Whether it’s shopping for the latest fashion trends or looking for the best deals on hotel accommodations, wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continues to power your online lifestyle needs with exclusive deals for subscribers on popular e-Commerce sites such as Zalora and Airbnb.

“We have partnered with the best and the biggest names in e-Commerce to bring you the greatest online shopping deals from Zalora and Airbnb right at your fingertips,” said Charles Lim, EVP and Wireless Consumer Division Head at Smart. “With Smart, you’ll have the fast, fun, and worry-free Internet experience that will power all your online needs, all at your own convenience.”

The best fashion finds

The new year means opportunities for a fresh start, and that includes a new set of wardrobe from the country’s leading online fashion portal Zalora. Now, Smart subscribers can update their look and keep up with the latest fashion trends with an exclusive 15% discount on apparel purchases from Zalora through Smart Rewards.

To avail of the discount, users must first be members of the Smart Rewards program by texting REWARDS to 9800. After registering, simply text REDEEM ZALORA to 9800 to get your FREE discount codes for online shopping. The promo is open to all Smart prepaid, postpaid, and broadband subscribers nationwide.

Once the code is sent to your phone, simply log on to www.zalora.com.ph, register for an account (if you don’t already have one), choose the apparel that best suits your taste, and enter the discount code at the proper field upon checkout.

So grab the chance to try on new styles and wow your friends with your new outfits, and discover that Smart is all you need for all your fashion needs.

The most unique accommodations

Meanwhile, Smart Postpaid subscribers can instantly get a P1,500 discount on their Airbnb accommodations by simply being part of the country’s biggest mobile network.

To avail of the offer, subscribers only need to visit the Airbnb website (www.airbnb.com) or access the Airbnb app on their iOS or Android phones and input the unique promo code linked to their mobile number at the checkout page.

To be eligible for the discount, the booking cost must be at least P3,000 and their stay at the chosen accommodation must end on or before May 31, 2015. The discount may only be used once per registered Airbnb user in the Philippines.

Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodation around the world — online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 190 countries.

To know more about the mechanics of this limited-time offer, visit www.airbnb.com/smartpostpaidpicks.

It’s now out!!!

The  Sarangani Tourism Office, the organizers of the country’s biggest beach party, the SarBay Fest 2015 has just released its official dates!

They revealed the dates of the 10th Sarangani Bay Festival to be on May 15 and 16, 2015, the 3rd weekend of May!

So, start arranging your travel plans now.  Book your rooms at any of the resorts along the shorelines of Gumasa, Glan where the main events of SarBay Fest will unfold.  Some have been featured in this blog.

Sarangani Beach Resort Series 1, 2, 3, and 4 and 5.

Or you may want to coordinate with the Sarangani Tourism Office and ask them for assistance by contacting them at (083) 508 5230. Look for the beautiful Ms. Lang Purisima.  She would be very willing to help. Tell her that Bariles sent you.

Treat your precious ones to an enticing Valentine’s celebration! Tie the ambiance with inspirational harmony as the well-known bands and singers invade Mindanao SM Supermalls to serenade their fans on this love-filled month. Make this season a heart-stopping celebration of love as you go beyond expectation with sweet treats and great gifts brought by the Region’s leading malls taking you a roundup of quirky ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Coddle your romantic timbres with the Songs of Love by Thor Dulay- the Master of Soul as he regales SM City General Santos on February 13, 2015,  7pm at The Fountain Court; SM City Davao on February 14, 7pm at The Event Center, Annex; and, SM City Cagayan de Oro on February 15, 5pm at The Event Center.

THOR, MASTER OF SOUL PERFORMS THIS VALENTINES WEEKEND AT SM CITY GENSAN, DAVAO & CAGAYAN DE ORO

Thor Dulay who hails from Panabo City, Davao del Norte is a semi-finalist during the first season of The Voice Philippines which aired in 2013.   He just released his fourth studio album titled “Master Of Soul” under ABS-CBN’s Star Music.  The music video for its carrier single is “Paano Ko Sasabihin” premiered on February 4, 2015.

Here’s that music video for your glimpse of Thor’s musicality.

Meanwhile, SM Lanang Premier gives you exquisite serenades, for its part! Get captivated with the music of Manila String Machine on February 14, 2015 at their Fountain Court Grounds. Sing with the number 1 most streamed International Artist in the Philippines, Boyce Avenue! Catch them live at SMX Convention Center this February 15, 8pm.

Planning a Valentines you’ll love? Everything’s at SM Supermalls at the the three largest cities of Mindanao!

For more information and updates, you may contact the nearest SM mall or visit and like their Official FB Pages.

For the first time since they opened, Starbucks Gensan located at the SM City General Santos is giving its customers a Valentine’s treat on February 14, 2015.

