Gensan Gazer September 2010

General Santos City’s First Lifestyle, Trades & Travel Magazine ● September 2010GeGeGeGeenenenenenerararararallll l SaSaSaSaSantntntntntososososos CC C Cititititty’y’yyyy ssss FiFiFiFiirsrsrsrsrstttt t LiLiLiLifefefefefeestststststylylylylyly ee,e,e,e,, T T T Trararararadededededeessss s s &&& & & TrTrTrTrTravavavavavelelelelel MM M M Magagagagagaggazazazazazininininineeee e ●● ● SeSeSeeeptptptptptpp ememememembebebebebeberrrr r 202020200010101010101General Santos City’s First Lifestyle, Trades & Travel Magazine ● September 2010

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Arts & Entertainment ● City Life ● Shopping ● Tools & Gadgets ● Weekend Getaways ● Wining & Dining

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Gensan Gazer

Wonders of the WildWonders Wild

Klaja Eco Park

Arts Attack, Pop Pizzazz, More!

Gensan’s Last Frontier Unraveled

EXCLUSIVE: Tuna Festival 2010 Recap

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Few havecome closeto being a

living legend.

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Blugré CoffeeJMP1 Bldg, South OsmeñaGeneral Santos(083) 552 1111Robinsons Place Gensan(083) 554 2177

JMP Phoenix GasDaproza St, General Santos(083) 302 0503

Forever FlawlessKCC Mall of Gensan(083) 554 2422

Enjoying the legend is the easy part.

Jinkee’s Fashion WorldJMP2 Bldg, Aparente StGeneral Santos(083) 552 2228KCC Mall of Gensan(083) 554 2227

Team PacquiaoRobinsons Place Gensan(083) 554 2128

MP Princess DigitalPrinting SolutionsJMP2 Bldg, Aparente StGeneral Santos(083) 552 8880

JMP Printing PressJMP2 Bldg, Aparente StGeneral Santos(083) 303 5052

JMIX Resto BarJMP2 Bldg, Aparente StGeneral Santos(083) 552 8880(0928) 776 1240

Pacman Sports BarJMP2 Bldg, Aparente StGeneral Santos(083) 552 8880

Pacman H2O

Aparente StreetCor. National HighwayGeneral Santos(083) 302 1055

Magsaysay AvenueGeneral Santos(083) 554 2304

Congratulations on the resounding success ofCongratulations on the resounding success ofGensan’s Tuna Festival Experience!Gensan’s Tuna Festival Experience!

editor’snoteT his is Gensan Gazer’s fi rst

foray into Gensan’s Tuna Festival Experience territory, and as with the Kalilangan Festi-

val in February (also our fi rst, and our maiden issue’s cover story, too), we’re pleased no end by the colors, fl avors, sounds and other sensations of this month-long spectacle. We’ve seen fi rsthand how the Mayor and the masses took part in the celebrations, making it truly a city event that’s meant for its own people, and our guests, of course! Excellent job, Orman! Go Gensan! Here we also welcome Egai Cadiente’s Pop Pizzazz, the visionary writer-artist’s take on all things pervasive and popular. Happy reading!

Armando Nicolas PJ

Armando Nicolas P JEditor

Bing CariñoDonna Mae CongsonRomarie Ivy Cunanan

Apple Greatson FranciscoAvel Manansala

Orman ManansalaMarthin Millado

Guest Contributors

Angelo B. SangradorAdvertising Sales

Jay Harvey G JCirculation

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our coverstoryG etting tired of hectic weekdays at

work, and bar bingeing or beach bum-ming on weekends? Try the green out-

doors instead, and without leaving the city, too. Klaja Eco Park, General Santos City’s last fron-tier, boasts of a rich wilderness of hiking trails, crystal clear rivers, rolling hills, waterfalls, rock walls, camping grounds, caverns, forests, and hilltop lookouts. Spread over the barangays of Conel, Mabuhay, Olympog and Upper Labay, this green safari of sorts is a vast potential for eco-tourism. This feature is condensed from the Eco-Tourism Profi le published by CEM-CDO under Egai Cadiente, with stunning photogra-phy by Jing Velos.

Your CopyWe strive to dis-tribute Gensan Gazer for free to as many readers as possible, but we cannot guarantee your personal copy at all times. For a digital version of the magazine, just visit GensanGazer.com and browse and/or download your copy of our eZine. Bulk copies for your business or group may be requested at a spe-cial rate by calling (083) 8269221.

insideTravel Tales & Trivia

Pop Pizzazz

Culture Shock | Arts Attack

Klaja Eco Park:Wonders of the Wild

No More Plastic Bags!

The Arnis Champsof Gensan

Gensan’s Tuna FestivalExperience: A Recap

Gadget TalkPlaces2Go | GGPick

GGList

Health Bits

Beauty&Fashion Back2Back

City Hall SnapshotsPostscript

C

K6

GE 15

KWK 7

CP32B

C3231

G25

T3P5

GP22

H26NN13To14

what’sinside

traveltales&trivia • ajlakbaydiwa 3

First-time visitors to Hong Kong are not prone to associate it with world-class beaches,

but with more than 200 islands it’s bound to have a number of fi ne to excellent beaches here and there. In fact, Hong Kong Island alone has several, four of which I have sampled only for the fi rst time in the six years that I’ve been visiting the territory. Deep Water Bay on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island is surrounded by Brick Hill, Shouson Hill, Violet Hill and Middle Island. Beneath Violet Hill is Deep Water Bay Beach. Though less famous to

tourists compared to Repulse Bay Beach, Deep Water Bay Beach is very popular among locals. A pathway connects the two beaches, allowing people to jog or walk along the coastline while admiring the breathtaking seascape. Stanley Village in the southern part of Hong Kong Island is a well-developed sea-side enclave of sorts. Its Stan-ley Main Beach is reasonably clean with excellent facilities, lifeguards and shark nets, making it a model waterfront town with both Chinese and Western bars and restaurants, a fi ne market district and a several tourist attractions.

Repulse Bay Beach is traditionally Hong Kong’s most popular because of its acces-sibility and facilities. (In 1841 Repulse Bay was used as base by pirates, causing problems to merchant ships trading with China; the pirates were subsequently repulsed by the British Fleet, hence the name. Another theory attributes the name to HMS Repulse, which was stationed at the bay at one point.) The Repulse Bay area is one of Hong Kong’s most expensive residential districts (matched only by The Peak), with property prices reaching US$2,500 per square foot in 2006.

Turtle Cove Beach east of Stanley and west of Tai Tam Reservoir is an excellent beach despite its meager 70-meter span -- a serenely secluded stretch of coralline beige to white sand, save for the hilltop residences looking far down at it from one side, and the hillside public road high on the other. From the nearest bus stop, concrete stairs lead down the hill to the beach. The fi rst one I ventured to and the last one I soaked in, Turtle Cove Beach is easily my favorite -- fi nally changing my fi rst impression of Hong Kong as a rigid urban jungle and nothing more.

BEACHE S OF HS OF H ONG KO NGNGI S L A N DI S L A N D

The TricycleGerman Style

Gensan’s ubiquitous tricycle is a necessary small-scale local means of transportation for the masses; in other countries

it is known as cycle rickshaw, pedicab, bikecab, cyclo, becak, trishaw or simply, rickshaw. Tricycles are widely used in major cities around the world, but most commonly in Asia. Enter Germany, marrying Asian in-vention and European craftsmanship. In 1997 a new pedicab design was created in Berlin, perfecting the modern and eco-friendly CityCruiser with a 500-watt electric assist motor. (Though engi-neered in Germany, these electric-assist pedicabs are produced in the Czech Republic. Some clones are now also

manufactured in China. The German original fetches for around US$6,000; the Chi-nese clones, half that price. The heavier Chinese vehicles have more than 200 (at times loose) parts, and require daily maintenance in order to stay in use. The original make requires monthly tune-ups in line with most class-A Western pedicabs. The bat-teries last about 4 hours with a full charge. As with a few recumbent and semi-recum-bent designs, some drivers may suffer knee and joint pain due to the weight of the vehicle, roughly 150 Kg. Top right: A pair of Velotaxi cycle rickshaws in Hamburg. Right: A Berliner Beer ad adorns a Velotaxi in Berlin.

poppizzazz • egaicadiente 5

Mall invasion. How’sthat for a bench-mark of a city’s competitiveness?

