GenSan News Online Mag

Bariles was very fortunate to have been able to attend the blessing of Robinsons Place General Santos City yesterday, September 29, 2009, Tuesday.

"Photo of Robinsons Place GenSan's Main Entrance ready for today's soft opening."

The mall which is Robinsons’ biggest in Mindanao, occupying almost 4 hectares of its 8-hectare property along Jose Catolico Avenue, Barangay Lagao at the Tuna Capital was still closed to the public when a Catholic mass was celebrated at its cavernous atrium at 3:00pm, prior to its blessing.

"GenSan News Online Resident Photographer Marz at the center of Robinsons Place GenSan Atrium. Photo by Romarie."

Only a few tenants, some mall personnel and invited guests were invited to the spiritual service officiated by no less than the Bishop of the Diocese of Marbel, His Excellency Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, DD and six other priests who were later dispersed to bless the different areas of the mall.

"Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, DD concelebrating a mass with 7 other priests at the Atrium of Robinsons Place- GenSan on September 29, 2009."

Although carpentry work has stopped on most of the leased spaces inside Robinsons, Bariles discovered that some workers were still doing finishing touches on a good number of establishments scheduled to open today, September 30, the “SOFT-OPENING DAY”.

"Councilor Meg Santos, representing Mayor Jun Acharon cuts the ribbon at Jollibee Robinsons with franchisees, Philip and Doming Teng. Behind them is Cherry, Philip's ageless beauteous wife.""

Those ready to serve its customers when the mall opens its doors at 9am, like the Jollibee Franchise of the Teng Family, Giacomino’s Restaurant of Rombar and Aymie Bartolome, and Sunset Bistro of Tony and Petite Veneracion with Mandarin Oriental Garden had their own individual and separate inaugural parties after the mass.

"Giacominos Robinsons and its all new hot fastfoods concept."

BluGre Coffee Shop the Team Pacquiao Shop of Manny and Jinky Pacquiao followed suit in the evening and graced by the lovelier and sexier Jinky herself.

"The reinvented Sunset Bistro also had a private opening last night."

Today, other locally-owned stores like Havaiianas supplier Sun Lab of Tisha Ang, Big Ben Steaks of Ben Tupas, Ice Crops of Rey Billena, among others, will likewise be serving their first customers.

"Jinky Pacquiao smiles for the cameras at her husband Manny's Team Pacquiao Novelty Store, behind her 2nd BluGre Coffee shop Franchise."

Bariles was able to visit most of these establishments and had a grand time hobnobbing with a lot of GenSan’s movers and shakers.

Most of them were visibly ecstatic with what will be a major change in GenSan’s shopping habits and night life.  All the mentioned restaurants also have alfresco dining spaces outside the mall, fronting the National Highway.  This also includes FIESTA RESTO KTV BAR of Donna Mae Congson, opening on October 2, Friday.

It is good to note that all of the owners and franchisees of these establishments are GenSan residents and so with most of the tenants of Robinsons.  This plus the fact that 80% of the staff and workers of the mall owners themselves have all been certified to be genuine “generals”.

Robinsons Place General Santos will have its Grand Opening on October 5, 2009, Monday.  This is when its flagship stores, the Robinsons Department Store, the Robinsons Supermarket, the HandyMan finally open wide its doors to the people of Soccsksargen.  Its four Robinsons Cinema follow suit on October 15, 2009.

"Bariles' FAN Ernan at the entrance of the soon-to-open-on-October-15th Movieworld leading to its four cinemas."

From us here at GenSan News Online, congratulations to the Gokongwei Family and the people behind this mammoth project.

Special shout-outs of gratitude and commendation also go to the local entrepreneurs of General Santos City who joined them in this endeavor.

And to Group Property Manager for Mindanao Danilo Camat, who’s overseeing the whole thing, Bariles would like to say, “Mabuhay kayo!”

Watch out for a series of blog posts on the different stores of Robinsons Place GenSan, only here at GenSan News Online Mag!  Check back regularly or SUBSCRIBE WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

On September 28, 2009, General Santos City’s top quality supplier of frozen tuna and other seafood products is turning THREE!

Yes, you read it right!

Pacific Seas Seafood Market, along the National Highway, GenSan City is celebrating its third anniversary.

Pacific Seas which is a subsidiary of Frescomar Seahelm Corporation, a processed tuna and seafood exporter to the US and European Union, is the first in General Santos City and Soccsksargen to offer premium quality frozen tuna products.

Although priced higher than its competitors, people are assured of export-quality merchandise through the use of vacuum-packaging in its plant at the General Santos Fishport.

Vacuum-packaging ensures the freshness of the frozen fish and fish value-added products and is more hygienic than the common loose packing employed by other suppliers.

Due to this adherence to quality packaging and selling only export-quality frozen processed seafood, Pacific Seas Seafood Market has already earned its share of loyal clientele not only in South Central Mindanao but all throughout the country.

And as its thanksgiving gesture to its loyal customers, it has come up with a simple yet tuna-filled promotion beginning tomorrow, September 28 until October 4, 2009.

“For every P500 worth of purchase of assorted tuna products (including canned Ocean Deli), the buyer is entitled to a FREE PACK OF  TUNA VALUE-ADDED PRODUCT, as an anniversary gfit.  Value-added products include tuna longganiza, tuna tocino, tuna embutido, tuna siomai, tuna nuggets, tuna hotdog, among others.”

How’s that for an anniversary special? And so with that, Congratulations to the staff and crew of Pacific Seas Seafood Market – GenSan National Highway Branch, especially Store Manager Rosemary Cea, Cashier Jonilo Bayo-on and Melvin Segara.

Have you ever been to Caicos?

No, not the group of islands in the West Indies but Caicos Resto and Grill, located at the El Pueblo Resort, at the old Dacera Farm, near the Mabuhay-Klinan Road.