Starting this week, the awesome staff over at Gensan’s only Starbucks outlet have been giving out invitations to their Day of Hearts Specials dubbed “LOVE’S BREWING at STARBUCKS“.

Starbucks Gensan along with other select branches all over the Philippines will be providing live music from local bands for their invitees and other walk-in guests from 7pm to 9pm.  Those who received the tickets are entitled to a FREE PHOTO from the Photobooths exclusively set up for Starbucks’ clients.  They can also join the RAFFLES later during the night offering Starbucks premium items.  Take note, Gensan is the only city in Mindanao where this promo is being run.

So if you want a no-frills but classy way of spending Valentine’s Day, see you then at Starbucks General Santos. For invitations, approach any cashier and ask for one.  Tell her, Bariles sent you.

In commemoration of General Santos City‘s 76th Foundation Anniversary, the City Government has officially announced the dates which are set on February 23-27, 2015.

The Honorable Ronnel C. Rivera, City Mayor has also given the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges the reins to handle the conduct of the festival’s 26th iteration.

With this development, the 50-year old educational institution will be signing a MOA with the city sometime this week.

The organizing committee has already identified the theme for this 26th Kalilangan Festival’s as “Kultura Ko, Identity Ko” (My Culture, My Identity). This will guide the event managers of the different activities comprising the 5-day festival in conceptualizing and running their events.  Hopefully, by this week’s end, we could share the Kalilangan 2015 Official Schedule of Events.

For its part, the Kalilangan 2015 organizers have released the objectives of the festival, which will fuel its reason for being.

Please check back here for more updates re the 2015 Kalilangan Festival and most specially, its Schedule of Activities/Events.

Atman Urban Day Spa has come up with a romantic Valentine Special for both their couples and single clients during this Love Month!

Check out their official Valentine’s Day Special below which is effective up to February 28, 2015.

Atman Urban Day Spa is turning out to be the top spa preferred by the generals these days due to its clean facilities, spacious massage rooms, very competent therapists, amiable and courteous staff who serve you tea right after you arrive and a homey, relaxing lobby where you could hang out while waiting for your turn.

Since they are mostly booked especially at weekends and most likely this Valentine’s, better call them in advanced to book your reservations.

Atman Urban Day Spa is conveniently located at the Ground Floor, Johnston Building, corner Magsaysay- Beatiles Streets, General Santos City.  Their telephone # is (083) 301 7891.  They are open from 1pm to 3am, Mondays to Sundays.

I am pleased to announce that our very own Google Business Group chapter, GBG General Santos has once again topped the rankings of Southeast Asian chapters for 2014 just like in 2013.

GBG is a Google Community composed of volunteers, mostly business people who share a common passion for web technologies in leveraging their businesses or careers.  In General Santos, GBG is headed by this author, who acts as its Manager.  He was appointed to be its lead by Google in March 2013.

All the GBG chapters worldwide are ranked according to the points they garner from the events they run,  based on the reports that the managers submit that also contain the feedback of their participants and results of their activities.

In 2013, GBG Gensan also topped Southeast Asia, and thus affording this author to join the Global GBG Managers Summit in the Googleplex (Google HQ) in Mountain View, California in June 2014.  He likewise attended the Google I/O Summit in San Francisco afterwards.

THE AUTHOR, AVEL MANANSALA, POSING AT THE GIANT ANDROID DISPLAY AT THE GOOGLEPLEX HQ IN MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA DURING A BREAK AT THE GLOBAL GBG MANAGERS SUMMIT IN JUNE 2014.

(For more of GBG Gensan, CLICK HERE.)

GBG Gensan’s performance which was based on the quantity and quality of the events it has mounted in 2014 has likewise put it into the TOP 10 GBG Chapters globally, at number seven (7)!

According to Erica Hanson, Google’s Developer Relations Program Manager, Southeast Asia, in describing GBG Gensan’s manager,  “Avel puts on great events and even brought the new country manager of Philippines to his last Gday as the keynote speaker – great work!“

This is another testament to the hardworking men and women behind GBG GenSan especially GBG Gensan Co-Managers Orman Manansala, Alexis Chua, Erwin Bantilan and Job Oberio; GBG Women Lead Chiclet Rillo; and mentors Rap Gregorio, Jose Laurence Erojo, Ariel Lalisan (GEG Sarangani Lead), Liezl Oberio, Ms. Michelle Solon and Nanardz Navarro together with Working Core Members Gem Tadefa, Ric and Sheng Dumalay, Gwyn Palima, Cristine Cloma, Farhannah Pangonotan, Anthon Delizo, Marrel de Pedro, Poppy Rillo, Paula de Pedro, Isagani Meliton, Prexus Pia, Giano Daliva, Mark Dave Manansala and Mr. Marz Bendol.