First there was Gaisano Mall in the late 80s, followed by KCC Mall in the early 90s, Robinsons Place Gensan in 2009, and SM City Gensan opening end of 2011. In a span of two decades shop-ping malls have sprouted in one borough -- creating a vibrant urban landscape, and making the city more competitive than ever. For investments to come in, the city’s competitive-ness is a requisite. It’s what investors look for before setting up shop in the area. I recently attended the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Forum at SMX in Manila where I learned that SM Holdings is an AIM part-ner in the annual project of assessing the state of com-petitiveness of emergent and metropolitan Philippine cities. In the competitive-ness drivers, Gensan was merited highly in the com-posite areas of dynamism of local economy, respon-siveness of LGU to business needs, infrastructure, quality of life, cost of do-ing business, and human resources and training. These warranted three citations for the city as Most Competitive in this decade. I assume SM Holdings found these drivers present in the city that’s why SM is here. So far, it’s going to be the fourth mall that is another addition to shop-ping destination choices. This naturally means more variety of shops and mer-chandise, more attractions, and yes, more money in cir-culation. And with the ever rising global temperature, another air-conditioned public place to cool off is a convivial delight. That’s more movie houses for you. The prospect of 4 malls competing for patronage against each other would be enlivening. As an advertis-ing buff, I would personally take delight in anticipation of the promo blitz these malls would stage to entice customers. They have the

whole populace of Region 12 as their base market so they should not run out of promotional concept as the market is as diverse as the sundry commodities. Competition is truly alive in the city. That, I believe is the beauty of free enterprise. It raises the bar on the standard of products and services to the benefi t of us -- the buying public. Unlike during the bygone days when you have to contend with what goodies and wares the few shopping bazaars had to offer, the city today is becoming a shopping destination in this part of the region. Shopping spree in the city has never been this exciting. Shopping malls have become part of our present lives. Malls cater to all races and age. They serve both the rich and the poor. From needs to wants, in the mall you will fi nd. It affords accessibility and convenience that luxury takes a backseat for neces-sity. Malling has become a modern norm and mall culture has effortlessly per-colated in the local fl avor. In fact, the term malling was ingeniously coined just to give the activity a name. Beyond shopping, it’s also a rendezvous for lovers and business deals; a place for

respite and recreation; a site for exhibits and perfor-mances, or it can even be your temporal hideaway. In whatever way it serves you, it is a space that delights the senses. In its confi nes, a cacophony of life bustles. The energy burst-ing inside a mall is only matched by the verve all over the city nowadays. The cityscape transforms itself into a pulsating metropolis. I noticed that SM will locate within the 500-meter radius of 3 existing malls in one district. (Let me take the liberty to call the vicinity The Mall Straight.) While I am excited, I am also anxious about some draw-backs this whole metropolis shebang eventually brings. Anyhow, it’s a natural cause and effect phenomenon so we would expect more vehicles, more fumes, more

traffi c clog, more energy consumption, more energy demand, more industrial waste, and so on. This is where a com-munal proactive response is essential. Since the city’s progress and growth is a col-lective vision, keeping the city livable is also a joint endeavor of the govern-ment and the private sector. For ordinary citizens, the little things matter; it’s when drivers follow road discipline; it’s when com-muters and pedestrians observe rules; it’s when we dispose of our waste properly; it’s generally when all inhabitants become conscious urban dwellers. Social responsibility is not just a duty of corporate establishments. It is no longer a solitary obligation of the local government. Being mindful of our human habitat is an individual, as well as a shared obligation. That’s basically what the Magandang GenSan branding project of the local govern-ment is all about. Launched mid last year, it is an advo-cacy campaign imbuing val-ues to every General (that’s how we city residents call ourselves). What makes a place truly beautiful beyond its physical and spatial di-mensions are its people and institutions with beautiful social dispositions. Of the three malls already in oper-ation, only Robinson’s Place has adapted and actually installed a lighted Magan-dang GenSan icon at their two main entrances. I hope SM will follow suit in helping the city government implant a collective mindset of the Magandang GenSan brand. Malls as spaces for social values campaign may just as well convert mall shoppers to value shapers. And as conduits for transforming social values, malls do not only change the city’s land-scape, they also redefi ne urban living. Now -- how’s that for mall invasion?

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Comments are welcome. You may email the author at [email protected]

cultureshock|artsattack • bingcariño 6

Let me begin with this: a town without cul-ture is a town without a soul. In the early

years when Gensan rose from a patch of cogon land into a settlement district, migrants from Luzon and Visayas brought very little material things and much of their soul: they marked the feast days of their patron saints and held fi estas, served their indigenous cuisine during potlucks, even marked inaugurations of elected local offi cials with the Rigodon de Honor. The issue of General Santos as a town is not about its soul because the town had one right from the start; it’s the issue of nurturing that soul that has been the challenge. The inventory of culture and arts initiatives in the General Santos for a study that I wrote listed signifi -cant cultural programs and courses of action conducted throughout the years. There were problems with sustain-ability at the very worst but the city has never run short of people working for a dynamic arts scene. In the early years of the settlement the task of keep-ing arts and culture alive fell easily in the capable hands of the fi rst teachers led by Caridad Denoga. In between planting katuray shrubs to combat the heat and dust, and building de-cent classrooms, the school calendar was made colorful by occasional concerts of folk dances and American Era song and dance routines popularized by the bodabil. Performers were students from the classes of Felina Llido and Aurora Velayo, the fi rst teachers recruited by Rosa Santos, the daugh-ter of the General. Arts education, the requisite of cultural development, was

supplemented on Satur-days and summers by the piano lessons given by Pacita Gonzalez. Church and civic organi-zations made town fi estas

and Christmas celebrations alive by organizing variety shows, staging plays and sponsoring concerts by local and out-of-town artists. There was a small communi-ty of artists and performers discovered in the amateur singing contests, bailes and jam sessions (dance parties in the 60s) sponsored by DXGS, DXCP and other local radio stations. When Gensan homes began to acquire black-and-white TV sets in wooden cabinets these amateur singing contests evolved in the template of Tawag ng Tanghalan and Ang Bagong Kampeon. The artists performed solos in special masses, weddings and funerals -- not bad for a town wanting of occa-sions and spaces for public performance. At the time when children began to shun the required piano lesson, a new instrument was brought to Gensan -- the electric organ gave the new cool to music education, sustaining in the process the pool of local musicians. Mercy Asencio brought to Gensan the Yama-ha Electone Festival, which for a while became the yearly outing in the Gensan concert scene. The interest

generated by the Electone competition spawned a new breed of performers and produced Gensan’s fi rst national champion in the person of Eduardo Martin Leyson. The city’s cultural scene became busier; programs for a more comprehensive arts initiative management emerged as a need. The 80s saw the genesis of the fi rst organized arts group to begin the task of cultural education of the Generals. The Arts Council of General Santos City, organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, energized the arts scene by bringing Ballet Philippines, actors from Phil-ippine cinema and Pangkat Kawayan, taking the level of local arts education and appreciation a notch higher. Mindanao State University later reinforced work of the arts council by organizing the Rajah Buayan Arts Coun-cil. An association of artists and cultural workers, the SoCCSKSarGen Arts Council, Inc. emerged to improve the commercial potentials of art making in the locality. The energized culture and the arts programs in the 90s saw the staging of several cultural activities geared towards artistic excellence and audience development.

It took half a century for the culture scene to be a ready playing fi eld for individual initiatives.

Romeo Narvaez, a thespian from the famed MSU’s Sin-ing Kambayoka formed MSU Kabpapagariya Ensemble. MSU-KE is the crucible of Gensan’s next generation of cultural workers that included visual art’s enfant terrible Al-Nezzar Ali. It was from these initiatives where my involvement in cultural scene found its roots -- I introduced contemporary dance training and performance in the city. With artists maturing, local art making went interna-tional. Ali’s work has been exhibited in Southeast Asia,

Continued on page 29AL-Nez

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Wonders of the WildWonders

Gensan’s Last Frontier UnraveledText by Armando Nicolas PJ | Photos by Jing Velos

Based on Eco-Tourism Profi le, published by CEMCDO under Egai Cadiente

f eeling the bane of burnout in your job or career, and wishing to just take off

and backpack your way through the continent? That may be too drastic and time-consuming. Hungry for an adventure but a bit jaded in the ways of com-mercial tourism and commodi-fi ed travel? Without doubt, the industry is a necessity in the 21st century, but you have other alternatives. Granted you’ve just about had enough of zigzagging all over the city and the outskirts for the cold springs and beaches, and for a change have taken on whitewater tubing, too. You’re off to a good start. But why not take the trail less traveled in your very own neighborhood, and discover General Santos City’ wondrous wilderness, the last frontier of this rapidly growing and fast evolving metropolis? Enter the highlands of Klaja Eco Park -- a rich wilderness of hiking trails, crystal clear rivers, roll-ing hills, waterfalls, rock walls, camping grounds, caves, forests, and hilltop lookouts -- a green safari of sorts, minus the hunters and the hunted, of course.