"The two-storey Caicos Resto and Grill in a shot taken at dusk by Marz"

The two-storey Caicos Resto and Grill, owned by a group of former high school friends headed by Vincent New (son of the owner of the defunct “Carmela’s Fastfoods“), is one of the newer restobars in GenSan which has already attracted a good share of habitues basicially for two reasons.

And what are these?

First is its location.

"The terrace of Caicos looks out into a large pond perfect for the romantics among us."

The two-storey building which houses the diner stands right beside a large idyllic pond straight out of a Nicholas Spark novel. The scenery is so ideal for lovers or families who want a completely serene setting for their special lunch-out or dinner.

"Caicos back door opens into another world."

You could choose to stay at their ground floor area or up at their rooftop area, which transforms into a bar at night, complete with popular music blaring out of their loudspeakers.

"The rooftop terrace which turns into a bar at night."

The second reason why Caicos has already captured a loyal clientele is of course, its menu.  First on the list is its best-seller, the Calzone Grande which, according to Vincent, is basically a pizza but tastes just like lasagna.  Best when served hot, it goes well with Caicos iced tea.

"Caico's major bestseller, the Calzone Grande is a delicious pizza-lasagna hybrid. Do not ever fail to try it!"

Then there’s the Caicos babyback ribs, to which Bariles swears, must be the tenderest and juiciest in town.

"Caicos' famous babyback ribs, soft and tender to the bite."

These plus the personalized service that Vincent extends on his customers immediately made Caicos, a popular haunt among the generals.

And the good news is, Caicos in cooperation with Montage Digital Photography, Sophisticut and Minda Ponce have come up with a unique theme-party on Saturday, September 26.

This is Caicos’ ONE NIGHT STAND, an Evening of Portrait and Glamour.

"One Night Stand in Caicos POSTER"

Montage, one of Caicos partners in this project is owned by a group of young talented photographers who are members of the GenSan Camera Club. For ONE NIGHT STAND, at P300, customers can avail of a bottle of beer (for men) or cocktails (for ladies) plus a chance to have their photos taken by any of these guys, together with printed copies of their best shots.

They can still order the food mentioned here plus any of the items in their menu that has proven to be Caicos major crowd drawer.  So it won’t be just Fashion and Glamour but Fabulous Food althroughout  this much-awaited One Night Stand at GenSan’s most romantic getaway!

Bariles just came from a meeting of Task Force Champ, the informal body organized by the City Mayor Jun Acharon of GenSan to handle arrival honors for visiting dignitaries and famous personalities or homecoming ceremonies for returning champions.

In fact, the group headed by Chief of Staff Ernie Quisay spearheaded all the hero’s welcome for champion boxers Manny Pacquiao (CLICK HERE),  his brother Bobby, and Donito Donaire, and, Little Star Grand Dreamer Philip Nolasco/Nadela (CLICK HERE), who are all residents of the Tuna Capital.

This time, the Grand Welcome with matching motorcade through the city’s major thoroughfares will be for returning general Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona, a 19-year old boxer from Barangay Bula, who grabbed the title as WBO Super Flyweight Champion from 39-year old Jose “Carita” Lopez at the Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada last September 4, 2009.

Sonsona who has already amassed a record of 14 wins, 0 loss, 12 of these knockouts started boxing when he was 7 years old under an uncle who taught him about the sport.

As an amateur, he has already fought over 150 times.  His debut as a professional boxer earned him his first win on points but his next 10 victories were all by knockouts!

Although these were unknowns, he was also able to knock out an experienced fighter from Thailand named Wandee Singwancha who has a record 57-10 during the 2nd round.

With a new trainer, Nonito Donaire, Sr. (father of IBF Flyweight Champion and fellow general, Nonito Donaire, Jr.), Marvin Sonsona went up in weight to challenge Jose Lopez, the reigning WBO Super Flyweight Champion.  On Septembe 5, 2009, the new king from General Santos City was crowned after scoring a knockout in just the 2nd round.

According to Task Force Champ, the new WBO Super Flyweight Champion will be flying in via Cebu Pacific from Cebu on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 11:15am.  He will be met at the General Santos City International Airport by GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon and Ms. GenSan 2008 Romarie Cunanan and her court.  A motorcade to the city which includes the main streets of Barangay Bula, from which Marvin hails will follow.

Last stop will be the City Hall where a brief Press Conference will be conducted at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Hall, care of the City Public Information Office.

Bariles hopes to be there to have his picture taken with the young champion before he becomes even more famous someday and by then, it would be very, very difficult to approach him, for sure.

But for now, Bariles could only wish WBO Super Flyweight Champion Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona the best of luck in his newfound fame. 

Mabuhay ka Marvin!  Mabuhay ang mga Generals!

This is just the 3rd or 4th time that General Santos City will be celebrating the National Tourism Week but it has already evolved into a major tourist draw for the Tuna Capital.

For one week, officially starting this afternoon with a program at the Oval Plaza Covered Court, GenSan’s version of this nationwide endeavor promises a bigger and more cohesive take on the theme:   TOURISM – Celebrating Diversity.

The poster for the National Tourism Week Celebration 2009

Scheduled activities are:

• Photo Contest and Exhibit
• Please-Bring-Antique Contest
• Cleanest Restroom Contest
• Mural Painting Contest (MSU HS Campus Wall)
• Extempotarenous Speaking Contest
• Tourism Quiz Bee
• Search for Miss Tourism
• Cocktail and Mocktail Competition
• Mindanao Cultural Dance Competition

The National Tourism Week 2009 Celebration is spearheaded by the City Government of GenSan through the Office of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development (CEMCD) under Mr. Edgar Cadiente, so expect this year’s conduct to be as colorful and as vibrant as the hues of the logo of “Magandang GenSan“.

Bariles is very proud to introduce to everyone the distinguished members of the Board of Judges for his project launched last week which was the “What Air Supply Song Are You?” Blog Contest.

"Who will emerge as the Heavyweight Champ of the 'What-Air-Supply-Song-Are-You? Blog Contest'?