THE GBG GENSAN CORE TEAM WITH VOLUNTEERS FOR GDAYS GENSAN (SEASON 2) ON DECEMBER 13, 2015.

To all of them and to our countless of volunteers and participants of our events since we started in March 2013, our deepest thanks.

We are also indebted to our Googler mentors Erica Hanson, Aileen Apolo, Chelle Gray, Jerome Locson, Philip Tanpoco, Franz Sarmiento, Gail Tan and Google Phils Country Lead Ken Lingan plus the support of Google GBG and GDG Leads Anne Olvido, Dulce Lada, Vince Gabor, Vanj Padilla, Josan Astrid Dometita, Angel Abella, Andrew dela Serna, Lyle Santos, Bernie Arellano, Brendel Balaga, Ruben Licera, Kathy Sy- Yap, Ros Juan, Johnn Mendoza, Maricar Dabao and Yen de Felipe, etc., together witn Google Evangelist extraordinaire Herald Uy de Baron.

Our gratitude also goes out to our partners in 2014, SM City General Santos, SMART #LiveMore, Dolefil, Greenleaf Hotel, MP Princess Digital Printers, Ice Castle Experience Hotel, Microtel, Red Trellis Seafood Garden (Valley High), Ranchero Nuevo at SM, HUB 88, STI Gensan, AMA CLCC Gensan, the Governor’s Office (Governor & First Lady Steve Solon) of Sarangani, the City Mayor’s Office (Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera) of General Santos and the Sox Bloggers.

Please note that GBG Gensan mounted two of the biggest GDays gatherings in 2014, the GDays Gensan (Season 1) in May and GDays Gensan (Season 2) that both gathered about 400 participants each.

SOME OF THE PARTICIPANTS OF GDAYS GENSAN 2014 (SEASON 1) HELD ON MAY 2014 AT TRADE HALL 1, 3RD FLOOR, SM CITY GENERAL SANTOS.

Below then, is the Top 20 Ranking of the GBG Chapters in Southeast Asia.  Kudos to GBG Davao, GBG Baguio, GBG Angeles, GBG Cagayan de Oro, GBG San Juan, GBG Mandaue, GBG Pangasinan, GBG Iloilo and GBG Dagupan for making it to this Top 20 list, too. Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Finally, we are sharing the Top 10 Worldwide ranking of the GBG Chapters from all over the world in 2014.

Congratulations to GBG Gensan and to all who made this possible.  Looking forward to more Googley and life-changing events (workshops, meetups, mapups, summits) in 2015!

To join the Google Business Group Community Page in Google Plus, please CLICK HERE.

Residents of General Santos who are fans of OPM Music are in for a rare treat this Valentines Day from SM City General Santos!

They do not have to fly to Manila to watch the now sold-out Valentine’s Day concert of world class performers Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera, billed as ULTIMATE, on February 14, 2015 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena!

SM Cinema General Santos City will be screening the concert via LIVE STREAMING at one of their four theaters starting at 8:30pm that very same Valentine’s Day!

Imagine yourself seated right at the front row of the Arena once you and your loved one avail of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch this aptly named ULTIMATE CONCERT of the country’s most talented singers… via LIVE STREAMING. Close up angles!!!  Woot!

This totally cinematic romantic experience inside SM Cinema will cost you P530 per ticket which is definitely so much cheaper than watching it at the MOA Arena.

And of course, all these four performers in once in a lifetime concert on Valentine’s Day (!) is definitely one super romantic event that should not be missed!

Other participating SM Cinemas are Cebu, Lanang, Iloilo, Clark, Pampanga, Baguio and Naga.

During a successful launch of the Kalilangan Festival 2015 on February 12, 2015 at the SM City General Santos attended by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, Councilor Shandee Pestano and the officers of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, headed by its president, Cris Millado, the offiicial Schedule of Events was finally unveiled to the public.

Here then is the Kalilangan Festival 2015 Schedule of Events…

Below is the more detailed Kalilangan Festival 2015 Schedule of Events MATRIX.

Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) presented the best local stories from among the entries submitted to the 7th Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) competition, the biggest and longest-running online local content activity that encourages Filipinos to join the digital conversation about the nation.

The awarding ceremony was held in Raffles Hotel in Makati to coincide with the 11th SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards, another grand annual event of the telco which recognizes student teams with the best technology innovations.

DPSA is an annual search for the best hometown stories that showcases the best of history, traditions, festivals and activities, places to visit, notable people, unique plants and animals, special delicacies, and local products. This year’s local stories are presented through a music video, documentary, and animation. These are all mapped online via the DPSA website.

As a crowd-sourcing activity, DPSA is able to engage Filipinos to participate in the digital conversation to boost Pinoy Pride.

“Generating more than 1,500 hometown stories, DPSA allows Filipinos to take part in documenting Philippine culture and history using technology for all the world to see,” said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

Initially launched exclusively for schools in partnership with the Department of Education, Smart has included an open division for this year’s run.