DISCOVER...Conel -- The Japanese forces’ last refuge during WWII, a vast stretch of karst formation replete with waterfalls, underwater streams and limestone rock walls.

Mabuhay -- Nopol Hills provide a natural sanctuary for a diverse wildlife, including the endangered giant golden-crowned fl ying fox (golden-capped fruit bat), Philippine hornbill, and wild hog.

Olympog -- Gensan’s summer showcase, where virgin vegetation straddle the vast ex-panse of undulating hills and plunging ravines.

Upper Labay -- Gensan’s cultural center-peice, home of the B’laan tribe, where tradi-tional living is in harmony with nature’s ways.

ConelDD erived from K’lanel, native

B’laan for turmeric (kalawag in Ilongo and dulaw in Cebua-

no), the name Conel stuck as a result of years of misuse by pioneering families from Luzon and Visayas, who came to Gensan and worked hand-in-hand with the indigenous folk to till the land and eke out a living. Conel, it turns out, is blessed with rock formations, waterfalls and springs. It rightfully serves as a gate-way to the vast irregular limestone region replete with sinkholes, under-ground streams and caverns, an area now known as the Klaja Karsts. Kalaja Cave -- The Kalaja stands as remnant of reckless destruction of the natural environment in the pur-suit of much-fabled hidden treasures. The Japanese forces used this cave as water source, which in turn conjured myths of left-behind treasures and spoils. Interviews with local elders revealed looting of WWII-age trucks, tanks and other war paraphernalia during the 60s and 70s. An under-ground subterranean cave system, it has a 7x22-meter wide pool about 2-3 meters deep at the entrance. The cave has three rooms about 209 meters long, which ends with a sump. Water from this cave is used as agricultural supplement to nearby farm fi elds. Bunga Spring -- Smooth fl owing waters abound smack in the middle of the Klaja Karsts. The clearing has a campsite between the mountains and cliffs, which offers a good view of the solar panel system, especially during night time. Locals herd their farm animals 50 meters from the spring. Kalaja Face -- Discovered by locals in 1995, this vertical limestone wall has only one known route to this day. This route was established with the help of American and local climbers. With a height of over 50 meters on the west side of the Kalaja River, the face offers three overhangs and a dif-fi cult degree of climb challenges. Malakong Face -- Located at Malakong Gorge about 3.5 Km from Kalaja Cave, the face comes with 12- to 25-meter-high smooth lime-stone walls, creating a good starting point for beginners at bouldering and rock climbing. The venue also offers shaded routes and campsites. Amsikong Waterfalls -- Located

between the territorial boundaries of General Santos and the Polomolok in South Cotabato, about 12 waterfalls drop and fl ow from the mountaintop river in Camp Flores (Polomolok) down to the granite boulders and limestone cliffs of Conel, creating small pools and waterfalls in their tracks. (Amsikong is also called Ka-saba Falls in Polomolok.)

Compact Facts -- Barangay formed by Republic Act 5412, ratifi ed 9 November 1940, comprised by Puroks 1-7, Gua-dalupe, Nangka, Malinawon, Udagri, and Nopol. Approximately 13 Km from City Proper, 56.4 Km2 in area (variably plain, hilly, mountainous), temper-ate climate, 2,649 inhabitants (2005), mostly B’laan, with B’laan and Cebuano spoken. Livelihood based on corn, copra, cattle, goat, water buffalo. For-estry under conservation and rehabili-tation. Special events include Araw ng Conel (November 5), San Jose Patronal Fiesta, San Roque Patronal Fiesta.

MabuhayOO riginally Barrio Klinan 5 of

Barangay Lagao, Mabuhay in the 40s was a remote forest

area with about 15 settlers who till an ample clearing for livelihood. As the Japanese–American war broke out the settlers were driven away and returned after the war in 1945 to re-establish themselves. In 1968 Klinan 5 was declared a barangay, but the bar-rio council and lay leaders changed the name to Mabuhay, hoping that the positive effect of the name could bring about peace and order to the place, which then gained notoriety due to juvenile delinquents. Mabuhay is now one of fastest growing baran-gays, becoming the alternative choice for residence due to its high elevation and temperate climate.

Nopol Hills -- Nopol Hills has an expansive view of the city. A 45-minute trek brings you to the peak of Nopol Hills, best place to view Sarangani Bay and the city; the sunset view here is breathtaking. Wild boars and monkeys roam the grounds in the forest nearby. The place is also the nesting ground for hornbills, and colony of thousands of meter-sized

golden-crowned fl ying foxes (fruit bats) and wild hogs. Purok Bagong Buhay -- Natural at-tractions include the still unexplored Seven Falls, which boasts of 7 refresh-ing mini falls, and the Fungol Cave. Sniper’s Place -- Straddling the edge of a cliff, it served as lookout and ambush area for Japanese troops in WWII. It now stands as the best place to view Mt Matutum and the rest of the Mt Parker mountain range. Corn Camp -- A kilometer from Sniper’s Place on foot, Corn Camp is a high ground that offers 360-degree views of the whole SOCCSKSARGEN, forest and cliff face of Klaja Eco Park. Mabuhay Ridge -- Crossing this kilometer-long ridge is a natural adrenaline rush; just feel the height from both sides of the ridge.

Compact Facts -- Barangay formed by Municipal Resolution 78, ratifi ed 7 September 1959, comprised by Puroks 1-3, New Mabuhay, Intake, Malayang, GK Bull Mountain, Habitat, Paradise, Pareñas, Cuyos, Unson A/B, Panaghiusa, Golingan I/II, Bagong Buhay, and Promised Land. Approximately 11 Km from City Proper, 3,844 ha. in area (variably plain, hilly), temperate climate, 14,775 inhabitants, mostly Ilocano, Cebuano, Bicolano and Muslim, with Boholano, Cebuano and Ilonggo spoken. Livelihood based on fi shing, farming and livestock. Special events include Araw ng Mabuhay (September 7), Our Lady of Fatima Patronal Fiesta (October 12-13).

OlympogFF ormerly a purok of Barangay

Conel, Olympog was home to mostly native B’laan and a few

Muslim inhabitants. The fi rst recorded Christian settler was Agripino Biscay-da, a farmer from Bohol who came in 1945 to till the land and mingled with the natives. He would later become the fi rst Christian leader to share the position with the B’laan chieftain named Calib. Olympog, whose name came from colympog (cogon grass in B’laan), is considered Gensan’s summer capital, a haven for extreme eco-adventure. Deer, wild boars and monkeys used to roam freely in abundance around the forests of Nopol Hills. A few still inhabit the protected forest area. Balakayo -- This mountain resort is ideal for outdoor gatherings. Here the view of Sarangani Bay’s expanse is simply breathtaking night or day. On the other side Mt Matutum reigns. Protected Forest -- This is ideal for observing monkeys and fruit bats in their natural habitat. (The current tally of monkeys in the wild is ap-

proximated at 40; fruit bats, in the few thousands.) Falls -- A number of waterfalls are accessible by trekking. Hills -- The hilly terrain is ideal for mountain and outdoor adventures such as horseback riding, mountain climbing, rope bridge crossing, ar-chery, and other sports. B’laan Country -- The presence of an authentic B’laan community here enriches the cultural character of the barangay, making it one of the gems of Gensan’s heritage treasure chest.

Compact facts -- Barangay formed by Resolution No. 3 (1990), comprised by Puroks 1-3, Biscayda, San Vicente, Sampao, Kidam, Tucanop, Balsinang, and Balakayo. Approximately 12 Km from City Proper, 2,251 ha. in area (variably plain, hilly, mountainous), temperate climate, 3,252 inhabitants, mostly B’laan, Boholano, Cebuano, Ilonggo and Muslim, with Cebuano and Bul-anon spoken. Livelihood based on rice, corn, cattle, goat, poultry.

Upper LabayGG osdack to the native tribes, Upper Labay (the fl ow of the river up from the throne going

down in B’laan) started out in 1972 as a sitio of Barangay Tinagacan, com-prised by 8 households. A year later the B’laan chieftain Calib donated the area, with a number of families com-ing in from the islands of Cebu, Iloilo and Negros, and neighboring towns Malapatan, Malungon and Polomolok. A cultural destination in the city where one can still observe locals at their craft and livelihood of weaving malong and banig, it is also offers extreme eco-adventure opportunities. Sansapan River and Cave -- A destination for extreme adventure seekers, it offers a smooth trek across forested river trails en route to Sansa-pan Cave, whose main attraction is the waterfalls hidden inside the caverns. For the more extreme sports oriented, continue hiking on and descend a steep cliff for the thrill of a lifetime. This is where canyoneering begins, an adventure introduced in Europe that combines rock climbing and spelunking. It includes maneuver-ing through wet and rocky terrain, swimming, rappelling in waterfalls, bouldering, and falls jumping. Boys Scout Camp -- A campsite established for scouts right at the top

of the hill that overlooks the baran-gay, it also serves as a camping site for visitors intending to enjoy nature in a simpler, more spartan ways. Cultural Center -- A center that showcases the crafts and tools of the indigenous B’laan tribe, as well as its heritage and culture, it showcases household handicrafts, musical intru-ments, weaving machine for malong making and other art crafts.

