GenSan News Online Mag

Another sports event will take place this weekend aside from the Mountain OffRoad Bikers Challenge.  This time, it’s gonna be a two-day affair and it’s soooo right for the Tuna Festival!

It’s none other than the wet and exciting world of skimboarding in Hilig Xtreme United’s “2nd National Skimboarding Competition” right at the iconic Queen Tuna Park or what was formerly the Lion’s Beach, where the annual Sto. Nino Fluvial Parade ends and Isda-isdaan Street Dancing Competition starts.

One of the water-based events to unfold during the celebration of the Tuna Festival 2010, the 2nd National Skimboarding Competition promises to be bigger and better this year.

First, it is divided into two categories: EXPERT and BEGINNER.

The Cash Prizes too are not to be sneezed at.

For the EXPERT class, the top 3 major prizes are P10,000; P6,000 and P4,000 plus a trophy each!

The top 3 winners of the BEGINNER class on the other hand will receive P2,000; P1,500 and P1,000 plus trophies too.

Skimboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the country and GenSan is lucky to have some of the best homegrown players.   So expect them to give skimboarders from other areas who will be here for the 2nd National Skimboarding Competition to give them a run for their money.

Lending support and Sponsors for this event are Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Southern Peak Outdoor Depot, Mad Kahuna, Padagata, Khim’s Bora, MSA, among others.

Here’s a video of young Skimboarders from Mati, Davao Oriental whom the GenSan skimboarders should watch out for.

Action starts at the Queen Tuna Park at 9am on Saturday, September 18 and will continue the following day, Sunday.

For more info, please contact Marlon Binarao at telephone #s 0908-5147109.

For the first time in a long while, ABS-CBN will be bringing in Kapamilya artists  for the start of the Tuna Festival Week this year.  The last time that the behemoth media giant brought in their big stars for a festival was when Kokey and Pokwang were here ages ago.

After that, it was downhill from there due to what their Talent Center perceived as GenSan being a “security risk” area for their stars.

But now with a new Station Manager for ABS-CBN Socsksargen and a more progressive group of people handling their Regional Network Group, GenSan is once again registering in their Events Radar, albeit slowly but surely.

That is why, to open the Tuna Festival Week, on Saturday, September 18, 2010, ABS-CBN Socsksargen brings to GenSan their “KAPAMILYA KARAVAN sa GenSan TunaFest” with Primetime Bida star Denise Laurel and (hold your breath), Prince of Pop Erick Santos!

Eric Santos got his start as a winner of the Star In A Million Singing Competition of ABS-CBN years back and has managed to to transform himself into one of the country’s biggest singers and recording artists.  He is currently seen in the weekly variety show, ASAP XV and was in the weekly weeper, Maalala Mo Kaya in one episode.

Denise Laurel, a grand daughter of former Vice President Doy Laurel is a current Kapamilya favorite, having starred in a good number of afternoon teleseryes.  She has since moved up to become a Primetime Bida star and acts alongside Rafael Rosell, Christine Reyes and Zanjoe Marudo in the telenovela, “Kristine”.

By the way, if you want to be Denise Laurel’s friend on Facebook, JUST CLICK HERE.

The Kapamily Karavan Sa GenSan Tunafest spectacle happens at the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention and Events Center starting at 3pm this Saturday, Sept 18.  It will be 3 or so hours of fun, games, exciting prizes, musical and dance numbers from selected local talents and of course, performances from the two Kapamilya Stars.

The sexy and sultry Denise Laurel and dashing Star in a Million Winner Eric Santos at the Tuna Festival??!!!  Pinch me or I must be dreaming!

If you are awake at that time, then hope to see you all there!

The Kapamilya Karavan sa GenSan TunaFest is FREE so be at KCC Mall early.

This weekend, September 19, 2010, Sunday to be exact, the best mountain bikers from all over Mindanao and other parts of the country will once again gather in what is one of the biggest outdoor sports competitions ever to be staged in these parts of the island – the Yellowfin Tuna XC Mountain Bike Challenge Year 9!

Now on its ninth year, this annual competition is an official event of the Tuna Festival Celebration.  It is spearheaded by the General Santos -Matutum OffRoad Bike Riders Association (GS-MORBA). As in the past, the organizers have ensured that all mountain bike enthusiasts of all ages, size and skill levels get a chance to participate in the 30-kilometer or so cross-country race.

Categories are divided into Elite, Masters, Veterans, Seniors, Juniors, Fun Ride A, Fun Ride B, Fun Ride C and Ladies. The swiftest from among these categories will be awarded individually.

