GenSan News Online Mag

GenSan News Online Mag is inviting all its readers to tune in for the LIVE STREAMING of the SEARCH FOR THE QUEEN OF MINDANAO FESTIVALS, an official event of the ongoing Kalilangan Festival 2010, which is unfurling at the atrium of the Robinsons Place – General Santos City.

The date:  Friday, February 26, 2010.

The time: 3:00pm, Philippine time (GMT +8).

This historical milestone, the LIVE STREAMING of the Queen of Mindanao Festivals 2010, in the two-year old life of this blog is made possible through the technical assistance of Blogger Lyle Santos and with the encouragement of Bloggers Dulce Rose Lada, Chattee Lara, Ria Jose, Brendel Balaga and Angel Abella.

Providing the WI-FI connection is Donna Mae Congson‘s Piyesta KTV Resto Bar and Envy Me Salon, both at Robinsons.

In celebration of the 71st Founding Anniversary of General Santos City and the Kalilangan Festival 2010, KCC Mall of GenSan is bringing the famous band SUGARFREE to mount a concert here!

The Sugarfree Concert will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 starting from 8pm at the KCC Convention and Events Center.  This is right after the Grand Fireworks at the the Ceremonial Closing of the Kalilangan Festival at the Oval Plaza.

How to get a FREE TICKET to the concert?

As their poster says, “For every P300 single purchase at the KCC Department Store, you can get a ticket.  There is however, a maximum of 5 tickets per receipt.  THESE TICKETS ARE NOT FOR SALE.

For inquiries, you may call KCC Mall of GenSan at their Trunk Line 554-5555.

The Kalilangan 2010 Festival is now on high gear as the city’s multi-awarded dance- theater ensemble, Teatro Ambahanon opens its newest offering to the public today, Wednesday, February 24, 2010 after a highly-succesful private dinner show last night.

A Philippines Festival Arts Presentation, in celebration of NCAA’s National Arts Month, TECLA, is an original full-length contemporary ballet from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College’s resident performing arts group.

For the very affordable prize of P50, you may choose to watch either the 2:00pm or 6:00pm performances of Teatro Ambahanon’s TECLA at the air-conditioned KCC Convention and Activity Center, 3rd Floor, KCC Mall of GenSan.

Wow!  That’s even cheaper than watching a movie!  And besides, you will be amazed at how far our very own and home-based dance artists of Teatro Ambahanon nurtured by the likes of RMMC Resident Director Bing Carino and CEMCDO’s Egai Cadiente have gone and why they deserve all those accolades from various award-winning bodies!

Halina’t mag-Kalilangan!!!  Panoorin ang talentong-GenSan!

Friday, February 26, 2010 is a Muslim Holiday, in observance of Maulidin Nabi or birthday of Proplet Mohammad (Peace be upon him), corresponding to the 12th day of Rab’ ul Awwal, 1430 Hijra.

This, according to Memorandum No. OMMA2010-FEB-IGST-0020 to the City Government Employees of General Santos City, signed by Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.

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

The Memo is dated February 19, 2010 and was released after a letter from the Office Of Muslim Affairs Field Director Guialil R. Kanda informing the Mayor of the holiday.

This then gives everyone an excuse to go out and party on Friday, February 26 which incidentally is the eve of the Kalilangan 2010 Festival.

One of last Valentine’s Day‘s most patronized GenSan restaurants featured here is Red Trellis Seafood Garden.

According to owner George and Joni Sandoval, their Valentines Seafood Buffet attracted a lot of hungry customers who filled every nook and cranny of their garden restaurant that  due to public demand, they are offering another one during this Kalilangan 2010 Weekend.

This time, it’s the Kalilangan Seafood Buffet!!!

At P350 per head, you may again partake of all the seafood you can eat- crabs, prawns, squid, tuna, bangus, tilapia, name it!  The fee comes with drinks, too.

For reservations, please call this famous GenSan restaurant at (083) 302-2722 or 0922-9914131.

So what are you waiting for, reserve your tables now because for sure Red Trellis Seafood Garden will be jampacked with diners again!  You do not want to be late, do you?

Halina’t mag-Kalilangan!  Tayo na’t mag-Kainan sa Red Trellis ng GenSan!!!!

Give it to hotelier Romeo “Rombar” Bartolome for putting GenSan in the map as the country’s “FOAM PARTY CAPITAL”!!!

For the past Tuna and Kalilangan Festivals plus the holidays in between, East Asia Royale Hotel‘s top honcho has been giving us spectacular and fun-driven foam parties never ever seen in other cities elsewhere in the region. If the street parties are the gauge to the vibrancy of a city’s night life, then GenSan should be the newest  most “happening” city this side of Mindanao!

For Kalilangan Festival 2010, Rombar has prepared two nights of heavy foam-partying, complete with a Manila-based band again.  This time, it is the turn of TRUE FAITH Band to turn the heat up and lead the merry-making for the generals on Kalilangan night!