Compact Facts -- Barangay created 20 September 1978, comprised by Puroks 1-2 (Barangay Proper), New Paradise, Abtois, Sansapan, Taliwara, Daan Banwang, and Almatac. Approximately 22 Km from City Proper, 2,341 ha. in area (variably plain, hilly, mountain-ous), temperate climate, 2,649 (2005) inhabitants, mostly B’laan, with B’laan and Cebuano spoken. Livelihood based on corn, cotton, sorghum, charcoal, cattle and goat. Forestry under conn-servation and rehabilitation. Special events include Araw ng Upper Labay (September 20), St. Michael Patronal Fiesta (September 30).

Looking 44WardTT he 4 mountainous barangays, the last frontier of the

city, are a vast potential for eco-tourism. At various stages of development are the local government’s

vision of sustainable tourism and culture-preserving designs that cater to ethnic diversity and environmental protection at the same time. The following are the identi-fi ed concepts that caters to its long term development:

• Cultural Heritage Village in Upper Labay• Cable cars and zipline in Balakayo, Olympog• Cottages, bike park, safety cables and metal ladders

at Malakong Wall, Amsikong Waterfalls and Sansapan Cave Falls

• Canyoneering at Sansapan Falls• Cottages and view deck at Sniper’s Place• Nopol Hills bat sanctuary view deck• Sleeping quarters at Klaja and Corn Camp at Bagong

Buhay, Mabuhay• Reforestration of Klaja Karst lands• Spring resort, bike park and cottages at Kalaja Cave• Cottages and spa at Nopol Hills and Balakayo Hills• Mountain trek and bike trails at Mabuhay Ridge,

Purok Bagong Buhay, Nopol Hills and Alperaz • Livelihood development in handicrafts production• Support facilities such as comfort rooms, sleeping

quarters, bail-out cottages, forest/tourism rangers quarters within the Klaja Eco Park

• Retirement Village in the 4 barangays• Open zoo and Safari in Conel

TT he Klaja Eco Park is well on its way to becoming Gensan’s eco-tourism pièce de résistance. Watch out, world!

urbanliving / goinggreen 13

I t has always fasci-nated me when I go to the supermarket or a department

store to see hundreds of people still accepting to use plastic bags to bring home their various purchases. Not only is it still accept-able but it is also tolerated, and no one gives it a sec-ond thought. Merchants al-ways provide you a plastic bag to help you bring home your groceries, shoes, or new handbag. When will the retailers realize that they spend about $4 billion annually on plastic bags? They then pass this extra cost on to the consumer. The time has come to start saying, “NO! Thank you. I have my own reusable bag.” With all of the documen-tation concerning plastic bags -- one being that they aren’t biodegradable and that they actually break down into smaller toxic

particles -- I ask myself, why are we still using them? Another well docu-mented fact about plastic bags is that thousands of sea turtles, birds, whales and other marine mam-mals die every year from eating plastic bags, which they mistake for food. We can now actually fi nd these bags as far as Antarctica. “Shame on us.” Meanwhile it is admir-able to see that some com-panies such as National Gro-cers based out of Canada are doing their part in reducing the use of plastic bags and eliminating as much as

possible their use in grocery stores by the end of the year 2009. Luckily hundreds of other companies around the world have started to get on board.

In the marine environment,

plastic baglitter is

lethal, killing thousandsof whales,

turtles and other sea life

every year.

- 2005 Report of theWorld Wildlife Fund

If we all started using reusable bags -- whether it is a handbag or tote just to carry home our purchases -- our environment and future generations would thank us. Have you con-sidered that maybe if we all started doing our little bit by not using plastic bags we would help to save our greatest treasure Earth? If you would like to know where to obtain for yourself a reusable bag we invite you to visit us at otraditionhandbag.com.

About The Author -- Nicole is married and lives with her husband and sister-in-law both, who have been in the fashion industry. Together they taught her everything about fashion. She and her sister-in-law have an on-line business called Otradition. (Copyright © Otradition Prescott, Ontario, Canada | www.otraditionhandbag.com)

by Nicole Cousineau

The arnistalents ofGensan

are a vastpool justwaiting

to betapped.

Abgail Comajes (Pin-weight, RMMC), Ma. Ronilla Juntanilla (Featherweight, GSCNSAT), Eugene Evan-gelista (Extra Lightweight, GSCNSAT), Joven Arellano

urbanliving / peopleplaces 14

The gold medalists are Christlyn Comajes (Pinweight, Lagao National High School), Bon Leony Petagara (Middleweight, Holy Trinity College), and Mylyn Pacquiao (Flyweight, General Santos City National School of Arts and Trade). The silver medal winners are Almie Claro (Bantam-weight, HTC), Katrina Abad (Flyweight, HTC), Leah Ch-ing Moralde (Lightweight, GSCNSAT), Saira Burgos (Pinweight, GSCNSAT), Manuel Joseph Saliganan (Featherweight, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Col-leges), Edward Gian Carlo Leyson (Flyweight, SPED High School), and Arlyn Noro (Extra Lightweight, RMMC). Twenty bronze medals were also won by Dex-ter Mier (Bantamweight, HTC), Aldrin Lastimado (Lightweight, RMMC), Irish Fuertes (Extra Lightweight, Golden State College), Dona Fuertes (Extra Lightweight, BTAD HQ), Gretchel Fuertes (Extra Lightweight, ACA SarGen), Lorelyn Pacquiao (Pinweight, GSCNSAT), Les-lie Ann Garay (Pinweight, GSCNSAT), Mariel May Montaño (Bantamweight, GSCNSAT), Daphny Gulor (Bantamweight, HTC),

(Pinweight, GSCNSAT), Christian Mirafl or (Pin-weight, GSCNSAT), Mark Traya (Flyweight, HTC), Gerry Molina (Feather-weight, RMMC), Draccz Petagara (Elementary 2 Category, Lagao Elemen-tary School), Leo Edward Cellan (Elementary 2 Category, Apopong Elemen-tary School), Garry Baquial (Lightweight, RMMC), and Arnel Losaria (Lightweight, RMMC). The tournament was organized by the Arnis Phil-ippines - Kapatirang Doble Olisi Escrima in coordina-tion with the City Govern-ment of Davao, Offi ce of the City Mayor, Sports Development Division. The 25th Kadayawan Sportsfest Arnis Tournament

was held at Gaisano Grand Citimall in Davao City. The awarding ceremony was conducted on September 5. Noynoy Bombales, BTAD-Gensan Arnis Team Coach, said that the arnis talents of Gensan are a vast pool just waiting to be tapped. “What we urgently need now is the full support of the commu-nity, the schools, and the local government to realize our full potential in the discipline,” he stressed.

Arnis or Kali was declared as the Philip-pines’ national martial

art and sport by virtue of Republic Act 9850, enacted December 2009. Before arnis, the term eskrima was used to refer to the Filipino way of fi ghting with weap-ons; eskrima is derived from the Spanish escrima fencing, referring to the blade usedas weapon in the discipline. Kali, though primarily usedin Europe and the US, is seldom used in Visayas and in some cases, unknown to eskrima practitioners. Theterm is used mostly in Mindanao, but due to the popularity of the term outside the Philippines and the infl uence of foreign practitioners the term is now accepted as a synonym for eskrima and arnis. (ANPJ) -- Also see page 30.

Anew breed of Gensan champions didthe city proud again. ConqueringDavao City’s 25th Kadayawan Sports-

fest Arnis Tournament early this month, the 30-strong arnis contingent coached by world arnis champion Silvano Noynoy Baliguat Bombales brought home no less than a medal each -- 3 golds, 7 silvers, and 20 bronzes.

g ensan’s Tuna Festival Experience (GTX) may or may not be the only

tuna-themed festival in the world, but it certainly ranks way up there among the grandest and most glamor-ous of festivals. Packing close to a hundred eventsin a single festival was no mean feat, let alone making a grand spectacle of GTX’s eight fl agship showcases -- the fi erce FishDance Competition, the awe-inspiring Gensan’s Pop Idol, the brave and empowering Ginang Bariles Pageant, the mind-blowing Mardi Gras Streetdancing Competition, the grand Float Parade Competition, the dynamic Cheer Dance Competition, the prestigious Miss Gensan Pageant, and the fi rst ever Mr Gensan Pageant during the main festival week.