The oldest, youngest and heaviest riders will also be recognized.  The city with the most # of delegation will likewise win a special award.

Pre-Race Registration of the participants will start on September 18, Saturday at the area infront of the Tropical Motorama Parts, CED Buildings, National Highway from 9am to 5pm.

Race Day Registration on September 19 transfers to the Robinsons Place starting at 7am.  Early birds will have a chance to win special prizes.

The 28.5 kilometer race course will traverse the scenic hills of Barangays Katangawan (Starting Point), Olympog, Mabuhay, Conel and Lagao.  Its (NEW) finish line is at the area infront of Sunrise Subdivision, Conel Road.

Below is the race route map.

GS-Morba through its very active leader Rene Santos (grandson of Gen. Paulino Santos) would like to thank all who have constantly been supporting his group’s cause for healthy living through mountain biking.  Below is the poster containing all the names of these generous friends.

Good luck to all the participants of the Yellowfin Tuna XC Mountain OffRoad Bikers Challenge Year 9!!!

For more info, please contact Noel (0922-8404580) or Charlie (0928-5503438).

Robinsons Place GenSan is readying itself for the culmination of the month-long Tuna Festival celebration!

For the next few days leading up to the Grand Weekend of September 24-26, the mall will be full of exciting events which will surely pack them all in.

Below is the promotional poster from Robinsons.

The September 19th PRAIZE EXTREME event is a concert of bands from all over the region that specialize in Christian Music and a few young and promising fledgling acoustic groups.  This must have been its 4th time to be officially acknowledged as part of the GenSan TunaFest Experience.  GenSan’s #1 band CENTERPOINT BAND used to jam in this event and look at where they are now.  The jam starts at 3pm at the Activity Center, this coming Sunday.

The PESO Affair is actually a 2-day JOBS FAIR on September 21 and 22, with both the Public Employment Services Office of the local government of General Santos and the San Jose College as the event organizers.  Expect hundreds of jobs being made available to job seekers and fresh graduates during this 2-day actitvity from 9am – 8pm.

September 25, Saturday is the last weekend of the TunaFestival celebration and Robinsons is unleashing the 1st Tuna GenBodis Body-Building Competition. If you go for men with uber large bodies in thongs, then this one is for you. Ogling starts at 2pm.

That same evening, the grandest and most-awaited TUNA SASHIMI NIGHT unveils at the mall’s AL FRESCO STRIP.  Here the BEST OF GENSAN BANDS which include Kuerdas and Centerpoint, among others will be performing the whole evening in a large stage to be set up at the parking lot across the mall’s main entrance.  Tables and chairs will be scattered all round the vicinity for a open garden party setting.  It’s Robinsons’ very own TUNA FESTIVAL STREET PARTY!!!  At this SASHIMI NIGHT, for only P150, you will get a bottle of ice-cold San Miguel Beer and a platter of fresh Tuna Sashimi!

Sunday, September 26th, the culminating day of this year’s Tuna Festival is reserved for one of GMA’s superstar talents, the Kapuso Hunk DENNIS TRILLO!

Yes, that’s right!  Dennis Trillo, the hearthrob will be doing a Mall Show at the Activity Center of Robinsons Place GenSan, as the mall’s way of celebrating its very first Tuna Festival in GenSan.

So mark your calendars and choose the right Robinsons Place event for you.  All these activities for the Tuna Festival will surely make you say the immortal lines “MAS MAGANDA DITO” over and over again!

Promise!

Here’s more good news for visitors of General Santos City!

In time for the Tuna Festival Month of September 2010 and up to October and November, the three hotels under the Dolores Resorts & Hotels Group are offering various promotions to make your stay even more pleasurable and worth your while; and, easy on the pocket!

Its flagship hotel in downtown GenSan, the Dolores Hotel, has gone down to its lowest price ever on its rooms!

Yes!  As their promotional poster above suggests, the five-storey Dolores Hotel located along Santiago Boulevard has lowered its price to P599 only on a twin-sharing basis!  That makes it less than P299.50 per person!  Now who can beat that?

Below is a photo of one of their rooms.  All rooms have their own TV sets and are equipped with FREE WIFI 24/7!

"ONE OF THE AIRCONDITIONED ROOMS OF DOLORES HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN GENSAN. IT HAS FREE WIFI 24/7."

15 kilometers away in Polomolok is Dolores Farm Resort, which is ideal for tourists and visitors who prefer its cooler climes in its farm setting.

This time, it’s a two-pronged promotion for Polomolok’s only resort hotel!  Dolores Farm Resort will only charge 50% of the regular entrance fee and will give a discount of 20% on their rooms for guests checking in or using their two swimming pools during the whole month of September 2010.

