GenSan News Online Mag

Less than a week from now, the country’s most famous basketball league,  the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will hold one of its games as part of its 35th season, and the 2009-2010 PBA Philippine Cup in General Santos City!

In its continuing drive to bring PBA to the countryside, two teams, the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Talk ‘n Text Tropang Texters will be playing at the GenSan Gym, on December 5, 2009, at 5pm.

This game, an official event of the PASKO SA GENSAN 2009 is made possible with the help of General Santos City local government under Mayor Jun Acharon and PaperView Office and School Supplies.

"Coca-Cola Tigers vs. Talk n' Text Tropang Texters in GenSan on December 5, 2009"

The last time that the PBA included GenSan in its road game series was in November 2007, when Ginebra and Sta. Lucia played to a jampacked crowd at the same venue in Barangay Lagao.

This time is the presence of two personalities who hail from South Cotabato and GenSan, hopes to add more luster to their visit.

One of them is Koronadal’s very own Kenneth Duremdes, 1998′s MVP who is coaching for Coca-Cola.

The next one is a native of General Santos City by the name of Francis Allera who is playing for the Coke Tigers.  Just recently drafted by Coca-Cola after having played for the University of  Sto. Tomas  where he went to college and for Pharex at the PBL, the 24-year old Francis is a Notre Damean, having finished high school at the NDDU.

Francis Allera’s stats can be found by CLICKING HERE.

It will be a chance for the generals to cheer for the 6’3 tall Allera (who plays small forward) and his team which has been languishing at the bottom of the rankings, maybe due to its star player Asi Taulava’s foot injury.  If they could cheer for hometown son Manny Pacquiao, I am sure they can also do the same to Tiger Francis Allera and inspire him and his teammates to win the game.

Now, in relation to PBA’s Coca-Cola vs. Talk ‘n Text Game in GenSan, we are launching the PBA IN GENSAN BLOG CONTEST.

Prizes are:

• Five (5) All-Access Passes inside the GenSan Gym during the December 5, 2009 Game, and
  

• Five (5)  General Admission tickets to the game.

Here are the Mechanics:

• The PBA in GenSan Blog Contest is open to all Filipino Bloggers.
• The objective is to write about the upcoming PBA Game in GenSan between the Coca-Cola Tigers and the Talk ‘n Text Patrollers on December 5, 2009.
• Each contest particpant should be SUBSCRIBED to GenSan News Online Mag.
• Key Words to be placed and linked are the following:
  • GenSan News Online Mag
  • Coca-Cola Tigers vs. Talk ‘n Text Tropang Texters in GenSan
  • Sponsors:
    • General Santos Local Government
    • PaperView Office and School Supplies
• A poster announcing the game should occupy a prominent space in the blog post and linked to this post.
• Deadline of entries is on December 3, 2009.
• Prizes will be awarded on December 4, 2009.

So there.

If you are a fan of the PBA and has not been to any of their games, winning one of the ALL-ACCESS PASSES to this “PBA IN GENSAN BLOG CONTEST” will surely be a dream fulfilled, a dream which won’t require you to fly to Manila and watch it at the Araneta Coliseum anymore.

Shoot na, mga ka-blogs!

To those who don’t blog and have enough money to spare, Tickets are available at PaperView, RD Building, National Highway (beside RDEX Tuna).

Thanks a million to Mr. Clement Asencio, owner of PaperView (located along National Highway, beside RDEX Tuna) who made this Blog Contest prizes possible.  If he runs for City Councilor, I will surely campaign for him!  Ayos ka Clem!

Your humble servant Bariles was privileged to attend the inauguration of the 2nd Chowking outlet in GenSan earlier this week and  assist Atty. Paolo Acharon, Executive Assistant II to the City Mayor in cutting the ribbon during the opening ceremonies.

"That's Bariles assisting Mrs. Susan Yap and Atty.Paolo Acharon at the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the opening of Chowking Highway-GenSan."

Although a spur-of-the-moment thing since the mayor couldn’t make it, Bariles made sure he’d be the first to take shots of this newest Chinese Fastfood restaurant in General Santos City, one of the establishments he has been most excited about since he blogged about it in an EARLIER POST.

Chowking (whose branch in GenSan is right across Jollibee higway) pioneered the quick-service restaurant concept in the Philippines, combinining the best of western fast-food service and delicious taste of Chinese food in Oriental restaurants.

From his good friend, Emily Pulido, Chowking regional supervisor, Bariles found out that Chowking Highway GenSan is their 397th branch and is just their second outlet which has adapted the new Generation 5 concept and look.  You will readily notice the change when you get inside through the main doors.

"There are now only 2 cashier stations to service the whole store and above them is the more attractive and less-cluttered menu board."

Instead of the usual long counter where one orders and pays for his meals, Chowking Highway GenSan boasts of two separate cashier stations beside the main doors and above them are more attractive and less-cluttered menu poster boards.  Cool huh?

The store also separated its halo-halo corner and gave it its own prominent table and space, being one of its bestsellers not only here in the Philippines but in their Middle East, Indonesian and US outlets.

Then the furniture and total look of the place, as evidenced by the following pictures….

"SPACIOUS"

"UPHOLSTERED SEATS"

Of course, one would expect the same tasty, delicious and freshly-cooked Chinese food that Chowking has been producing all along. Bariles’ special favorites are the Regular Congee with Fried Tofu as sidedish plus Pancit Guisado and Sweet and Sour Pork.   For drinks, he prefers Nai Cha, which he first discovered and liked when he was based in Kuala Lumpur years back.

And yes, Chowking has a Christmas promotion, which it calls DUETS.  Bariles has tried it and it’s SULIT to the pockets.  Promise.

By the way, Chowking GenSan Highway is open from 6am to 12 midnite daily.

As mentioned in an earlier post here, as part of PASKO-SA-GENSAN 2009,  Sarah Geronimo is once again performing in General Santos City via her new concert entitled “Sarah Geronimo – The Next One Conert”.  And just like the earlier contests run by GenSan News Online Mag, in cooperation with Michael Wee‘s Dreamwork Ventures,  we are again capitalizing on Sarah’s GenSan stint to launch the  “5 Reasons on why you should watch ‘The Next One’ Concert” BLOG CONTEST.

.

"Sarah Geronimo-The Next One" Concert Poster

Here are the Mechanics to the Blog Writing Contest on “Sarah Geronimo-The Next One Concert in GenSan”.

• Contest is open to all Filipino bloggers all over the globe.
• Contest participants must be SUBSCRIBED to GenSan News Online Mag.
• Contest participants must write a blog post on the subject, “5 Reasons on Why You Should Watch  “The Next One” Concert of Sarah Geronimo in GenSan?”.
• Contest partiipants could write in English, Tagalog, Taglish, Englog.
• The blog post should contain the following key words:
  • GenSan News Online Mag, pointing to: http://www.gensantos.com/.
  • “Sarah Geronimo-the Next One Concert” in GenSan pointing to: http://www.gensantos.com/2009/11/19/sarah-geronimos-the-next-one-concert-in-gensan/.
  • “5 Reasons why you should watch ‘The Next One Concert’ BLOG Contest”, pointing to: http://www.gensantos.com/2009/11/27/5-reasons-on-why-you-should-watch-the-next-one-concert-blog-contest/
• The blog post entry should also contain the names of the producer (Mr. Michael Wee),  sponsors and other pertinent details about the concert.
• As soon as your blog entry is published, please leave a message in this blog’s CONTACT FORM (above the header), and not in the MESSAGE BOX below.  Write there the following info:  Full Name, Blog Name, Blog URL and contest entry URL, together with other important info about you:  (Sex/age/Address/school/Telephone #).
• Deadline of submission of blog post entries is on December 4, 2009, Friday.
• A group of judges will determine the best of the best blog entries guided by the following set of criteria:
  • Originality  -  25%
  • Story Development  – 25%
  • Quality of Writing  -  25%
  • Ability to Engage the Reader  -  25%
• Winners will be announced in a blog post here to be published on December 8, 2009.