On Thursday, February 26, 2010, the first night of the Kalilangan 2010 Foam Party at the East Asia Royale Hotel Car Lot, D’ Base Band of Davao City and GenSan’s Toolbox Band will be the entertainers.

On Friday, February 27, 2010, its the turn of TRUE FAITH Band and Birdseye Band to keep people from leaving the dance floor below them.

By the way, tickets to the Kalilangan 2010 Foam Parties are available at the East Asia Royale Hotel and the Giacomino’s Pizza oulets.  They cost only P100.

Happy Kalilangan Foam-Partying guys!!  Get soaked and have fun!!!

Last week’s State of the City Address (SOCA) is the 9^th and the last delivery of the Honorable PEDRO B. ACHARON, JR. as City Mayor of General Santos City.

The SOCA was delivered at the SP Session Hall of the New Legislative Building.  Two days prior to that, at the inauguration of the new building, he remarked that the state of the city for the Year of Legacy will occur at the building which is testament to the stability of the local government of General Santos City.

Here is a short synopsis of the State of the City Address (SOCA) of the Mayor for GenSan.  Thanks to Millette Kaindoy, Goddess of Milk Maidens.

RE-ENGINEERING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

The SOCA first reported on the efforts of re-engineering the local government organization that made its personnel customer focused through the Total Quality Service of the Organizational Development Program.

The result of the redesigning has reaped tremendous positive gains for the city quantified according to the City Development Strategies of Good Governance, Competitiveness, Bankability and Livability.

INVESTMENTS SOARED

The city has become more competitive as manifested in the number of new investments registered, tourist arrivals, employment generated, money in circulation, infrastructure development, agricultural sustainability and food security.

Total amount of investments for 2009 soared high with new businesses registering 1.397 Billion pesos capitalization. Weighing high on the investment scale is the wholesale and retail trade, which registered 577 new firms.

Hotel and restaurant industry came by leaps and bounds with 83% growth from last year’s 73 to 143 new firms this year. Community, social and personal services listed 261 new businesses. Total number of new businesses for 2009 is 1,259 indicating a 126% accomplishment vis-à-vis the 1,000 yearly target.

These new business registrants paid a total amount of 3.121 Million for taxes and fees and generated employment of about 3, 765 jobs.

Tourism investments posted more than 100% increase compared to 2008. Based on approved capitalization, new investments of 615 tourism-related establishments registered 274 Million pesos as compared to 137 Million pesos of 2008. These investments generated 1,084 jobs for the generals.

MORE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED

Most noted among its various achievements for 2009 are infrastructure project implementation by the government and the private sectors.

68 projects were implemented with a total contract cost of 240 million pesos of which 56 projects were completed. Most of the projects fall under Buildings and Other Structures, which account for about 52% of the total number of projects and 46% of the total contract costs.

Roads and Bridges represent about 35% of the total number of projects but 41% of the total project costs. By the year-end, an aggregate of 3.1 kilometers of roads were concrete-paved, 1 bridge was completed, 6.6 kilometers of farm-to-market road were improved and opened, a total of 1.4 lineal meters of sidewalk were constructed, 2 intersections were improved and traffic signal systems were installed.

Lastly, comprising the remaining 13% in the number of projects and in project costs are the construction of gabion dikes at Barangays Fatima, Mabuhay and San Jose amounting to 24.56 million pesos under our disaster preparedness and prevention projects charged to calamity fund.

BOOST IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Increased certified palay seed producers from 8 in 2008 to 17 in 2009 or an increase of 210%, thus ensuring continuous supply of certified seeds for our local rice producers.  Area of seed production likewise increased 137% from 16 hectares in 2008 to 22.00 hectares in 2009. Average yield per hectare increased by 124% from 6.30 metric tons per hectare in 2008 to 7.82 metric tons per hectare in 2009.

Under the animal health and disease control program, there were 32,395 vaccinations undertaken, 15,401 animals treated against different animal diseases, 33,051 given Vitamin Supplementation, 16,026 animals dewormed.

STATE OF EDUCATION STRENTHTENED

The city becomes increasingly livable as more Generals and their families enjoy a healthier and safer environment.  More Generals have access to health and medical services, more are able to send their children to school, more are able to live decently in homes within a secure community.

There was a 100% participation rate in our public early childhood education program. Participation rates for public elementary and secondary levels are at 93% and 80% respectively.

Two new schools were opened,  Dadiangas North High School that decongested Ireneo National High School, and Samboang-Ngilay High School at Barangay Batomelong.  These  were made possible through our local Special Education Fund and through the generosity of the Honorable Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND KIDS

6,749 pregnant women have been provided with pre-natal care at our public health facilities.  According to the 2007 NSO census, there are 65,506 children who are five years old and below; among these 58,774 or 90% of this age group are well nourished.   Of the 507 TB smear positive detected among the Generals, 411 have already been cured; thus reducing tuberculosis mortality rate in the city.