All of their rooms have free wifi connections too, together with their coffee shop area beside their pools.

"THESE ARE THE OVERNIGHT AIRCONDITIONED ROOMS OF DOLORES FARM RESORT. ALL HAVE FREE WIFI CONNECTIONS."

For those who would want to be nearer the sea and swim in Sarangani Bay’s beaches, Dolores Tropicana Resort Hotel in Barangay Tambler has also prepared something for its guests starting this month.

For the months of September 2010 and up to January 2011,  through their “SABADO MAY BANDA SA TROPICANA“,  a band will be performing at their main activity area every Saturday evening from 8pm to 2am.  Dolores Tropicana Resort is known in these parts to throw the best beach parties via their Bikini Open since they have been at it for more than 10 years now!  That distinction is still undeniably theirs.

And yes, you can check your email or update your Facebook if you have your laptop with you.  Their lobby and all their overnight rooms are wifi hotspots!

So that’s it!  Choose your wild while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Tuna Festival from September 18 – 26.

If you want to be closer to the action, stay at Dolores Hotel in downtown GenSan.  If you go for the fresh balmy mountain air of Polomolok while basking in the sun at their swimming pools, hie off to Dolores Farm Resort.  And if you’re a beach person with a liking for rock bands, then Dolores Tropicana Resort is your cup of tea.

There’s really something for everyone this Tuna Festival at Dolores Resorts and Hotels!

Last Sunday, September 12, 2010, a lucky day for Fengshui experts, one more establishment meant to serve the increasing entertainment needs of GenSan’s people and her visitors was inaugurated in simple ceremonies.

General Santos, please welcome the latest tenant of SunCity Complex to open to the public, the MUSIC CITY FAMILY KTV! This is a business venture of KWN Quantum Resource Corporation.

KWN Quantum Resource Corp is ran by brothers Architect Marvin Kwan who’s the  President and Marlon Kwan, the Treasurer.  Marvin also happens to be the Chief Architect of SunCity Suites Complex.

Music City Family KTV comes at a right time when GenSan is at its most festive which is during the last quarter of each year, commencing with the month of September when the legendary Tuna Festival attracts visitors and revelers from all around the country.

"THE MANAGEMENT OF MUSIC CITY FAMILY KTV WITH THEIR GUESTS AT THE BLESSING OF THEIR NEW VENTURE."

Now, singer-wanna-bees and aspiring performers of all ages can check out any of  Music City‘s 12 airconditioned private rooms.  Each one is equipped with state-of-the-art wide screened digital flat Karaoke-TV with two microphones and the widest selection of songs, both local and foreign.

"THE CORRIDOR LEADING TO MUSIC CITY FAMILY KTV'S 12 PRIVATE ROOMS."

If you just want to chill out with your friends, then just turn the TV on and watch the latest from any of their choice music videos in their library while munching on Music City’s soon-to-famous THIN CRUST PIZZA and  ice-cold beer.

"MS. GENSAN 2008 ROMARIE CUNANAN, FOODIE CONSULTANT CATHY BOLODO & BUDDING FOTOG MARZ B. TRY OUT MUSIC CITY'S STATE-OF-THE-ART KARAOKE"

Here are their room rates:

• Small Rooms (Good for 6-8 persons) – P200 per hour; Seven available.
• Medium Rooms (Good for 10-12 persons) –  P250 per hour; Three available.
• Large Rooms (Good for 12-14 persons) – P300 per hour; Two available.

The rates are not consummable, by the way. And the good news is, all rooms are NO SMOKING ZONES!  Yes!!!

"7 GUESTS INCLUDING SUNCITY SUITE'S MS. KATE BUDKE & HOTEL MNGR PHILIP PABELIC TRY THE SMALLEST KTV PRIVATE ROOM'S AMENITIES."

With the opening of Music City Family KTV, Sun City Complex now has 6 dining and entertainment establishments which include Gusteau’s, Mongolian Grill, Cafe Firenzo, Razon’s, Q Bar. Watch out for Ocean Cave Seafoods and Steaks (opening Sept 18) and Firenzo Deli.

MUSIC CITY FAMILY KTV is open from 4pm to 1am on Mondays to Thursdays and 4pm to 3am on Saturdays and Sundays.  For reservations, please contact telephone #s (083) 553-8833.

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges is now a Grand Old Dame at 50!  And to launch and celebrate this milestone, she went BIG TIME!

One of the most enduring educational institutions in General Santos City and South Central Mindanao, RMMC recently launched her year-round Golden Anniversary Celebration by mounting a concert for the studentry, faculty, workers and supporters featuring its home-grown talents, notably Teatro Ambahanon,  and a famous Manila rock band, SPONGECOLA!

