Gensan Gazer April-May 2010

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

Gensan Gazer

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Generall S G Santos Ci City’s ’ Fi First Lifestyle, Lif l T Trades d &T Travell M Magazine i ●A April-May il M 2010

Lake Sebu:

A Breath of Even Fresher Air ( And Other Amazing Destinations)

er Sumim ay Hol d l

Holiday Destinations In/Around/Outside Gensa Gensan sa an Exclusive: Gerald Anderson Comes Home me

ia S pe c

Sa a tree.

Save S Share your copy.

Black or Brown, We’re Still Blue

CUT OUT WHITE SPACE

21 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

CUT OUT WHITE SPACE

Blugré Coffee JMP1 Bldg, South Osmeña General Santos (083) 552 1111 Robinsons Place Gensan (083) 554 2177 JMP Phoenix Gas Daproza St, General Santos (083) 302 0503 Forever Flawless KCC Mall of Gensan (083) 554 2422

Pacman H2O Aparente Street Cor. National Highway General Santos (083) 302 1055 Magsaysay Avenue General Santos (083) 554 2304

Jinkee’s Fashion World JMP1 Bldg, South Osmeña (083) 554 2228 JMP2 Bldg, Aparente St (083) 552 2228 KCC Mall of Gensan (083) 554 2227 Team Pacquiao Robinsons Place Gensan (083) 554 2128

MP Princess Digital Printing Solutions JMP2 Bldg, Aparente St General Santos (083) 552 8880 JMP Printing Press JMP2 Bldg, Aparente St General Santos (083) 303 5052

JMIX Resto Bar JMP2 Bldg, Aparente St General Santos (083) 552 8880 (0928) 776 1240 Pacman Sports Bar JMP2 Bldg, Aparente St General Santos (083) 552 8880

21 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

Armando Nicolas P J Editor Apple Greatson Avel Manansala Orman Manansala Marthin Millado Scott Tuason Guest Contributors Jay Harvey J Circulation Manager Gensan Gazer™ Magazine is published monthly and distributed free in Gen. Santos and SoCCSKSarGen by Armanikolas Publishing ®™. It is printed by Gregoria Printing Press in Gen. Santos City, Philippines.

Gensan Gazer shall not, without the consent of the Publisher, be given, lent, resold, used as textbook, hired out or otherwise disposed of; or affixed to any part of any publication or advertising material in any way whatsoever. While all reasonable care is taken for contributed material, no responsibility will be assumed for its return or for corrections. Opinions expressed or implied in Gensan Gazer are solely those of the authors, and are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or Publisher. Advertisers and/or their representatives shall indemnify the Publisher in relation to any slander, defamation, breach, royalties, intellectual property and copyright infringements, unfair trade practices, or violation of privacy rights.

All photo and story contributions must be submitted to writing@gensangazer.com and are subject to editorial review for possible inclusion in any issue of Gensan Gazer.

Armanikolas Publishing ®™ B34 - L7 Doña Soledad II A, Espina Gen. Santos City 9500 Philippines Phone : +63 83 826 9221 Phone : +63 83 554 7055 Mobile : +63 908 337 3005 Website : www.armanikolas.com Website : www.gensangazer.com Email: inquiry@armanikolas.com Email: inquiry@gensangazer.com Email:advertising@gensangazer.com

Your Copy We strive to distribute 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 eBook. Bulk copies for your business or group may be coursed through (083) 8269221.

editor’s

note e barely made it and put out our Summer Holiday Special issue in time for Summer 2010, but cut us some slack, will ya? We’re a free magazine and we do not have hired hands. Most fortunately, and thanks to our magazine eBook on GensanGazer.com and our growing army of bloggers (Big cheers, guys!), most of us are in the loop on the goings-on in and around Gensan even before the magazine comes out on paper in full color.

In no time the new school year will open again, and hopefully the rainy season will give us more quality time indoors and less power interruptions, if at all. In the meantime, quelch the summer heat and beat the blackout blues in any of the holiday destinations and city hot spots we feature here, if you haven’t done that already, or if you crave for seconds, which is what we would expect from you after reading the April-May issue of Gensan Gazer.

We’re also happy to see our very own Gerald Anderson on our pages, and glad we finally started our long-awaited food trip. It’s a hot summer here as usual, and the election frenzy is not helping one bit. At the end of it all, may the best people win. Love and peace!

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Armando Nicolas PJ

what’s

inside 4

6

8

C Crash-proof your life, Back up your data!

B Places2Go and GGPick -P W Where have you been lately?

F Food Trip: A Seafood Trilogy

11 TTravel Tales & Trivia

12

18 GGensan View Resort

19 1 9 OOlaer Spring Water Resort 20 SSaSarangani Highlands, Playbill

Brown or Black, We’re Still Blue B

22

A Breath of Even Fresher Air

Delights: To Dive 16 TorTinoto not to Dive

17

21 2 1

Dan Meyer reviews 2 books, D Classied Ads C

Gensan’s Favorite Son Comes G Home on His Special Day H

24 2 4 MManDeeJay review 3 albums, 25 HHealthBits

28 2 8 DDonna & Romarie Back2Back 29

Big on Blogs, Postscript, B DigitalArt D

30 LLast Look

Isla Jardin del Mar: Is Gem of Gumasa, Glan G

our cover

story

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ummer is here once more, and we take you to a sampling of the best getaways in and around General Santos City. With all the beaches, lakes, natural springs, pools, and waterfalls -- we’re sure you’d find more than enough interesting ways to cool down this summer, or given Gensan’s scorching sun all year round, just about anytime you get the urge for a cool splash. There are a handful ways to whet your appetite for adventure, too -- the zip-line rides and power treks of Lake Sebu and Tinoto’s great dives are sure to give you the perfect adrenaline rush, or just the right dose of healthy fun. Have a good one!