DISASTER PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS AND CRIME PREVENTION

All of our 26 barangays have disaster prevention and disaster preparedness plans.  THE PNP reported that of the 126 Index crimes committed, 117 have been solved, and of the 124 non-index crimes that occurred, 121 have been solved, giving a 93% and 98% crime solution efficiency, respectively.  This makes General Santos City a very livable city.

BILLIONAIRES CLUB

The city is in a healthy financial condition.  It is bankable.  Local revenue collection is at its highest which says much about the trustworthiness of the local government.  Thus, people are more willing to pay taxes and fees.

Year 2009 was when General Santos City hit the billion level in its revenue collection, a total of 1.238 billion pesos.  The first time in the history of the Local government unit, which include the share for the special education fund of 69.1 million pesos and 30.6 million pesos for the baragnay.

The net revenue of 1.138 billion pesos is 24.93% over our estimate, the highest ever.

The aggregate expenditure (2001-2009) was 6.259 billion pesos, of which:

• 36.89% or 2.309 billion pesos was used for general public services,
• 32% or 2.003 billion pesos for economic services, particularly on infrastructures;
• 23.52% or  1.472 for social services that include health and education programs;
• Finally 7.58% or half a billion pesos were used as statutory accounts such as calamity fund and interest payments.

According to the latest report from the City Bankers Association of General Santos (cbags), total money in circulation in 2007 reached 14.1 billion pesos and it increased to 16.9 billion pesos in 2008.  This is the combined total of peso and dollar deposits in the 45 banks operating in General Santos City.

In 2002, volume of deposit was only around 7 billion pesos.  we have doubled the volume of money in circulation in the city within 6-year’s time.

CLEARER PERSPECTIVE

In conclusion, there was also a short reiteration of the accomplishment highlights of the entire nine-year term GenSan Mayor Acharon.  This hindsight provides a clearer perspective in the continuity of programs and projects and its significance in the future development of General Santos City.

For the whole copy of the Mayor’s State of the City Address (SOCA) for 2010, scroll down…

SOCA 2010

In retaliation to Robinsons Place GenSan‘s month-long promotion for their Movieworld, “Barkada Treat” which gives away a FREE EXTRA MOVIE PASS for every 3 movie tickets purchased, KCC Mall of GenSan has also come up with theirs.

This puts KCC Mall of GenSan at par with Robinsons GenSan’s Movieworld‘s Valentine Month’s gimmick.

Now if they could only do something about their steep steps inside the moviehouses and their defective guide lights on the floors plus their opposition to allow food bought outside to be brought inside, then that would mean  that they really put the customer’s comfort, convenience and safety first and foremost on their minds.

Bariles hopes that this promotion won’t stop in February 29, 2010 for both KCC and Robinsons but will be a regular thing from that time on.

What do you think, dear readers?

For the interest of our South Central Mindanao OR SOCCSKSARGEN readers who have yet to make up their minds on whom to vote among their local candidates, we are releasing to you their names.

Thanks to Blogger Lyle Santos for the help in embedding the list of 2010 Soccsksargen Local Candidates here.

First table below is the list of South Cotabato’s local candidates, including General Santos City‘s at page 4 and that of Koronadal‘s.

SOUTHCOTABATOMUN

Next below is Sarangani Province’s Municipal Candidates…

SARANGANIMUN

The list of Municipal Candidates of North Cotabato plus those of Cotabato City local candidates and Kidapawan City local candidates follows below…

NORTHCOTABATOMUN

Finally the list of municipal candidates of the Province of Sultan Kudarat..

SULTANKUDARATMUN

Below are the Provincial and Congressional Candidates of Soccsksargen (1st & 2nd Districts of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani).

Remember to start writing down your preferences from this list of 2010 Soccsksargen Local Candidates, which includes the GenSan local candidates, in a paper so you do not have to cram during the day of elections.   Vote for the local 2010 candidates who have done much positive impact in your community, whether it’s in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Koronadal, Kidapawan, Cotabato or General Santos City.

Now if you want to find out who Bariles is voting for in General Santos City, all he could say is,  “Your guess is as good as mine’”.

Cheers!!! VOTE WISELY guys!!!

It’s all systems go for the conduct of the 2010 Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City!

A cultural festival which commemorates the Tuna Capital’s Foundation Anniversary on the last week of February, this year’s celebration has adapted the battlecry, “Honoring the Past, Understanding the Present and Embracing the Future“.