Adding grandeur to the month-long citywide celebrations was the 1st Lawihan Streetdancing Compe-tition at FishFest Sa Fish Port, a fun-packed daylong satellite carnival of the Tuna Festival right at the very hub of Gensan’s all-enduring tuna industry -- a unique sort of festival within a festival.

yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

GTX 2010:Groovier,Groovier,Grander,Grander,

Ganda Ever!Ganda Ever!

ee eeeee ee e eeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkks s s s ssss sss sss

nnntststsaaaat,tt,t, ooof f ff

hhhe e eee e hhe eeeililililiililllillileeeeeeeeeeeeeee

e e e e e ee e eeee

, ,, ,ttttt

sesesesesesessessesess

The ceremonial letting-go of sky lanterns -- 42 sky lanterns on

opening night in commemoration of General Santos City’s 42nd charter

anniversary, and 43 on closing night to usher in Gensan’s 43rd year in the making -- makes a debut this

year, providing a serene commun-ity ritual at the festival’s opening, and a fi tting curtain-raiser to the

grand fi reworks display at thefestival’s close. Never before has Gensan seen a more meaningful

showcase of lights -- symbol of the collective aspirations of a com-

munity bound by a single vision.

Tuna Festival 2010’s theme and the city’s battle-cry can never be truer

or more urgent -- Go Global Gen-san: We Are Ready For The World!

General Santos cannot rest on its past accolades and the fame of its

world-class citizens. All members of the community -- business sector, local government, the academe,

the church, the minorities, media, and the masses -- should all work

towards the uplift of competitive-ness and quality as a way of life.

The pervading sensation at the sight and the sound of 12 street-dancing contingents performing their own routines in concert to

the live rendition of Centerpoint Band’s Whoa Gensan! at the fes-

tival culmination’s Best of Gensan Show can only be described as

hair-raising and heart-wrenching.

This is the essence of a city that’s innately attuned to its needs and

potentials -- always striving to ex-cel in the boxing ring, centerstage,

boardroom and marketplace. The Tuna Festival is simply our way of having one heck of a great time.

profi lefocus

Jenel & GT he 2010 Mr and Ms Gensan Pageant stood

out as an exercise in spectacular delight, afi tting tribute to Gensan’s most beautiful --

from the candidates to the jury, the hosts to the guests, the performances to the art direction, the music to the costume design -- with two students from MindanaoState University jointly owning the night as the eighth Miss Gensan winner, and the city’s veryfi rst Mr Gensan. Miss Gensan Genevieve Mutia and Mr Gensan Jenel Labiana breezed throughthe costume changes and the ramp, production numbers, and the interviews to ultimately emerge as this year’s winners. The equally beautiful contenders in the tightly fought and closely watched competition were frontlined by fi rst runners-up Maureen Paulo and Rolly Pimentel, with second runners-up Christine Padilla and Zoren Jon Domdom following suit.

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From right: Jose Amador Puertas, Zoren Jon Domdom, Japeth Panturas, Reynaldo Sanoy, Dalmacio Comendo Jr., Rolly Pimentel, Mark Justin Adarna, Ian Theodeo Valle, Jenel Labiana, Aldrin Cutamora (Group photo by Omar Gallinero/Montage)

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19

Genevieve

Genevieve, Ghen to friends and peers, hails fromMindanao State University - General Santos, where

she placed fi rst runner-up in the 2009 Miss MSUPageant. This 20-year-old Libran takes her studies very

seriously, but also loves to hang out with her friends when-ever possible. A junior taking up a degree in Business Ad-

ministration, Ghen is an environmentalism advocate.

Jenel, also a graduate of MSU GeneralSantos, works in the retail industry

while doing modeling on the side. Thisyear he won the male title of Kalilangan Festival’s Lakan at

Lakambini Pageant, his fi rst try at male pageants.This 23- year-old Cancerian loves sports and the great outdoors.

The last MSUan to be crowned Miss Gensan was Rean Hacosta in 2007. Miss Gensan 2008 Romarie Cunanan hosted this year’s pageant night with Mario Baladjay.

Genevievey,

unior tGhen

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year he won the m

From left: Kristal Villegas, Genevieve Mutia, Christine Padilla, ClaudineMelgazo, Mithus Repizo, Rossbie Danao, Maureen Paulo, Sherly Ampatuan,

Christine Remolana, Kimverlie Villa (Group photo by Omar Gallinero/Montage)

Mr Gensan candidatespresented on Opening Night

Jovelyn Bolo’s all-out hula at the Best of Gensan Show

Deane fronts Centerpoint Band’s TunaFest outing

FishFest Sa Fishport 2010’sheaviest tuna catch of the day

GTX Mardi Gras Street-dancing on full throttle

Photos byArmando

Nicolas P J

Mr & Miss Gensan winners with Mayor Darlene Custodio

Mayor Darlene Custodiohams it up Mardi Gras style

Christine and Japeth show offtheir killer fi gure and power legs

Maureen shows off herdazzling blue plume

itchyworms

A heavy dose of celebrity was what

the fi esta doctor prescribed for the 2010 Tuna Festival, and have our heavy dose we most cer-tainly did!

parokyani edgar

B ut of all the starsthat came ourway, Vina Morales

caught our hearts forhandling our babybeautifully. (Did wesay we really, really,really like her?)

C ongratulationsto all participantsand followers of

this year’s festival!Special credit goesto the Tuna Festivalorganizing committeefor an excellent job!

bars GGPick Babes Bar - One of East Asia Royale Hotel’s watering holes, with discotheque, live music Thu-Fri (2nd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123 ext. 106) GGPick Cassado Billiard Bar - Pool tables, ice-cold beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3028389) GGPick Pacman Sports Bar - Five pool tables/dart boards, The Pacman himself if you’re lucky, lots of lounge space (JMP Bldg 2, Aparente, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528880) GGPick Q Bar - Great place to be seen in, for chilling and dancing, with superb music and yuppie crowd (SunCity Complex, Gen. Santos)

cafés GGPick BluGré Cafe - Next best thing to Starbucks, designer coffees,

hot/cold mixes, fi lling meals (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542177) [wi◦fi ]

GGPick BluGré Cafe - Big-ger/more relaxing than the one at Robinsons, same great drinks/eats (South Osmeña, Gen. Santos, +63-5521111) [wi◦fi ]

GGPick Cafe Amoree - Local gem, great drinks/ eats, off city center but worth a visit (Mabuhay Rd, Gen. Santos,

+63-83-5542173) [wi◦fi ] Cafe Paulino - Unpretentious coffee place, central yet a quiet retreat from the crowd (Gaisano Mall, Gen. Santos) Coffee Club 101 - Coffee, pasta, desserts, free PC stations for patrons (Laurel East, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5535430) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Coffee Club 101 - Great place to people-watch and be seen in, perfect chill after shopping (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534878) [wi◦fi ] Coffee Dream - Coffee and sweets for after shopping or while waiting for company (2nd Flr/Basement 1, KCC Mall, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3018263) [wi◦fi ] Fagioli Coffee Shop - Great after hours haunt, tends to get really crowded at night (Petron Station, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-552749) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Fagioli Coffee Shop

- Private yet accessible, perfect chill after shopping (Grd Flr, KCC Mall, +63-83-5542384) [wi◦fi ] Generals Brew - Fine gour-met coffees, sandwiches, combo meals (Pioneer, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5526559) [wi◦fi ] Red Ribbon Bakeshop - Cakes, pastries, sumptuous Filipino/Western meal combos (Lower Grd Flr, KCC Mall, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3018388)

hotels GGPick East Asia Royale Hotel - Stone’s throw away from the fi nancial district, shopping malls, convention/exhibition centers, with function rooms/ restaurants/bars (Grand Royale Ballroom, Babes Bar), business center, 24-hour room service (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Family Country Hotel & Convention Centre - Guest rooms, meeting/banquet halls (up to 1,000 heads), pool, in-house Cafe Leticia amidst greenery (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528895) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Ice Castle - Modern, centrally located, offers excel-lent accommodations, in-house bar and restaurant (Provido Village, City Heights, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5544423, +63-

83-8269026) [wi◦fi ] Phela Grande Hotel - Basic to luxury guest rooms, in-house Meilih Restaurant/Cafe Eduardo, offsite Phela Convention Center (Magsaysay cor. Atis, Gen. San-tos, +63-83-5524220) [wi◦fi ] GGPick SunCity Suites - Hotel at the heart of upscale and trendy SunCity Complex (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5523333) [wi◦fi ] Sydney Hotel - Centrally located, offers comfortable ac-commodations and excellent res-taurants, professional banquet/conference facilities (Pendatun cor. Pioneer, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479) [wi◦fi ] Tierra Montana Hotel - Air-conditioned guest suites/func-tion rooms, pool, restaurant (National Highway, Gen. Santos,+63-83-5538553) [wi◦fi ]

resorts Davak Ridge Resort - Sun, sky, and all-year-round beach fun (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, +63-83-5524492) GGPick Gensan View Resort - Sun, sky, swimming pool (Nursery Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3028237) GGPick Merl Garden Spring Resort - Zip-line ride, pool, horseback riding and

places2go • GGPick

gadgettalk

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that’s amphibious, immune to trauma, and sleek in design? Pick the Olympus μ (Mju) TOUGH-8000 -- the extreme compact that lasts.