This blog contest is in line with the upcoming “Air Supply in GenSan” Concert happening on October 2, 2009 at the GenSan Gym, Lagao, General Santos City.

Since the deadline for the submission of entries is fast approaching; Friday, September 25 to be exact, it is high time he presents the bloggers who will determine the winning entries to this contest which is being supported BIG TIME by Michael Wee‘s Dreamwork Ventures, the concert producers.

What Air Supply Song Are You?

The judging criteria which will be the basis of finding the winners to “What Air Supply Song Are You?” Blog Contest are:

Originality – 25%

Story Development – 25%

Quality of Writing – 25%

Ability to Engage the Reader – 25%

There!  That should make this contest more interesting now that the criteria is out.  To knock their heads together and determine the best among the entries to this blog contest are the following JUDGES who are all Internet Celebrities and Blogging Superstars:

1. Aileen Apolo – Soon-to-be blushing bride.  Google Phils. consultant. Author of An Apple A Day.

2. Jay de Jesus – Soon-to-be dashing groom.  Author of Titik Pilipino – Online Resource for Filipino Songs.

3. Blogie Robillo – Single but not necessarily on the hunt.  Lead convenor of Mindanao Bloggers Summit.  Author of  Ang Dabawenyo.

4. Brendel Balaga – Lovely nurse.  Loving girlfriend. Maid of Honor of Bariles. Author of Blogging Frenzy.

5. Mark Aethen Agana – Scholar.  Ilonggo.  In love.  Author of Aethen.

6. Flow Galindez. – Kapamilya. Looking for a Kapuso. Author of Ang Sa Wari Ko.

7. Jehzreel Laurente – Millionaire. Top blogger. Taken.  Author of  Jehzlau Concepts.

8. Bro. Vincent Celeste, FMS –  Marista. In love with the Lord.  Author of The Itinerant’s Path.

9. ChiQ Montes – Theme designer. Mother Hen of CDO Bloggers.  Author of WP Theme Designer.

10. Winston Almendras – Most Eligible Bachelor.  Engineer. Author of Ang Batang Yagit.

11. Ryann Elumba – Conquistador. Zamboanga’s Bariles. Author of Hola Zamboanga.

12. Orman Manansala – Banker. Single for the moment. Larger than life. Author of Ganda Ever So Much.

13. Migs Hipolito – Manilenio in Davao.  Big Brother.  Author of Migs Mobile.

14. Michelle Lopez-Solon – Dutiful Vice-Governor’s better-half.  Local Tourism advocate.  Author of Go Sarangani.

15. Janette Toral – Pinay SEO Queen.  Jump shot artist-non-paralleil.  Author of Digital Filipino.

Great list, isn’t it?  GenSan News Oniline Mag is very grateful that these A-list bloggers came on board for this competition.  This will make our participants work even harder to make their entries stand out above the rest.

Bariles, who is the 16th Judge, will be emailing to his 15 co-judges the URLs of the first batch of blog entries by 12:00pm tomorrow, Monday, September 21, 2009.

The second batch will be forwarded to them on the 23rd, also at 12:00pm.  Then the  fnal batch on September 26th.

Announcement of the winners will be on September 28, 2009 at the 2nd floor of Grab A Crab Restaurant, a major sponsor of the Air Supply in GenSan concert.

To our distinguished set of superstar judges, thank you for accepting the invitation to be part of this small endeavor of GenSan News Online Magm despite your busy showbiz schedules.  Owe you lots.

And to our entries’ authors,  good luck and continue to propagate blogging to the rest of the world.

Magandang GenSan!

After a year of renovation and improvement work, Plaza Heneral Santos was finally unveiled to the public on the night of September 4, 2009.  GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon, Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio and First Lady Rose Acharon together switched on the ceremonial button to signal the simultaneous lighting up of all the city park’s lamp posts.

It was a sight to behold.

"Plaza Heneral Santos in a photo shot by Chattee from Sydney Hotel Rooftop Grill (September 4, 2009)"

People from all walks of life immediately descended upon the 4.8 hectare park. Since it was the eve of the Tuna Festival culmination, there was hardly any vacant bench left and it was shoulder-to-shoulder for people walking along the paved paths.

The same thing was repeated the following day, September 5th, with whole families enjoying the features of the new park until late after midnight.  The generals clearly missed their park and now that it was given back to them,  all new and dressed up, it was all for them to enjoy!

Kudos to the local government of GenSan, most especially Mayor Jun Acharon and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members for giving this project the go-ahead, believing that city plazas are the hearts and souls of any major city, municipality or poblacion.

At a cost of P34 million, this endeavor which was ably undertaken by Dellosa Design Builders, Inc. is just the first phase of the total improvement of the park.  Hopefully, they could add a fountain, an ampitheater, portable toilets, and maybe, just maybe, a Park Administrator to oversee its maintenance, security and upkeep.

"The marker of Plaza Heneral Santos with the 'magandang gensan" LOGO."

Bariles has been there more than a couple of times already, in the afternoon, at night, early morning…. or just passing by.  Every moment that he was there seems to lift high his spirits with the comforting sight of parents with their kids lounging around, students studying under the trees, teenagers just strolling, lovers admiring the mini-fountains at the lagoon, and old folks doing some stretching exercises.

Let these pictures taken by Marz tell the rest of Bariles’ story…

Kids in formation hopping on the concrete steps.

"A couple relaxes at one of the cobbled clearings of Plaza Heneral Santos with the Sydney Hotel in the background."

"A white-washed trellis dominates this area near the Dadiangas Parish Church."

"Teeners enjoy each other's company on top of one of the bridges over the LAGOON."

"One of the umbrellas for the creeping vines scattered all over the plaza."

"One of the rock gardens dotting the plaza, the brainchild of First Lady Dra. Rose Acharon."

"Bariles trying out the new hiking/jogging tracks surrounding the peripheral of Plaza Heneral Santos."

"A LED lamp post formed as a dancing figure of a man."

