GenSan News Online Mag

Are you a blogger from this part of South Central Mindanao?  Do you have a travel blog or simply put, do you often write about your experiences while on travel within the country or abroad?

Then this event, organized by the Soccsksargen Bloggers, together with GenSan News Online Mag and in celebration of the first blogoversary of  GandaEverSoMuch‘s First Blogoversary is for you.

This is BYAHE NA: Travel Blog Tales, Tips & Tricks.  This is basically a FIRESIDE CHAT with three professional travel bloggers coming from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.

They are Enrico Dee (Byahilo), Cebuano Sinjin Pineda (Sinjin’s House) and Ilonggo Marc Caratao (Explore Iloilo).

All three of them will be converging in General Santos City on July 6 and will be meeting the Soccsksargen Bloggers for the first time during the fireside forum.  The two-hour chat and eyeball will be free-wheeling and will basically deal with their experiences as travel bloggers and the tips and tricks they can share with the participants.

Byahe Na! is scheduled on July 7, 2010, Wednesday evening, 7:30pm at LITTLE DUBAI Kebab Grills, SAFI Arcade, Bula-Lagao Road (beside KCC Parking Lot).

Admission is FREE but we will be limiting the gathering to about 20-25 bloggers only.

If you want to join and learn from these renowned professional travel bloggers, then simply do these:

• Write a message below stating your intention to join BYAHE NA.
• Give a most convincing reason why you want to be there.

If chosen, be sure to be at the venue before 7:30pm and bring extra money for the snacks and drinks you might want to order from Little Dubai Kebab Grills delicious Mediterranean food and drinks while listening to the tales, tips and tricks of our guest bloggers.

Check back for more updates!

Thanks to Xyrilloid and Alexis for the wonderful poster!!!!

Byahe Na! Travel Blog Tales, Tips and Tricks is brought to us by the Soccsksargen Bloggers, in coordination with GenSan News Online Mag and in celebration of the first blogoversary of GANDAEVERSOMUCH.COM.

The newly elected officials of General Santos City were sworn into office in a touching ceremony which had some of the guests in a jampacked PBA Sports Center teary-eyed.

The program started late since the earlier rains made the organizers transfer the original venue from the Plaza Heneral Santos to the oval covered court.  It was almost 7pm when everything began.

After a soulful rendition of the Lord’s Prayer by three former “GenSan Pop Idol” winners and the National Anthem by the GSC Government Employees Choir to start everything, the elected cityofficials were called singly by the two hosts, Atty. Elvie Albano and RMMC Dean Joana Banting-Lapore to ascend the stage.

The officials then had to walk from the main entrance of the covered court up to the stage and pass through the center aisle flanked by numerous seated guests, a good mix of generals from the private and public sector, most in their finery.

When it was time for the new mayor, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, resplendent in her sister Eliza’s ecru Oskar Peralta gown, to ascend the stage, the audience rose from their seats and cheered her on while walking across the aisle.  A mini-pandemonium ensued with people reaching out to her.

Upon reaching the front row where they were seated, Mayor Darlene then kissed her parents, the former mayor Adelbert Antonino and the former representative Lualhati Antonino.

Representative Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. was the last to traverse what was supposedly a short distance but it took him a while to do it.  Almost everyone who were seated at the courtyard rushed to the middle aisle also to shake the former mayor’s hand hand to congratulate him.  There were so many that he could only execute “high fives” with the rest.  He finally reached center stage after more than five minutes with a few people near him noticing that he was teary-eyed.

With everyone accounted for, Judge Oscar Noel then administered the oath of office of the 12 city councilors and Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas.

"COUNCILORS BAGONOC, ATENDIDO, LEYSON, LLIDO, OCO, DE CLARO TAKE THEIR OATHS OF OFFICE"

"VICE MAYOR SHIRLYN BANAS IN BLUE EMI ENGLIS TAKES HER OATH OF OFFICE BEFORE JUDGE OSCAR NOEL."

"COUNCILORS SANTOS, LAGARE, VICENTE, NATIVIDAD, DINOPOL & RIVERA TAKE THEIR OATH OF OFFICE"

Then it was Mayor Custodio’s turn to be sworn into office with her parents and husband businessman Benjie Custodio.

Finally, the new Congressman Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. was joined on stage by wife Dr. Rose, brother Yolando and children PJ, Honey and Pedro III.

Mayor Custodio then delivered her inaugural address, which focused on her administration’s agenda, based on the SHEEP Program.  She also revealed that together with Congressman Acharon, she will push for the establishment of the GenSan Economic Zone.