Bariles and GandaEverSoMuch whose late father was once a high school faculty member of Magsaysay (as it’s commonly called) during the late 70s and early 80s, were privileged to have been there during the milestone launch at the jampacked GenSan Gym in Barangay Lagao.

Both witnessed and were awed by a program which heralded RMMC‘s unprecedented growth  over the years via a video presentation and entertainment numbers that showcased the talents which RMMC has been steadily producing throughout the years.

The Millado siblings, College President Kris and lovely wife Pia with their kids along with older brother Jojo and younger brother Marthin were there to join the celebration and bask in the overwhelming spirit of gratitude from their wards that seemed to permeate the whole gym for this monumental concert they mounted.  Their grandfather who founded the school in 1960 and their father, Flor who brought it to greater heights must be beaming with pride.

"THE YOUTHFUL RMMC PRESIDENT KRISTOFFER FRANZ MARI MILLADO FORMALLY OPENS THE YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION OF THE SCHOOL'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY EVEN AS HE WAXES NOSTALGIC ABOUT THE SCHOOL'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS."

Here are some more pictures to show for it, the day when all RMMC’ians came together in a joyous and never-to-be-matched celebration of their school’s big day!

"SOME OF THE RMMC POP IDOLS WHICH HAVE BEEN WINNING IN VARIOUS CITY-WIDE COMPETITIONS, BELT OUT A POPULAR PIECE DURING THE PROGRAM."

"LOCAL RAP GROUP, DIZE STORM THE STAGE WITH THEIR OWN COMPOSITIONS."

"TEATRO AMBAHANON, RMMC'S RESIDENT DANCE THEATER GROUP PERFORM IN COLLABORATION WITH TWO OTHER GROUPS FROM COTABATO & DAVAO IN A THOUGHT-PROVOKING NUMBER"

"MANILA BAND SPONGECOLA BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN AT THE START OF THEIR ALMOST TWO-HOUR PERFORMANCE."

"SPONGECOLA VOCALIST YAEL YUZON DELIGHTS THE RMMC CROWD WITH HIS ENDEARING SHOWMANSHIP AND UNABASHED THEATRICALITY."

The concert lasted for over three hours but it was evident that everyone who witnessed the spectacle will treat it as  a night that won’t  be forgotten for as long as they live.  Inviting a top Manila Band to perform in GenSan might be a costly affair but it has turned out to be the best decision that the Millado’s and their school board have made to launch their 50th Anniversary.

It was a small price to pay in celebration for the successes that their educational institution have achieved for five decades since their grandfather established it to help out the working students of what was then known as Dadiangas.  It was one big thanksgiving party for the people who have helped  nurture and sustain the founder’s legacy and it was all worth it.

Happy 50th Anniversary RMMC!  Here’s looking forward to more years of providing academic excellence and leading the way towards exemplary artistic pursuits among the people of Soccsksargen!

Mabuhay!!!

Today, September 11, 2010 is a red-letter day to all the McDonald’s junkies of GenSan!

The first mall-based McDonald’s outlet in the city finally opens at the KCC Mall of GenSan through a Good Neighbor’s Night Party at 6pm.

McDonald’s will be in addition to KCC’s ever-growing family of dining establishments, which includes Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Mang Inasal, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mr. Donuts, Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Mandarin, Pritong Manok, Fagioli, Coffee Dream, Rai Rai Ken and Nanay Bebeng’s — strengthening the mall’s reputation as the largest in General Santos City.

The American fastfood chain’s operating hours  at KCC are from 9am to 9pm starting tomorrow.  Too bad, according to an insider they won’t be serving breakfast meals which is basically Bariles’ favorites.

Hopefully, service at this new McDo branch which is company-run will be top notch and better than the previous one across the street.

A week ago, that  McDonald’s stand-alone outlet  which lies adjacent to the KCC Mall,  closed shop and will transfer to a new location along the National Highway at the Floirendo property beside ChowKing Restaurant.

McDonald’s Highway is undergoing construction right now and will be a 24-hour Drive-thru affair once it opens during the first quarter of 2011 on December 15, 2010, competing directly with the Jollibee Drive-thru outlet across the highway.

In due time, we will be seeing the McDonald’s arches towering above not one but two locations in the Tuna Capital.  But with SM City coming in, make that THREE McDonald’s arches soon!

Thanks and congratulations to all who joined the “ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan” Blog & Facebook Contest!