The PRIZES:

• GRAND PRIZE:
  • Two Tickets worth P1,500 each (Courtyard Seats);
  • One Gift Certificate from Grab-A-Crab Restaurant (Robinsons) worth P1,500;
  • Two Invites to the Opening of Coffee Club 101 and Grab A Crab Restaurant at Robinsons GenSan, on December 10, 2009.
  • Meet-and-Greet Sarah Geronimo before or after her concert.
• 5 GOLD PRIZES:
  • Two Tickets worth P1,500 each (Courtyard Seats);
  • One Gift Cert from Grab-A-Crab Restaurant (Robinsons) worth P1,000 each;
  • One Invite each to the Opening of Coffee Club 101 and Grab A Crab Restaurant at Robinsons GenSan, on December 10, 2009.
  • Meet-and-Greet Sarah Geronimo before or after her concert.
• 10 SILVER PRIZES:
  • Two Tickets worth P750 each (Lower Box).

So what are you waiting for?  Write that winning entry to the “5 Reasons why you should watch ‘The Next One Concert’ concert” BLOG CONTEST now and get your chance not only to watch Sarah Geronimo perform but meet, greet and maybe have your photo taken with her.

Now that would be something that only GENSAN NEWS ONLINE MAG can cook up, right?   Gosh!  What will we all do without Mr. Michael Wee, our generous and dashing benefactor!!!

Check out a SAMPLE BLOG POST ENTRY from GANDA EVER SO MUCH.  CLICK HERE.

Now that he is back in Gensan and Sarangani province, Manny Pacquiao in partnership with the National Darts Federation of the Philippines (NDFP) and the local government of General Santos City, is sponsoring the biggest dart tournament in the history of Philippine darts the- Manny Pacquiao P5 Million International Darts Classic on November 27-30, 2009 at the air-conditioned GenSan Gymnasium in Barangay Lagao.

For its inception this year, Manny is giving out a record cash prize of five (5) million pesos.  This is quite historical and a record-breaking number for Phillipine darts and a very attractive come-on for darters all around the globe.

The 5 Million MP International Dart Classic

According the the organizer’s website:

Manny believes the Filipino darters are competent players that can make a name in the International dart scene with the proper support, encouragement and exposure. True to his words, the record cash prize of five million pesos is more than an encouragement but a motivation to strive for excellence. His tournaments since last year has been an inspiration to darters starting with the P300,000 Pacman I and II Series of 2008 culminating in the unprecedented Manny Pacquiao 2 Million Darts Classic in December of 2008. This year started with the support to the USA based Filipino darters with the $30,000 Pacmania I and the $100,000 Pacmania II while training in the USA. These were followed by the P300,000 in Malungon, Sarangani and the P300,000 in Alabel, Sarangani tournaments in the last few months.

The same release continued that “the level of competition will be extraordinarily high” with more foreign players and a “vastly improved” pool of local dart players.  Consider these events and their corresponding prizes:

• The Open Singles event has a total cash prize of 2M with the champion winning P700,000.

• Up for grabs in the Fix Four-Person Team event is P800,000 total cash prize with P300,000 going to the champion.

• The Fix Doubles will carry P500,000 in total prizes and the champions pocketing P120,000.

• On tap for the Classified Draw events are the Doubles with P500,000, Triples with 501,000 and the Four -Person with P500,000 (new event). The Free-Registration Youth Singles P20,000 and another new event the Non-Classified , no ranking points Seniors Singles P29,000 and the P150,000 Ladies Singles. The cash prizes for most of the non-singles events goes up to the top 128 players.

Here is the schedule of the Manny Pacquiao P5 Million International Dart Classic events:

See you at the gym then!

In a letter dated November 23, 2009 to the Honorable Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., City Mayor of General Santos City, Field Director Guialil R. Kanda of the Office of Muslim Affairs of Regional Office No. XII-A, informed him that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Proclamation No. 1808-A declaring November 27 and 28, 2009 as Regional Holidays in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

This is in celebration of the Feast of Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), one of Islam’s only two major festivals, commemorating the prophet Abraham‘s willingness to sacrifice his firstborn, Ismael.

The letter continues that “said proclamation effectively amends Proclamation No. 1808, dated April 12 2009″.

Mr. Kanda then proceeds to explain in the letter that Proclamation No. 1808-A, “does not amend Presidential Decree No. 1083 where Muslims are granted the privilege of observing Muslim holidays by virtue of P.D. No. 1083 and Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 81-1277″, in select areas in Mindanao including GenSan.

This means, that all government offices in the city, will have no work on November 27 (Friday), corresponding to the “10th day of lunar month of Dhu-Al-Hijjah”, 1430 H.”

And since Monday, November 30, 2009 is also the “Bonifacio Day” in honor of National Hero, Andres Bonifacio, the generals will once again enjoy a 4-day long weekend, which Bariles think is appropriate for the times considering the stress and depression most of us have been undergoing after news of the massacre of the Maguindanao Martyrs came out.

It would be a good time for the generals to reflect on the repercussions from that dastardly and barbaric act upon 13 of GenSan’s resident media personnel and gather to pay tribute to them (and the rest of the victims and their families) through their colleagues’ plans to conduct the wake collectively at the GenSan Oval Plaza Covered Court.

These holidays, the  Feast of Sacrifice and the “Bonifacio Day”, are very appropriate, coming right after the deaths of our Maguindanao Martyrs and Heroes, whose lives were sacrified as if by fate,  to pave the way for a long-lasting peace in the land

May their deaths not be in vain.

Photo by Mohammad Alsaihati.

This blog post from GenSan News Online Mag is dedicated in honor of the over forty innocent victims of the senseless carnage which happened yesterday in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, in Central Mindanao.

Some of them were people I know and a good number were friends of mine from the media here in General Santos City.  I could only cry in anger for what happened to them at first, but eventually I realized that I must  pray for them instead and the families they left behind. Please pray with me.

I also urge you dear readers to  pray for our land Mindanao which  is once again tainted with the blood of innocent people…. and for the perpetrators of this barbaric act to be immediately brought to justice.

And while we are all waiting on how government will respond to this, please display a black ribbon in your blogs, Facebook profiles or wherever possible online,  in remembrance of the Maguindanao martyrs and as a sign of our collective shout as people of Mindanao, “NEVER AGAIN.“

Ok, so you like the pictures that Bariles posts here on a regular basis.  Well, surprisingly, you are not alone.  A lot of readers do.

But did you know that up to know, Bariles is just a point-and-shoot photographer who knows nothing about aperture and shutter speed and ISO and that sort of stuff?  The pictures he posted in this blog were taken on automatic setting and are basically, plain and flat.   Only God knows how much he would have wanted to improve on his shots, make them more artistic, and maybe, just maybe, win accolades in the process.