3 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

urbanliving

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OWER OUTAGES, NO doubt, are the bane of life in Gensan these days. No one, nothing, it seems, is spared. Our reliance on hydroelecric power sourced from elsewhere in Mindanao is aggravated by the El Niño dry spell, and our lack of electric generation capabilities like that of Davao Light & Power Co. in Davao City doesn’t help the situation much either.

At the risk of being pedantic -- and just so we get our terminologies correctly -- what we’re actually experiencing are not brownouts but blackouts, a series of short- and long-term (mostly long of late) loss of electricity in different areas within the city at different times.

While brownout or sag refers to a drop in voltage in the electrical power supply (the term is derived from the dimming of lighting implements when the voltage sags), a blackout refers to the total loss of power to an area regardless of how long the outage is.

Brownout or blackout, however, the negative effect is pervasive; business operations are disrupted at a cost one can only calculate with dread, and personal routines washed down the drain for the blackouts’ severity and frequency.

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he El Niño phenomenon, our own power sourcing and distribution arm SOCOTECOII explained, has aggravated “the already fragile power situation” in the island, as water level at hydroelectric dams drops faster than anticipated. Apparently the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) has been imposing power supply curtailment in Southern Mindanao since August 2009 to work around the pervading daily power generation deficiency of 20 to 40 megawatts. (A megawatt of electrical power can sustain the

Brown Or Black, We’re Still Blue energy needs of over 1,000 households.) The power crisis is said to persist until the rainy season arrives, or until the power generation deficiency issue is favorably addressed, SOCOTECOII added.

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t looks like that’s going to take quite a while, in other words. Your forced extended visits to the mall are going to continue, and your cinema hours are going to increase ten-fold.

It’s bad enough that designer coffees cost a fortune and add up to a serious dent in your already thinning wallet, you’d have to order an extra cup and salad or dessert to match, too. Stay on this spending curve and soon enough you will be in a serious dry spell yourself.

Short of

wishing the floods to come, you pray for rains that never pour -- wondering whatever happened to the declaration of the state of calamity in Mindanao, and how much of the emergency fund was spent for cloud-seeding and stand-by power barges (or were these two just figments of your imagination?), or why the name of the Holy Infant was used for the curse of drought and heat wave in our island (make that planet). These and other questions linger, just like the stale warm air in your office during the usual day-time blackout. Everybody keeps calling it brownout, too, some of us complain, as if that’s going to make a difference.

Meanwhile, SOCOTECOII keeps seeking the public’s kind understanding, given that the countrywide power crisis is beyond its control. It also posits

a special plea in that the load shedding schedule is difficult to set in advance “due to the erratic curtailment demands required by NGCP,” which varies every hour. As of this writing the outage schedule has somewhat stabilized; the power alleviation, to no avail.

In the end we’re left to our own devices. The notso-cheap rechargeable fanand-emergency-light device at the shops are selling like pancakes yet you’d still wake up sweating in the dark at night, while offices providing vital services suffer massive productivity dips because of the power interruptions. Queues at government agencies are slow and long, too, as a result. The litany is even longer.

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e’re probably better off devising our own game plan to deal with the situation ourselves.

Candlelight dinner - Is there anything nicer?

Couch potato - No TV? Get out and take a walk or chat up a neighbor instead.

Hot shower - For better looking skin and healthier hair take cold showers instead; it’ll be quick, too.

PC offline - Time to run errands or meet friends in real time.

Sweating - Keeps us from overheating and helps expel toxins; have clean towel and fresh change on hand.

Under the sheets - Not tonight. Fresh breeze is better than air-conditioning.

Work clothes - You won’t need to iron them if you dry them in hangers.

There’s a lot of ways to beat the blackout blues if you’re up for it. Are you?

(AJ)

General Santos City’s Best-Kept Secret

Red Trellis

Fine Asian Fusion Cuisine in Casual Dining

Seafood Garden

Tiongson Extension, Across NDDU-IBED, Lagao, General Santos | Phone (083 302 2722)

gadgettalk

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hances are you’ve succumbed to computer burnout and a nasty hard disk crash at one point or another. We’ve all been there before. You don’t want that to happen again. Or ever.

Enter Western Digital’s My Book Mirror Edition external hard drive.

This sleek black device backs up your data fast and seamlessly, and backs it up again, too -- essentially mirroring the backup before it -- hence the label Mirror Edition.

My Book Mirror Edition comes with 1-terabyte or 2-TB worth of storage.

The drive mirrors data (RAID1) for added security. This is extremely handy if you maintain a huge collection of photos, movie clips and music tracks, or simply need to back up large bulks of your important files.

With RAID (for Redundant Array of Independent Disks) enabled on a storage system you can connect two or more drives so that they act like one big fast drive, or set them up so that one drive in the system is used to automatically and instantaneously duplicate (or mirror) your data for real-time backup -- just like Mirror Edition does. You also want to instan-

taneously and automatically backup your data -- just like My Book does.

My Book Mirror requires USB port and supports Mac® OS X 10.4.11+/10.5.2+, and Windows® 2000, XP, Vista and 7.

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ersonal and business content are extremely valuable -– both emotionally and financially.

Our new My Book Mirror system helps users sleep easy, knowing that their data is safe,” said Jim Welsh, VP/GM of branded products and consumer electronics groups for Western Digital. We couldn’t agree more.