Domingo Yu Chu National High School bagged the grand prize for the student division with the documentary on the discovery of fossils of Ammonites in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. Ammonite is a type of mollusk that lived during the Mesozoic era, along with the dinosaurs. This is why Mansalay is called the Jurassic Park of the Philippines.

MANSALAY FOSSILS OF AMMONITES, A TYPE OF MOLLUSK THAT LIVED DURING THE MESOZOIC ERA. THESE WERE THE FOCUS OF THE GRAND PRIZE WINNING DOCU OF THE DOMINGO YU CHU NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo National High School, which featured the life of Lirio Salvador—the sound artist who makes instruments out of scrap metals—was the 1st runner-up. Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School placed 2nd runner-up, with their entry about Eugenio Daza E. Salazar, a teacher who joined the revolutionary forces and lead the Balangiga attack in Eastern Samar during the Philippine-American war.

GEN. EMILIO AGUINALDO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH FEATURED THE LIFE OF LIRIO SALVADOR — THE SOUND ARTIST WHO MAKES INSTRUMENTS OUT OF SCRAP METALS, WAS THE FIRST RUNNER UP.

In the open division, a team from Rizal took home the grand prize. The team showed why Angono, Rizal is considered the Arts Capital of the Philippines. Entries from Iloilo and Albay were 2nd and 3rd placers, respectively. Iloilo team featured the historical significance of Sampaw Bato in San Joaquin, Iloilo, while team Albay provided a virtual tour around the must-visit places in Camalig.

An entry about Panagdadapun Festival in Quirino Province created by Maddela Comprehensive High School won the People’s Choice Award for student division, while a team from Cebu who featured an exotic dip called Tuslob Buwa won in the open division. The teams got the most number of votes in the Facebook poll conducted by Smart. Emerging as the best music video entry, Ilocos Norte National High School bagged the SPINNR Award with their video entry about the cultural heritage of the Ilocanos.

TUSLOB BUWA, AN EXOTIC DIP FROM CEBU WAS THE SUBJECT OF THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDEE IN THE OPEN DIVISION FOR THE MOST NUMBER OF VOTES IN THE FACEBOOK POLL CONDUCTED BY SMART.

 To view all the entries, visit the DPSA website at www.doonposaamin.ph. You may also follow DPSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoonPoSaAmin or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/doonposaaminph for more Pinoy local stories.

DPSA is supported by media partners Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Mindanao Times, Sun.Star-Cebu, Magic 89.9, and RMN (Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, Iligan) and community partners Google Business Group – General Santos, the Soccsksargen Bloggers, Google Business Group-Baguio, Cebu Blogging Community, Iloilo Bloggers, Davao Bloggers, and CDO bloggers.

DPSA is aligned with Smart’s Internet for all advocacy that aims to make information available and accessible to more Filipinos through web and mobile technologies.

Preparations are underway for the Kalilangan Festival 2015 in General Santos City, commemorating the Tuna Capital’s 76th Foundation Anniversary.

Kalilangan 2015 which is themed: “Kultura Ko, Identity Ko” has won the Best Festival “Hall of Famer” award last year for the Culture and Arts- City Level Category from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP), having successfully retained its stature as the Country’s Best Festival- city level in the last three consecutive years since 2011.

The week-long celebration of culture and heritage which starts on February 23 until February 27, 2015 was presented to the public during the Soft Opening and Press launching held last February 12 at SM City General Santos Event Center.

READ:  OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OF KALILANGAN FEST 2015

SM City Gen. Santos kicks off Kalilangan 2015 as one of the major sponsors and promises to gather the generals again to its famous and heavily-attended Rave Party in the city with matching breathtaking grand fireworks display while conducting a Great Sale.

The Tuna Capital’s partyphiles will surely love the mixes of DJ MOD, former DJ of ABS-CBN’S Showtime and one of the sought-after DJs in the country as he performs his own beat, leading the Generals to a night of festivity and glamour and prepping them to witness a splendid Grand Fireworks Display, on February 21, 2015, 7PM at The Roofdeck of SM City General Santos.

A Kalilangan Great Sale also awaits the shoppers where thay could avail up to 50% DISCOUNTS on selected items from February 19-22, 2015.

Kalilangan 2015 is definitely much more exciting to look forward to this year due to these contributions from SM City General Santos.

For more information, inquiries and updates, check-out SM City General Santos (Official) on Facebook, or call (083) 878-0667.

To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy is holding a search for the most creative photos or drawings using the new five peso commemorative coin (70th Anniversary of Leyte Landing) that best interprets the theme “Valuing the Past, Present and Future.”