But first, he would have to be trained and learn important skills for starters!

Well, here is good news for Bariles and all the desperate amateurs out there!

Award-winning photographer and blogger Leonard Pe will be conducting a “Basic Photography Workshop” which he has called “PHOTOGRAPHY ESSENTIALS“.

"Leonard Pe's Basic Photography Workshop"

Leonard Pe who was a Greenpeace Southeast Asia Cleanwater Project awardee and was able to mount his first exhibit already and was featured in Manila Bulletin, will be sharing his knowledge and expertise on the following subjects:

• Principles of Photography
• Composition Techniques
• Camera Operation
• Post Processing and Workflow
• Printing Your PHotos
• Practical Application

The seminar which will be held at the Conference Room A, HenryRuiz Building, NDDU Compound  has a registration fee of  P1,500 only,  which is quite a bargain since most professional photogs charge 5x higher, at the very least.  The fee comes with reference materials, snacks and a Certificate of Completion.

So if you want to be like Leonard Pe and shoot mostly great stuff and get all the girls running after you to make him shoot them in the buff, then contact him NOW and register for this seminar!

For more information, check out the official blog of Leonard at www.leonardpe.com or contact him at o920-9571979.

In what was just hinted a few months back during the “Air Supply Live in GenSan Concert”  is now final and definite.

Yes, Marcelino, the Pop Star Princess, Ms. Sarah Geronimo will be back in GenSan on December 11, 2009 at the GenSan Gym, in the last leg of her Philippine Concert Tour Series dubbed as “The Next One“.

"Sarah Geronimo's Poster"

This is the second time that Sarah Geronimo is performing in GenSan.  She and Mark Bautista were here over a year ago in a concert simply called “Sarah Geronimo Live in GenSan!”.

This time, in “The Next One“, not only will she be joined by perennial duet partner Mark but also by one of ABS-CBN’s prized talent and performer and host of the upcoming, “Pilipinas, You’ve Got Talent!” reality show, Mr. Billy Joe Crawford!

Rounding up her list of guest performers is the Philippines R&B Prince, JR, together with Simon Wood and Jimmy Marquez!!

All these hottest singing sensations of the country in one roof, as the poster is saying.   Indeed, and with very popular prices at P300, P750 and P1500, Bariles is pretty sure that this concert will break the record of Sarah’s first concert last year.

And why not?  With Louie Ocampo at the directorial chair, expect nothing more than the best night you will ever have at the GenSan Gym.  Ever.

“The Next One.  Sarah Geronimo Philippine Tour 2009“  in General Santos City is made possible by the same man behind the “David Pomeranz“, “Side A” and “Air Supply” Concerts in GenSan, Mr. Michael Wee, through his Dreamwork Ventures Platinum Concert Series 2009.

He is partnered by Cebuana Lhullier, Jollibee, Sony Ericsson, Belo Essentials, Magnolia Fruit Drink, Skechers, Sunsilk, Vaseline, Ladies Choice, Careline and Charmee.

Local partners are the Local Government of GenSan, Grab A Crab Restaurant, Coffee Club 101, East Asia Royale Hotel, Giacomino’s, Gregoria Printing Press, New York Fries and Dips, Gaisano, Miso Hardware, Skycable and High Frequency Productions.

Tickets are available by calling the following #s (083) 554-5430, 301-0555, 0917-3639191, 0932-4344794.

Th Next One. Sarah Geronimo Phil Concert Series 2009.

And of course, a big concert in GenSan such as this won’t be complete without an accompanying BLOG CONTEST, right?

Then all you have to do is watch out for the announcement post anytime this week.  Ciao!!!

Dya-raaan!!!  Hear ye!  Hear ye!

Bariles is finally releasing the names of the winners to this blog’s Second Blogoversary “Ultimate Greeting Contest”!

The response to the contest was to say the least, better than he ever expected.   Compared to last year, there are more entries this time,  the messages are better composed and conceptualized and more personal in nature.

To guide him in his judging, he was on the lookout for the responses which not only touched him  and inspired him the most but he was also partial to those messages which were able to encapsulate the real essence of this blog’s existence for the past two years.

In the end, all of the greeters are winners and nobody will come out of this unrewarded…. thanks to the generosity of  our sponsors and donors, all of whom have also been part of Bariles’ success and have contributed to GenSan News Online Mag‘s transformation into becoming one of Mindanao’s and perhaps, of the country’s most well-received blogs.

Marami pong salamat sa lahat-lahat!

And now, the winners:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

One (1) Free Day Tour for two to Lake Sebu, inclusive of lunch at Punta Isla Lake Resort; zipline ride and trip to the Seven Falls.  Roundtrip transfer starts from Koronadal City to Lake Sebu.  Sponsor:  Francis Sablon of Zion Travel and Tours,  PLUS

One (1) EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN Buffet at Arnevel’s Restaurant; and,

One (1) Gift Certificate from  THIRSTY Juices and Shakes, Robinsons GenSan (near Mercury Drug).

• WINNER:  Migz (Davao City)

PLATINUM WINNER 1:

One (1) Overnight Stay for Two with Complimentary Breakfast at Dolores Tropicana Resort Hotel, GenSan.  Sponsor: Dolores Hotels and Resorts;

One (1) CD of Centerpoint Band’s First Album, “Paper Floors“.

One (1) Gift Certificate from Thirsty Fresh Juices and Shakes, Robinsons GenSan (near Mercury Drug).

• WINNER:  Robstroy (Cagayan de Oro)

PLATINUM WINNER 2:

One Overnight Stay for Two at Lemlunay Dive Resort, Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani.  Sponsor:  Ms. Michelle Lopez-Solon of Go Sarangani Travel and Tours; plus,

One (1) Gift Certificate from THIRSTY Fresh Juices and Shakes, Robinsons GenSan (near Mercury Drugstore); and,

One (1) Token from ABS-CBN Socsksargen, through Station Manager Annie Solon.

• WINNER:  Joana (GenSan)

GOLD PRIZE WINNERS:

One Free Slot each on a short course on either Photo Editing with Adobe Photoshop or Basic Web Design at ACLC College, courtesy of Atty. Rey and Maya Cartojano.

• WINNER 1:  Fahdingding (GenSan)
  
• WINNER 2: Lito (GenSan)
  
• WINNER 3:  Orman (GenSan)

SILVER PRIZES:

One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Grab-A-Crab Restaurant, Robinsons Place GenSan.  Sponsored by Mr. Michael Wee, owner.

• WINNER: Nice A (Thailand)

One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Giacominos Pizza, Robinsons Place GenSan.  Sponsored by Ms. Aymie Bartolome, owner.

• WINNER: Jinky (GenSan)

One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Sunset Bistro, Robinsons Place GenSan.  Sponsored by Ms. Petit Veneracion of Sud-An Resto Grill.

• WINNER:  Raffy (Manila)
  

One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Orange Bistro, Lagao, National Highway, GenSan.  Sponsored by Ms. Cathy Teng.

• WINNER:  Cheng Gonzales (GenSan)
  

One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Ranchero Grill GenSan or Davao, sponsored by Mr. Paolo Sunglao.