For this year, the GSC Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has been appointed by City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. as the lead agency to oversee the Kalilangan Festival has prepared a compact but more fun-filled schedule of events.   This includes not only  regular crowd-drawers like the Kadsagayan Street Dancing Competition, the Lakan and Lakambini Pageant, Doble-Kara Singing Contest, Raprapan and Sayaw Barangay Competition, among others and  but incorporates new events which are sure to add more pomp and oomph to the festivities.

These are the Search for the Queen of South Mindanao Festivals Pageant (February 26) and the Festivals of Mindanao Street-dancing Competition (February 27).  Both events will pit the reigning queens of the festivals of Soccsksargen and the grand champions of the region’s local festival street dancing competitions respectively.  The pageant addition will be held at Robinsons Place.

Another notable addition is the Kasalan sa GenSan Wedding and Tourism Fair at the Gaisano Mall which will showcase the wedding products, services, customs and tradition of South Central Mindanao and highlight their prime wedding and tourism destinations.   This spectacle runs on February 26 to 28, 2010.

Again, as in the past years the GenSan Oval Plaza will serve as the main festival area, and will house the entries of the city’s 26 barangays in the Barangayan sa Kalilangan, the Fiesta Carnival, the Kandagang sa Padiyan Flea Market,  Coke Happiness Zone and Food Court, the Asia Brewery Pistahan Zone; and is the Opening and Closing Ceremony’s official venue.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!  Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

It’s the Chinese New Year‘s eve and Robinsons has something up its sleeve for everyone, Chinoy or not.

To herald the Year of the Metal Tiger, Robinsons Place General Santos is featuring a Dragon and Lion Dance right at their mall, today, Saturday, February 13, 2010!

This spectacle, one known as the Dragon Dance, which I am certain will be the first of everyone here in GenSan,  is a traditional Chinese dance usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other fesivals to bring in good fortune and prosperity.

The dragons, which are regarded as symbols of great power and royalty by the Chinese, and used in these dances are usually made up of sections of bamboo frames draped with silk. Performers under the frames move their bodies rhythmically and synchronise their steps so that the dragon appears to move gracefully.

The Lion dance on the other hand is often used by the Chinese to bless a venue and as a ceremony to exorcise evil spirits.  Just like the Dragon Dance, it is also performed to summon good luck and fortune.

While the Dragon Dance is performed by many people, the Lion Dance only needs two dancers.  That will avoid any confusion on your part as you witness this afternoon’s Dragon and Tiger Dance at the Robinsons Place GenSan.

Bring the whole family and see you there!

The Dragon and Tiger Dance starts at 2pm.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!  Gong Xi Fa Cai generals!!!

Four years in the making, the new Legislative Building of the local government of General Santos was finally unveiled to the public on Monday, February 8, 2010.

In attendance were Mayor Jun Acharon and Vice Mayor Flor Congson who led the simple ribbon-cutting ceremony, Fr. Nonito Adorable, CP who blessed the entire building, members of the City Council, staff and workers of the SP, department heads and assistant department heads, members of the media and some select private individuals.

"(L-R) FORMER COUNCILOR DOMING LAGARE SHAKES THE HAND OF MAYOR JUN ACHARON. BESIDE THEM ARE COUNCILORS MEG SANTOS, JONG GONZALES, NEP NATIVIDAD, JUN AVILA, CITY ADMIN MARCELINO DOSPUEBLOS (WHO'S RUNNING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL), ASSISTANT CITY ADMIN GLENN GONZALES & COUNCILOR BING DINOPOL"

Two days later, the mayor delivered his last State of the City Address (SOCA) to a packed new SP Hall, composed of visitors from the public, private, religious and business sectors.  It was history in the making and as the mayor stressed, “This legislative building is testament to the city’s stability.”

The P47 million peso two-storey building is located at the corner of South Osmena and Roxas Avenue and looks striking with its blue-tinted glass windows.  In a few weeks time, all the employees and staff of the Sangguniang Panlungsod will eventually transfer there.

"THE GENSAN LEGISLATIVE BUILDING LOBBY. THE DOOR AT THE BACKGROUND LOOKS OUT INTO ROXAS AVENUE."

The ground floor will house the workplaces of the SP support staff and the vice-mayor …….

"COUNCILOR MEG SANTOS EMCEES THE SHORT PROGRAM DURING THE INAUGURATION OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE BLDG INSIDE WHAT WILL BE THE OFFICE OF THE SP STAFF."

…..while the 14 members of the city council will have their own individual offices.

"THE GLASS WALLED OFFICES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE UPPER FLOOR."

An elevator has been optioned for the building and might see fruition in a few years time as soon as budget is appropriated to this effect.  The stairs are quite steep and might prove a problem for specially-abled persons.

"THE TWIN STAIRS LEADING TO THE 2ND FLOOR FOYER TO BOTH THE SP HALL ON THE LEFT AND THE COUNCILORS' OFFICES ON THE RIGHT."

This time, the SP Hall which faces Roxas Avenue is done theater-style and is more spacious.  There is more room for spectators and the glass walls gives you a view of the street below.