We received a total of 15 blog post entries and eight Facebook participants.  We were predicting more Facebook entries since the contest mechanics are a no-brainer and are so easy to do.  Too bad only eight FB fans of the ASAP Sessionistas made a go for it.  They must be laughing and singing and dancing happily now!

Here then are the results of our “ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan” Blog & Facebook Contest“.

DRUMROLL please!!!

The Winning BLOGGERS:

• The two Grand Prize Winners of one Silver Ticket each (P900) are:
  • Dimple Dulay‘s 6 Artists, 1 Stage = ASAP Sessionistas in GenSan.  I loved her wonderful play with the letters in the words ASAP XV.
  • Gilbert Tan’s Six Reasons to watch ASAP Sessionistas. He featured engaging sampler videos of the 6 artists, the only blogger to do so.
• The 10 Consolation Prize Winners of one Patron Ticket each (P600) are:
  • Pawee Sayson’s Six Reasons to watch ASAP Sessionistas
  • Liezl Oberio’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan
  • Rosilie Lim’s Why I Should not Miss  ASAP Sessionistas
  • Loy Park’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan
  • Rabky Villanuva’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan
  • Mark Bill Gomez David’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan
  • Ronald Eron Gallano’s Reasonable Reasons
  • Dinna Boje’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan
  • Marty Angelo L. Reyes’ Six Reasons as to Why I Really Want to Watch ASAP Sessionistas
  • Donna Mae Congson’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan
  • Jinky Borela’s 6,5,4,3,2,1… to 09.10.10 (ASAP)
  • Mac Algonez’s My 6 Reasons to watch ASAP Sessionistas
  • Cidy Bascon’s ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan

The Winning Fans of the GenSan News Online Facebook Fanpage:

• Winners of one General Admission Ticket  (P350) each are the following:

1. Tristan Dapito
2. Stunning Butz
3. Nance Zhandy Hanson Panerio
4. Precious Pia Delicana Abatayo
5. Shalenie Odi
6. Lawrence Eric Teves
7. Rain Ramas
8. Marianne Kathleen Dayap

The ASAP Sessionistas Live in GenSan Blog & Facebook Contest is brought to us by Denville Music & Productions and Record Breaker.  Thanks to Ms. Geraldine Oville for the support.

For ticket enquiries, please contact telephone #s 302-0940 or 0922-825-2704.  Again, congratulations to the winners.  Enjoy the concert guys and the rest of the Tuna Festival month ahead!

A good friend from the media and one of the writers whom Bariles look up to, Allen Estabillo, filed a report today on the recently concluded 12th National Tuna Congress last weekend.

In that report (click here to read it), he wrote about the country’s immediate plan to seek lower tariffs or taxes for tuna exports to the European Union and the United States coming from Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines.  This was mentioned by former Senator Mar Roxas who subbed for Keynote Speaker President Noynoy Aquino in interviews with the media.

“We’ll continue the fight for preferential access of our tuna products, especially the canned tuna, in the EU and the US. This will be pursued as a policy of the present administration,” Roxas said.

Presently, the Philippines along with Thailand and Indonesia are being slapped a 24% tariff on their canned tuna exports to these two major markets, compared to Zero Tariff on countries in Africa, Carribean, Pacific Group of States and in the Andean countries.

According to the same report, Roxas said that this will be a major policy for the Aquino government who will lead in the negotiations to ensure that the country’s interests are protected.

The country’s tuna industry, which is mainly based in this city, accounts for at least US$ 380 million in annual export receipts and is considered among the top players in the international tuna market.

Tuna landings in this city average at 400,000 metric tons (MT) annually around 85% of which are exported to the EU, Japan, US and other top tuna markets.

The EU imports 40% or around 64,000 MT of the country’s fresh and canned tuna exports, which are mainly produced by six tuna canneries based in the city. Report from Dateline.ph.

The 12th National Tuna Congress gathered almost 300 delegates this year.  Their Trade Exhibit drew in about 60 exhibitors who rented out 102 booths at the exhibit area of the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center.

Also present during the congress were head of the EU Delegation to the Phils. Amb. Alistair Macdonald, DTI Usec Cenen Perlada, Usec Segfredo R. Serrano, former Congresswoman Lualhati R. Antonino whose appointment as the new Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson was announced by former Senator Roxas to everyone’s delight.

Congressman Jun Acharon, GenSan Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio and a host of other important players, movers and shakers of the Tuna Industry were also present to ensure the congress’ success.

"12th National Tuna Congress Chair Marfenio Tan assisted by an exuberant GenSan Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, happily hands over a plaque of appreciation to Representative Jun Acharon of the 1st District of South Cotabato for his support for the conduct of the congress."