My Book Mirror is extremely useful for organizing and archiving vast libraries of your personal or work photos, music, and artworks, and for working with, editing and exchanging massive audio and video projects.

This device is big on the usability and

data security features.

The safest place for your data. Using RAID mirroring technology, this system automatically and continuously duplicates your data for the ultimate in data protection. If one drive in this twodrive system ever fails, the system continues to run and your data is safe. How’s that for peace of mind?

Automatic backup software. Back up your computer -- just set it and forget it. Every time you save a change it’s backed up and then mirrored on the second

places2go • GGPick

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, +63-835534123 ext. 106) GGPick Cassado Billiard Bar - Pool tables by the hour, ice-cold beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-833028389) GGPick Pacman Sports Bar - Five pool tables/dart boards, lots of lounge space (JMP Bldg 2, Aparente St, Gen. Santos, +6383-5528880)

cafés 

GGPick BluGré Cafe - Next best thing to Starbucks, designer coffees, hot/cold mixes, filling meals (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542177) [wi◦fi] GGPick Bigger/more relaxing than the one at Robinsons, same great drinks/eats (South Osmeña St, Gen. Santos, +63-5521111) [wi◦fi] GGPick Cafe Amoree - Local gem, great drinks/eats, ways off from city center but definitely worth a visit (Mabuhay Rd, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542173)

6 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

[wi◦fi] Cafe Paulino - Unpretentious coffee place, central yet a quiet retreat from the crowd (Gaisano Mall, Gen. Santos) GGPick Coffee Club 101 - Coffee, pasta, desserts, free PC stations and mini-library for patrons (Laurel East Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-83-5535430) [wi◦fi] GGPick Great place to people-watch and be seen in, perfect after shopping or while waiting for company (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-835534878) [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] Private yet accessible, perfect after shopping or just chilling (Grd Flr, KCC Mall, +6383-5542384) [wi◦fi] Generals Brew - Fine gourmet coffees, sandwiches, combo meals (Pioneer Ave., 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 

Dolores Tropicana Resort - Beach, restaurant, hotel with air-conditioned guest suites/function rooms (Cabu, Tambler, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539350) GGPick East Asia Royale Hotel - Stone’s throw away from the financial 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), Gensan’s only 25-meter pool, in-house restaurant Cafe Leticia amidst greenery (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-835528895-97) [wi◦fi] Phela Grande Hotel - Basic to luxury guest rooms, in-house Meilih Restaurant/Cafe Eduardo, offsite Phela Convention Center (Magsaysay Ave. cor.

Atis St, Gen. Santos, +63-835524220/3017676) [wi◦fi] Sydney Hotel - Centrally

located, offers comfortable accommodations and excellent restaurants, professional banquet/ conference facilities (Pendatun cor. Pioneer Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479, Fax +63-835525478) [wi◦fi]

resorts 

Dolores Tropicana Resort Beach, pool and more (Cabu, Tambler, Gen. Santos, +63-835539350/3807318/3807328) GGPick Gensan View Resort - Sun, sky, swimming pool and more (Nursery Rd, beside Susana Homes, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-915-6474354, +63-83-3028237) GGPick Sarangani Highlands Garden & Restaurant - Hillsidetop joint with views of Sarangani Bay, downtown Gensan, Mt Parker/Mt Matutum. Nature, fresh air, fine scenery, good food, great space for private parties or company events (Tambler, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3040752)

restaurants

Andrea Ticia Family Restaurant - Green, homey setting for a relaxing dining experience (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528896) GGPick Big Ben Steaks &

drive for the ultimate in data protection.

Cooler, quieter, eco-friendlier. Designed to use only WD drives with GreenPower technology, My Book Mirror, with efficient convection cooling, fan-less design and power saving mode, is reliably cool, remarkably quiet and consumes up to 33% less power than standard sets.

Easy to set up, easy to use. You’re up and running in a few simple steps. WD’s intuitive RAID wizard software lets you easily modify your RAID settings.

Capacity Gauge. You’ll be able to see at a glance how much space is available on your drive.

User serviceable. Want to upgrade a drive? Just open the case and replace the existing one; no screwdriver needed.

Cagampang Street General Santos City Tel (083) 5535684 Tel (083) 3044745 Fax (083) 5524873

Get your WD My Book Mirror at Global Hover, 10 Quezon Ave., Gensan, Tel. (083) 552 8922 / 552 3876. Global Hover is an authorized reseller of Acer, Brother, Canon, Epson, HP, MSI and Redfox products.

GH also provides PC repair services.

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 - Homestyle cafe, restaurant (J. Catolico Sr Ave., 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 specialties and more (Laurel East Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-835535430/3010555) [wi◦fi] Same Grab-A-Crab vibe, only smaller (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick Mandarin Tea Garden Restaurant - Simply amazing dimsum and Chinese/ Filipino delicacies (South Osmeña St, Gen. Santos, +6383-3013333) [wi◦fi] GGPick Marasa Grill - Nofrills home-style food in un-

pretentious setting (Kadulasan St, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5524628) GGPick Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs - Paseo Del Sol’s Pablo’s has perfected the art of preparing steaks (certified US Angus) (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Paseo Del Sol Hacienda-style events place, catering to theme/special events, serving Pablo’s/Ranchero fare, as well as exclusive dishes for private functions/catering service (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Ranchero Grill - Paseo Del Sol’s old-timer Ranchero takes native/Filipino/ ranch-style food to the next level (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Red Trellis Seafood Garden - Asian fusioninspired, gives Singapore-style chili crab/black pepper crab restaurants a run for their money (Across NDDU-IBED, Tiongson Ext., Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3022722) Rooftop Grill Ihaw-Ihaw - Seafood/grill, great views of Plaza Heneral Santos, City Hall (6th Flr, Sydney Hotel, Pioneer Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-835525479 Ext. 103) [wi◦fi]