Olympus, one of the very fi rst camera makers to build on the concept of an extreme compact, cameup with theaptly named Olympus TOUGH-8000 --stuffi ng it witha more-than-decent arrayof rugged features. It’swaterproof upto a sea depthof 10 meters,

and sports a much subtler, more solid, and more compact design. For all clumsy folks out there, this power point-and-shoot can withstand a drop of up to 2 meters, and can endure a crushing force of up to 100 Kg.

As you would expect from be-ing a recent reincarnation of a

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more (Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, +63-919-4577221) Olaer Spring Resort - Natu-ral springs, city icon (Apopong, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3802345) GGPick Rosal Beach Resort - Sun, sky, and all-year-round white sand beach fun (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, +63-920-9212203)

restaurants Andrea Ticia Family Res-taurant - Green, homey setting for a relaxing dining experi-ence (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528896) GGPick Big Ben Steaks & Grills - Steaks you can always rely on in a homey, central setting, you’d wanna hang out long after the plates are cleared. (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3030315) GGPick Bigby’s Cafe & Restaurant - Great coffees and sumptuous food platters. Try Pescado Al Fresco -- dory in onion sauce! (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5520111) Cookie Factory - Home-style restaurant (J. Catolico Sr, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5522035) GGPick Gio’s Mongo Grill - One of Tiongson Arcade’s main draw, Gio’s has great tasting barbecue (Tiongson Arcade,

Lagao, Gen. Santos) GGPick Grab-A-Crab - Exciting seafood, crab special-ties (Laurel East, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5535430) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Grab-A-Crab - Same Grab-A-Crab vibe, only smaller (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi ]

GGPick Little Dubai Kebab Grills - Taste of exotic Middle East at half

the price (SAFI Arcade, Bula Rd, Gen. Santos) GGPick Mandarin Tea Garden Restaurant - Amazing dimsum, Chinese/Filipino deli-cacies (South Osmeña, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3013333) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Marasa Grill - No-frills home-style food in unpre-tentious setting (Kadulasan, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5524628) GGPick Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs - Pablo’s of Paseo Del Solhas perfected the art of prep-aring steaks (certifi ed US Angus) (National Highway, Gen. San-tos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Paseo Del Sol - Hacienda-style haven, catering to theme/special events, serv-ing Pablo’s/Ranchero fare, as well as exclusive dishes for

private functions/catering ser-vice (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Ranchero Grill - Paseo Del Sol’s old-timer Ran-chero takes native/Filipino/ranch-style food to the next level (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298)

GGPick Red Trellis Sea-food Garden - Asian fusion-inspired, gives Singapore-style

chili/black pepper crab places a run for their money (Across NDDU-IBED, Tiongson, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3022722) Rooftop Grill Ihaw-Ihaw - Seafood/grill, great view of Plaza Heneral Santos (6th Flr, Sydney Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479 ext. 103) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Royale Lounge - Relaxing café with minimalist decór, acoustic music Wed-Sat (East Asia Royale Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123) [wi◦fi ] GGPick Sarangani High-lands Garden & Restaurant - Hilltop joint with views of Sarangani Bay, downtown Gensan, Mt Parker/Mt Matu-tum. Nature, fresh air, good food, great for private parties or company events (Tambler,

Gen. Santos, +63-83-3040752) Wanchin Dimsum Restau-rant - Good food, pool table, piano, great view of Plaza Heneral Santos (2nd Flr, Sydney Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479) [wi◦fi ]

resto-bars Crocodillo’s Resto Bar - Occasional expat haunt, laid-back crowd, cheap beers (Lau-rel East, Gen. Santos) GGPick Grab-A-Crab - Same Grab-A-Crab vibe, more intimate dining/wining (Robin-sons Place, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi ]

GGPick Jmix Resto Bar - Great food, great music

(JMP Bldg 2, City Heights, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542368) GGPick Piyesta! KTV & Resto Bar - Value-for-money combo meals, inventive dishes, novelty cocktails, tower drinks, intimate KTV rooms, friendly staff (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542139).

Please call +63-83-8269221to be included in this listing.

23

the front section recording any greasy fi nger-prints just as easily -- I personally like those “little battle scars” on my high-performance devices. (Note that the operative phrase here is high-performance.)

The Olympus TOUGH-8000 boasts of a 12-megapixel resolution and a most useful wide-angle zoom, spanning 28 to 102 mm. It has a dual anti-shake system in the form of a sensor-shift mechanism, and ISO boost (if too low, it automatically increases ISO in iAuto); standard ISO range is 64 to 1600. Its 19 scene settings include 4 Underwater modes; it even has a Beauty mode that smoothens skin.

Using the Olympus TOUGH-8000 is hassle-free – you can turn the command dial for the main setting, and toggle through

shooting options using its 4-way control pad. For instant gratifi cation, the 2.7-inch screen is crisp and clear, too. Not bad for a tough tool! (ANPJ)

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gglist ● idnamo

GGList is a mish-mash of stuff heard, tasted, seen, worn, posted, drunk, touched...

THOM yorke goes solo but stays veryclose to theradioheadsound.

Album: The Eraser (2006) | Artist: Thom Yorke | Abstract: This solo debut of the famous Radiohead frontman had critics commending the uniqueness and fragility of Yorke’s voice. Most reviews compared the album’s sound to be “as close to a version of Radiohead minus four of its members as one can imagine,” but why not? (The Beatles sound has been carried by each and every one of its legendary members, solo or otherwise.) The album’s top tracks include Atoms For Peace (Peel all of your layers off / I want to eat your artichoke heart), The Clock, Harrowdown Hill, and Jetstream. Best listened to with your choice noise-reduction earphones on random shuffl e in perpetual repeat loop.

Name: Mr Impossible Chair (2007) | Designer: Philippe Starck | Maker: Kartell | Abstract: The Kartell Mr. Impossible Chair shows that, indeed, nothing’s impossible when it comes to furniture design. Created by Phillipe Starck and Eugeni Quitllet, it combines sophisticated, organic-looking design and advanced plastic processing. To create the fl uid bi-color effect, the oval colored polypropylene seat is formed separately and then welded onto the clear polypropylene frame to create one seamless and durable piece. Available in a wide range of solid and transparent colors.

Post: Top 10 Emerging Infl uential Blogs for 2010(17 Sep 2010) | Author: Janette Toral | Abstract: Chosen by bloggers participating in a privately run writing project, the Philippines-based blogs making the list are: 1. WhenInManila.com 2. NomNomClub.com 3. Facebuko.com | GandaEverSoMuch.com 4. KusinaMaria.com | Project52Weeks.com 5. FatGirlNoMore.com | RabSing.com | TheCreativeDork.com | 6. ThirstyBlogger.com 7. FoodieManila.com 8. Jay-eLx.blogspot.com 9. PaoloDome.co.cc 10. GetPrettifi ed.com

Book: To Have Or To Be?Author: Erich FrommAbstract: One of the seminal books of the 20th century -- a manifesto for a new social and psychological revolution to save our threatened planet, a brilliant program for socioeconomic change.

Device: Olympus Mju TOUGH-8000 | Manu-facturer: Olympus | Abstract: Waterpoof up to 10

meters, shock-proof up to 2 meters, crush-proof up to 100 Kg. See our piece in GadgetTalk on page

25 for more.

Drink: HypnotiQ |Maker: Q Bar Gensan | Abstract: Exquisite con-coction that’s a cross bet-

ween mojito (minus the mint) and margarita(minus the salt), this

sugar-laced, bluedrink is more beautiful

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adds life to theparty.