To join, go the U.S. Embassy Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/manila.usembassy , upload an original drawing or photo including the new five peso commemorative coin, depicting the theme ““Valuing the Past, Present and Future,” on the Embassy’s Facebook event page entitled “70th Liberation Coin Photo Challenge.“

Any Philippine resident age 13 and above may upload their photo and include a photo title and short caption. Deadline for submission of entries is at 11:59pm February 22, 2015.

All qualified entries will be reposted in a Facebook photo gallery, wherein the Top 10 photos with the most number of “likes” will win a 70th Liberation Gift Bag which includes an exclusive 70th Liberation Shirt, and Embassy merchandise. Voting starts from February 23 12:00pm to February 26, 12pm.

U.S. Embassy will shoulder shipping of prizes to all winners.

The five peso limited edition commemorative coin features the Leyte Landing, which was a turning point for the liberation of the Philippines during World War II, started its circulation last December 22, 2014.

Dolefil Cares, the CSR arm of Dole Philippines is inviting all young artists and art enthusiasts from the region’s High Schools and Colleges to join their first ever “DOLEFIL CARES MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION“.

With more than P10,000 up for grabs including trophies and thousands of Dole products, this competition has been receiving an overflow of entries from all over SoCCSkSarGen since it was launched a month ago.  In fact, today, February 20, 2015, the remaining day for aspiring artists to register and enter the competition, Dolefil Cares expects to receive more applicants.

THE GUIDELINES FOR THE DOLEFIL CARES MURAL COMPETITION

From the official poster above, here are the GUIDELINES for the Dolefil Cares Mural Paining Competition…

• The Dolefil Cares Mural Painting Competition has two categories: Elementary and High School students.
• Youth who are in high school or college (but are not currently enrolled) may register and opt not to represent any school/institution. You may register as a duo or trio.
• The Prizes for each category:
  • First Prize: P10,000.00
  • Second Prize: P7,000.00
  • Third Prize: P5,000.00
• Artworks will be judged based on the theme, “DOLEFIL CARES“.
• Each mural painting entry should depict the four facets of “Dolefil Care“:
  • Leader in corporate sustainability and social responsibility;
  • Promoter of health, wellness and safety;
  • Number 1 in quality; and,
  • Producer of new, exciting and nutritious products for the world.
• Mail all entries in A4-size paper or digital canvass. to gwyn.ann.marie.ebol@doleintl.com
• Registration Forms may be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.
• For the complete Mechanicis, please CLICK HERE.
• The criteria for judging are:
  • Artistic Merit – 30%
  • Originality – 15%
  • Centrality to the Theme – 45%
  • Effort/ Cleanliness of Work – 10%
  • TOTAL – 100

REGISTER NOW AS THIS IS THE LAST DAY! FOR MORE INFO, CALL OR TEXT DOLEFIL CARES AT 0908 893 5116.

It’s back!!

After having been gone for a year or two, the Search for the Tropicana Hunk and Babe, the longest running search for the “fittest and sexiest” personalities in General Santos City,  is finally back in time for Summer 2015 at its home, the Dolores Tropicana Resort at Cabu, Tambler, General Santos City.

So if you think you have a fit and sexy body, the minimum height (5’2 for ladies & 5’4 for men) and the right personality that goes with it, then head out to the Dolores Hotel Front Desk and fill up their Application Form.

Their screening which started last February 7, 2015 is held every Saturday at the same hotel until April 4, 2015.  The Pageant Finals will be conducted sometime in May 2015.  So, between now and then, you can enroll in a gym and start dieting.  Who knows?  After a short absence from the consciousness of the generals, the much-awaited new Tropicana Hunk or Babe may just be you this time.

Check out our blog posts about some past Tropicana Hunk & Babe Finals Nights which used to be called Tropicana Bikini Open…

• Bikini Open 2007
• Tropicana Bikini Open 2008
• 10th Tropicana Bikini Open 2009
• Dolores Hunks and Babes 2010
• Tropicana Bikini Hunks and Babes 2011

The Tropicana Hunk & Babe 2015 which is on its 15th Year since it started is a project of RD Hotels and Resorts.  For more information, please call any of the following numbers:

• (083) 552-4139
• 0916-648-1543
• 0947-377-0721

Check back regularly for we will be announcing the exact date for the Finals of the Search for the Tropicana Hunk and Babe 2015 here.

We are sharing with you the list of areas affected by SOCOTECO II’s Power Interruption/Brownout Schedule for February 22, 2015 (Sunday) that will last for ten (10) hours.  Please check the table after the jump below.

So if your community is located somewhere near the areas served by the New Society, Lanoy, Dole Cobox, Fishport and Cargill substations of Socoteco II, be ready for the 10-hour long brownout affecting your localities on February 22, 2015.