quality machines GGPick Royale Lounge Relaxing café with minimalist decór, acoustic music Wed-Sat (East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123 loc. 2) [wi◦fi] Theresa’s Cafe & Gourmet Restaurant - Ambience ideal for romantic dates, weddings, other occasions. Live acoustic band every Thursday or call for show schedule. (Daproza Ave., Gen.Santos, +63-83-3045350) GGPick Wanchin Dimsum Restaurant - Good food, pool table, piano, great views of Plaza Heneral Santos/City Hall (2nd Flr, Sydney Hotel, Pioneer Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-835525479 Ext. 115) [wi◦fi]

resto-bars

Crocodillo’s Resto Bar Occasional expat haunt, laidback and unpretentious crowd (very young, can be rowdy), cheap beers (Laurel East Ave., Gen. Santos) GGPick Grab-A-Crab Same Grab-A-Crab vibe, more intimate dining/wining, with probably the best bar counter in Gensan! (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick Jmix Resto-Bar - Great food, great music, friendly staff (JMP Bldg 2,

Aparente St, Gen. Santos, +6383-5542368) GGPick Piyesta KTV & Resto-Bar - Value-for-money combo meals, inventive dishes, tower drinks, intimate KTV rooms, friendly staff (Robinsons Place, J. Catolico Sr Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542139)

‘

Tuna... is still dominant in Gensan, but judging from the powerful currents of creativity and talent in the city, its second wave of economic development might just come from its creative industries.

’

Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. Lawyer-Columnist

7 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

foodtrip • loudmouth

reakfast should be your heaviest meal of the day, and unless you’re on an extreme diet for health or peformance issues, or for some reason just avoiding carbs, go for the Filipino staple: the rice brekky. Incidentally we chanced upon a unique yet familiar set at Sarangani Highlands, one fine oasis of a garden resort in the rocky, hilly confines of Cabu in Tambler, General Santos, a good 20-minute drive from

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the city. The prize was a fabulous waker-upper made of Cuban-inspired Arroz de Sarangani, Buttered Bangus (Milkfish), and Deep-Fried Hito (Catfish) in Mango Sauce -- all at once overwhelming in their variety and collective aroma, and comforting in their beckoning of reminiscenses of dear home sweet home.

Arroz is a generous splattering of minced beef and a duet of sunny-side-ups on steamed white rice, cor-

doned by an infinity circle of fried banana slices. This reminds you of rustic barrio mornings, where breakfast is a sacred family ritual, everyone half-worshiping and half-feasting on the simplest of comfort foods.

The bell pepper, button mushroom and onion garnishing on Bangus vaguely hides the overpowering butter taste (olive oil probably does it better), but adds a more exquisite dimension to the lowly daing. But perhaps

nothing beats Hito, with bite-size chunks gloriously camouflaged in fresh tomato and sour mango strips, topped with delicious shrimp paste that’s neither wet nor dry, a perfect complement to this delicacy.

Top all this with the Corsican summer ambience and Balinese (sans the beach) feel to the morning’s dining experience, and you get one power brekky to remember!

ou can blame it on Gensan’s heat, our craving for food has only just begun. After the hearty post-breakfast chitchat and cup after cup after cup of coffee, wanderings in the garden in the sun, and the drive back to town in 35°C temperature, it’s almost time for lunch again!

But fret we did not, Marasa Grill on Kadulasan Street is a

sumptuous enough destination, and the food is even mas interesante!

We always thought that not one single chef, however masterful or mediocre, can ever ruin a tuna sashimi.

Alas, we’ve had our share of the stale (i.e., extended shelf life) and defrosted (i.e., freezing wreaks havoc to fresh fish meat, don’t they know that?) kind. But

thanks to Marasa’s fine judgment and even finer taste, we savored Tuna Sashimi that simply melts in the mouth the way only true fresh tuna can. Thus our fish feast began. We did well with their Tuna Kinilaw as well -- a freshly made sour salad with the tuna cubes so fresh they tasted like they just came out from the sea. We marvelled at

the Pinaputukang Tilapia, too -- spices-stuffed tilapia steamed to white, tender, aromatic perfection. Also, the Grilled Panga (Tuna Jaw) and Grilled Tuna Belly -- slow fire-grilled with generous coats of Marasa’s own secret marinade mix. Really, Marasa knows fish! (And we were feeding like we hadn’t had food for days, too!)

All these, with only a

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8 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

cup of rice each, and only sips of diet cola on the side -- to make way for the one and only dessert that can close the meal like a perfect curtain call -- the Marasa Mango Float. If this is not the most accurate savingthe-best-for-last scenario

there is, then we don’t know what is.

Lunch at homey, unpretentious Marasa Grill was a fitting midday spectacle, the lunch crowd gregarious and friendly and simply happy to be around. We wonder what dinner would be like.

Cagampang Street General Santos City Tel (083) 5535684 Tel (083) 3044745 Fax (083) 5524873

quality processes

e saved the best, literally, for last -- just a single dish that capped our amazing seafood journey for the day (which started just after getting up from bed, and ended just before hitting the sack again), Typhoon ShelterStyle Fried Crab -- prepared by Red Trellis Seafood Garden’s chef-owner himself!

Typhoon is a delicately marinated Surigao crab fried to perfection and garnished with separately deep-fried seasoned chalots, garlic and black beans, and a generous sprinkling (optional) of red hot chili peppers. This famous dish, appearing for the first time in General Santos, is tra-

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Sarangani Highlands Garden & Restaurant Purok Wal Barangay Tambler General Santos City (083) 304 0752 (See ad on page 10.)