"Green, green, green and more greens everywhere...."

"Big Sister and Little Sisters with Big Brother strolling happily in the GenSan Park."

"Another Rock Garden here. The GenSan City Hall at the background."

"The winding pathway flagstones of Plaza Heneral Santos."

"An old promenador rests on a bench with the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church on the background."

"The repainted statue of General Paulino Santos. More improvements will be made soon."

More photos of Plaza Heneral Santos (GenSan Park) coming up. Please check back again…

Bariles was on his way back to downtown GenSan after covering the Fishfest sa Fishfort earlier this month at the General Santos Fishport Complex when he chanced upon an ongoing construction site covered with blue tarps by the side of the road, across the Philbest Canning Compound.

"The mysterious construction site along Tambler Highway, GenSan."

Upon closer inspection, this is what he saw…

"The JMP Multi-Purpose Gym Billboard."

As the billboard suggests, it is another one of World Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinky’s investments in General Santos City, following the JMP Building in South Osmena and the MJP Building in Aparente Avenue.  This time however, it is the JMP Multi-Purpose Gymnasium.JMP

Judging from the layout of this project on the billboard, their will be four buildings on the site, with a huge closed-door gymnasium near the back. If this turns out to be a fully-equipped gym with state-of-the-art equipment comparable to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in the US of A, for sure Manny Pacquiao will not have to travel far to train for his future fights.

And hopefully, he could also give training space here for the budding boxers of General Santos City because if there is somebody who can give them the support they need to follow in his footsteps, that person is him.

Amen?  Amen.

Great news to all outbound and inbound travellers using the General Santos City International Airport!

The GenSan International Airport which is to undergo a major rehab this year (CHECK THE STORY HERE), is now a WIFI HotZone!

Bariles got this piece of information from an email from SMART Communications’ Haydee Bernabe.  She further explained that the pre-departure and arrival terminals of the airport already have FREE Internet Access through SMART Bro, effective yesterday, September 17, 2009!

Wow!  This means, passengers can surf the internet, check their email, chat, update their Facebooks with their laptops, PDAs or cellphones while waiting for their flights at the pre-departure areas or while waiting for their luggage at the arrival area.  We just hope that the 2nd floor coffee shop run by Family Country Hotel and Convention Center is also within the range of Smart Bro’s Wifi Hotzone.

SMART Bro, a major supporter of the recently concluded 2009 GenSan Tuna Festval Xperience is also responsible for making the GenSan City Hall Lobby the first government WIFI Hotzone in Region 12 in March of last year. (Read the old blog post about it by Clicking Here.)

SMART Bro Logo

With this development, plus the major rehab it will undergo this year, there is no doubt that the GenSan International Airport is well on its way to becoming one the country’s “Most Passenger Friendly Airports” in the coming months.

Again, thanks to the generosity of SMART Bro who keep on springing surprises for the people of GenSan.

Smart Bro‘s next stop?  Free Wi-Fi access for the newly-renovated PLAZA Heneral Santos perhaps?  How about it Sir Mon Isberto? Sir Manny Pangilinan?

The generals are waiting with bated breath….. 

"Plaza Heneral Santos, SMART Bro's next surprise HotZone for the generals?"

Has anyone ever heard of Hummus?

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern blend of chickpeas, tahini and hint of garlic, drizzled with olive oil and dusted with paprika.  A delicious Mediterranean appetizer, it is  eaten with Pita bread, a round leavened flatbread generally made with wheat which one dips into it.

What about Muttabal? Another Middle East staple, it is a smokey-flavored puree of augbergine sharpened by garlic and olive oil and garnished by tahini.  Just like the Hummus, it is a good dip for the Pita bread.

And of course, there’s Lamb Tikka, much like the shawarma; the Kebabs, skewered meats (lamb, beef, chicken) and veggies which are grilled or broiled; the Tzatziki, the Chicken Tandoori, the Iraqi rice… the list goes on and on.

If you want to try these stuff and are the food lover that you say you are, then we have good news for you.  All these are now available in GenSan, in this little place called THE OLD SOUTH.

The Old South Grill and Resto Bar is GenSan’s first dining establishment to offer Meditteranean Food plus a little Spanish Cuisine.

Jointly run by brothers Attorney Onie Baliao and Butch, this GenSan restaruant is still less than a month old since it opened, but has already started to gain a sizeable following among the city’s discriminating food lovers on the lookout for something novel.

The Old South Grill and Resto Bar is not hard to find if you know your way around GenSan.  Located at the former house of Atty. Onie  which he transformed to resemble a Spanish Villa, it can be found inside the Romana Estate II, along the Mabuhay-Klinan Road.

Your landmark should be the Iglesia ni Cristo temple being constructed on the left shoulder of the Mabuhay-Klinan Road.  Just beside the construction is a roadsign leading to LC5 Farm and Resort.  Turn left here to a dirt road and immediately you will see The Old South’s building a few meters away.

Bariles and his photographer actually visited this newest GenSan restaurant at night.  They were immediately received by Atty. Onie who was Bariles’ classmate in high school at the NDDU and introduced to his brother and Master Chef Butch who is actually a practicing architect.

Business must really be good already since Bariles noticed that the place was packed with diners, some who were his friends.  He saw the svelte Sarangan beauty Kye Montemayor of Alsons who were with her family , Law Student and young businessman Dom Salazar with his fiancee, a few people from Smart Communications, and USAID Gem Davao’s lovely Sarah Matalam and her cousin, the dashing Councilor Jeng Pendatun of Maguindanao.

"The Old South front yard with wooden tables laid out under a tent."

Bariles was ushered inside what used to be Atty. Onie’s old living room and was amazed at its new Spanish-inspired look, which the lawyer and his brother collectively designed. On the walls are large original paintings by Master Chef Butch himself and scattered all throughout are antique fixtures from their family’s ancestral home in Glan, Sarangani Province.