For more information about the scheduled brownouts of Socoteco II, please contact Socoteco II via their telephone #s 553-5848 to 50 or text 09177205365. (Image courtesy of Remate)

Summer 2015 is almost here and we are giving you another instalment in our Sarangani Beach Resort Series.

This time, we are featuring the best and only beach resort in Sarangani Province that has passed the standards of the Department of Tourism – Isla Jardin del Mar.

Isla Jardin del Mar which opened on January 2010 is just a 4.5 kilometer ride away from Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani where most of the activities of the annual SarBay Fest are held.  The best way to reach it in Sitio Manando, Gumasa is via four-wheeled vehicles or the local transportation mode called habal-habal.  The provincial government built an access road to it from the National Highway.   See map below.

Just last year though, another access but shorter road was built that will lead to the nearby Sarangani Coves Reyes Beach in Gumasa in a matter of minutes. That makes staying here even better now since it will be easily accessible from the SarBay Festival grounds at the Adarna Family resorts.

 . 

Isla Jardin del Mar‘s white sand beach does not have the same texture as that of the beach along Gumasa but the water is still immaculately blue and still safe and fun for wading for kids and swimming plus snorkeling for older people.  (Better wear beach shoes just in case there are sea urchins.)

ROWS OF DELUXE COTTAGES MADE OF BAMBOO & OTHER NATIVE MATERIAL

What makes it superior than the resorts along the Gumasa area is the more number of accommodations that it has.  You can choose from a variety of rooms – the newer air-conditioned suite rooms, De Luxe Rooms (duplex and single native bamboo cottages on stilts) that are either air-conditioned or fan-cooled, or open-type cottages.  Check below for the rates.

ISLA JARDIN DEL MAR’S NEWER DUPLEX COTTAGES THAT COST P3500 EACH COTAGE.

Other than these is its fully-functioning restaurant that serves various meals any time during the day and earlier at night (it closes at 10pm). There is also a Pavilion for larger gatherings and sports amenities like  beach volleyball courts, snorkeling and diving equipment among others.  And after personally staying here just recently, I would say that the service here is excellent, the staff are accommodating and are pleasant and eager to serve you.  The owners have been operating a hotel in Gensan for decades (Sydney Hotel) and thus, you would know what to expect plus more.

Entrance rate for adults (13 years old above) is only P50 and P30 for kids and senior citizens.  These rates are separate from the room rates.

Check-in time is 2pm while the check-out time is 12 noon. Major credit cards are honored and accepted.

THE RESTAURANT AND THE FRONT DESK (RIGHT)

Isla Jardin del Mar may be contacted through the following contact numbers:

• (083) 893-0032
• 0919-768 7544
• 0906-765 2174

For functions and reservations, just get in touch with their sister hotel, Sydney Hotel in downtown Gensan by calling:

• (083) 552-5479 to 81
• Fax (083) 552-5478

For more info, check out their official website – www.islajardindelmar.net.

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER BLOG POSTS ON THE SARANGANI BEACH RESORT SERIES:

• WHITE HAVEN RESORT
• COCO BEACH
• ROSAL BEACH
• PACMAN BEACH RESORT COMPLEX

Finally.

Earlier today, Floyd Mayweather announced that his much-delayed fight with Manny Pacquiao will definitely push thru on May 2, 2015.  Did he make the announcement on a major TV network? Over a major news organization?  The answer is a big NO.

Floyd Mayweather shared the big news on his own mobile app, SHOTS.  See the post below.

His post on Shots reveals the photo of the signed contract between him and Pacquiao with the following caption:

What the world has been waiting for has arrived. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao on May 2, 2015, is a done deal. I promised the fans we would get this done, and we did. We will make history on May 2nd. Don’t miss it! This is the signed contract from both fighters.

This move of Mayweather convinced a lot of sportscasters, news personnel, fans, detractors and sports enthusiasts to immediately download the Shots app too… including myself.

Goes without saying that even sports heavyweights like Floyd Mayweather believes more in the power of social media these days.

WHAT IS SHOTS?

Shots is an Android and IOS based social application that allows its users to take and post pictures, much like Instagram and Vine.

Shots Mobile  was initially funded a a group that included Floyd Mayweather in 2012 so this explains why he opted to announce his fight with Pacquiao through his account there.  Another investor is his close friend, Justin Bieber.

Shots started in January 2013 and the app launched in the App Store in November 2013 and for Android devices in August 2014.

Shots has been downloaded almost 5 million times as of this writing.

You can download SHOTS on Play Store here.  On Apple Store, click here.

Floyd Mayweather’s account is @floydmayweather.  Follow him for his personal rants, raves and photos.

You may also want to follow me on Shots —-> @avelmanansala 

When I was a youngster during the 70s, there was one special restaurant in downtown Dadiangas where my parents would take me whenever I or any of my younger siblings was declared among the Top of our classes.