The inaugural rites ended on a high note with small kids representing the youth of the city handing out tokens which are representations of the different committees that they will be heading.

Note:  Thanks for Gandaeversomuch for some of the pictures.  Check out his blog’s first birthday contests.

As part of the month-long GenSan Business Month or YAMAN GENSAN, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under the local government of General Santos City, will be conducting a 2-day JOBS FAIR on July 1 and 2, 2010.

According to PESO Division Chief Elisheba A. Valdez, the Jobs Fair will be held for the first time at the Atrium of the Robinsons Place GenSan and will be open from 9:30am up to 8:00pm.

She also added that a total of forty companies and agencies, both local and foreign will be on hand to receive applications, interview applicants and hire promising job-seekers on the spot.

Some of the companies which will be on the lookout for applicants for overseas assignments are:  D.A. Rodrigo, CarePlus, GBMLT, J-MAC, Merbin, 5-Star, Sunflower, N Queen, Global, Non-Stop, Green Gate, Online Hiring, MMML and Zontar.

Local companies on the other hand will be represented by GenSan Shipyard, Robinsons Place, Alliance Tuna, Gen Tuna, TEMPCO, MSS Cycle Trading, Dadiangas Glass, ASIAPRO, ANR Unlimited, RD Fishing, RD Corporation, COMGLASCO AG, Vicente T. Lao, BAYANTEL, TOYOTA, Sta. Cruz Seafoods, Philbest, Six Eleven, Chiu Kim, P.G. Ang & Sons, Inc., FEM Trading and MUTI, among others.

Over 300 job opportunities will be up for grabs at the duration of this annual Yaman GenSan JOBS FAIR.

For enquiries about this Yaman GenSan Jobs Fair, please call the PESO Office at telephone #s (083) 553-3479.

Congressman Manny Pacquiao finally took his oath as the new representative of the province of Sarangani in simple rites this morning at the Sarangani Capitol Park.

Pacquiao was accompanied by his wife Jinkee, his children and his siblings.  His father was also there although there was no sign of his mother Dionisia.

Thirty one year old Congressman Pacquiao in his speech said he will concentrate on improving infrastructure, medical services and peace in order for the next three years.  Although he said that he will continue boxing, he promised to be more effective as a legislator and representative of the country’s 14th most impoverished province.

Below is  Congressman Pacquiao‘s oath-taking photo courtesy of Sarangani Blogger and Soccsksargen Bloggers co-founder Ariel Lalisan.

Associate Justice Antonio Carpio officiated the swearing in together with Judge Jaime Infante, who was personally requested by Congressman Pacquiao to be there.

Third termer Governor Miguel Dominguez and Vice Governor Steve Solon also took their oaths together with Congressman Manny Pacquiao at the same venue afterwards.

From us here at GENSAN NEWS ONLINE MAG, congratulations Congressman Manny Pacquiao!  Here’s hoping you fulfill your promise and work together with Governor Dominguez to achieve both your goals to help Sarangani.

Again, thanks to Ayel Lalisan for Congressman Pacquiao’s oath-taking photo.

Former child wonder Aiza Seguerra is coming to GenSan!

Aiza Seguerra, who was here years back in a concert for the Passionist Fathers, will be in town again.  She will be promoting her new album “Perhaps Love” at the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention and Events Center on Sunday, July 4, 2010, starting at 5pm.

From the above poster, we find that this will be a FREE meet and greet session with the ASIA’s ACOUSTIC SENSATION.  Hopefully, she will be singing some cuts from her album.  

Aiza, after venturing into the recording industry is now a famous performer in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia with her albums having done brisk sales in these countries.   This free show at the KCC Mall of GenSan is therefore something not to be missed.

Finally, we are releasing the winners to the “May Nag-Text, May Show ako: Vice Ganda Live @ GenSan Concert” ONLINE Contest.

But before that, we are thanking the all the bloggers who submitted entries and to the few commenters who joined.  We would have like to reward everyone but we only have very limited tickets as prizes to give away.  And yes, unluckily, one blogger did not follow instructions and was therefore disqualified.

Anyway, here goes:

WITTIEST COMMENT WINNERS:

Each winner will receive a Consolation Prize of one (1) Lower Box Ticket each (P500).  Only three comments qualified in the witty department, so we are giving the other two tickets as CONSOLATION PRIZEs for the Blog Writing Contest.