Marasa Grill Kadulasan Street General Santos City (083) 552 4628

ditionally served in many Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, and is believed to originate from typhoon shelters. (Before the 1990s, there was a fairly large population of locals living on boats in Hong Kong’s typhoon shelters; many of them were descendants of fishermen or boat people, developing a distinct culture that is different than the other mainstream cultures in Hong Kong.)

Back to gourmet-entrepreneur George Sandoval’s masterpiece -- Typhoon proved a gastronomic revelation. Thanks in part to the finest quality decapods from northeastern Mindanao, our crustacean pièce de résistance was everything you ever wanted from crabs -- exquisitely tender and juicy white meat that peels away from its exoskeletal shell easily, the flavor of Red Trellis’s secret spices and marinade complementing it beautifully, topped by the crisp-friend chalot-garlic-black bean garnish, and white vinegar on the side for extra kick. Heaven!

We downed our dinner with Jinro soju, closest thing to vodka in Korea, and we were all set for dreamland. (AJ)

Red Trellis Seafood Garden Tiongson cor. Calina Streets Across Notre Dame IBED Lagao, General Santos City (083) 302 2722 (See ad on page 5.)

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haring food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.

- Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher (1908-1992)

9 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

summer holiday 2010 special

Starting on page 12 we hop from one gem of a getaway to another precious find, perhaps a belated invite to the summer escapade (especially for our school-bound brethren) that may now slowly be winding down to an inevitable close.

We start off with breath-taking Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, then jump off to awe-inspiring Tinoto and Gumasa in Sarangani, and, last but not least, finally round up this not-so-random sampling of holiday hotspots with the invigorating pools (natural and otherwise) and hilltop retreats of General Santos City.

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16

Had one great summer yet?

18 19 17

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Garden Gard G den n&R Restaurant estaur esta es taur uran antt an

An oasis of a restaurant-resort in the rocky hills of Tambler a short drive from downtown General Santos City, Sarangani Highlands will soon provide exquisite country-style rooms and suites for visitors keen on longer stays. Which is not hard to pine for once you step into this semi-Mediterranean, semi-Balinese tropical enclave. We wish to pamper you here soon!

Purok Wal, Tambler, General Santos | Phone (083) 304 0752

traveltales&trivia • ajlakbaydiwa

Close Call in Tangier

TANGIER, MOROCCO I suppose everywhere there are people who want to cause trouble -- just for the fun of it -- and misfortune is when you’re at the other end of the bargain.

I encountered one such person inside the Customs office at the Port of Tangier, just before my ferry departed for Gibraltar one fine summer weekend in 2006. Claiming to be with Immigrations, the decent-looking enough guy asked for my passport and gave me several forms to fill up, which seemed odd as I didn’t buy anything from Morocco save for several postcards and a cotton kurta. Outside through the glass panels I could see the FRS ferry bound for Gibraltar, taking in passengers while I struggled with my forms.

As soon as I finished I handed the man my papers as the final horn went off, signalling the last call for passengers to get on board before the ferry finally de-

parts. The man held on to my passport and the forms and kept busy where he stood, talking to another guy next to him in what seemed like mixed Spanish and Arabic.

I tried to catch his attention, pointing to the ferry a good 200 meters away from the office.

When he gestured to indicate that he did not understand what I was trying to say, another man came in to the room. Overhearing our conversation, the newcomer said to me in heavily accented English, “What are you still doing here? Your boat is leaving any minute now.” Immediately the other guy gave me my passport, and told me to run for it. I made it to the Immigration checkpoint at the berth sweating and catching my breath, got my passport stamped, and within less than a minute of entering the ferry, it took off for the weekend’s last crossing for continental Europe.

TIP: Departing from Gibraltar to anywhere in Spain or Africa by ferry, you usually get your passport stamped on the boat, not at the port. Departing from Tangier in Morocco to Gibraltar, go straight to the Immigrations post at the designated berth of your passenger ferry. If you can help it, do not buy Customsregulated stuff from Tangier.

You’re better off shopping (and sight-seeing for that matter) in Marakkech.

Cagampang Street General Santos City Tel (083) 5535684 Tel (083) 3044745 Fax (083) 5524873

quality printing Motorbike Race Gensan Style GEN. SANTOS, PHILIPPINES In 2008 I chanced upon this duo of stuntmen-comedians on motorbikes -- the most daring one in a tricycle -- showing of their antics on the highway in broad daytime traffic. We were in stitches watching from inside our taxi, even mannaged to take a snapshot, decent but not clear enough to see

Care to Conquer Kinabalu?

KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA Three lessons I learned from my trip to Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo in Sabah last year. One. Mount Kinabalu is not a walk-in affair; you have to book your guide, gear, trek and accommodations months in advance, and having done that, be at the mercy of changes in the weather on your chosen climb dates. Needless to say, I didn’t

make the climb, and didn’t see much of the national park on lower ground either.

Two. When a hotel ad says it is located in the city center, see the walker’s map if it really is in the city center. I ended up rooming in spacious, efficiently furnished and tastefully designed KK Times Square Hotel, which, although taking up address in the city center, is standing inside

the KK Times Square complex.

And this complex is set up like a fortress on a miniature island surrounded by a moat, with a single access to the main road winding all the way around the area, so that what could have been only a 5-minute walk to the central market and the marina now becomes at least twice longer, even up to half an hour! In drench-

their plates correctly and so be able to find them and confer the Bozo Award for rowdy fun and reckless endangerment. Don’t want to see them again, but what the heck, why not?

ing rain or scorching heat, that’s doubly terribly troublesome.