"Inside the Old South. The paintings are by Butch, the antique furniture from their ancestral home in Glan, Sarangani."

On the wall beside the side door leading outside into a veranda is a portrait of their maternal grandfather, Tranquilino Ruiz, one of the very first Christians from Cebu who settled in Glan in 1914.

At that time, Glan was already a bustling community,  inhabited by different tribes, many of them Muslim converts influenced by travellers from the Middle East.

Tranquilino, who hailed from Cebu, was a very good cook and studied the locals’ way of cooking, including dishes which had Arabian influences.

He infused his knowledge of Cebuano cuisine with these, eventualy making them his own.

He would later pass his recipes on to Onie and Butch’s mother, who would also taught it to them and her other kids.

The Old South therefore is the sibling’s homage to their old man, giving the place a semblance of their historical haunt in Glan and serving food which would invoke the memories of the good old days far up in the coastal municipality of Glan, along the shores of  Sarangani Bay.

After Bariles and his photographer Marz were settled at their own table in the front yard under a tent, they noticed a big authentic Hookah infront of them.

The hookah, a traditional smoking contraption in the Middle East operates by water filtration and indirect heat. It is used for smoking tobacco fruits, and is healthier than smoking cigarettes.

Each table at The Old South is equipped with one for the use of their clients.  According to their menu,  each cone containing different flavors, is worth only P150.

If only Bariles were not recuperating from asthma at that time, he would have tried their Hookah and was so envious of the group at the other table who were having fun with theirs.

While waiting for their food, Atty. Onie revealed that the old rooms of his house are being converted into airconditioned function rooms.  In fact, a couple of groups have already booked them.

He is also busy with plans on the construction of a 20-room pension house at the back of the restaurant, which although still at the drawing board has already received inquiries from interested parties.

Finally, their food arrived – the house specialty – Mixed Kebabs with Pita Bread.

"Mixed Kebabs with Pita"

Dipped into The Old South‘s super mega hot green sauce and its white mayo-like sauce, the grilled beef, lamb and chicken meat rolls had to be eaten with cut-pieces of pita,  grilled eggplants, red tomatoes and white onions. The green sauce was sooooo spicy that Bariles immediately perspired from his head down, with his sweat dripping all over.  Hooossshhh!!!!  Hooot but delicious!!

Another spicy dish they had was the Chicken Tandori, actually chicken in skewers (barbecue) which had an Indian taste to it.

"The Old South's Chicken Tandori, with grilled eggplants, tomato and rice."

Bariles had no time to try the other dishes especially the Spanish offerings courtesy of the sibling’s grandfather’s recipe but will have to reserve them for another day. With more than 20 entries in their menu, it would take more than a couple of visits to try all these exotic sounding food, especially those from the land where Jesus and the prohphets once walked.

Suffice to say, the entry of The Old South Grill and Resto Bar in the gastronomic radar of GenSan abodes well for the generals on the lookout for a wider variety of cuisine.  Now the answer to the question, “Where do we eat?” has found another answer.

And we only have the late grandfather of Onie and Butch Baliao to thank for.

The Mardi Gras Competition and Tuna Float Parade of Lights Competition of the recently concluded Tuna Festival 2009 of General Santos City was the most awaited event of the entire celebration.

Of course, the Tuna Float Competition was already a given box-office attraction, more so that it was reinvented. On the other hand, this was only the first time that the MardiGras was conducted for the festival. Judging from both concepts, the Tuna Festival organizers were sure that they had a double whammy winners.

On September 5, the culminating day itself, people from all walks of life and from around the region and elsewhere, trooped to the colorfully-decorated Pioneer Avenue as early as 8 in the morning although the Carousel Parade would only be starting at 3pm.  The rest waited inside the newly unveiled sprawling paradise-of-a-park, the Plaza Heneral Santos (fronting the City Hall).

At 1pm, the contingents from six different schools and the tuna floats began assembling and taking their designated places along Pioneer Avenue‘s lanes.  This was when photographers (from as far as Manila, the US and Europe) started swarming on the costumed mardigras dancers and awesomely conceptualized tuna floats and clicked like there was no tomorrow. Only God knows how much gigabytes of shots were taken that afternoon.

The weather at this time was cooperating – sun not so hot, a strong breeze from Sarangani Bay was cooling everyone.  The generals and a lot of visitors from other localities, were in a festive, jovial mood.  The celebratory atmosphere was even heightened when the giant speakers along the sidewalks of Pioneer Avenue and Roxas Avenue began simultaneously playing the new Tuna Festival Theme Song composed and arranged by Martin Leyson.

To tell you more of the story, here is a video by Danny Go, as commissioned by the Tuna Festival Council.

And here are some pictures which will tell you even more about the Tuna Festival Mardi Gras and Float Competitions and other activities during the culmination of the celebration for GenSan’s 41st Charterhood Anniversary.  All these were shot by Bariles unless otherwise stated.

GenSan City Mayor leads the releasing of doves during the Opening Program of the 41st Charter Anniversary Celebration on Sept 5. From left are Congressman Teddy Casino, Congresswoman Darlene Custodio, Dra. Rose Acharon, Vice Mayor Flor Congson & Tunafest Director Orman Manansala.

The Crowd at the junction of Pioneer Avenue-Roxas Avenue-Pendatun Avenue. Behind them is the Plaza Heneral Santos.

The Crablets of SPED Elementary School. The group was declared Champion-Elementary Catergory.

MardiGras Dancers from MSU give it their all!

A female pirate MardiGras dancer smile meekly. Photo by Chattee.

A MardiGras Sea Creature from one of the city's high schools

Sea Flowers in Full Bloom

The TSP Marine entry up close

RD Group of Companies' Plane-like Tuna Float

Another Tuna Float Entry, this time from SAFII.

Check back for more pictures…

In 2007, General Santos City hosted the 16th Mindanao Business Conference, the island’s largest yearly gathering of business and industry stalwarts, government policy makers, and movers and shakers of the local economy.