1. AIRWIN
2. FAHDINGDING
3. IAMSTAR

BLOG WRITING CONTEST WINNERS:

• Grand Winner of 2 GOLD Tickets (P1000 each) – I AM SUPERMARK
• 2ND Prize Winner of 1 GOLD Ticket (P1000) – TOTALLYVICE
• 5 Major Consolation Prize Winners of 1 SILVER Ticket (P750) each-
  • BUSY B
  • IANESCENCE
  • DINNADIN
  • TIMBERLINE
  • ZHEN CHEN
• 2 Minor Consolation of 1 BRONZE (LOWER BOX TICKET) (P500) each -
  • WHEN9TUT
  • LITTLE ANIKA

The selection of winners was done by Bariles and blogger MSU Professor Gilbert Tan of KnowRead-KnoWrite.  Thank you Sir Gilbert!

Congratulations to all who joined.  You may claim your tickets at Piyesta KTV Bar and Resto, starting now and until 5pm.  Please bring your Identification Card.

Again, thanks to this blog contest major sponsor, SR Food Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Ming’s Mei Pa Koa and Ming’s Herba Health Products.  All the winners will receive FREE samples of their products.

In another effort to strengthen its consumer base and cement its hold on the retail/wholesale markets, KCC Malls is running two mega-promotions for their branches in South Cotabato and GenSan!

Effective June 18, 2010, the biggest homegrown malls in Soccsksargen are running the following…

First is their annual but much bigger KCC COMPUTER INSTANT PRIZES for KCC Mall of GenSan.  This one is limited to supermarket purchases of participating brands which are given corresponding points.

Then for KCC Mall of Koronadal is their MILYON MILYON NA CASH!  This time, every P100 purchase from both the supermarket and department store of participating products is eligible to join this promo.

Both mega-promotions of KCC Mall of GenSan and Koronadal run from June 18, 2010 to August 1, 2010.  

Dimsum is the Cantonese term for a type of Chinese dish that involves small individual portions of food, usually served in a small steamer bamboo basket or on a small plate.

What calls to mind when talking about dimsum are dishes like dumplings (siomai) (beef, pork, crab, quail egg, etc), chicken feet, siopao, spring roll (lumpia),  siopao, rice toppings, among others- all deliciously served piping hot and usually affordable to the average Filipino income earner.  

A testament to the popularity of dimsum among PINOYS is the proliferation of dimsum restaurants and fastfoods in the country.  Here in General Santos City, we have more than a few restaurants operating at the malls, in stand-alone stores and through the ubiquitous carts one can find in alleys of Robinsons, KCC and Gaisano.  

DIMSUM is easy to order, readily available, not complicated to eat and is served steaming hot.

So now on its 4th year and seeing the need to offer more variety in its menu and to cash in on the popularity of DIMSUM, the restaurant which revolutionized the eating habits of the generals, restaurateur Michael Wee’s  Grab A Crab Restaurant levels up and has started to serve DIMSUM dishes at its branches at Laurel East Avenue and Robinsons Place GenSan Al Fresco strip.

At the newer Robinsons GenSan outlet, DIMSUM is served readily through a small cart pushed by a waiter. The cart contains various DIMSUM dishes in bamboo baskets or small plates, still hot from the nearby kitchen.

This time, there’s no wait and hungry mouths can be fed as soon as they get seated on their tables.

Bariles has tried the dimsum dishes himself and he’s swearing that they’re one of the best, if not the best he has ever tasted.  One thing more, the servings are plentier and their siomai‘s (Bariles’ favorite) are bigger!  GOD!  SIOMAI IS KING!  And Grab A Crab’s version lords over them all!  

Credit goes to Chef Sau del Rosario, a famous cook from Manila who improved Grab A Crab Restaurant‘s menu and introduced DIMSUM.

Now, if you want to find out if what Bariles says is true, then hie off to Grab A Crab Restaurant at Robinsons which is open from 10:00am up to midnite or at their main branch downtown.  Wait for the dimsum cart to be wheeled to you but if you want more than the usual, then call them in advanced at (083) 554-2248.  Look for Rick, the manager.  At their JP Laurel East Branch, call (083) 553-5430.  Look for Arnie.

This blog post will be very brief because Bariles is certain that you know what this is all about judging on its title!

It is the first. It will be the biggest. And it will be held at Soccsksargen’s Party Capital so expect it to be the best.

GenSan News Online Mag is referring to the biggest buzz on the online world these days in GenSan – the onslaught of FACE2FACE – The first FACEBOOK-themed Party in Mindanao occuring on on June 26, 2010 at the Tuna Capital’s premier happening place, the Babes Bar, East Asia Royale Hotel Arcade 1!