Three. If all else fails, head for the beach. It’s a good thing there are four within minutes from the marina.

Sweet.

a breath of even fresher air

summer holiday 2010 special

Baguio City’s reputation as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, albeit time-tested, is a tad clichéd. There is a similar sort of capital in the South, and it’s not constrained only to the summer season. Enter Lake Sebu, a breath of even fresher air year in, year out.

l

ake Sebu, the nearly foursquare-kilometer freshwater lake that helps feed the equally famed Seven Falls in the municipality named after the lake itself, is a placid inland sea located in Alah (also spelled as Allah) Valley near the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato.

... Local tribesmen often refer to Lake Sebu as the wondrous sea that never dries up.

Originally a town belonging to Surallah, the villages around the lake have been converted into an independent municipality that is now called Lake Sebu.

Bounded on all sides by undulating mountains and hills covered with dense rainforests, the lake sits atop the 300-meter-high southern Tiruray Highlands, its water surface elevation pegged at one kilometer above sea level, hence the cool temperature, between 20° through 25°C (in contrast to 29° through 34°C in downtown General Santos), pervading the lakeside environs and the communities around it all year round. Recognized by the Philippine government as one of the country’s most important watersheds, Lake Sebu is one of several bodies of water that form the life of vital irrigation systems that enrich Alah Valley and the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. For this, local tribesmen often refer to Lake Sebu as the wondrous sea that never dries up. This inland sea is actually comprised by three 12 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

adjacent mountain lakes; of the three Lake Sebu is the biggest in area, Lake Siluton the highest in water depth, and Lake Lahit the smallest in size.

Often dubbed the Summer Capital of Southern Philippines, Lake Sebu is an idyllic retreat that is more than just a summer refuge or an any-weekend kind of getaway for city folk and overseas tourists. To preserve the natural habitat while allowing it to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, the Department of Tourism and the local government unit of Lake Sebu has promoted the lake as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in the province.

It may well be the premier eco-tourism destination in the entire island of Mindanao, even all of the archipelago that is the Philippine Islands. The lake is home to many of the country’s prized fauna. The Philippine deer (also known as Luzon Sambar deer) and an indigenous species of wild boars, both of which have become over-hunted over time for their meat and are now listed as endangered, live around the lake. The same lake and surrounding rainforests that cockatoos, egrets, herons, kites, kingfishers and swallows call their natural haven.

Most importantly, the shores of Lake Sebu and the rainforests forming its periphery constitute the sanctuary that is home to the indigenous communities of the T’bolis, Tirurays, Úbûs and Manobos. The T’boli and Úbû tribes have been the traditional inhabitants and caretakers of the lake. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources have recognized (through Administrative Order No. 2, 1993) the claim

of these tribes that the lake and its surroundings are rightfully under their ancestral domain.

Aside from the more recent adoption of eco-tourism, Lake Sebu prospers on the timehonored livelihood of fishing and farming. Its economy is based on aquaculture, mainly of tilapia grown in large fish cages scattered in places over the lake area. Duck farms, freshwater shrimp production and snail harvesting supplement the municipality’s income base. Also, more than half of the land around the lake is cultivated for agriculture.

The Philippine government proclaimed an area of over 900-km2 as a protected landscape, the Alah Valley Watershed Forest Reserve, to make sure that these self-sustaining nature-friendly activities are safeguarded.

... T’boli and Úbû tribes have been the traditional inhabitants and caretakers of the lake.

t

rade and commerce in the municipality has greatly improved with the completion of a concrete road leading to and from Surallah, which cut travel time from four hours to no more than 30 minutes; from Surallah, regional destinations such as Koronadal and Gensan can be easily reached.

A second-class municipality in the province of South Cotabato with over 50,000 inhabitants in over 11,000 households, Lake Sebu is about three hours from Gensan by public transport -- taking a bus from the independently admin-

istered city to Koronadal; another bus, a passenger van or jeepney to Surallah; and finally a customenlarged jeep doubling as a mini-bus to Lake Sebu Poblacion, where bikes and pedicabs can be hailed to get to the resorts around the lake. Needless to say, you can halve your travel time by car. Although road markers and direction signs on Philippine highways are scarce and easy to miss at best, people on the roadsides are eager to provide information and show directions.

There’s plenty of fresh air to breathe in these parts, and just as many... sights to take your breath away.

From top: A typical lakefront scenery in idyllic Lake Sebu, replete with bamboo walkways and nipa huts on stilts above the water surface, fish pens, and docks for small motorized outrigger and paddled log-carved boats; lake boatmen exchanging late morning chatter; Punta Isla Lake Resort’s waterfront cottages

There are several resorts in Lake Sebu that provide basic country-style accommodation, most of them offering guided boat tours, recreational facilities and full restaurant service, which offer tilapia delicacies -- fried, barbecued, even banana leaf-wrapped and steamed! The lakeside guesthouses at Nadines Lake Resort, Traankini Resort, Artacho Resort, Punta Isla Lake Ar Resort, Mountain Log Resort Re and Balben Family Cove afford an visitors an intimate view of the vis lake, whereas the Merl Garden lak Spring Resort features hillside Sp ambience with zip-line rides, am horseback riding and many other ho fun activities. Although the trip can be planned as no more than ca day affair, the almost a whole w regulation afternoon clouds and/ reg or rains can prove a damper, so a well-chosen hotel for a night or we ttwo tw wo is most desirable, especially since sin nc two of the best times to photograph the lake are at the ph ho break bre e of dawn til early morn, and late lat te afternoon til dusk.