• WINNER: Liezl Oberio (GenSan)

One (1)  “Dinner for Two” at O-ohlang Native Grill and Seafoods Restaurant, NCCC Compound, NatL. Highway.  Sponsored by Ms. Baby Ayon.

• WINNER: Lyle Santos (Davao)

One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Gio Mongolian Grill, Tiongson Arcade, Tiongson Street, Lagao, GenSan.  Sponsored by Allan Sanidad.

• WINNER:  Sheng (GenSan)

Two (2) “Eat-All-You-Can” Buffets at Arnevel’s Restaurant, National Highway, GenSan.

• WINNER 1:  Daxi (Koronadal)
  
• WINNER 2:  Psyche (GenSan)
  

One(1) Gift Certificate from Bread and Music Box Family KTV, sponsored by Ms. Armie Royeca.

• WINNER: Elmerceq (GenSan)

Three (3) Gift Certificates from Kakanin, Atbp., thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Chito and Junith Bugayong.

• WINNER:  JM Lavega (South Cotabato)
  
• WINNER:  Bravo Six (Dubai)
  
• WINNER:  Cidy (GenSan)
  

Two (2) Gift Certificate worth P250 from Fonti Coffee Shop-Robinsons.

• WINNER 1:  Leonard Pe (GenSan)
  
• WINNER 2:  Blogie Robillo  (Davao)
  

Six  (6) Toppings/Sizzler Meals at Junji Oriental Fusion, Robinsons Foodcourt, sponsored by Chimes Concept Events Management.

• WINNER 1: SonnyC
  
• WINNER 2: GenSanite  (Cebu)
  
• WINNER 3: Anyabelle  (Davao)
  
• WINNER 4: Sweet  (Davao)
  
• WINNER 5: Rammyboi (GenSan)
• WINNER 6: Pinoybisnis (Cagayan de Oro)
  

DIAMOND PRIZES:

One (1) CD each of Centerpoint Band‘s First Album, “PAPER FLOORS”:

• WINNER:  Francis
• WINNER:  Aprille
  
• WINNER:  Lovelz
• WINNER:  Alexis

One (1) Bestseller Book from KnowRead-KnoWrite, courtesy of blog author Gilbert Tan.

• WINNER:  Ryann Elumba (Zamboanga)

One (1) Free Make-over Gift Certificate from Envy Me Salon, Robinsons, courtesy of Ms. Donna Mae Congson.

• WINNER: TrisJa (GenSan)
  

One (1) Token from Gandaeversomuch.com of Mr. Orman Manansala.

• WINNER:  Dave (GenSan)
  

One (1) Token from Google Philippines, courtesy of Google Phils Consultant Aileen Apolo.

• WINNER: Arlene (Iligan)
  

TITANIUM PRIZES:

Three (3) Free Domain Names from Jehzreel Laurente, of Jehzlau Concepts.

• WINNER 1:  Ragpalizer (Cagayan)
  
• WINNER 2:  Dimple (GenSan)
• WINNER:  IanSTAR (GenSan)
  

Three (3) Free Premium WordPress Themes from Ms. ChiQ Montes of WPThemeDesigner.Com.

• Winner 1:  Tiara (Davao)
  
• Winner 2:  Faust  (Davao)
  
• Winner 3:  Miah  (Davao)
  

One (1) Free Domain Name and Free Hosting (One Year) , from GenSanSale.com and Nokiahost.com, of Job Oberio.

• Winner: Danzoy (Tacurong)
  

Hey wait!  That is not all!

Ten (10) Tokens from GMA-8 Kapuso GenSan, through its manager Ms. Mariles Puentebella.

• WINNERS:  The First 10 Commenters on this Blog Post.

All the winners may claim their prizes starting on Thursday, November 19, 2009.  Just visit Bariles at his office between 9am and 5pm.  You know where it is.

For out-of-town winners, you may want them mailed to you or give them to your friends who are based here in GenSan.  It’s your call.

Again, thanks for joining and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  MABUHAY tayong lahat! See you for the 3rd Blogoversary!!

The generals had a field day yesterday with so many venues on where to watch the Pacquiao-Cotto fight live telecast to choose from.  The luckiest and happiest of them though are those we were able to view it inside the airconditioned GenSan Gym for FREE, instead of having to wait for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight replay on GMA-TV 8 in the afternoon.

Sponsored again by the combined forces of the local government unit of General Santos City and the Congressional Office of the First District of South Cotabato, the Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast at the gym gathered more than 10,000 cheering generals, the biggest crowd that a Pacquiao fight has amassed so far in the venue.

The GenSan Gym gates were opened to the public as early as 7:30am and 8,000 people immediately filled up Mindanao’s biggest airconditioned public enclosure.  Two thousand more who couldn’t be accomodated inside had to make do with the television sets scattered on the lawn and at the gym lobby.

Joining them were Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, Mayor Jun Acharon and wife, Dr. Rose; and former Mayor Adelbert Antonino who sat at the lower box portion at the rear end of the gymnasium.

Bariles also noticed the presence of City Councilor Odjok Acharon and City Councilor Nepnep Natividad who came with her hubby, the former Councilor Chito Natividad in the same section.

There were four undercards before the main headliners and when it already lunch time when the Pacquiao-Cotto fight commenced.  This did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Manny’s townmates and with every punch that he delivers, they collectively shout and cheer for him as if he could hear them and for every blow that he suffers, they all together flinch and feel his pain.

When it was evident that all the cards are stacked in Pacman’s favor and that the Pacquiao-Cotto fight is history in the making, no one inside the GenSan gym was sitting anymore.

Everybody was on their feet, cheering and yelling Manny’s name, clapping as if there was no tomorrow, beaming with pride at the thought that once again, their fellow general from the Tuna Capital has brought glory and honor to his beloved country – winning his 7th world title in his 7th weight division!

When it was all over, there was only one thing in most of the men’s minds at the gym – to watch the Pacquiao-Cotto replay video on GMA-8 GenSan which has began airing the delayed telecast of the fight.

A good number have began planning to visit the Maranao stalls at the Central Public Market and at the KCC Parking Area as soon as possible and check if there are available Pacquiao-Cotto replay videos (pirated of course) on DVD or CD’s for sale.

Kudos to the Task Force Champ for the orderly and peaceful conduct of the Live Telecast of the Pacquiao-Cotto Fight at the GenSan Gym.  Headed by Chief of Staff of the City Mayor’s Office, Mr. Ernie Quisay, this group is now getting ready for the Grand Hero’s Welcome that will greet Manny Pacquiao when he returns soon to GenSan.

Meanwhile here is the  Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Video Replay for your enjoyment.  Watch it now before it gets booted off this blog

The HBO highlights video below…

From my collegue Elmer Cequena‘s blog, GenSanLand, is the list of the creme of the crop of high school students from General Santos City who made it to the TOP 16 List of candidates for the 2009 GSC Junior Officials.

This yearly search for the best and brightest among the young generals is undertaken by the local government of GenSan through the Youth Affairs and Development Office under the City Mayor’s Office, to enable them to immerse themselves in the different positions of elected government officials for a week.  In short, for five working days, they will be “taking over” the duties and functions of the mayor, the vice mayor and the 12 city councilors.