Somehow, somewhere, it had to come to this.

Facebook is now the world’s largest social networking site with the Philippines and the Filipinos as its most avid users.  While other countries have been throwing successful Facebook parties, it is only now that we have heard of one being planned in the Philippines, and in GenSan at that!

For this Facebook Party dubbed as face2face, producer Ms. G promises a night of purely party music with very short recesses for some gimmicks.

To provide the evening’s house beats will be Davao City’s very own BEAT LAB DJ’s, presumably the best that the Durian City has to offer.

A premiere offering of Ms. G, this is the first in a series of NITRO – party events which will dare to be different from the usual and change the way the generals have fun.

For face2face, the entrance fee is P200 inclusive of a Facebook Drink.   Not bad since you will be sure that the partygoers here will be most likely your type of crowd – hip, trendy, smart, highly educated,  independent and self-assured.  Basically, the Facebook guy or gal.

And hey, don’t forget to come in white tops and denims.  And if you may, wear a hat too!   And why not?  This is a themed-party for God’s sakes!!!   It is not the usual run-of-the-mill disco party so you have to look your best!

Who knows?  They might choose the best-dressed Facebook guys and gals in the middle of it all!  Now, that would be something to really watch out for!

GenSan’s very first FACEBOOK PARTY is brought to us by San Miguel Corporation, Litratista, EZ Capture Photo Booth, St. Boniface, Little Dubai, St. Blaise Enterprise, Sophisticut and Killer Bee.  For ticket reservations, please text or call 0939-2055635.  Look for Ms. G.  Poster above was designed by the talented artist, Ms. Luzie Miag-ao.

Good news for all those seeking available GenSan jobs!  

Silver Finance Incorporated (formerly Silver Lending and Investor, Inc.), one of the leading lending companies in the Philippines is soon to set shop in General Santos City!  And before that happens, they are on a hiring mood!

Silver Finance Inc.  with main offices at 181 Bonny Serrano Road, Murphy, Cubao, Quezon City was incorporated and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 27, 1986, initially as a lending investor.

Less than twenty years later, in July 26, 2004, Silver Finance was granted by SEC to operate as a Financing Company.  

Currently, Silver Finance Inc. has twelve (12) branches scattered all throughout the country.  It has recently identified Panganiban Drive in Naga City as its next branch location, prior to the establishment of its GenSan Branch.

And for their GenSan office, Silver Finance is announcing the following job vacancies:

• Branch Heads

- Male or Female

- Age not more than 35 year old

- Graduate of Management or Marketing

- With experience in handling & recruiting sales teams (Agents)

- Local resident

- With excellent interpersonal skills

- Computer literate

• Credit Assistants

- Male or Female

- Graduate of any four year course

- Age not more than 35 year old

- Fast learner and can handle daily transactions

- Computer literate

- With good communication skills

If you know of somebody whom you think could fill in these GenSan Job vacancies for this top-ranked lending company, please inform them to submit their application letters and resumes with their latest colored photographs (jpeg file) by emailing them to slvrfinance@gmail.com.

But what’s most important is to indicate in your email that you managed to find out about these job vacancies through GenSan News Online Mag.  

This is it!  The contest that the fans of Vice Ganda have all been waiting for is here.

If you have been sleeping under Mt. Matutum for quite sometime, please be informed that the famous stand-up comedian and TV talent search judge VICE GANDA will be in General Santos City on June 27, 2010 for a concert entitled:  “May Nag-Text, May Show Ako, Vice Ganda Live @ Gensan” which we featured here in an earlier article which you may read by CLICKING HERE.

And in relation to that we are giving away FREE TICKETS TO THE CONCERT via, “May Nag-Text, May Show Ako: Vice Ganda Live @ GenSanConcert” ONLINE Contest.

If you have a blog, here are the Contest Mechanics:

Write about the Vice-Ganda concert based on this blog post and on a prior write-up we did which can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Put a link to this contest page on your contest entries.

Be sure to include all the sponsors in your blog post.

Subscribe to GenSan News Online Mag.

Be a Fan of GenSan News Online Mag Fan Page on Facebook.

Submit your blog URL’s at the MESSAGES portion below.

Advertise your blog entry by uploading the link at the Soccsksargen Bloggers Group Page at Facebook & at your very own Facebook profile page.

Make sure to promote your blog post.  The blog post with the most numbers of COMMENTS will win Ming’s Pei Pa Koa Candies. (updated)

Deadline of submission of entries is 6pm, June 25, 2010 (Philippine Time).

