National Highway is at the left side.”

Thus, City Mayor Jun Acharon designated a Task Force to handle the improvement of the Uhaw Public Cemetery, which will get a new name – the General Santos City Memorial Park.  The offices assigned to implement their plans are the City Mayor’s Office, the City Housing and Land Management Office, the City General Services Office and the City Health Office.

Eventually, the group came out with a proposal, which will require a capitalization of P22 million for the initial phase. Below are artist’s renditions of the new General Santos City Memorial Park.

Top view of the proposed Gen. Santos City Memorial Park

This time, the new cemetery will have wider access roads around and within the vicinity.  The existing skeletal remains of the departed there will be transferred to rest in apartment-type niches, twin-type layer niches, or double-type niches.  Same with the new ones.

There will also be a bone chamber for unclaimed or unidentified skeletal remains.

For the Muslims, the Mayor has also identified a portion of the cemetery for their dead at the rear-end of the property.

“The proposed GenSan City Memorial Park”

For those who can afford it, lots are available for chapel-type mausoleums, like the one below:

“Design of a Chapel Mausoleum for the proposed Gen. Santos City Memorial Park”

And of course, being a memorial park, it should have a gate which must look like this:

“The Gate of the proposed General Santos Memorial Park.”

So there.  Let us just hope that this plan comes into fruition soonest possible to give the average “general” an affordable and presentable resting place for himself and his loved ones.  Kudos to the city government for this project.

So now, first question?

Your queries may be sent here and answered by the office involved within the next 48 hours or so.

Good news to all would-be bankers!

The Robinsons Bank, a member of the highly diversified conglomerate, JG Summit Holdings, Inc., is urgently in need of talented and industrious “generals” who want to put their innovativeness and aggressiveness into good professional use.

According to Bariles’ sources, Robinsons Bank will operate a branch inside its owners’ mall, the Robinsons Place General Santos once soon as it opens in October 2009.

For more details on the GenSan Jobs available for Robinsons Bank, please CLICK HERE or here—> GENSAN JOBS.

Bariles was on his way back to his hotel in the Big City last night after some bonding time with a few of his Notre Dame High School batchmates based there, when he decided to drop by a supermarket which was still open.

Imagine his surprise when this sight greeted him upon entering the doors of the establishment…. an imposing island display of Head and Shoulders Shampoo resembling a small boxing ring, and featuring its newest endorser, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

The boxing ring-island display of Head & Shoulders For Men Hair Retain with its new endorser, Manny Pacman.

Upon closer look, Bariles noticed that the Head and Shoulders variant that the world champion is endorsing is the “For Men, Hair Retain” variant.

With this development, Manny Pacquiao joins the ranks of past and present Head and Shoulders endorsers, mostly famous showbiz personalities the likes of Richard Gutierrez, Jake Cuenca, Zanjoe Marudo, and Sam Milby among the males.  Female endorsers of the Procter and Gamble brand include Anne Curtis, Mariel Rodriguez, Roxanne Guinoo, and Angel Locsin, the latest.

Question is, will Manny’s mother, Dionisia join him in the TV ad which will surely be coming out very soon?  Can’t wait to watch it!

Last Friday, August 7, 2009, about a hundred or so, of General Santos City’s movers and shakers gathered at the sidewalk fronting the old Floirendo property (future site of Microtel and McDo), at the junction of the National Highway and Santiago Boulevard.  Across the road is the newly expanded St. Elizabeth Hospital and farther to its right is the 24-hour Jollibee Drive-Thru Outlet.

“St. Elizabeth Hospital, shot from the ceremony area for the inauguration of the National Highway Traffic Lights Signal Systems.” Photo by Kyawster.

Together with them were GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon, Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Vice Mayor Flor Congson who were to lead the three teams assigned to cut the ribbons signalling the inauguration of the Tuna Capital’s newest Traffic Lights Signal Systems, which Bariles first blogged about, a year ago.