Most itineraries to the lake involves an afternoon drive from invo Gensan to the lakeside town, Gen waterfront dinner a refreshing re and drinks at one of the lakeside resorts, a relaxing sleep through reso the cool night, one’s choice of

Monkey Bar

Hanging Bridge

Horse Backriding

40 Feet Monkey Ladder

Banca Ride

Flying Soon!

Sky Cable Boat

2-Way Zip Line

Baggin i g Challenge Slide For Life

Barangay Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines Mobile Phone: (0919) 457 7221 ● (0922) 571 3078

14 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

of breakfast early the following day, an early morning boat ride around the lake, and a tour of the idyllic countryside. Not to be missed on the round-up are the once-a-week market day (Saturday in Lake Sebu, Thursday in Luhib), the T’boli weavers village, and the cultural songs-anddances show. Part of what brought this quiet municipality international renown, as a matter of fact, was the tinalak, a fine piece of T’boli cloth woven from krungon (abaca). The resulting fabric continues to intrigue national and international designers, who come to Lake Sebu just to marvel at the crude technique, tedious process and skillful hands involved in tinalak-making.

p

erhaps two highlights to your Lake Sebu visit are the trek to the Seven Falls and the zip-line ride (designed to propel a person by gravity from the top to the bottom of an inclined cable over a canopy of forests), recommended as an early morning affair, in which case a second daylight is required. And for the grand finale, a sunset cruise of the visually stunning lakes.

t

here’s plenty of fresh air to breathe in these parts, and just as many aweinspiring sights to take your breath away. (ANPJ)

From left: Local youngsters plying the lake on log-carved boats; Dongon Falls, the second and mightiest of seven water-falls; fried tilapia with shredded sweet-and-sour papaya garnish

Lake Sebu’s Famous Residents Lake Sebu is home to the T’boli, highland folk popular for their elaborate weaving art, colorful clothing, intricate bead crafts and exquisite brassware. The T’bolis, along with the Úbûs, Tirurays and Manobos, are the indigenous peoples of Lake Sebu.

A legend passed on from generation to generation says they are descended from the survivors of a great flood, where a man named Dwata warned the people of an impending deluge. Save for La Bebe and La Lomi, and Tamfeles and La Kagef, the tribe refused to listen. Dwata told the couples to seek refuge in a bamboo big enough to fit in. The first couple, the legend adds, are the ancestors of the T’boli and other highland ethnic groups; other indigenous Filipinos descended from the other.

The T’bolis are noted for the tinalak, a revered

cloth made from abaca. This is exchanged during a traditional wedding, and used as a cover at childbirth.

The tinalak is distinctive for its highly stylized tie-dyed design, mostly repetitive patterns depicting elements of the local flora and fauna in red, brown and black against the natural tan of abaca.

One renowned dreamweaver (as T’boli weavers are known, as tribal designs are said to be derived from a dream) is Lang Dulay. Only 12 when she started to weave, she was conferred by the National Council for Culture and Arts (NCCA) the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award in 1998. NCCA noted that “through her weaving, Lang Dulay does what she can to keep her people’s tradition alive.” She is said to be expert in weaving a hundred designs, including the bulinglangit (clouds), the bankiring (hair bangs), and the kabangi (butterfly).

Any visit to Lake Sebu is not complete without dropping in at the T’boli Museum.

The museum, an actual T’boli house, showcases their traditional costumes, bead accessories, brass products and other handicrafts. Also on show are indigenous musical instruments you can play, that is, if you know how.

At most lakeside resorts, T’boli music performances (as depicted on the left) can be enjoyed by guests for a fee. More than just a means of livelihood, to them this also constitutes a firsthand outreach to other cultures, one where they celebrate their identity as a proud people with a rich history and culture.

15 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

summer holiday 2010 special

tinoto delights:

to dive or not to dive Adapted from material published in SouthPointDivers.ph

s

outh Point Divers in Tinoto, Sarangani, a mere half-hour drive from downtown Gensan, is a park and dive affair -- one of the most accessible yet least known of all world-class dive sites.

“I kinda want to keep it that way,” a pal even said, referring to the insider sort of exclusivity afforded by this gem of a neighborhood dive spot, and its surprisingly rich marine life, virtually undiscovered for years. Indeed, you drive to the unpretentious seafront joint, park your car, and get in the water to dive!

Worry not if you don’t; there’s a lot to feast on at South Point Divers sans the scuba. My first two visits were for sightseeing, and this feature, though it panders to our brethren who enjoy the great underwaters, also seeks to appease those who crave cliff-view R&R, a rare pleasure in these parts actually -- wining, dining, sunset and all that Ibiza ambience (minus the beach and decadence) stuff) -- all of which are pronouncedly inherent at South Point Divers.

The Partridges acquired this ample stretch of clifftop property nearly two decades ago, using it then for weekend gatherings with family and friends. Intrigued by the amazing front yard, they eventually immersed in diving. After doing so around the archipelago, they realized what a gem they had right under their noses, and decided it would be selfish to keep it to themselves.

a

16 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

Photo by Armando Nicolas P J

nd so South Point Divers was born. Together with the off-thebeaten-path diving they’re now famous for, they strive to keep the atmosphere at the clifftop haven laidback and friendly. Nothing could describe this more than their mantra: “We have no first time clients... only friends we have not made. We have no return customers... only friends coming home.”