Winners will be announced after 12pm, June 26, 2010.

Prizes are non-transferrable.

Here are the prizes, bloggers:

• GRAND PRIZE:  Two (2) GOLD (P1,000) Courtyard (Front) Tickets
• 2nd PRIZE:  One (1) GOLD (P1,000) Courtyard(Front)  Tickets
• 5 Major Consolation Prizes:  One (1)  BRONZE (P750) Courtyard (Back) Ticket each.

If you don’t have a blog but wish to enter the contest, here are the mechanics:

Subscribe to GenSan News Online Mag.

Be a fan of Bariles Republic’s GenSan News Online Mag FAN PAGE on Facebook.

Write on the comment section below your answer to the question:  “Why do you think Vice Ganda should be declared PAMBANSANG KOMEDYANTE?”

Deadline of writing of comments is 6pm, June 25, 2010.

The writers of the  five (5) wittiest answers will be given one P500 Lower Box Ticket each.

Winners will be declared after 12 noon, June 26, 2010.

Prizes are non-transferable.

There, go for it readers!

Whether you are a blogger or not, you may join this contest now na and pray you get FREE tickets to some of the best seats in the house for “May Nag-Text, May Show Ako – Vice Ganda Live @ Gensan!”.

Of course, this is brought to you by SR Food Philippines, exclusive distributor of Ming’s Pei Pa Koa Candies and Ming’s Herbal Health Products in coordination with the GenSan News Online Mag, OFFICIAL BLOG of South Central Mindanao’s GIGS & EVENTS!

During this Father’s Day weekend (June 18 – 20, 2010) sister establishments Ranchero Grill, Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs and Paseo del Sol will be serving up treats for their customers.

Check out the poster below to see what we mean…

Starting yesterday, June 18th and up to Father’s Day itself, tomorrow, June 20th, the following treats will be in store for everyone:

• 10% Discount on Ranchero’s famous baby-back ribs!
• 10% Discount on Pablo’s selection of Certified U.S. Angus Steaks!

"10% DISCOUNT ON RANCHERO'S ALL-TIME FAVORITE BABY-BACK RIBS SERVED WITH MASHED POTATOES AND VEGGIES"

And to top it all, all Daddies who will dine at either Ranchero or Pablo’s or Paseo del Sol on Father’s Day will receive FREE Fudgy Chocolate Cupcakes!

And while they’re at it, why not try Ranchero‘s latest menu offerings which could charm you as much as it did delight Bariles when he tried they out.  Well, they wouldn’t be the HAPAG-KAINAN NG BAYAN for nothing.

Here they are….

"THE DELICIOUSLY TENDER AND SAUCY PATOTEN COOKED IN PINEAPPLE"

The Patoten pictured above is so tender after being cooked for quite sometime that the flavorful meat easily melted in Bariles’ mouth.

"RANCHERO'S CRACKLING LECHON KAWALI SERVED ON TOP OF A HEAP OF GREEN, NUTRITIOUS & CRISPY PAKU TIPS AND ITLOG MAALAT PLUS A SPECIAL BAGOONG-BASED SAUCE"

If your dad cares for native fare, then the Lechon Kawali above served with Paku Tips and Itlog Maalat and poured over with Ranchero’s special bagoong-based sauce is a must!

"RANCHERO'S SINFULLY AWESOME AND NOT-FOR-THE-FAINT-HEARTED DINUGUANG PATA NG BABOY. NO ENTRAILS HERE."

The Sunglaos, owner of Ranchero and Pablo’s hail from Pampanga (the culinary capital of the Philippines) and therefore, an order of their new DINUGUANG PATA NG BABOY should be part of your Father’s Day feast.  It’s a well-received fact that our KABALENS cook the best dinuguan!

"FISH LOVERS SHOULD TRY RANCHERO'S SAUCY POMPANO ESCABECHE"

Ranchero GenSan is the first dining establishment to introduce the fish, Pompano usually prepared steamed and cooked in oyster sauce.  For a change, why not try their creamy POMPANO ESCABECHE as pictured above.  This is one of Bariles’ personal favorites.

And of course, for dessert, if the Fudgy Chocolate Cupcakes are not enough, then try their new TIBOK-TIBOK, a Pampango pudding-like delicacy cooked with carabao’s milk and garnished with crispy coconut latik.

"RANCHERO'S TIBOK-TIBOK IS A FITTING FINISH TO ANY FATHER'S DAY MEAL."