“Representative Darlene Custodio delivering her message before a select audience from among the various sectors of GenSan, minutes before the Switch-On of the new Trafficl Lights Signal System at the National Highway.” – foto by Kyawster

The new parish priest of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, Fr. Giovanni Ongcog, CP first blessed the traffic lights.

“OLPGV Parish Priest Fr. Giovanni Ongcog, CP bless one of the traffic lights post. With him are Mayor Acharon and Representative Custodio. At the background is the 24-hour Jollibee Drive-Thru.” – photo by Bariles

The first set is at the junction of the National Highway and Santiago Boulevard itself, the scene of numerous traffic incidents.

“GenSan First Couple Mayor Jun Acharon and wife Dra. Rose lead the cutting of the ribbon crisscrossing the Santiago Boulevard, assisted by city officials and guests, including City Councilor Oco, Dr. Veneracion, Rey Billena of the City Tourism Council, Rey Albano of Holy Trinity College, among others.”- foto by Kyawster

The second set is located at the National Highway and Jose Catolico Avenue crossing, right infront of the NFA Compound.

“Congresswoman Darlene Custodio and other Special Guests, including former LTO-GenSan Chief Gauvain Benzonan applaud, after cutting the ribbon representing the Highway-J.Catolico Junction Traffic Lights Signal System. Assisting them were City Councilors Dante Vicente, Richard Atendido, Meg Santos, Jun Avila, Odjok Acharon with Fil-Chinese Chamber Prexy Paul Gaisano, among others.” – foto by Bariles

The 2nd set flanked by the NFA, DXCP, and Duratrak is also another infamous accident-prone site.  Now with these two traffic lights signal systems in place, these mishaps may be minimized or better still, eradicated altogether,

“Vice Mayor Flor Congson cuts the ribbon across the National Highway fronting Landbank and Jollibee, assisted by City Hall Department Heads Rodilon Lacap and Jon Quimosing, together with Landbank Manager Luz Ecarma, among others.” – photo by Kyawster

After the blessing and the cutting of ribbons, Mayor Acharon, who was turning 51 the following day, switched on the signal system, eventually paving the way for the generals to start utilizing this P18.4 million project which will surely ease the traffic woes of the travellers in these super busy junctions.

“Mayor Jun Acharon fiddling with the different switches to start the Traffic Lights System at the National Highway.” – photo by Bariles

Next hot spot for the traffic lights signal system is the Makar Port-National Highway Crossing in Calumpang and the National Highway-Aparente Avenue Junction.   Thanks to the Transportation Task Force ( Chief of Staff Ernie Quisay, Glennville Gonzales, Rizza Paces, Mylene Gecosala, Judith Janiola, Jahal Adat, among others), for the tip.

“One of the new Traffic Lights Set” – photo by Kyawster

With these in place, let’s just hope that the driving public adhere to these traffic signals, especially the tricycle and the motorbike drivers.

If you are the type who would go for good adult contemporary music, mostly R&B, jazz, love songs and mellow hit tunes, then you must be in for a lot of disappointment lately… if you are based in GenSan.

Haven’t you been noticing that most of the top FM Radio Stations in General Santos, like MOR 92.7, K101 Love Radio, Campus Radio, Wild FM and I-FM have already shifted their formats to a more interactive and mass-based programming?

Gone are the days when mornings meant listening to perky upbeat wake-uppers, noontime to hits countdowns, lazy afternoons to bittersweet love songs and early evenings and rush hours to pure unadulterated rock.

Nowadays, what we have is a glut of the advice and dating services programs involving not only the deejays on board but also the listeners who can call or text in with their solicited advices and impressions on a hapless caller, letter sender or hot chick on the lookout for a potential boylet.

These used to be the staple of AM Radio stations but now, they are de riguer for an FM radio station hungry for higher listenership.

So it seems that from sunup to way past sundown, all we hear on the airwaves in GenSan are the deafening voices and hyena-like laughters and shrieks of both the deejays and their listeners, with both parties trying to get their discombobulated messages across at the same time.

Bariles has nothing against these kind of programming because they appeal to the young listerners!  Pero parang awa ninyo na, Bariles wants his music!!!