At that time, GenSan drew in a record 497 participants from all over Mindanao and elsewhere and had US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Paul W. Jones as Guest of Honor.  Below is a photo of GenSan City Mayor Jun Acharon addressing the 16th Minbizcon at the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention Center on September 21, 2007.

Mayor Jun Acharon welcoming the participants and guests of the 16th MinBizCon in September 21, 2007 at the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention Center.

This time, for its 18th year, the Mindanao Business Conference goes to Koronadal City!

This year’s conference, which is its 18th inception and is hosted by the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, hopes to net more than 500 delegates, representing again the Mindanao business community (local chambers of commerce, trade and industry associations and other business groups), national and local government officials, the academe, as well as businessmen and dignitaries coming from the BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN regions. Members of the diplomatic corps especially of countries that have economic and development undertakings in Mindanao are also expected to come for the 2-day event (September 17-18, 2009) at the Fitmart Mall of Koronadal, the city’s underutilized shopping center.

The 18th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) which rans smuck in the midst of the First South Cotabato Business Week, is  focusing on improving the island’s agriculture, trade and tourism potentials. Key leaders and figures from both the government and business sectors have been invited to present issues and give insights on the plenary topics of the conference.

This year’s conference theme “One. Global. Filipino. Rising Above the Global Challenges”, emphasizes Mindanao’s business community’s vision to move ahead and further strengthen its alliance with global partners to improve upon the economic gains achieved in the past.

The topics have all been grouped into four quadrants, with an impressive line-up of speakers assigned to them.  Consider these:

For QUADRANT ONE, which will tackle “Legislative Reforms to Benefit Mindanao Business”, these are the confirmed speakers:

The Speakers for the 18th Minbizcon Quadrant 2

Quadrant 2 groups speakers who will deal on the issue “International Trade Cooperation and Mindanao’s Competitive Edge in Agriculture”. These includes Plenary Sessions on Trade, Agriculture and Infrastructure.

The Quadrant 3 Speakers for the 18th Minbizcon

On the morning of September 18, conference participants will all hear Quadrant Two topic on “Pump-priming Mindanao’s economy through focus industries”.  Plenary sessions will discuss Mining, Energy, ICT and Tourism.

The 18th Minbizcon 4th Quadrant Speakers

And finally, in the afternoon, the last batch of speakers will dwell on the Quadrant 4 Topic on “Mindanao’s Public-Private partnership to improve LGU Revenue Generation”.

Now that the dust has finally settled, GenSan News Online Mag is formally announcing its latest blog contest which was hinted at in Bariles‘ blog post on the Air Supply Concert in GenSan next month.

Bloggers everywhere, this is for you,  the “What Air Supply Song Are You?” Blog Contest.

**The very talented Marthin Millado designed this poster for "What Air Supply Song Are You?"**

This bigger and better Blog Contest is brought to us once more with the help of our generous sponsors Dreamwork Ventures, the concert producer and Grab a Crab Restaurant.

The mechanics are very simple.  Here goes…

• Write a blog post on the question – “What Air Supply Song Are You?“
• The contest is open to all Filipino bloggers, based in the Philippines or abroad.
• The blogs should be hosted in either Blogger, WordPress, Friendster, Multiply, Live Journal or self-hosted.
• Entries may be written in English, Tagalog or Taglish.
• The entries must include the following keywords and links:
  • GenSan News Online Mag – http://www.gensantos.com;
  • Grab A Crab Restaurant – http://www.gensantos.com/2009/04/15/gensans-twinbill-diners-grab-a-crab-and-coffee-club-101/
  • Air Supply Concert in GenSan -  http://www.gensantos.com/2009/09/12/air-supply-live-in-gensan-concert/
  • What Air Supply Song Are You? Blog Contest – http://www.gensantos.com/2009/09/14/what-air-supply-song-are-you-blog-contest/
• Blog entries must include the names of sponsors.
• Blog entries should also feature the official poster of the concert (below).
• Blog entries must be published on or before September 25, 2009.
• Participating bloggers must be subscribed to GenSan News Online Mag.
• A participant must leave a comment below in the Responses Portion indicating the following information: name, entry title and entry URL.
• Announcement of winners will be made at 1:00pm on September 28, 2009 at the mezzanine of Coffee Club 101.  All GenSan-based participants should be present during the awarding, while the rest may send representatives.

Here are the prizes:

• PLATINUM Prize Winning Entry will receive:
  • Two (2) Courtyard Tickets worth P2,500 each, to the Air Supply in GenSan Concert;
  • One (1) P1,500 Gift Certificate from Grab A Crab Restaurant;  and,
  • Two (2) pieces of Backstage Passes to meet and greet the Air Supply duo.
  • Two (2) pieces of official Air Supply in GenSan Concert t-shirts from Dreamwork Ventures.
• 4 GOLD Prize Winning Entries will receive:
  • Two (2) Courtyard Tickets at P2,500 each, to the Air Supply in GenSan Concert;
  • One (1) P1,000 Gift Certificate from Grab A Crab Restaurant.
• 10 SILVER Prize Winning Entries will receive:
  • Two (2) Lower Box Tickets at P1,500 each to the Air Supply in GenSan Concert;

Check out the names of the judges by CLICKING HERE.

Again, thanks to Concert Producer Michael Wee and his Dreamworks Ventures, Inc. for assisting us again with another Blog Contest.

So what are you waiting for?  Dig up your favorite Air Supply song now, and let those memories come rushing back again!  And yes, do not forget to blog about it.  Who knows?  You might get to meet the Air Supply duo themselves up close and personal very, very soon!

The Air Supply in General SAntos City Concert Poster

The Air Supply in GenSan Concert is a major production of Dreamwork Ventures Inc.’s Platinum Concert Series 2009, in cooperation with the City Government of GenSan, the GenSan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., ABS-CBN.  Other partners are Grab A Crab Restaurant, MISO Hardware, San Miguel Corporation, Coca Cola Bottlers Inc., East Asia Royale Hotel, Coffee Dream, Giacominos, NY Fries and Dips, Giacominos, Gaisano Mall of GenSan and Gregoria Printing Press.