"Last year's GSC Junior Officials taking oath with Mayor Jun Acharon"

Here is what GenSanLand has to say about the screenings:

After the rigorous competitive examination last October 7, 2009 and the interview held last October 16, 2009, we now came up with the results of the search for this year’s elite GSC Junior Officials. The final results were taken up by summing up the competitive examination (60%) and the interview (40%).

From a total of 110 applicants coming from the different high schools in the city, we shortlisted it to 30 after the competitive examination. After the interview phase, we again shortlisted it to 16 which is the same number of elected and ex-officio officials in the GSC local government. Congratulations!

Bariles was privileged to be part of the panel of interviewees and he was very much delighted with the quality of the applicants this year, especially in terms of being vocal in their ambition to effect change in their surroundings and in their communities.  KUDOS TO THEM AND TO ALL THE WINNERS!

The TOP 16 Candidates to the Search for the 2009 General Santos City Junior Officials are:

1. Ava Clarisse B. Santander - Mindanao State University-CETD – 85.50%
2. Jessica Danielle G. Datoon – NDDU – IBED Espina Campus – 84.90%
3. Ron Salvador Facturan – Shalom Crest Wizard Academy – 83.30%
4. Peter Chrysologus C. Diaz – Mindanao State University-CETD – 83.10%
5. Justin S. Manching – NDDU – IBED Lagao Campus – 83.00%
6. Kamila Mae D. Gonzales – ND – Sienna College of GSC – 82.70%
7. Joanna Carla M. Estorninos – NDDU – IBED Lagao Campus – 82.40% (voted Junior City Mayor)
8. Fernnie M. Magalona – Mindanao State University-CETD – 82.00%
9. Shyn Marie S. Ebol – Mindanao State University-CETD – 81.87% (voted Junior Vice Mayor)
10. Jennifer Galia – Holy Trinity College of GSC – 81.50%
11. Kim Nyree l. Chiew – GS Hope Christian School – 81.40%
12. Danny L. Mianagua, Jr. – Labangal National High School – 81.30%
13. Richel N. Pedregosa – NDDU – IBED Lagao Campus – 81.10%
14. Sheena Amor Seneres – ND – Sienna College of GSC – 80.60%
15. Churchill John L. Tabuada – Labangal National High School – 80.40%
16. Hannah Gleenah D. Yumang- Holy Trinity College of GSC – 79.90%

The Mindanao State University-CETD lead the finalists with four students from the school making it, led by topnotcher Ava Clarisse Santander.

They are followed by NDDU-IBED Lagao Campus with three of its top students getting into the Magic 16.

Then, Sienna College of GSC, Holy Trinity College and Labangal National High School follow suit with two students each landing a slot in the elite group.

The rest, Shalom Crest Wizard Academy, Holy Trinity College, and Hope Christian School round up the remaining slots with one student each.

These students will then be voting among themselves who they believe is fit for the role of Junior Mayor, Junior Vice Mayor and the 14 Junior members of the City Council.

TRIVIA:

Past members of the GSC Junior Officials are:

• ABS-CBN Field Reporter Chat Ansagay, who became a UP Baguio alumnus;
• Former ABS-CBN Feature Writer and Host Gwyn Marie Ebol, who graduated from UP Diliman;
• Leigh Ann and Katherine Ann Grandeza, both Cum Laude grads of Immaculate Conception University Ateneo de Davao University;
• Jeffrey Paulo Sunglao, now marketing manager of family-owned Paseo del Sol, Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs and Ranchero Grill;
• Rom Kenneth Sales, graduated Magna Cum Laude from NDDU;
• Lt. Jeremy de Guzman, former Junior City Mayor and PMA Graduate;
• Eric Gerard Nebran, former Junior City Councilor, graduated as Magna Cum Laude and now Professor of NDDU;
• Roberto Sabido and Donna Ann Balboa, former Junior Councilors who moved on and graduated from UP Diliman;
• Former Junior City Mayor Mark Joseph Boayes, the first graduate of the prestigious Maritime Academy of the Philippines who hails from GenSan!

If you have more to add in the list of noteworthy achievers and former GSC Junior City Officials, just leave a message below.

Meanwhile, as constant reader Fahdingding always say, “Dapat ito silang i-CLAP CLAP!”

MABUHAY ANG MGA BAGO AT DATING MGA JUNIOR GSC CITY OFFICIALS AT ANG YADO NA NAGPAPATAKBO NITO!!!

There’s really no stopping KCC Mall of GenSan in its series of moves to maintain its hold as GenSan’s #1 shopping destination.

Just recently it increased the frequency of featuring the performances of stand-up comedians, famous singers, and bands during weekends.  KCC’s managers have also wisened up a bit by giving their shoppers preference in assigning FREE SEATS to these mini-concerts.

Case in point is the band HALE which performs on Sunday Saturday at the KCC Events and Convention Center.  Check out the poster below and read the fine print at the bottom.

"HALE'S poster for their KCC

The poster goes on to say that “for every single purchase of p300 at KCC Department Store“, a shopper can get a FREE TICKET PASS to the concert.

On a recent visit this wee, Bariles noticed that a booth was set up beside the Jollibee fastfoods on the lower ground floor to facilitate and give out the tickets to the Hale Concert.  This is actually better than just offering the concert for FREE to anybody.  With this set-up, their avid customers who actually do regular shopping will ultimately feel that they are being rewarded for their loyalty.

As for KCC Mall of GenSan, this clever move of tying up the concert with the amount of purchases will not only mean increased sales only during the concert day itself but all throughout the duration of the promotion.

Four more days to go and it will be Sunday, November 15, 2009 (Philippine Time), the time most Filipinos here and around the world have been waiting for – the day when their modern-day sports hero will go for his 7th Title, the moment when the Pacquiao-Cotto fight (Firepower) takes centerstage with the promise of giving the whole boxing world a spectacle will never forget.

Not everyone can be in Las Vegas for the actual fight and so the rest of the world have to content themselves with watching it on Pay-per-view via cable or satellite.

Here in General Santos, some people who could afford it, pay an additional fee to Sky Cable to be given the chance to watch the Pacquiao-Cotto match at the comfort of their homes.   On the other hand, as an alternative to that, a good number of GenSan restaurants, bars and cinemas will be showing it to their patrons and guests, for a fee of course.

To aid you in choosing the GenSan Restaurants, or Bars and other establishments offering “Pacquiao-Cotto” Live Telecasts, here are some of them:

Orange Bistro charges P150 for its Pacquiao-Cotto Live Pay-per-view, as its poster says below.  For reservations, call 301-5555.

"Orange Bistro's Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast Promo Poster"

Mr. Bigshots inside the NCCC Compound has two choices for its customers, P175 for its non-aircon venue and P200 if you want the air-conditioned comfort of its ICONS Bar.  The ticket price is inclusive of an Ostrich Burger and Juice or Beer.

"Mr. BigShots different promo packages for their Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast"

Babes Bar at the East Asia Royale Arcade charges P200 for its patrons who want a disco bar setting while watching Pacquiao slug it out with Cotto.  Their poster below does not say if the price comes with a free drink though.

"Babes Bar at East Asia Royale Hotel Arcade's Pacquiao-Cotto PROMO"

Family Country Hotel and Convention Center offers Free-Flowing Coffee or Iced Tea and Heavy Snacks for only P300 for its Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast inside its Executive Ballroom.