"THE SP HALL OF THE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING AND ITS THEATER SETTING."

"THE ELEVATED STAGE OF THE VICE-MAYOR AT THE SP HALL. BEHIND IT IS ROXAS AVENUE."

All told, the new GenSan Legislative Building lives up to its promise.  Its post-modern design blends well with its surroundings and the reflections on its glass curtain walls at the front facade adds to its charm.  Inside, the spacious and high-ceilinged lobby evokes the grandeur befitting the august halls of our local lawmakers.

Try visiting the new GenSan Legislative Building and see what I mean!

Yesterday, Bariles received a frantic text message from Robinsons Place GenSan‘s Marie Espina yesterday which had him whooping out in delight!

The text message announced that the whole of Robinsons Place GenSan has been equipped with wi-fi connections and is now a FREE WIFI HOTSPOT!

Bariles and his blogger friends immediately drove to Robinsons after office and upon reaching the mall, settled at one of the tables of Fonti, an island snacks counter near Jollibee.  After ordering tea for himself and coffee for the rest, he opened his laptop computer and voila, connected to he Internet in no time at all.

No password was required upon logging in and so the group checked on the speed of Robinsons GenSan’s Internet Service Provider, BAYANTEL.

Too bad, the bloggers noticed that surfing the internet inside that part Robinsons left much to be desired.  The connection was so slow that it took a while for one to log on to his favorite website, Facebook.   Luckily, Ms. Marie who was passing by explained that the routers have just been installed that day and so far, the FASTFOODS AREA is the one with the strongest WIFI signal.  The rest are still being tested by the BAYANTEL people.

With that, Bariles is giving Robinsons GenSan enough time to fix some bugs on their routers or ISP connections, hoping that being the first and only mall in the region to offer ABSOLUTELY FREE WiFi Internet Access will endear them more to the shoppers of Soccsksargen.

Still, he and his group are thanking  the management of Robinsons GenSan for making this FREE WIFI SERVICE via BAYANTEL a reality!   You rock guys!!!

Special thanks to Sir Danny Camat who first hinted on this development last year.  Mabuhay kayo Sir!

Now, the next question is:  When is KCC and Gaisano following suit?  Abangan ang susunod na kabanata!

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we are sure that most of you still have not yet decided on where to spend this Day of Hearts with your partners, loved ones, families and friends.  To help you out on your predicament, we are featuring a selected number of GenSan Restaurants and establishments which are running Valentine’s Day Promotions purposely to bring out the romantics in you.

We suggest you contact them right away for your reservations because you would have to remember that February 14, 2010 also marks the first day of the Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger.  This means that Fil-Chinese Families will also be out that day looking for the best food in town.  We are just lucky because this year, we have more choices of GenSan Restaurants and establishments to pick out for our twin Valentines and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Thanks to the owners of these GenSan restaurants and establishments for emailing to us their respective promo details.

1.  Le Jardin Arnevel’s Magic Valentine

For the 4th straight year,GenSan restaurant Le Jardin Arnevel’s is conducting an EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN Treat with its MAGIC VALENTINE!

For only P199, diners can enjoy Mongolian Barbecue, 8 Sumptuous Dishes, Seafoods and Crispy Lechon plus all-you-can-drink BOTTOMLESS Iced Tea!!!

If that isn’t a REAL DEAL, I don’t know how else to call it.

Make sure you call in for reservations.  The numbers are (083) 301-2513; 301-8300 OR 0932-9029753. Look for Bang-bang!

2.  San Mig Sports Bar’s “A Valentine Dinner Show of Love Songs”

"SAN MIG SPORTS BAR'S PRE-VALENTINE AND VALENTINE'S DAY PROMO"

It’s a musical treat for lovers at San Mig Sports Bar inside the NCCC Compound on February 14, as resident artists Jun and Cris Lyn Joy dish out love songs accompanied by a piano and guitars.  They also have a lovely guest singer, Ms. Albert Krizlynne to enthrall the audience.  The whole thing will set you off at P300 per person. (Update:  No cover charge.  No Entrance Fee.)

For their pre-Valentine treats, there is no ENTRANCE FEE from February 10 to 13 for patrons who will be entertained by the music of live bands “The D’ Base” and “The Kinetic Band”.

Look for Kuya Bebot Haw, the bubbly owner who will suggest to you his best ostrich and crocodile recipes.

For reservations, to their A Valentine Dinner Show of Love Songs in Piano and Strings, you may contact (083) 302-1961.

3.  East Asia Royale Hotel’s “Love’s Splendor Valentine Dinner”

East Asia Royale Hotel has prepared two venues for its “Love’s Splendor Valentine Dinner“.  For those who go for classical music, you may want to have your dinner at the Ballroom.