The time has finally come for something that has been brewing on for months here in GenSan.

If you have been very observant lately while going around the Tuna Capital, you must have noticed tarps and posters announcing a  concert happening here which would have been an impossibility years ago.  If you have, in one time listened to the radio, you must have heard sound bytes announcing their impending arrival in the city.

Of course, you know what I am blabbering about!

It’s the Air Supply Live in GenSan Concert on October 2, 2009 at the General Santos Gym in Lagao!!!

The poster for the Air Supply Live in GenSan Concert

Yes!  It’s the world-famous soft-rock duo who gave us the hits of our youth during the late 70s and most of the 80s, the Air Supply!  Composed of Briton Graham Russel and Australian Russel Hitchcock, the pair has been responsible for such unforgettable and timeless hits such as Lost In Love, Every Woman in the World, All Out of Love, Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You), Sweet Dreams, Now and Forever, Even the Nights are Better, Young Love, Two Less Lonely People in the World, and Bariles’ pinaka-favorite, “Making Love Out of Nothing At All“, among others!

Whew!

This iconic duo will be flying in from the US two days to Manila prior to their stint here in GenSan and one could just imagine how much it would take to get them to perform here at the southernmost end of the Mindanao Island!  But then again, the Tuna Capital is so fortunate  to have one very generous citizen, who defied all odds once more just to let his fellow generals enjoy the performances of world-class artists.

Take another bow, Michael Wee.

Michael, who is also a restaurateur (he owns Grab A Crab and Coffee Club 101 plus the Coffee Dream franchise in GenSan), is leaving no chances to get this Air Supply Concert project off the ground.

He is the same man behind Dreamwork Ventures, the group responsible for bringing to GenSan, David Pomeranz last February 14, 2009 and the Side A Band less than two months ago in July.   Michael has reportedly shelled out almost P3million already for this latest venture of his.  It is just fitting that the Generals and the rest of Soccsksargen give him their support by patronizing this concert and ensure the continued visits of artist-performers here through GenSan’s topnotch producer.

Tickets to the Air Supply Live in GenSan Concert are priced at P350, P1500, P2,500 and P3,500.  It is a a Dreamwork Ventures Platinum Concert Series 2009 Production organized by High Frequency Productions.  Co-presentors are the Local Government of General Santos City, the GenSan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, ABS-CBN.  Other Sponsors are Grab A Crab Restaurant, Coffee Dreams, MISO Hardware, San Miguel Corporation, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc, Gaisano Mall of GenSan, East Asia Royale Hotel, Giacomino’s Pizza and Gregoria Printing Press.

Watch out for the Air Supply Live in GenSan BLOG Contest, coming out anytime today!

No one and nobody ever predicted that this year’s just concluded staging of the Tuna Festival in commemoration of General Santos City’s 41st Charterhood Anniversary would be the most heavily attended in its 11-year old history!

Not even its Tuna Festival Director!

The GenSan Tuna Festival Xperience 2009 Poster

In fact, when Asia United Bank -GenSan Branch Head (and newbie blogger) Orman Manansala was designated by GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon to once again wear the apron as the Tuna Festival’s Director this year, he was apprehensive at first.   He was coming in during a time when the worldwide economy was still in the doldrums, when the Tuna Industry is on a standstill aggravated by a 2-month moratorium on fishing in the Pacific and when the budget for the festival has not risen considerably in line with the times.  Those could have been enough to dampen the spirit of the Tuna Festival.

Still, with a fired-up heart of a general inside of him, and after getting the support of his colleagues at the Gen. Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he is the Vice-President, he accepted the crown and scepter, err, the responsibility and set about to working…. juggling his duties as VP and Branch Head of his bank and as the new Tunafest Master Chef.

First, he coaxed and cajoled and eventually convinced the Mayor to include a Mardi Gras among the major events, in the absence for quite of time of the Street Dancing Competition which the mayor felt, belonged to the city’s other festival, the Kalilangan in February, during the city’s foundation.

Grand Winner TSP Marine's Float

Then, he improved upon the Tuna Float Competition and turned it into a Parade of Lights, so the floats would look good in daytime or nighttime.

TSP Marine's Grand Winning Entry to the Parade of Lights Competition while parked along Pioneer Avenue. Most of it is made of stained plastic glass.

Then, composer Martin Leyson‘s 5-year old Tunafest Theme Song was re-engineered, some of the lyrics changed, adding into the song other names for Tuna like the Hawaiian “AHI“, the Tagalog “TAMBAKOL” and of course, “BARILES“.  This time, it was more upbeat, the drums more pronounced, and the rhythm even more danceable.

Instead of the usual live drums, the new recorded song became the official jingle  for the Mardi Gras Carousel parade of the participating contingents from GenSan’s primary and secondary schools.  Large speakers were scatterred along the parade route from Pioneer Avenue, simultaneously blaring out the faster, hippier song for the participants to dance to.

Crablets from SPED Elementary School give it their all during the MardiGras Carousel around Pioneer Avenue.

Copies of the new version were likewise given to ABS-CBN and all the accredited FM and AM radio stations which they started playing two weeks prior to the festival. This gave unprecedented mileage to the Tunafest.

With a limited budget, he trimmed off the fat and had to make do without a good number of sporting events which the mayor suggested, are better off in the city’s other 3 festivals (Kalilangan, Pasko sa GenSan, Yaman GenSan). This is an unpopular decision he had to take to balance the mix of the events and in doing, increase the prizes for the major ones.

When Orman’s group designed the set-up of the oval plaza, he was guided by the Tourism Council’s directive that the Tunafest should give more emphasis on food. That was why they gave more spaces to stalls and booths which serve food and drinks there, thus turning the C.P.Garcia park into one huge picnic grounds.