25

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healthbits

4 Losing Weight Tips That PeopleDon’t Talk About But You Need To Understandby Jeff Schuman

Losing weight can be one of the hardest things for you to do because it means changing your

lifestyle, which is not always easy to do. If you are serious about losing weight then you need to know the losing weight tips that most people don’t talk about, but is defi nitely important for you to know. The following are the weight loss tips you don’t often hear about, but are defi nitely important to losing the weight that you want to. ONE: Do it one step at a time. Weight loss will take time and life-

style changes will also be necessary. You don’t want to do any drastic changes in your lifestyle because this can have a negative impact on the success you have with losing weight. Instead you want to avoid making

drastic changes and start making changes one step at a time. This will help your body get used to the changes and will allow you to move at a pace you are comfortable with. TWO: Always fi nd support. Los-ing weight is never easy, especially when you are trying to do it alone. Find someone that will support you through your weight loss, or bet-ter yet fi nd someone that will lose weight with you. This will make losing weight more enjoyable for you and will also make it easier to stick with your weight loss plan. Trying to lose weight alone is one of the best ways you can fail at your goal so do the smart thing and get the support you need. THREE: Motivation. Find an old picture of you when you were skinny and hang it on the wall. This will give you motivation to lose the weight so you can again look as good as you did back then. You can also use your camera to take pictures of your weight loss journey to help keep yourself motivated. Every time you lose weight, make a note of that and take pictures occasionally so you can see the difference in yourself. FOUR: Keep yourself full. The best way to do this is to eat 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day; if you fi nd yourself wanting a snack, eat some fruit or something healthy. Don’t ever go to the grocery store when you’re hungry because this can lead to a disaster for anyone trying to lose weight. Keep yourself full with foods that are good for you and you will fi nd that it is much easier not to cheat. Cheating on your diet once in a while is a smart idea because it will help make sticking with your diet plans much easier and give you something to look forward to. With these losing weight tips any-one can effectively lose weight. You just have to be sure you use them and are smart about your weight loss plan. Losing weight defi nitely won’t be easy, but it is well worth it when you start seeing the weight fall off.

About The Author

Jeff Schuman writes for SecretSlimming Tips. Visit http://www.secretslimmingtips.com for thebest weight loss and slimming

strategies.

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27

10 FactsAbout Olive Oilby Sally Nightingale

Olive oil is a fabulous ingredient with many uses, from

medicinal purposes such as preventing heart disease and cancer, to beauty benefi ts such as providing anti-aging properties.

(1) History -- The olive tree is a crop na-tive to Asia Minor that spread to Iran, Syria, Palestine and the rest of the Mediterranean basin around 6,000 years ago. It is among the oldest cultivated trees in the world and began growing long before the written language existed.

(2) Family -- The olive family, also known as the Oleaceae family, comprises of 600 species, which are situated on all continents.

(3) The Olive Tree -- Many types of olive trees have many similarities and just as many differences. Grow-ing characteristic and appearance vary, as well as the size, taste and quality of olives that they produce.

(4) Harvesting -- One of the most debated questions among growers is when to harvest. Harvesting can be done in many different ways, from hand-picking to completely mecha-nized harvesting.

(5) Maturity Stages -- Immature olives are green and quite fi rm; they produce oil that is bitter and grassy. These oils are high in anti-oxidants. When the olive fruit matures, it turns yellow- ish and starts to soften and then the skin turns red-purple in color. Here the olives are often considered to be at their peak for olive oil production. As the fruit completely matures, the skin turns from purple to black; oils produced from these olives usually have a shorter life span and are m often described as sweet oils.

(6) Extra Virgin Olive Oil -- Extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade olive oil. It is made without the use of chemicals or excessive heat. High quality oil is ideal as a condiment - whether it’s drizzled over meat, fi sh vegetables and as a dipping sauce for bread.

(7) Flavors -- Flavors of olive oil depend on a range of factors including the type of olive, ripeness at harvest, growing conditions, crop maintenance and the handling of the olives. When tasting olive oil, much of the oil’s characteristics are per-ceived through the sense of smell. A

trained taster can identify negative elements within the oil which can be a result of improper handling, poor storage, humidity and weather conditions.

(8) Beauty Benefi ts -- The polyphenols found in olive oil have also been found to slow the process of aging and help prevent degenera-tive diseases. When used on the hair or scalp, olive oil can be used as a deep conditioner and a dandruff controller.

(9) Health Benefi ts -- Stud-ies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL (bad) cholesterol lev-els, while raising HDL (good) levels. No other naturally produced oil has a large amount of monounsaturated fat as olive oil. Olive oil also has the ability to reduce the effect of an oncogene -- a gene that will turn a host cell into a cancer cell.

(10) Storage -- Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place and not in the refrigerator as it will become cloudy and will eventually solidify. If it’s properly stored it can keep for at least two years, however, it has it is most fl avourful in the fi rst two months.

About The Author

Sally Nightingale writes on behalfof GetOily, which stocks a range ofquality balsamic vinegars and oliveoils. Visit http://www.getoily.comfor more information on olive oils.

O DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF ADVERTISING.

What You Should Know

about Alcohol Addiction

by Rudy Silva

An alcohol problem can start from occasional drinking, and as time passes the drinking

increases. Having a drink-ing problem means that you cannot end the day without consuming an alcoholic drink. If you regularly drink alcoholic beverages, the tolerance you have for alcohol may increase. Soon, what used to be a quenching glass of wine or a mug of beer may no longer satiate you. Consumption may increase gradually. At times, people who have alcohol de-pendence won’t stop drinking until they are drunk. This means that if you do not stop drinking until you get drunk, you’d likely consume several bottles of wine or beer, which could lead to addiction if you don’t do something about it. While small amounts may be good for health, binge drinkingcan actually damage the inter-nal organs, especially the liver. Many say that drinking every day does not necessarily make the person an alcoholic. However, if physical signs of health problems begin to mani-fest, it could mean serious issues. As the liver is the fi rst organ that alcohol destroys,

the person may experience ex-treme fatigue, and jaundice around the eyes and face. Sexual drive may be reduced and stomach pains surge. Drinking daily is enough to develop the habit into an ad-diction. Many people use alco-hol to relieve anxiety, become more sociable and confi dent in dealing with others, help in relaxing oneself, and forget about an immediate problem.People who have broken rela-tionships or a failed career, or those who are grieving over a losr loved one, fi nd it helpful to drink in the morning to get them going with their day. For some, drinking alcohol can become so much of a habit that it affects the emotional, behavioral and even mental

faculty after several hours or a few days of non-consumption. They become so distracted in their thinking that the only time they can think straight is when they are drunk. Even their speech may start to slur. They may also feel some trem-bling if they’re not drinking. They get annoyed by com-ments about their drinking. Relationships with family, friends and co-workers are affected to the point that they deteriorate. Worse, being sober may make them violent, and they start hurting the people around them, including their loved ones. If they feel that their drinking habit is threatened they might try to avoid situa-tions that are not conducive

to drinking. People with an alcohol problem will become dependent on it that they do not choose the time to drink. Alcoholics may start to drink at any time. When caught or confronted about it, they tend to tell lies about the real amount of alcohol that they consume. Sometimes they deny that they are drinking. They hide the truth about their alcohol problem. They need help.

healthbits 28

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How We Keep Our Souls AliveContinued from page 6

RMMC Teatro Ambahanon repre-sented the Philippines in a festival in Fukuoka, Japan, and MSU-KE performed in theater festivals in Cyprus and Israel. Local arts initiatives are now felt in the national scene. Gensan artists in the last ten years sit in the executive committees of several national arts committees of the National Commission for Cul-ture and the Arts (NCCA). Virginia Buhisan, the former curator of the MSU Museum was with the National Committee on Indigenous Peoples. Michael Ang was execom member of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts for two terms, and will sit in the next execom of the National Committee on Monuments and Sites. Councilor Virginia Llido was execom member of the National Committee on Dance in 2004. I have been in the execom of the National Commit-tee on Visual Arts and the current assistant secretary of the National Committee on Cultural Education. Romeo Narvaez is reelected for a second term in the execom of the National Committee on Dramatic Arts, and next year, Al-Nezzar Ali will be in the execom of the Na-tional Committee on Visual Arts. Cultural work has been a salient ingredient in many community development initiatives in Gensan for decades. Workers in arts and culture persisted while the condi-tions for art making were diffi cult and support, almost nonexistent: They danced in makeshift stages while the fi rst school build-ings were still under construction. They sang at weddings, at par-ties and even at funerals to sustain their craft. They painted pictures on concrete fences while waiting for a gallery to be built.

Cultural workers have to fi nd money and oftentimes fi nance their projects only to see their works staged,

performed, exhibited; they market their art to sustain the activities and engaged the audience to the point of exhaustion. But that’s how it is when one wants to keep his soul alive.