That restaurant which stood beside the now defunct State Theater along Pioneer Avenue was the Cotton Bowl Grill. Owned by a former US Navy chef assigned on board US war ships during the WWII, it served the best steaks in GenSan, years before the old sleepy dusty city I call home was known by that name.

THE OLD PIONEER AVENUE CLOCKTOWER, ONE OF THE LANDMARKS OF DOWNTOWN DADIANGAS.

Steaks were not a common staple in most homes that time so every visit to Cotton Bowl Grill was indeed a special occasion.

Alas, the restaurant moved to a farther location along Aparente Avenue, lost most of its loyal clientele and consequently closed down. Shortly after, the name Cotton Bowl became only a memory among us baby boomers and children of the 60s and 70s.

But that was not to be the end of Cotton Bowl Grill. One of the daughters of the now gone owner-chef decided to resurrect it to continue her dad’s legacy. And so like a phoenix, in December 8, 2014, Cotton Bowl Grill rose from the ashes and opened in a bigger venue at a quiet vacant lot along San Pedro Extension, Barangay Lagao.

Since Day 1, the place has been packed with mostly old-timers who missed Cotton Bowl Grill’s iconic steaks. They brought with them their families and friends who have not even heard of the name. Shortly, these new customers became converts too.  Eventually, social media became flooded with photos of the great food and experience that diners were having on the city’s first steak house.

And why not? The steaks are still delectable and delicious, juicy and tender in the right parts as Cotton Bowl Grill is known for.

Not only do they serve beef but chicken (a certified best seller!) and bangus steaks (so soft it melts in your mouth) as well.

These offerings were mostly served on plates the first time I was there but now, my Porterhouse was presented to me on a customized wooden slab which made slicing it much easier.

Cotton Bowl is still reasonably priced and for starters, order a bowl of their famous mushroom soup. I suggest you get the Large T-Bone Steak or the Half-chicken Steak as these are their top sellers.

For the Lenten season, the Bangus Steak is a must.

The main dining area is airconditioned and spacious and could seat about 50-60 guests.

Outside is also an al fresco section for smokers and for people who’d rather dine with nature.

To find out for yourself how Cotton Bowl has easily returned into the consciousness of the generals, why not visit it yourself?

Cotton Bowl Grill is open all days of the week, from 11am to 10pm. On Sundays, it’s 10am to 9pm.

For reservations, call them at (083) 554-7455. Look for its Manager Ms. Yvette Laurente- Arreglado.

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We are conducting a poll through our Facebook Page, Bariles Republic’s GenSan News Online Mag, which tackles the question, “IF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS WERE TO BE HELD TODAY, WHOM WOULD YOU VOTE FOR AS PRESIDENT?”

We just limited our choices to four “Presidentiables” because these are the people who seem to be creating the most noise leading to the highest office of the land.  Take note that the National and Local Elections will be held on May 9, 2016.

So if the elections were held today, would you vote for Vice President Jejomar Binay to lead the country?  Would it be current Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas?  Is it the daughter of former Presidental candidate, Fernando Poe Jr. now Senator  Grace Poe?  Or are you settling for Davao’s Dirty Harry, Mayor Rod Duterte?  Click your choice below.

You may check the results right after voting and if you feel that your candidate’s showing needs to be improved, share this with your friends who would likely vote for him/her too and could help his/her rankings.

Whatever the results of this poll are, it may still change based on how these four “presidentiables” present and handle themselves for the next fifteen months up to election day, May 9, 2016.

We are closing this in a week’s time, so, VOTE NOW to answer the question, IF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS WERE TO BE HOLD TODAY, WHOM WOULD YOU VOTE FOR AS PRESIDENT?

Generals, rich and poor, young and old, there are actually more than enough reasons for you to visit the GenSan Oval Plaza this weekend since it is the culmination of the Kalilangan Festival 2015.  Commemorating the city’s 76th Foundation Anniversary, this year’s celebration that is being managed by the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, has something in store for everyone.

READ HERE:  GENSAN KALILANGAN FESTIVAL 2015 SCHEDUE OF ACTIVITIES

Here then are 12 reasons why you should visit the Gensan Oval Plaza this week for the Kalilangan 2015….

1. Agri-Livestock Fair sa Kalilangan

GENSAN CITY COUNCILOR & IP REPRESENTATIVE FULONG MARIO EMPAL IS FLANKED BY MANILA VICE MAYOR ISKO MORENO & GENSAN MAYOR RONNEL RIVERA AS THEY CUT THE RIBBON SIGNALLING THE OPENING OF THE AGRI-LIVESTOCK FAIR AND FIESTAHAN SA KALILANGAN 2015 AT THE GENSAN OVAL PLAZA. JOINING THEM ARE VICE MAYOR SHIRLYN NOGRALES AND FIRST LADY JANE GOLLON – RIVERA.