"Family Country Hotel and Convention Center's Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast PROMO"

Tierra Montana Hotel, along the National Highway will hold its Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast inside its newly-renovated and more spacious air-conditioned hall.  Although its poster below doesn’t indicate it, they will charge P200 per patron, who will get a free bottle of softdrinks or beer.

"Tierra Montana Hotel, the newest kid on the block joins the "Pacquiao-Cotto" Fight Pay-per-view Promo"

Even Manny Pacquiao’s business establishments are joining the fray.  Check these out!

JMix RestoBar located at the 2nd floor of their JMP2 Building at the corner of Aparente Avenue and Provido Village can only accommodate a few customers.  This must be a pay-as-you-order type of promo.

"Manny Pacquiao's newly-opened Jmix Resto Bar at JMP2 Building in Aparente Avenue also offers live telecast of his fight against Cotto."

For his old neighborhood in Barangay Labangal, Manny Pacquiao’s PACMAN CONVENIENCE STORE only charges P100 for entry to the 2nd floor hall equipped with monobloc chairs.  That’s good enough if you just live nearby.

"Pacman Convenience Store offers Pacquiao's old neighborhood friends a cheaper alternative at P100."

KCC Mall of GenSan Cinema offers the airconditioned comfort of their huge Events and Convention Center for only P100, according to their poster below.

"KCC Events and Convention Center is another cheap alternative to watching the LIVE TELECAST of the Pacquiao-Cotto Fight."

Robinsons Place GenSan Movieworld offers its luxurious upholstered seats and cinema ambience for their own Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Live Telecast to the tune of P250.  Below is their poster.

"Robinsons Movieworld's Ticket Price for the Pacquiao-Cotto Fight Pay-per-view is P250"

Now, to which of these GenSan Restaurants and other establishments offering “Pacquiao-Cotto” Fight Live Telecasts PROMOS would you go?  More will be added here so check back often….

The most anticipated comedy in showbiz these days will finally be shown nationwide tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

The movie, “Ang Tanging Pamilya (Marry-Go-Around)” topbilling Comedy Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas with former President Erap Estrada and some of televisions’s up and coming young stars, has been marketed so heavily on national television that even Bariles is eagerly awaiting its release in GenSan‘s Robinsons and KCC Cinemas.

"The official poster of Ang Tanging Pamilya (Marry-Go-Around)"

What he and other Pinoys are much excited about however, is the presence of the mother of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao who is now also a celebrity in her own right, Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao in the movie.  Her role is a major one since she plays the mother of Sam Milby and the wife of Miguel Faustmann, the actor who essayed the role of “David Garcia” in the hit telenovela, “Tayong Dalawa”.

Star Cinema who produced the movie, brought all the movie’s performers and crew to General Santos City during the first week of September to shoot some scenes here.  Apparently, this was in deference to Mommy Dionisia’s request to shoot all her scenes here at her beloved hometown.

And so they all flew in -  all the members of the production crew, Director Wenn Deramas, Erap, Ai-ai, Sam Milby, Toni Gonzaga, Kaye Brosas, Candy Pangilinan, plus all the young actors and actresses who played Ai-ai and Erap’s children.

They shot at the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church (for the “PAMANHIKAN” of Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga); at the East Asia Royale Hotel; at Paseo del Sol and in some of the major thoroughfares of the city (since Erap was playing the role of a jeepney driver).

Erap, on the other hand, took time to join the festivities of the 11th Tuna Festival happening at that time and gave the Keynote Speech during the culmination program at the GenSan Oval Plaza.

Here are some pics Bariles took at the Lagao church and some of the pics from the Paseo del Sol shoot, courtesy of Paolo Sunglao.  Thanks Paolo.  Now get your fill of Dionisia Pacquiao pictures below…

"Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Lagao spruced up for the Sam-Toni Wedding Shoot"

"Camera crew setting up their lights while extras (mostly Lagao parish workers) keep themselves busy."

"Ai-ai delas Alas makes face at Bariles' camera while entering the Lagao Church from the side entrance."

"The entry of Dona Dionisia Pacquiao in a glittery sequinned dress. Laban ka?"

"Dona Dionisia Pacquiao meets the family of Ai-ai at the center of the Lagao church in this photo. With her is onscreen husband Miguel Faustman, the father of Sam in the movie. He played the famous "David Garcia Sr." role in the teleserye "Tayong Dalawa"."

"Ai-ai with Kaye Brosas who appears as her best friend in the movie"

"The jeep of Erap while parked at the Paseo del Sol compound where they shot for two days"

"Donya Dionisia Pacquiao performing the Singkil/Tinikling at the wedding reception for Sam & Toi at Paseo del Sol."

"Hail Princess Dionisia Pacquiao!!!"

"Donya Dionisia Pacquiao all dressed up for her first meeting with her son Sam Milby's in-laws. That's her real life NANNY."

"Sam Milby while being readied for his scene at Paseo del Sol"

"Mommy Dionisia with onscreen hubby Miguel Faustmann aka David Garcia and Ai-ai's two onscreen sons."

"Mommy Dionisia and her "ANITO LOOK" with onscreen daughter-in-law Toni Gonzaga at the veranda of Paseo del Sol."

"The meeting of the two families during the Pamanhikan at Paseo del Sol."

MORE PICS TO FOLLOW…. Check back later! Meanwhile, here is the trailer.

The Department of Health is financing the renovation of the FRONTAGE of the General Santos City Hospital amounting to P13.5 million, this according to GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon, when interviewed by media personnel during an ocular inspection of the said construction.

The amount mentioned will fund the construction of the hospital frontage with new lobby PLUS a much bigger Emergency Room and  Out-Patient Department.  The budget’s release was facilitated by Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio of the First District of South Cotabato.

"GenSan City Mayor during his ocular of the ongoing renovation of the lobby of the City Hospital"

The mayor also remarked that the GenSan City hospital aims to continually improve the delivery of health services not only to the people of GenSan but to those from the nearby provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato.

This new project comes right after the completion of the initial phase of the hospital’s expansion, which is the additional two-storey building facility and  new medical equipment funded by the city to the tune of P15 million.  That project was inagurated last February 2009.  READ the story by JUST SIMPLY CLICKING HERE.

For the next phase of improvements, the Mayor plans to address the Manpower problem, including his plan to appeal to the Civil Service Commission to exclude medical workers in the implementation of Salary Caps.  An additional Operating Room is also on the pipeline to give room to more surgical services.

At the end of November, the hospital should also expect for the arrival of a 400KVA Generator to make the new Intensive Care Unit 100% functional.

Currently, the 150-bed capacity hospital has been receiving an average of 250 patients.  Thus, this is another thrust of the local government – to increase its capacity.  The mayor revealed that two years ago, Philhealth claims averaged only 200 per day.  Now it has gone up to 550 to 600 claims.  This could be due to the increase in the city’s population and the inclusion of  more indigents into the Philhealth Program of President GMA.

Lastly, the mayor also said that Fernandez Street which is the access road to the hospital from the National Highway is also undergoing repairs and is scheduled to be completed by January 2010, part of the local government’s improvement drive of the city’s road network.

Today, November 8, 2009 marks a special milestone in the history of this blog!

It is the SECOND BIRTHDAY or BLOGOVERSARY of GenSan News Online Mag!!!!