With all those mouth-watering suggestions we just mentioned plus the treats they have in store for daddies and their families, don’t you agree that the best place to celebrate Father’s Day in GenSan is really at Ranchero, Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs and Paseo del Sol?

For Father’s Day reservations, call them at (083) 553-9298 or 301-9298.   They are located at the National Highway, General Santos City.

Who would have thought that somewhere in a sidestreet of Barangay Lagao, lies a simple unassuming carenderia which has been attracting not only ordinary folks but also VIP‘s including the members of the City Council of GenSan?

Always on the lookout for GENSAN restaurants which hopefully turn out to be culinary gems, Bariles was brought to Ballena’s Kainan by his bosom friend Councilor Meg Santos who swears by its exceptional home-style cooking.

Managed by its resident cook Alvin Ballena, who took over from his mom’s old Balbacuahan, the eatery which could only fit 2 tables inside its tiny serving area spilling out into Capareda Street‘s wide sidewalk, the place has been around for more than a year now.

The place offer a variety of Pinoy cuisine ready for take out ala-turo-turo. Other than that, one can phone them in advanced and order whatever dish he fancies. In this case, before Bariles and company went there to eat, Councilor Meg already called in and ordered her favorite beef steak.

"BALLENA KAINAN'S BEEF STEAK WITH YELLOW CORN"

Meanwhile, it was lechon kawali for Councilor Ric Atendido who’s coming with us along with Councilor Nepthali Natividad.

"BALLENA KAINAN'S LECHON KAWALI WITH SPECIAL VINEGAR SAUCE"

The group was so famished that time from their stressful hosting of the National Convention of Councilors League of the Philippines that they also ordered the eatery’s bestseller, PANCIT CANTON. Being a noodle eater, Cook Alvin’s take on the favorite Pinoy staple did not disappoint Bariles.

"THE PANCIT CANTON ALA BALLENA, THE CAPAREDA ROADSIDE EATERY'S BEST-SELLER"

Soup was Nilagang Baboy and veggies was Ginataang Langka, both ordered straight out of their array of pre-cooked food.

"BALLENA'S NILAGANG BABOY FROM THEIR TURO-TURO"

"GUINATAANG LANGKA FROM BALLENA KAINAN"

The famished VIP’s immediately settled on their tables arranged out into the front yard under a makeshift tent and didn’t mind the traffic passing by.

What concerns them is that their hungry tummies are once again fed with Ballena Kainan’s satisfying fare and at that point in time, that is all that really matters.

"GENSAN CITY COUNCILORS RIC ATENDIDO, WIFE NARLY, JOANNE RODRIGUEZ, JETJET GARCIA, SANDRA SANTOS AND COUNCILOR MEG SANTOS ALL READY FOR BALLENA KAINAN'S SPECIAL FARE"

Ballena Kainan can be found along Capareda Street (KANAN), about 30 meters from the Nikki Louis College (formerly Canda School of Midwifery). For short orders of any kind, please call them at (083) 302-3393. PRICES START AT P65 FOR SHORT ORDERS.

He is GMA 7′s fast-rising male star and their most cherished possession (after Dingdong Dantes and Richard Gutierrez).  A loveteam pairing him with Kris Bernal is one of the most in-demand matchings in tinseltown and has produced a good number of well-received teleseryes and movies.  

The Most Promising Male Star for 2009, according to the online showbiz site, Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), he is set to conquer the hearts of his female and male fans in GenSan .  He is young, he is fresh and he is buffed; and his name is ALJUR ABRENICA!

Yes, that is right!  Aljur Abrenica, he of the six-pack bod and GMA 7′s answer to Jake Cuenca will be in town for a meet and greet session at Robinsons Supermarket.  

This will happen at June 24, 2010 (THURSDAY) at 5:00pm near the Supermarket entrance or at the Atrium (no final word on this yet) and GenSan News Online Mag is pretty sure he will be mobbed just like the time that Derek Ramsey performed for a mall show.

So be forewarned ladies, be there early and make sure your camera batteries are working and your pens are ready for his autographs.  There will be hundreds of young shrieking girls out there so be forearmed.  

Do not say that Bariles did not warn you.

As for the men, don’t worry.  Jessa Zaragoza will be on hand to entertain you with her brand of sultry singing at the KCC Mall of GenSan, days ahead on June 20, 2010.  

See?  There’s something for everyone at the Tuna Capital of the Philippines!

General Santos City’s business month is once again upon us and for its 8th incarnation, the SMED Council has come up with a jampacked schedule spread out over four weeks meant to keep every would-be-entrepreneur or enterprising general busy.