For acoustic music lovers, it’s the Royale Lounge for you.  Dinner costs P350 each and if GM Rombar Bartolome’s wife Aymee prepares her famed “kare-kare” herself, then that itself is a bonus already.

There will be two lucky draws for two couples who will win an overnight stay at East Asia Royale Hotel.  Neat huh?

For queries and reservations, please contact their Sales Office at (083) 553-4124.

4. Grab A Crab Restaurant and Coffee Club 101′s “A Roaring Valentines”

"GRAB A CRAB RESTAURANT AND COFFEE CLUB 101'S ROARING VALENTINE"

GenSan’s Twin Bill Diners which have branched out to Robinsons Place – GenSan have come up with their own gimmick capitalizing on both the season of Valentines and the Year of the Tiger.

For three days from February 12 to 14, Michael Wee’s Grab a Crab Restaurant and Coffee Club 101 are giving out Teddy Bears, Heart-Shaped Pillows, Flowers and Balloons and other novelty items to lucky customers.

For those trying out their Robinsons Branch, an acoustic band will regale them with the latest love songs and make their dining experience more romantic.

And as part of Robinsons’ mall-wide promo, lady patrons will each receive a rose when their total bill reaches P1000.

If you want to be part of Grab A Crab’s and Coffee Club 101′s Roaring Valentines’ crowd, better call the following number for reservations:

• Laurel Avenue Branch – (083) 553-5430;
• Robinsons Place Branch – (083) 554-2248.

5.  Tierra Montana Hotel’s “Valentine Special”

"TIERRA MONTANA HOTEL'S VALENTINE SPECIAL TREAT"

Tierra Montana Hotel is one of the few ones in General Santos City with its own pool. Capitalizing on this, the management of this hotel formerly known as Tierra Verde has come up with a Valentines Dinner For Two Special at its pool grounds for only P399.00.

Their poster says that diners will be serenaded by romantic music so we should expect musical performances from GenSan’s top chanteuses while for those who’d prefer dinner indoors, they can opt to get a table inside Lady Laine Cafe, beside the poolyard.

For a nightcap, there’s their Blue Room for a bottle of beer or two while singing your favorite love songs on their videoke.  Or if you feel lucky, at the other side of the compound is their ONLINE CASINO which just opened a few months ago.

For more of Tierra Montana, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

6.  Ranchero’s and Paseo del Sol’s “Reel Romance Buffet”

It’s a celluloid Valentines this time as sister establishments Ranchero and Paseo del Sol whip out REEL ROMANCE BUFFET starting at 6pm on Hearts Day.

Leave it to Marketing Manager Paolo Sunglao to cook up unique and exciting party concepts such as this one, evoking images of well-loved Hollywood love stories.  So except to be lulled into being extra sweet to your partners with their playing of romantic love songs in the background, coming from such movies as “NOTTING HILL”, “THE NOTEBOOK”, “MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING”, among others.

Other than that, there’s a FREEBIE for everybody.

So , reserve your seats and tables now by calling (083) 553-9298.

7.  Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar’s “Couples Meals”

The people over at Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar have concocted new crowd-pleasers meant for Valentine couples.  With prices ranging from P500 to P350 per “COUPLES MEAL“, most of the food are native to GenSan- tuna, veggies and other light fare for the weight conscious.

Of course, being part of Robinsons Al Fresco Strip, each lady patron receives a rose from the Mall Management itself when the bill reaches P1,000..

Dining at Piyesta wouldn’t be complete without their own wine mixes.  For the Day of Hearts, the Congsons, who run the place have again come up with winners for those planning to stay longer into the night.  One of them is the GAYUMA – drinks in test tubes!!!

8.  Red Trellis Seafood Garden’s “Seafood Buffet”

Farther inside Barangay Lagao, behind the NDDU-IBED Campus, Red Trellis Seafood Restaurant also has something cooking up its sleeve for the joint Valentines/Chinese New Year holidays!

It’s their RED TRELLIS SEAFOOD BUFFET offered only on the 14th.

Just imagine partaking of all the crabs, prawns, and other seafoods cooked to perfection in different kinds of dishes by their Bicolano cook and supervised by owner George Sandoval himself!

For P300 per person, this is one of the surest bets for the Valentines Season!

To inform Red Trellis that you’re coming, call them at 302-2722.   For more of Red Trellis, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

9.  O-ohlang Fishing Resto Seafood and Grill’s “Sushi Night on Valentine’s Day”

Although we have featured O-ohlang Fishing Resto Seafood and Grill in an earlies post, we are again including them here for the people’s  consideration when on the lookout for Valentines Day dining choices.

O-ohlang, which is located inside the NCCC Compound, along the National Highway is offering a “SUSHI NIGHT” on February 14.   Any minimum order of P300 will entitle the customer to a FREE SERVING OF SUSHI!