Who would have thought that this blog would have gone this far since that time when a tech-challenged newbie blogger who called himself BARILES, first published an entry entitled, “Banana Snack Vendors at the Oval Plaza Court” in a blog he named as BARILES REPUBLIC, An Idiot’s Guide to Gen. Santos City?

The article contained a single picture of a young man buying turon from a vendor at the city oval plaza and about four sentences describing the scene.  So far, it has elicited four responses from readers, starting from this blog’s very first commenter, Arfel Paqueo who was then and until now, a resident of Canada.

Bariles’  plan was to showcase, through the photos he will publish in the blog,  positive images of his city and was targetting generals who are based outside of GenSan, mainly OFWs and people like Arfel, who have permanently moved abroad.

Bariles was also incharged of the news updates of the local government website  (http://www.gensantos.gov.ph) which he felt was stifling since all he could put there was hard news and he could not interact with his readers.  He wanted something with a personal approach and only a BLOG could do that.

"The old header for Bariles Republic's GenSantos.Com"

The little blog went on to be called Bariles Republic’s GenSantos.com and finally, GenSan News Online Mag.

He realized that he wanted it to be a Magazine about GenSan on the internet, where people can search for articles about places to go, dine, visit in GenSan and find developmental news and positive feature articles about the Tuna Capital. And with GenSan being the hometown of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, it should also be a source of info about him.

"The latest GenSan News Online Mag Header"

534 POSTS & 11,000 COMMENTS:

For the past two years since he started his personal blog, Bariles, has single-handedly written 534 posts, and has received 11,032 comments from his readers.  This doesn’t include the private email he received from all over the globe, most of which were messages of thanks and gratitude from people who appreciated the blog’s worth.

HALF A MILLION VISITS:

GenSan News Online Mag has also received 542,267 visits since December 2007, according to stats released by Bravenet, an Internet visitor-counter widget.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

On its first year, the blog won as one of the TOP 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2008.  For 2009, it garnered three awards at the Philippine Blog Awards:  the Readers’ Choice Award for Mindanao; the Best Destination Blog for Mindanao and one of the 10 Globe Tattoo Digital Tribe awardees for Mindanao.

"Bariles and his trophies at the Philippine Blog Awards"

Whew!

Therefore, in gratitude for all of these and in celebration of its 2nd Blogoversary, GenSan News Online Mag is running an ULTIMATE GREETING CONTEST much like the one during the first blogoversary.

Here are the mechanics:

1. Only subscribers to GenSan News Online Mag are eligible to join the Ultimate Greeting Contest.
2. Subscribers may post their Blogoversary Greetings on the Message Box below.
3. The most unique, most touching and most well-written greetings will win prizes.
4. Contest period is from November 8 – 14, 2009.
5. Winners will be announced on November 16, 2009.
6. The decision of the judges will be final.
7. Prizes are transferrable.

Here are the simple prizes:

GRAND PRIZE:

One Free Day Tour for Two to Lake Sebu with Lunch at Punta Isla Lake Resort. Package includes a zipline ride and a trip to the Seven Falls.  Sponsored by Zion Travel and Tours owned by Bariles’ BFF Francis Sablon.  Roundtrip transfer starts from Koronadal City to Lake Sebu.

PLATINUM PRIZES:

• One Free Overnight Stay for Two with Complimentary Breakfast at Dolores Tropicana Resort Hotel, Tambler, General Santos City.  This is sponsored by the Dolores Hotels and Resorts.
• One Free Overnight Stay at Lemlunay Dive Resort, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani Province, courtesy of Miss Michelle Lopez-Solon of Go Sarangani Travel and Tours. (NEW)

GOLD PRIZE:

Three (3) FREE Slots for a Short Course on either Photo-editing with Adobe Photoshop CS or Basic Web Design at the ACLC College, Magsaysay Avenue, GenSan.  This is sponsored by Atty. and Mrs. Rey and Maya Cartojano.

SILVER PRIZES:

• Three (3) “Eat-All-You-Can” Lunch for Two, from Arnevel’s Restaurant, National Highway, GenSan.
• One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Grab-A-Crab Restaurant, Robinsons Place GenSan.  Sponsored by Mr. Michael Wee, owner.
• One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Giacominos Pizza, Robinsons Place GenSan.  Sponsored by Ms. Aymie Bartolome, owner.
• One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Sunset Bistro, Robinsons Place GenSan.  Sponsored by Ms. Petit Veneracion of Sud-An Resto Grill.
• One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Orange Bistro, Lagao, National Highway, GenSan.  Sponsored by Ms. Cathy Teng.
• One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Ranchero Grill GenSan or Davao, sponsored by Mr. Paolo Sunglao.
• One (1)  “Dinner for Two” at O-ohlang Native Grill and Seafoods Restaurant, NCCC Compound, National Highway.  Sponsored by Ms. Baby Ayon.
• One (1) “Dinner for Two” at Gio Mongolian Grill, Tiongson Arcade, Tiongson Street, Lagao, GenSan.  Sponsored by Allan Sanidad.
• Gift Certificates from “Genee’s Fastfoods” and “Ice Crops-Robinsons“, courtesy of Mr. Rey Billena.
• Six Toppings/Sizzler Meals at Junji Oriental Fusion, Robinsons Foodcourt, sponsored by Chimes Concept Events Management.
• One(1) Gift Certificate from Bread and Music Box Family KTV, sponsored by Ms. Armie Royeca.
• Three (3) Gift Certificates from Kakanin, Atbp., thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Chito and Junith Bugayong.
• Two (2) Gift Certificates from Thirsty Fresh Fruit Juices;
• Two (2) Gift Certificates from Fonti Coffee Shop-Robinsons.

DIAMOND PRIZES:

• Five (5) CD’s of Centerpoint Band‘s first album, “Paper Floors“, courtesy of their manager, Ms. Geraldine Oville.
• One (1) Bestseller from KnowRead-KnoWrite, from blog author Gilbert Tan.
• One (1) Free Make-over Gift Certificate from Envy Me Salon, Robinsons, courtesy of Ms. Donna Mae Congson.
• Token from ABS-CBN Socsksargen, through Station Manager Ms. Annie Solon.
• Tokens from GMA-8 GenSan, through Station Manager Mariles Fuentebela.
• Token from Gandaeversomuch.com of Mr. Orman Manansala.
• Token from Google Philippines, courtesy of Google Phils Consultant Aileen Apolo.

TITANIUM PRIZES:

• Three (3) Free Domain Names from Jehzreel Laurente, of Jehzlau Concepts.
• Three (3) Free Premium WordPress Themes from Ms. ChiQ Montes of WPThemeDesigner.Com.
• One (1) Free Domain Name and Free Hosting (One Year) , from GenSanSale.com and Nokiahost.com, of Job Oberio.

Thanks to all the friends of Bariles who whole-heartedly gave us these prizes.  A few more will be added.   But as for now, go on and start writing your messages right away!

Happy 2nd Blogoversary GenSan News Online Mag!  We rock!  We really, really rock!

This just in!!!

The Dadiangas Baptist Church, which is celebrating her 46th Anniversary this year, is sponsoring General Santos City’s very own Centerpoint Band in their thanksgiving concert entitled “Centerpoint on Centerstage”.

A joint project with Manny Pacquaio and Denville Music and Production, the concert takes off at 7pm tonight, November 8, 2009, at the KCC Mall of GenSan Events and Convention Center.