Boiled Sweet Corn for P10 at this Oval Plaza Stall catch the attention of Bloggers Blogie of Davao and Jinky of DOLE.

Senate President Johnny Enrile watch a tuna being sliced for sashimi at the Tuna Food Park inside the Oval Plaza. Enrile was the Opening Program's Keynote Speaker.

All these must have been noticed by the people who first trekked to the oval plaza, enjoyed what they saw, and later told others about it. And with the radio and TV constantly reminding the “generals” of the daily Tunafest activities, the people’s desire to go out and enjoy the Tuna Festival increased.

And so from the time the 2009 Tuna Festival softly commenced with the conduct of the National Tuna Congress on August 27, up to the time of its formal opening on the 28th, the people’s participation grew with more and more spectators patronizing the daily events at all official venues.

Pioneer Avenue blooms with MardiGras dancers and spectators.

Official venues included the GenSan Gym in Lagao which hosted the hugely successful 11th National Tuna Congress which saw Presidentiables Noli de Castro, Loren Legarda and now Vice-Presidentiable Mar Roxas in attendance.

The 11th Tuna Congress with over 400 participants, exhibitors, and other stakeholders of the Tuna Industry all converged for 3 days at the GenSan Gym.

It also hosted the jampacked 8th Tuna Cheerdance Competition.

Then there was the Gaisano Mall of GenSan which staged the Bodyfest, Ms. GenSan, Tunafish Dance Competition Prelims, the Culinary Expo, and the Munting Mutya ng GenSan.

The KCC Mall of GenSan on the other hand, hosted the Kapuso Mall Show (with Starstruck Star Mark Herras) and Golden State College’s Culinary Skills Olympics, both very well-attended events.

Kapuso Star Mark Herras join Mayor Jun Acharon, Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Congressman Ruffy Biazon at the oval plaza stage after his KCC Mall Show.

A lot of photographers and some local and foreign tourists also hied off to the GenSan Fishport complex to witness the “Fishfest sa Fishport”.  On hand to receive them were Mr. Mike Lamberte, Fishport Manager and his amiable staff.

And of course, the East Asia Royale Hotel hosted the two-day biggest foam party in Mindanao, held at its Arcade Carpark, which drew in young folks from as far as Davao and the farthest parts of Region 12.

East Asia Royale Hotel Carpark transformed into a party zone

Doing its share is the Pioneer Avenue which was the site of the MardiGras Carousel.  Bariles himself was not prepared for the onslaught of people who swarmed the tuna floats, the costumed dancers and cheered for the contingents.  It was a photographer’s haven as cameras of all shapes and sizes were competing to get the best angles of the MardiGras participants and the floats.  Some trained their lenses on the spectators themselves.

People eagerly await the Mardigras and Tunafloat Parade to pass by at the Pioneer Avenue. So daming tao. Grabe!

Mardi Gras Dancers along the stretch of Pioneer Avenue. Photo by Chattee.

Let’s not forget the Oval Plaza itself, or C.P. Garcia Park where the Opening and Closing ceremonies were held and where more than 15,000 people from all walks of life and from all over the region and elsewhere converged on the final day, had fun and joined in the festivities, thus making this year’s Tuna Festival the most heavily participated and patronized ever.

MardiGras Dancers watch the TunaFest Fireworks at the oval plaza. Photo by Leonard Pe.

It’s gonna be one splashing, wet and wild Tuna Festival weekend over at the East Asia Royale Hotel Arcade Parking Area on September 4 and 5, 2009 for the generals!

And why?

Check out the poster below!

Yes! Two straight nights of Foam Partying with bands 8 Miles and After Six on Friday (September 4) and Manila Band Moonstar88 on Saturday, Tuna Festival Day itself (September 5) right at the parking lot of GenSan’s premier hotel.

Moonstar88 is known for the hit songs “Torete”, “Migraine”, “Panalangin” and “Pag-Ibig Kong Ito”, among others.  It is forefronted by Maychelle Baay.

Here then is the video of their song, “Migraine“.

See you at the Foam Parties guys! It is strongly advise to wear light clothing or summer cloathes.

The Notre Dame of Dadiangas University was proclaimed as the Grand Champion of yesterday’s 8th Tunafest Cheerdance Competition at the General Santos Gym in Barangay Lagao.  The competition was an official part of this year’s celebration of the Tuna Festival in commemoration of the city’s 41st Charter Anniversary.  Event organizer was RPN Radyo Pinoy and Ms. Faith Barcelona.

This is a three-peat for Bariles’ alma mater, with the NDDU Pep Squad having won in 2007 and 2008 Tuna Festivals.  This time NDDU President Bro. John Tan, FMS was on hand to witness their spectacular performance together with some faculty members and office staff.

Bariles will be uploading some pictures here tonigh and a clearer video, t but for the meantime, enjoy this videoof the performance of the NDDU Pep Squad from YouTube courtesy of Jhaycee, a trueblue Damean.  Enjoy and please check back soon.

Tomorrow, September 3 is the 2009 Bodyfest Finals at the Gaisano Atrium.  Check it out and other events of the 2009 GenSan Tuna Festival Xperience!  Ang saya-saya!

1st runner-up was GenSan Foundation Inc and 2nd runner-up was Mindanao State University.

Congratulations to all of you!

GenSan News Online Mag has just gotten a copy of the TV Plug for the Tuna Festival 2009 airing at ABS-CBN Socsksargen now.

The 15-seconder Ad features GenSan City Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon inviting the viewers in Cebuano to the “mas pinasadya” or more festive Tuna Festival 2009.  Bariles was there when this was filmed at the residence of the mayor, a few minutes before he left for the airport for his US trip.

GenSan Tunafest Xperience 2009!

The video also shows scenes from last year’s Tuna Festival celebration, especially the Tuna Float parade.

Now on its 2nd day, check out the activities and events at the GenSan Oval Plaza.  For more on the schedule, SIMPLY CLICK HERE PLEASE.