There is no admission ticket required, by the way, but be sure to call (083) 302-0561 for reservations.

10.  Dolores Farm Resort’s “My Lovely Valentine”

Although Dolores Farm Resort, which was featured here last year, is located at Pagalungan, Polomolok, South Cotabato, we are including it here for people who want to escape the city.

Dolores Farm Resort which is basically a hotel resort in the hills of Polomolok is heralding “MY LOVELY VALENTINE” for the weekend.

For only P199 per person, guests can avail of an “EAT ALL YOU CAN” Dinner at their Chanee Restaurant from 6pm to 9pm and be entertained with an ACOUSTIC BAND (which is also available every Saturday of February).

Other than that, they have a 5 + 1 Promo on San Miguel Beer and for those who are planning to stay overnight in one of their rooms, a 50% discount is in order on the 14th and 15th of February 2010.

Now, how’s that?   For more of Dolores Farm Resort, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

11. The Farm’s “One Lovely Dinner @ The Farm”

Another option for people in GenSan who want to go farther up South is The Farm, located at Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City.

The Farm was the site of the Soccsksargen Bloggers Photo-Journalism Workshop last December 2009 and I must say that it would be a perfect venue for lovers and families on Valentines Day.

The Farm is offering “One Lovely Dinner @ The Farm” on February 14 and costing P300 per adult patron and P200 per child.  While dining at their CONVENTION CENTRE, patrons will be entertained by musical performances of Koronadal’s best artists making the lovely dinner at The Farm one enchanted moment they will never forget.

Reservations may be coursed through telephone #s (083)228-1888 or faxed to (083)228-9010.

12.  Bigby’s Cafe & Restaurant

One of the newer restaurants and cafes along the Robinsons Al Fresco strip is Bigby’s Cafe & Restaurant which traces its origins from Cagayan de Oro and has branches in Davao and in Manila.

Bigby’s is famous for its large servings and is an excellent choice for families on the lookout for a good deal due to its “Food Platters” which can feed four to five hungry souls.

For the twin celebrations this weekend, Bigby’s has also come up with their own promotions.

For the Chinese New Year, it has come up with this gimmick below…

Dining patrons may get free  FORTUNE CARDS who visit them until the Chinese New Year’s Eve on February 13.  For Valentines, they have started selling since January 25 a heart-shaped cake which could be given as gifts to the persons closest to your hearts.

Imagine this – a super premium Dark and White Chocolate Frosting over a layer of moist chocolate cake with a sweet strawberry filling priced only at P395!!!  Definitely a fitting gift for Valentines!

To get any of these, you may call Bigby’s GenSan at (083) 552-0111.  You may also want to reserve for your Valentines Day tables.  To know more about Bigby’s,  you may want to CLICK HERE.

UPDATE:  February 13, 2010.  Melissa “Melai” Cantiveros is the new Pinoy Big Brother Big Winner/Grand Winner as announced inside a jampacked Araneta Coliseum Ninoy Aquino Stadium, aired live over ABS-CBN!  She got a total of 1,226,695 votes (32.08%)!

The next winners are Paul Jake (1,044,295 votes or 27.31%), Jason (954,961 votes or 24.97%), Johan (303,751 votes or 7.94%) and Tibo (294,161 votes or 7.69%).

Mabuhay ka Melai!!!! Tunay kang General dahil pinakita mo ang totoo mong pagkatao!!!

Thanks to all who voted for her, whether here or abroad!!!  You rock guys!!!

Congratulations GENSAN!!! CONGRATULATIONS GENERALS!!! GenSan is indeed the WELLSPRING OF WINNERS!!!

By the way, please leave your messages for Melai below.  For sure, she will read them!

Here’s the video of the announcement!

With only two weeks left before BIG BROTHER announces the Grand Winner of the Pinoy Big Brother Double Up reality TV show over at ABS-CBN, the people of General Santos are already rejoicing because their kababayan, Melissa “Melai” Cantiveros, who hails from Barangay Calumpang, has already been declared as officially a member of the Top 4.  That means, she already has a crack at the Grand Prize along with 3 others, including her love team partner, Jason.

Read about how she was chosen by PBB by CLICKING HERE.

The generals should not be complacent however and so Bariles is urging everyone to vote for Melai to be the GRAND WINNER.  Here is a poster below, emailed to us by her colleagues at CALYE, detailing the voting procedures.

Anyway, just to remind everyone to keep on voting for her, here are some of Melai’s funny pictures which were photoshopped by her admirers from all over the Philippines.  Most are crudely done compared to the Manny Pacquiao photos but we are sure that better ones will crop up one of these days.

Meanwhile, here are some of Melai’s funny pictures from the Internet.

"A VERY SEXY MELAI IN A STEP UP2 MOVIE POSTER SPIN-OFF!"