And you know what??  God must have been listening to him because one day, last July 2009, 94.3 Easy Rock FM Radio was born.

Easy Rock 94.3 FM Radio is owned by the same people behind K101 Love Radio FM but has a totally different market.

According to Station Manager, Dodie “Dr. Love” Ladrera, their new station will cater to listeners in the office or at work, who dig tunes from the 80s and 90s, lite rock, jazz rock, modern folk, popular hits of today and anything that do not go beyond acceptable decibel limits.  Most of all, there will be less clutter and talk and so people should expect more music in their programming.

Other than that, Easy Rock 94.3 will also be active on Events Hosting, by bringing in artists and performers who cater to the same A-B crowd that they target.

And as their slogan goes, Easy Rock 94.3 will play just the “RITE ROCK” for the general who has a distinctive sense of style in his choice of music!

GenSan News Online Mag is giving out stickers courtesy of Easy Rock 94.3 to the first 10 commenters to this blog post who will write their SONG REQUESTS along with their impressions. These songs will be played on the specified written hour you want to hear it. For more song requests though, please call (083) 552-2055.  Tell the deejay, Bariles sent you. 

A few weeks from now, the 2008 2nd Place winner of the Association of Tourism Officer Of the Philippines‘ Search for the Best Tourism Event – Chartered City Level, goes full swing.  We are referring of course to General Santos City’s TUNA FESTIVAL.

For 12 days from August 25 to September 5, 2009, in commemoration of GenSan’s 41st Charterhood Anniversary, it is mounting the GenTeX, the GenSan Tuna Festival Xperience!

The 2009 GenteX Poster designed by RMMC’s Marthin Millado

According to Tuna Festival Director Orman Manansala, this year’s festivity is made special by the fact that a major activity has been added to give it more weight in terms of tourism potential and participation by the citizenry.  Therefore, aside from the anchor events like Search for Ms. GenSan 2009, the Cheerdance Competition, the Tuna Float Parade, the Tuna Culinary Expo, the Body Fest Modeling Competition and the Fishdance Hip-Hop Dance Competition, and the Karagatan Awards (The Best of GenSan), the generals will be treated to the GTX Mardigras Competition.

As we move closer and closer to the Festival’s launching on August 28, 2009, GenSan News Online Mag will leave you with details on the rest of the activities.  In the meantime, below is the slideshow of the  Schedule of Activities, as of August 6, 2009. You may click on the arrow to advance to the next page.

GTX 2009 Schedule as of August 4, 2009

Jinkee, Manny Pacquiao‘s wife has always been the unobtrusive presence in the boxing champion’s life. Inspite of all the fame and fortune that heaven has showered upon them, she has remained in the background, quietly raising his growing brood and tending to the million and one details of their household.

Throughout the years though, maybe in keeping up with his celebrity husband, she has gradually come into her own, metamorphosizing from a young housewife barely out of her teens into a well-travelled fashionista, and most sought after magazine covergirl and product endorser.   She has grown more feisty and outspoken in her interviews, and more daring in her appearance and fashion sense.

Lately, Jinkee Pacquiao has been venturing into her own businesses, acquiring the franchise of Davao’s BluGre Coffee and putting it up in their JMP Building in General Santos City.  Another branch will also open at the Robinsons Place in Barangany Lagao.

What’s keeping everyone excited though in the Tuna Capital is the opening of her new venture at the 2nd floor of her JMP Building along South Osmena Street.  Bariles received an invitation to its inaguration.

The invitation card to Jinkee’s Fashion World opening

Jinkee’s Fashion World will be selling Manny Pacquiao Shirts and souvenirs, imported blouses, bags, perfumes and other clothing apparel which according to her friends, were personally picked out by Mrs. Pacman herself during her shopping sprees in the US of A.

Now that is something to really look forward to.  What Bariles is most excited about however, are the Manny Pacquiao souvenirs, which I am sure will soon make Jinkee’s Fashion World, a major tourist draw in General Santos City.