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Youngest Arnis Player--a General--Figuresin World Arnis Open

as Silver Medalist

Shiellowah Quisha N. Bombales, world arnis champion Noynoy Bombales’ three-year-old daugh-

ter, bagged the World Silver Medal in Arnis, Kids Division (8 years old and below) at the World Arnis Open in Manila last month. She also received a special award for being the Youngest Arnis Player. Noynoy Bombales bagged the World Delegates Qualifi er Award for Half Lightweight, Senior Master Cat-egory in Padded Stick Sparring. A fellow world qualifi er in the same category, Arlyn E. Noro, bagged the World Bronze Medal, Open Category in Padded Stick Sparring. Completing the power quartet of Generals, Edward Gian Carlo Leyson, won the World Bronze Medal, Junior Category (13-14 years old). Over 30 international arnis masters fl ocked to the Philippine capital for the World Arnis Open. Staged by the Philippine Council of Kali Escrima Arnis Masters (PCKEAM), the three-day competition was held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City starting August 6. Tournament director, PCKEAM’s Rey Dominguez, said he hoped that the World Arnis Open will reintroduce the sport to Filipinos.

Clockwise from top -- Shiellowah Quisha poses by the World Arnis Open banner at the Mall of Asia Music Hall; Shiellowah in various stages of gearing up for her match against an opponent 5 years her senior; Sheil-lowah takes a nap on her father’s lap as Edward Gian Carlo accompanies them at the bleachers.

Of KTV Barsand Pageant Hosting

Music City KTV opened this month at SunCity Complex. I arrived at the inauguration at 10:00 am, just in time

for the blessing rites. The intimate ceremony was attended by the Kwan Family, their friends and a few guests. The cutting of the ribbon was assisted by Mr Avel Manansala. I got a chance to talk with Mr Marvin Kwan, owner of Music City, who, to my surprise, was also the architect of the said place. (He also designed the SunCity Complex, by the way.) The establishment has 12 air-conditioned KTV rooms with hi-fi sound systems and fl at screen televisions, serviced by their own restaurant, which serves savory foods. Each room is very spacious and welcoming. They have cozy couches and big tables -- just right for customers using the room. When my friends and I settled at our KTV room, it was as if we were having our own private party. Their

song selection is really up-dated! Though I’m not a good singer at all, I took part in the singing because the sound system was way too great. I enjoyed my fi rst of hopefully many times at Music City.

One of the highlights of the Tuna Festival was the Mr and Miss

Gensan 2010 Pageant. I felt bliss when I was chosen to be one of the hosts for this prestigious event. Since I’m an outspoken person, I fi nd it easy doing hosting and pleas-ing the crowd at

the same time. The contestants of the pageant were very beautiful, witty and competent. Their clothes were well-chosen and they carried them with grace and poise. The coronation night was a grand one, attended by many Generals who supported their candidates. The show was a success and a memorable one for me because I was given a chance to share my abilities and talents to everyone. Congratulations to the organizers and winners!

Life is indeed beauti-ful. There are even more reasons to be thankful every day, way more than you can possibly imagine, so take your chances, welcome all opportunities, and make the best of them. Shared joy is joy doubled!

Masthead photo by Brian Congson

beauty & fashion back2back • donnacongson & romariecunanan

Of Sashimi Nights and

Sky Lanterns

G ensan’s Tuna Festival is not known as the Philippines’ most

delicious festival for nothing. The taste of fresh tuna is just delectable and healthy. A lot of exciting activities were held for this year’s grand Tuna Fest. Yours truly was very lucky to participate in the fi rst sky lanterns show on Septem-ber 20. It was an exhilarating experience to release 42 sky lanterns (representing the city’s 42nd charter anni-versary), as Mayor Darlene Custodio simultaneously

declared the offi cial opening of Gensan’s Tuna Festival Experience. We did the same thing on September 26 at the City Hall façade on closing night, releasing 43 lanterns this time to usher in Gensan’s 43rd year as a city. This time my sissy Romarie got a chance to send off a lantern to the skies. We also had out picture taken with our vibrant mayor.

T he Al Fresco Sashimi Night was held on September 25 at Robinsons Place Gensan; I served as event

manager this year. Dubbed Best of Gensan Tuna at Tunog, the night was fi lled with a steady supply of freshly sliced sashimi, and a jam-packed list of Gensan’s fi nest bands

and entertainers. DJ Jeri Funk, DJ Jbugs and DJ Young Genz gave the night’s beats, Traffi c Jam and Izek’s Quest for the acoustic feel, Blackdize for intense rapping, Kuerdas for reggae vibe, and Gensan’s pride and performer of this year’s Tuna Fest theme song, Whoa Gensan! -- the Centerpoint Band. As organizer I was overwhelmed by the positive response and immense support from our fi shing industry. (They donated 6 whole tunas!) I would like

to acknowledge and thank JCWC Fishing, Escal Handline Fishing, Kenzo Fishing, Val Mosquite, Pescaderia Pacifi ca International, and Roger Lim. I also thank Joey Pamonag, chief of market operations at PFDA-GSCFPC, and Bebot Haw for their immense help and support. And of course, the Tuna Festival org-com headed by the vibrant Orman Manansala for the all-out support and the trust and opportunity to handle a huge event like this. Stress from super-vising the venue setup didn’t stop me from looking fabulous. On the big night I wore my black dress from Mirror and paired it with my smoky eyes look.

31

postscript

Arnis. We can’t get enough of this national sport, you must think, as we contin-ue to barrage our pages with escrima this and kali that. I guess we won’t stop until our world champion gets some kind of recognition, and that arnis gets the due credit it rightfully deserves. Two Pac-quiao relations fi gure in the sport recently (see page 14), so maybe that’ll make some heads turn. We are a team of dreamers, why not?

Deadlines. Merriam-Webster defi nes deadline as a date or time before which

something must be done, and more specifi cally as the time after which copy is not accepted for a particular issue of a publication. Seem-ingly, deadlines are taken very lightly in Gensan. Or to be more accurate, some tend to disregard, even disrespect other people’s deadlines. (Could it be they derive some joy or a sense of satisfaction from making people wait? Or they feel important when a project is inadvertently stalled because of their missing input? Here’s news for you: among many things it isn’t is global competitive-

ness, more sorry than sad to say.) Merriam-Webster also defi nes deadline as a line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot. I’m all anti-violence, and completely against weapons of any sort, but that last defi -nition kinda made me smirk.

Errata. Last issue we saw our editing quality stats take a plunge, with the major major error being asupcious (meant to be auspicious before it was mistyped), and the mishap befell the Congressional Representa-tive Jun Acharon’s message in the Tuna Festival spread, too! To Sir Jun and our read-ers, our apologies. Elsewhere we see a word duplication and a sneaky lenght in one ad (we know you know it should be length); it was pro-vided as is by the advertiser, but that’s not an excuse -- we should know better. (ANPJ)

S pot.ph, a popular entertainment portal, recently released its Top 10 Prettiest Pinay Politicians,

and guess what? GenSan’s very own new mayor, the Hon. Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio, made it at № 4!. Mayor Darlene’s inclusion in the list was thus explained: As the current mayor of General Santos City, this petite cutie, who had also served as the congresswoman of South Cotabato’s fi rst district, charms her public with her feisty ways and her glorious tan. She’s 36 but she always looks like a little girl. We wonder what kind of anti-aging cream she uses. She’s one politician who looks great even without makeup.

The hardworking chief executive of GenSan joins 9 other political personali-ties from all over the country:• Monica Louise Nikki Prieto-Teodoro,

former Tarlac representative• Shalani Soledad, Valenzuela coun-

cilor and P-Noy’s girlfriend• Rissa Hontiveros, former senatori-

able and Akbayan party list rep (PLR)• Darlene Antonino-Custodio• Jannah Ejercito, San Juan councilor• Abigail Ferriol, Kalinga PLR• Rachel Marguerite Cutie del Mar,

cityhallsnapshots • avelmanansala

Cebu rep and former TV host• Emmeline Aglipay, Democratic Inde-

pendent Workers Association PLR• Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, Lanao del

Norte representative• Loren Legarda, former senator

Although we know she’d most likely cringe in embarassment at this distinction, allow us at GenSan

News Online Mag and Gensan Gazer to congratulate Mayor Darlene for this. We and the rest of her constituents could not help but feel proud that our good mayor is recognized not only for her work but also for her physical attri-butes, which she got from her parents, Adelbert Antonino (former Mayor of GenSan) and Lualhati Ricasa-Antonino (current head of the Mindanao Develop-ment Authority). If there were a Ms Universe-Philip-pines tilt for politicians, surely she’d be at the top of the winners’ roll. Mayor Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio is defi nitely Magandang Gensan person-ifed. (This and other features appear in GenSantos.com -- visit us soon!)

Darlene ranks4th in Top 10Top 10

Prettiest Pinay Prettiest Pinay PoliticiansPoliticians list

32

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Gensan Gazer September 2010

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Transcript of Gensan Gazer September 2010