Guys, welcome to the 8th YAMAN GENSAN 2010: Trabaho, Negosyo, Asenso.

This year’s YAMAN GENSAN is once again handled by the SMED Council with the support of both the local government of General Santos and the Department of Trade and Industry plus ACLC and SKC 28.

Other than the usual Franchise Expo, Entrepreneurs’ Forum, JOBS Fair, Yaman GenSan Trade Fair and Exhibit, Business Opportunity Seminars and Livelihood Training and Fora, the secretariat is introducing new events like the Pangasius Exhibit, Eco-Tour and Eco-Talk, the 3rd Tuna Handliners Summit, the Mindanao Zonal Skills Olympics, Lechon Parade cum Competition, the Halal Forum cum Exhibit and the Livestock Sector and Suppliers Night, among others.

Below is the Yaman GenSan 2010 Schedule of Activities which will run from June 23, 2010 to July 22, 2010:

Be sure to click the + Button below to increase the size of the fonts.  You may also use the SCROLL function to be able to read it thoroughly.

YG Calendar of Activities as of June 15, 2010

The 8th Yaman GenSan officially starts via an Opening Ceremony at the Robinsons Place on June 23, 2010, Wednesday at 4pm with the theme: PREMYO, SAYA, SALVO. Admission is FREE so please check out the exhibits and trade fairs within the next few days.

Below is the invite GenSan News Online Mag got…..

THE INVITATION TO THE YAMAN GENSAN OPENING

UPDATE:  Below is the Flyer for the Activities as of June 16, 2010.

Flyers as of June 17, 2010.3

For more info, please contact the Secretariat by calling them at Telephone #s (083) 554-1929/ 304-4054 or emailing them at smedc_gsc@yahoo.com.  You may also visit them personally at GSC Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council, Inc (GSC SMEDCI), R.A. Building, South Osmena St., General Santos City.

One of the GenSan restaurants that Bariles usually frequents (at least twice a month) when he suddenly feels the appetite for it is Keiko Ken Kambingan, located at Nunez Street, Purok Malakas.  The other one is Kambingan sa Depot which was featured here years back.

"KEIKO KEN KAMBINGAN'S NONDESCRIPT OUTLET ALONG NUNEZ STREET IS USUALLY FULL BY 11AM - 1PM

Keiko Ken Kambingan’s serves goat dishes only but is so famous that if one goes there after 12 noon, almost everything is sold out already.

KALDERETANG KAMBING

The bestsellers like Sinampalukan, Kaldereta and Papait usually go first.  But then you still have the adobo, kilawin and sisig to feast on.

"PAPAITANG KAMBING"

Keiko Ken Kambingan is located right across the dirt road going to the ABS-CBN Compound, and is so nondescript you could easily miss it if not for its signboards.  The best time to drop by is at noon time because a long parade of vehicles are parked along the sides of Nunez Street near this famous GenSan restaurant.

What’s actually good about their goat dishes is that they don’t have that certain “goat smell” and every morsel is tender and tasty.  They start cooking everything at dawn so that the broth that comes along with the soup variants are the most flavorful in this part of GenSan!

Don’t just take Bariles’ word for it.  Visit Keiko Ken Kambingan at Nunez Street and you will see what he means.

As a fitting tribute to the summer 2010 gone by, we are featuring the Search for the Hunks and Babes 2010 of Dolores Tropicana Resort Proclamation Night.

Bariles was again asked to judge the Al Nezzar Ali-directed bodies-and-faces spectacle along with Mandi Nicolas, publisher of GenSan Gazer, Flawless GenSan’s Doan Balboa, the lady-manager of RD Hardware and an American client of Dolores Tropicana.

The production concept this time was a hodge-podge of influences, a combination of East-West and Mayan cultures.  The almost bare stage (except for the Mayan backdrop) had two ramps extending towards the audience section and joined at the center near where the judges did their thing a few feet away.

There was a shower-like contraption on the left side of the stage which would provide the highlight of the evening, the WET RAMPAGE.

Scattered all around were green pock-marked mushroom-like objects hanging from above and posted on the ground.   Think Land of the Lost, Temple of Doom and Apocalypto.

This year’s batch of the 10 hunks and 10 babes vying for the TOP 3 positions had three costume changes and this being in General Santos City where the Gender Awareness Development (GAD) is in effect, their swimsuits were again tame and “safe”.