Centerpoint Band in Concert Poster

The Centerpoint Band will also formally  launch their first CD, “Paper Floors” during the concert and will perform songs from the album including carrier single, “Kaibigan Ko“, which the group performed when they guested at SHARON on ABS-CBN.

The Centerpoint Band CD Cover

Other performers are DJ Gor, Shikainah Jacob, Metanoeo Band, King’s Warriors, GenSan Pop Idols and Teatro Ambahanon.

A Donor Ticket is priced at P500 and comes with a copy of the “Paper Floors” CD.

Here is what the band’s Multiply site has to say  about them:

Centerpoint is a band of five young musicians from General Santos City that plays modern rock music.

Though they draw from a varied number of influences, their raw talent shines through as they deliver a fresh sound that is uniquely their own—melodic, multidimensional and infectiously positive.

These long-time friends formally started as a band in March 2007 when they joined the Globe-organized “Kantabataan,” a national song writing competition. Centerpoint represented Gensan and Mindanao all the way to the finals. Their entry “Ipakita” ranked second-best in the competition. Soon after, the song hit the airwaves nationwide and was later included in their debut album.

Emerging as church musicians, the band pursued their passion of making music in the indie-rock genre that they love to do best. The band writes and arranges its own music, individually or by collaboration.

A testament to the band’s gift both as musicians and songwriters, Centerpoint recently released their full-length and all-original debut album “Paper Floors” under Denville Music and Production, a Gensan-based independent label.

“Paper Floors” is straightforward yet profound, an album that speaks on themes like love, everyday life and relationships. Its carrier single “Kaibigan Ko,” a friendship rock anthem, is already hitting the charts in local radio stations.

This promising band is well on their way to becoming Gensan’s next big thing, after breaking grounds as the first local band to record an album and steadily go mainstream.

They currently dominate the local scene with gigs that include government-sponsored shows, corporate events, and fronting for major concerts of the country’s musical icons.

Asked why Centerpoint, the band agreed to have a name that should remind them of who they are and what they hope to accomplish. That is, to spread the message of love and hope that would influence people to see the positive side of life.

At the core of Centerpoint is a genuine substance that aims for lasting significance.

Centerpoint Band is composed of the following talented generals:

DEANE FELIX GARCES. Deane, on lead vocals, is a registered nurse and works as a vocal coach in a music school. Born in Mati, Davao Oriental, he is 26 years old and has a twin sister.

DWIGHT JOSHUA MILLANA. Dwightie, the youngest member at 21 years old, plays the lead guitar and considered to be the band’s main songwriter.

KEITH MARK FERIA. Keith, on bass guitar, is a 22-year old native of Cotabato City. He is currently an Architecture student but already an accomplished 3D artist and architectural draft technician.

AVERY JIREH DOCENA. Avery, the band’s 22-year old drummer, is a photography buff and into desktop publishing.

JULIUS PALER. Julius, the 26-year old band leader, is on rhythm guitar and vocals. He is a licensed nurse and teaches nursing subjects in a local university. He was born in Iligan City and raised in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

For more info about the band, check their profiles on the following sites:

• CENTERPOINT on MULTIPLY
• CENTERPOINT on FACEBOOK
• CENTERPOINT on FRIENDSTER

For inquiries, here are their contact information:

• Email Address – centerpointband_01@yahoo.com / denville.philippines@gmail.com
• Friendster Account – centerpointband_01@yahoo.com
• Multiply Account – www.thecenterpointband.multiply.com
• Contact Number – Geraldine Oville (Manager / Denville Music Production) – 09165188817
• Other Phone Number – 083-302-4183
• Address – DBC Life Centerpoint, Balimbing Balagtas 02 st. (Gensan City, 9500)

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES

Please Contact: MS. GERALDINE S. OVILLE (Manager)

Mobile #: +63916-518-8817

Tel #: (083)-304-4852

Email Address: denville.philippines@gmail.com

Her Mailing Address:

DBC Life’s Centerpoint

#02 Balagtas Street

Gensan City, 9500

Barely a week before the Pacquiao-Cotto fight in Las Vegas on November 15, 2009 (Philippine time), Manny Pacquiao once again proves that he is very much a hot media copy by landing the covers of the next issue of the Asian edition of TIME Magazine!

To hit the newsstands over the weekend, this issue is only the the 10th time that a boxer was featured on the cover of TIME.  It is also only the second time that a Filipino celebrity made it.

The first time a Filipino was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine was in 1986 when then Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino was declared as the magazine’s WOMAN OF THE YEAR!

This time around, the TIME Magazine cover carries the blurb, “THE GREAT HOPE“, in reference to Manny Pacquiao as the Filipino’s icon for a better life, a better tomorrow.

Bariles personally met Ishaan Tharoor, one of the two writers of the article, when he flew in to General Santos City during the first week of October to interview some people who knew the Pacman.

The Indian writer had earlier asked an audience with GenSan City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. Bariles received him first at the mayor’s office since the mayor was still on a meeting.  Later on, he joined the two gentlemen while the interview was being conducted at the chief executive’s conference room.

The article which Tharoor co-write is entitled “THE MEANING OF MANNY“, and chronicled Manny Pacquiao’s rise from poverty to his present status.   It dealt not only with him but the people surrounding him, including Freddy Roach, Mike Konch, his mother Dionisia, Governor Chavit Singson, among other people.

It also speaks lenghtily on his upcoming second foray into politics and although the writers were ambivalent about his chances, they both agree that the 2010 elections will have to be “the fight of his life“.

To read the TIME Magazine article, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Yesterday, November 5, 2009, ABS-CBN’S BANDILA featured a news report by its sporstcaster/correspondent Dyan Castillejo at the General Santos City Fishport Development Complex, or simply GenSan Fishport.  The report was headlined, “GIANT TUNA” and introduced by anchor Henry Omaga-Diaz.

The report gives us a quick and amusing look on the unloading of these giant tuna (30 kgs-70kgs up) from the handline fishing boats which have just arrived from their 2-month expedition on the high seas.

Special focus was given on the men whose work is to carry each tuna individually on their shoulders and deliver them inside Market One where it is weighed, graded, traded and prepared for shipment or delivery to the tuna processors inside the GenSan Fishport Complex.

Dyan Castillejo even gamely tried to carry one giant tuna from one of the handline vessels like these men do.  Did she succeed?  Watch this video to find out. (Source: ABSCBN News.)

GenSan and now Sarangani resident Manny Pacquiao who is in the United States right now to conclude his preparations for his November 15, 2009 fight with Miguel Cotto guested very recently on Jimmy Kimmel Live.  The program on American TV channel ABC is a late night comedy talk show hosted by (you guessed it right) Jimmy Kimmel.

The People’s Champ who was relaxed and played it cool during the 10-minute guesting (obviously ready for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight), was able to charm his way into the hearts of the Americans during his interview with the comic host and eventually delivered the knockout punch with his rendition of the song, “Sometimes When We Touched”.

Here is the first of the 3-part Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live video of that guesting, which we got from Jimmy Kimmel’s YouTube account.

Here is the second part of the Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live video…

Here is the most exciting and last part of the Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live video where he sang and eventually, raised his pogi points on American soil. Thanks to Visiontellie for this link.

But if you want the whole 10-minute Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live video, check this out. Thanks to Pure Manila.