"MELAI AS ONE OF THE KID WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE, A DISNEY CHANNEL TV SERIES"

"MELAI AND JASON TOGETHER IN A SPOOF FOR JUST MARRIED"

"FROM THE DISNEY MUSICAL ON TV"

So what are you waiting for?  Vote now to make Melai the PBB BIG Winner!

Ever since Robinsons GenSan’s Cinemaworld and its four movie theaters opened, Bariles and his family have tried not to miss watching the latest Hollywood Blockbuster there.

Despite its being priced higher than KCC Mall of GenSan’s Cinemas, with each movie ticket at P81 versus KCC’s P70, he prefers the newer theater complex because of the following reasons:

• its upholstered and soft comfy seats which can be reclined,
• the carpeted floors,
• very spacious legroom,
• clean exteriors and
• sparkingly clean water-less urinals and toilet-paper equipped comfort rooms;
• PLUS the liberty of bringing in his favorite snack foods from outside sellers.

And now, for the month of September February, Robinsons Movieworld is giving Bariles another reason to patronize them.   Check out their MOVIEWORLD BARKADA TREAT!

Imagine getting one FREE MOVIE PASS for every three movie tickets purchased!!!   That’s a huge savings!!!!

At times like this when every penny that we save counts, Robinsons MOVIEWORLD Barkada Treat is indeed one very welcome surprise for moviegoers who go for quality and comfortable viewing pleasure.

This promotion is valid from February 1 – 28, 2010 only.   Movie Passes are valid until April 28, 2010.

Last week, GenSan News Online Mag has begun featuring an ONLINE POLL for all its readers, and that includes you. This ONLINE POLL, developed by Nuffnang, one of Asia’s fastest growing Internet Advertising Companies, aims to get your views on current concerns and topics, be they of local or national interest.

For its first ONLINE POLL, GensanNOM (short for GenSan News Online Mag), we are throwing out the question:  WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT IN GENSAN IN 2009?

To check out the poll, go to the front or home page and look at the sidebar for this:

We will be publishing the results here next Monday.  Watch out for it.

If you want to satisfy your cravings for prawns, shrimps, pompano, bangus and other types of seafood FRESHLY cooked in various styles then you can just hie off to NCCC Compound and check out the Filipino restaurant beside the Six Blings Entertainment and Sports Complex inside.

Ladies and Gentlemen, faithful readers, welcome to another GenSan restaurant, the O-oh Lang Fishing Resto Seafoods and Grill.

Owned by siblings Baby and Paris Ayon, together with Sam Akutsu and Bebot Haw, O-ohlang, which is  “prawns” or “shrimps” in English, is almost a year old and has just started serving lunch for customers who would want an outdoor setting while eating with business clients and associates.  The place has taken on a native Pinoy ambience and the presence of bamboo is everywhere, from its walls to its ceilings, from the furniture and to the structure itself.  This gives it a cool, relaxing and homey feel to the place.

What also sets O-ohlang apart from other seafood outlets is its large pool-like aquarium at the center of the dining area, where one can have their choice of live fish or prawns or sea shells to be cooked and served as their meals later.

"INSIDE O-OHLANG WHERE ONE CAN SEE A LARGE MAN-MADE POND AT THE CENTER CONTAINING LIVE FISH WHICH DINERS CAN HAVE COOKED BY THE KITCHEN STAFF"

When Bariles and his friends Lisa and Marz were there one early evening, there were only two tables occupied aside from theirs.   As the evening wore on however, more customers arrived, some from the nearby Badminton Court of Six Blings and the place was almost filled up.

Paris and his sister Babes were there to meet Bariles’ group, who upon their suggestions,  ordered the following dishes:

"O-OHLANG'S CRAB IN SWEET AND SOUR CHILI SAUCE"

"O-OHLANG'S FISHING RESTO'S PRAWN KEBABS IN SKEWERS"

"O-OHLANG FISHING RESTO'S CREAMY MIXED SEAFOOD SOUP."

"O-OHLANG'S CRISPY TIGER PRAWNS"

Being seafood junkies, Bariles and his friends had a great time partaking of the feast before them, which was prepared by O-ohlang’s chef and supervised by Baby, whose mother hails from Pampanga.

Everything had just the right spice to it and the flavour and aroma of each dish must be the very reasons why this new GenSan restaurant have already established a presence inside the NCCC Compound, despite competition from the other restaurants in the area.

By the way, lovers and romantic partners out there should give O-Ohlang a try on Valentine’s day when they conduct their Valentine’s Day Promotion.

Dubbed as O-ohlang Fishing Resto Seafood and Grill’s SUSHI NIGHT on Valentine’s Day, diners will be given a serving of  FREE SUSHI with a minimum order of P300 on food and drinks.

For reservations, please contact the following numbers:

(083) 302-0561.

Or you can email them at: oohlang _resto@yahoo.com.

Bon Appetit and Happy Valentine’ Day!