1ST-RUNNER-UP DENNIS CLARETE & 2ND RUNNER-UP CHRYSLENE ARIOLA STRUT THEIR STUFF

The men wore identical swimtrunks and boxer briefs while the ladies had on short shorts instead of bikinis.  What they lack in the costume department however, the 20 candidates made up in their posing-in-wild-abandon skills which however, prolonged the program again far beyond the attention span of the audience.

Here are more pictures….

2ND RUNNER-UP REY CARL ZAULDA AND 3RD RUNNER-UP REYNALDO SANOY GIVE IT THEIR ALL.

CHRISTINE PADILLA WHO EMERGED AS BABE OF THE YEAR SHOW OFF HER WINNING FORM.

JOEY ORIG OF DAVAO AND HIS PHYSIQUE WHICH WON FOR HIM THE DOLORES HUNK OF THE YEAR

In the end, the men and women who emerged as winners were the following:

• Hunk of the Year – Joey Orig (Cash Prize of P15,000)
• Babe of the Year – Christine Padilla  (Cash Prize of P15,000)
• Hunk 1st Runner-up – Dennis Clarete  (Cash Prize of P6,000)
• Babe 1st Runner-up – Rhea Mae Monacillo  (Cash Prize of P6,000)
• Hunk 2nd runner-up – Rey Carl Zaulda  (Cash Prize of P3,000)
• Babe 2nd runner-up – Chryslene Ariola  (Cash Prize of P3,000)
• Hunk 3rd runner-up – Reynaldo Sanoy  (Cash Prize of P2,000)
• Babe 3rd runner-up – GenSan Cabatingan  (Cash Prize of P2,000)

To all the winners of the 2010 Babes and Hunks of Dolores Tropicana Resort Hotel, congratulations!!!  And to Ms. Teresa Mondido, VP, Dolores Hotels and Resorts, who despite the lack of time in running this pageant due to their expansion program, was still able to mount this yearly event again, KUDOS and GREAT WORK again!!!

See you at the first ever DOLORES FARM RESORT BIKINI OPEN in Polomolok, South Cotabato next summer!!!!

(Check back again for more photos….)

Sorry for this short notice folks but we are pretty sure that you will love this major announcement from General Santos City’s newest shopping destination, Robinsons Place GenSan.

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 13, 2010, the mall is bringing in one of the country’s ,youngest and sexiest fine actresses of today.  She is the sister of the controversial Katrina Halili, one of FHM Magazine’s top cover models.  Also a Kapuso star,  she is turning out to be one of showbiz’s better multi-faceted performers- SHEENA HALILI.

Sheena Halili’s mall show at Robinsonson Place GenSan starts at exactly 5pm at their main activity center, the Atrium. 

Now please tell your friends and pass this on so that we will have another full house at Robinsons.  There’s nothing better than patronizing the shows mounted by all our malls in the city, including KCC and Gaisano to make the enterprising owners realize that the generals appreciate all their efforts to make GenSan the entertainment capital of Region XII.

How about it, generals?

Now that La Nina is upon us and that summer is officially over, SOCOTECO has again come up with a Power Curtailment Adjustment meant to make everyone (their consumers, at the very least) happy.

Effective June 14, 2010 to June 27, 2010, the area of coverage of the whole of SOCOTECO II will experience ONLY 2.5 hours brownouts ONCE A DAY!!!

Below is their letter containing SOCOTECO II’s New Brownout Schedule:

june14-27

Now, if they could only do something about the VERY PROHIBITIVE POWER RATES which has increased our household’s power consumption bill from P3,000 monthly on the average to P6,000 last April and now up to P9,000 this month!

STILL A TWO THUMBS DOWN FOR SOCOTECO II AND COHORTS

Because of this, BARILES is still giving them and their cohorts at NGCP two THUMBS DOWN rating.

How about you?  Tell us your POWER CONSUMPTION BILL HORROR STORIES below….. NOW NA!

Note: Thanks to clipart.com for the smiley.

As part of their commitment to give their customers more value for their money by bringing in topnotch entertainment personalities, KCC Mall of GenSan is importing another Manila-based performer to our shores.

Ladies and gentlemen, KCC Mall of GenSan is proud to present sexy chanteuse JESSA ZARAGOZA!

This event happens next Saturday, June 20, 2010 right inside their KCC Convention and Events Center at exactly 5pm.  This time, there’s no catch to it, that is, IT WILL BE A FREE CONCERT!  No minimum sales requirement is needed for entrance.

Just be there early with you phone cams or point and shoot cameras to catch the lovely, scintillating, vivacious and sultry songtress Jessa Zaragoza in all her diva splendor!