2. Mini-Zoo sa Kalilangan

GENSAN MAYOR SHIERLYN NOGRALES’ TURN TO OPEN THE MINI ZOO AT THE GENSAN OVAL PLAZA WITH MANILA VICE MAYOR ISKHO MORENO WHILE LOOKING ON ARE GENSAN MAYOR RONNEL RIVERA AND COUNCILOR RIC ATENDIDO WITH FIRST LANE JANE GOLLON-RIVERA.

 3. Mini-Forest sa Kalilangan

GENSAN FIRST LADY JANE GOLLON-RIVERA ASSISTS MANILA VICE MAYOR ISKO MORENO IN CUTTING THE RIBBON OPENING THE KALILANGAN MINI FOREST INSIDE THE GENSAN OVAL PLAZA. WITH THEM ARE CITY MAYOR RONNEL RIVERA, VICE MAYOR SHIRLYN NOGRALES, CITY COUNCILOR MARIO EMPAL.

 4. Gensan Stunt Show

WATCH OUT FOR THE REMAINING GENSAN  MOTORCYCLE STUNT SHOW ON THURSDAY, FEB 26 AT 3:00 PM

 5. Kalilangan Trader’s Fair and Flea Market

ALL THE IMAGINABLE THINGS YOU CAN BUY FOR YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FRIENDS ARE HERE.. PLUS MORE AT THE KALILANGAN TRADER’S FAIR AND FLEA MARKET.

 6. Karnabal sa Kalilangan

ENJOY THE CAROUSEL, FERRIS WHEEL, ROLLER COASTER, DRAGON BOAT RIDE, OCTOPUS RIDE, ETC AT KARNABAL SA KALILANGAN WHICH RUNS UNTIL MARCH 12, 2015.

 7. Pakarajan sa Gensan – Moro Day

PAKARAJAN SA GENSAN MORO DAY, FEBRUARY 26 AT THE AGRI-LIVESTOCK FAIR GROUNDS. A MAGUINDANAO WORD FOR FESTIVE GATHERING WITHIN A GRAND CELEBRATION, PAKAJARAN SA GENSAN FEATURES DEMONSTRATIONS OF PRACTICES ICONIC OF THE CITY’S MORO IDENTITY.

 8. Parada ng Lahi

ALTHOUGH NOT IN THE OVAL PLAZA BUT AT THE NEARBY PLAZA HENERAL SANTOS, PARADA NG LAHI IS A MEMORIAL PARADE MARKING THE HISTORIC LANDING OF GEN. PAULINO SANTOS UPON GENSAN’S SHORES PARTICIPATED BY CIVILIANS, MEN & WOMEN IN UNIFORM, ACADEMICIANS, ETC ON THE EARLY MORNING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2015.

 9. Rakrakan sa Kalilangan with the 76Cyclemind

RAKRAKAN SA KALILANGAN: A ROCK MUSIC CONCERT ON FEB 28 AT THE OVAL STAGE. WITH THE 6CYCLEMIND. SHOW IS SPONSORED BY RMMC AS A TRIBUTE TO ALL THE GENERALS.

10. Kadsagayn sa Kalilangan

KADSAGAYAN SA KALILANGAN: THE GRAND STREET DANCING COMPETIITON IS THE KALILANGAN FESTIVAL’S HIGHLIGHT ON FEB 27, 2015 AS THE WHOLE CITY PULSATES WITH THE COLORS AND MUSIC OF THE CITY’S TRADITIONAL DANCERS, FLOATS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS.

 11. Kariktan sa Kalilagan 

KARIKTAN: THE CLOSING CEREMONY, FEBRUARY 27 AT THE OVAL STAGE. THE CULMINATION OF THE WEEK LONG CELEBRATION WITH PERFORMANCES FROM THE CITY’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST ARTISTS. THIS WILL BE PRECEDED BY A GIANT DANCE OFF ALL OVER THE CITY OVAL PLAZA GROUNDS AND GRAND FIREWORKS.

12.  FREE WIFI 

PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST REASONS TO VISIT THE GENSAN OVAL PLAZA IS ITS BEING A FREE WIFI ZONE UNTIL FEB 27. SO YOU CAN TAKE PHOTOS, UPLOAD THEM ON FACEBOOK, GOOGLE PLUS, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, SHOTS, ETC ON REAL TIME. THANKS TO DATA-BYTE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN. DON’T FORGET TO WRITE THE HASHTAG #KALILANGAN2015

With all these 12 reasons to visit the Gensan Oval Plaza for the Kalilangan Festival 2015 this week, what more are you waiting for?

Halina’t mag-Kalilangan! Tuklasin na ang Oval Plaza ng Gensan!

For the complete  Kalilangan Festival 2015 Schedule of Activities, CLICK HERE.