Located at the southern tip of the Philippines, South Point Divers sits at the southwest corner of Sarangani Bay in the province of Sarangani. The bay teems with exquisite dive sites, the best of which is the colossal Tinoto Wall, Inset photos by Scott Tuason

spanning nearly 10 kilometers along the bay in front of the South Point Divers clubhouse, and dropping off over 50 meters a stone’s throw from shore.

Commercial fishers say there is a short ledge in the wall, then it continues to drop down to 300 meters or deeper, well beyond diving limits. The currents can be strong because of this, which also makes the diving more spectacular.

Now imagine walking from the clifftop terrace down the steps into chestdeep water. You gear up, descend to 15 feet, get your bearings, and adjust your gear. Swim out 20 feet, and look down.

The dropoff takes your breath away. This is the Tinoto Wall, which ScubaGlobe Magazine describes as “awesome.”

Diving right from the bottom of the stairs is already an experience. Accessible from the house reef is the Abyss, a canyon that goes all the way down. You can swim over or around it, but to fully experience it, follow it down deep.

On the other side is Rocky Beach. If you want to keep it shallow all the color-

summer holiday 2010 special

S

ummer is back on full gear, and now everyone just wants to soak in the water and cool off. Thanks to Gensan’s abundance of pools and springs, and its proximity to the best beach resorts in the city and neighboring Sarangani, the summer, like the persistent blackouts in the island, has become a proverbial thorn on the side that can now be easily dealt with, with a little planning and and time to spare, that is.

One welcome reprieve is Isla Jardin Del Mar Resort in Gumasa, Glan, which opened in January this year to a stellar crowd of business folk, beach afficionados, blog superstars, and beach bums and babes. Even better, they now offer special discounted rates for holiday-makers coming during the more relaxed and less crowded weekdays at the beach, a big plus for those who are not big on busy and loud crowds at weekend getaways. This applies Monday through gh Thursday from March 8 through June 30.

30 Beach volleyball, jet skiing, snorkelling, strolls, mountain treks, fishing, lounging and casual dining are just a few of the things guests can take on at the resort. Air-conditioned cottages are also available for overnight stays with family and friends. Free rides to and from the

ful reef fish will keep you company amid the hard corals. Drift down the Tinoto Wall; you won’t be disappointed.

The SandBar is one of the most beautiful snorkeling areas around, with colorful reef fish and soft corals aplenty. Drift further down to one of the most beautiful dives. In a current, all the fish come out to play. (Here drift diving is the norm, though suitable to advanced divers only.

Currents at times can be strong, especially during tide changes. Experienced guides/boatmen are available.)

A 45-minute boat ride away brings you to underwater pinnacles like Takot Maasim, Takot Malbang and Kamanga Reef. With tops ranging from 35 to 55 feet, these have produced the most sightings of pelagic fishes and rays.

figure-conscious, dishes to suit any taste, and a romantic view of the sea.

Cliff Overnight Cottages - Get lulled by the gentle sound of waves crashing into rocks. Fully air-conditioned rooms with hot/cold showers are perched at the edge of the Tinoto Ridge, offering a breath-taking view of the bay.

Casco Bar - Relax and unwind with a drink in hand. Pick your preferred house drink, chill, mingle with locals and guests alike, and talk about anything under the sun or moon, above and underwater.

Camping Grounds - Pitch your tent and enjoy a unique outdoor experience.

Open Cottages - Listen to the music of nature in one of many private cottages.

Chill as the natural sea breeze blows through your hair. Soak in Paradise.

f you are averse to or are yet to discover diving, there are other ways here to relax, unwind and have fun. Consider your options: Sea Side Restaurant - Indulge in inhouse delicacies for meatlovers and the

Of course there are day trips by boat, snorkelling, and PADI courses if you want to finally take the plunge. Here, to dive or not to dive is the question, something only you have the answer to.

i

isla jardin del mar: are also provided, compliments resort ar Jardin. of Isla Ja Located at a previously secluded Locat along Gumasa’s pristine shoreline, cove alo resort spans a total of 34 hectares, the resor which have been earmarked half of w development. Isla Jardin Del Mar, for deve garden by the sea in Español, island ga managed by Charlemagne Wanchin is manag Tan-Delfino.

Why IIsla Jardin del Mar? Apparently, viewed from the air, the resort when vie looks like a peninsula joined to a look ks lik small isle, with a restaurant and sma all isl several seve eral cottages floating over two separate sepa arate white sand bars. Its pinkwhite shoreline stretches 750 iish h whit meters at a a slight curve, giving the illusion that the beachfront is that of a tiny island. bamboo An air-conditioned ai cottage with terrace and private bathroom rents out for P2,000 a bathroo including breakfast for two. day, inc Cottages with fans go for P1,500 Cottage four heads. and can accommodate ac Open cottages are also available for day-trippers.

Soon a lagoon and fish pond will be opened here for fishing hobbyists. Nature enthusiasts can also take on mountain treks. The view from the hills bordering the property is a delight to behold. All these await you.

(By Avel Manansala and Armando Nicolas PJ) 17 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

summer holiday 2010 special

gensan view resort:

escape from the city, within the city Adapted from material published by Avel Manansala in GenSantos.com Gensan View Resort, unveiled in December 2009 by entrepreneur couple Joel and Patrice Santos, sits at a portion of their old 8-hectare fish farm along Nursery Road in Barangay Lagao.

The duo has envisioned it to become General Santos City’s “escape from the city, within the city” -- a pool and fishing resort with an uncluttered, clean, peaceful and child-friendly setting. Now the Generals do not have to go very far to enjoy the simple pleasures of cool swimming pools, and fresh catfish and tilapia.

Gensan View has two pools: the larger one, for adults: the smaller one with a giant mushroom-like shower fountain at the center, for kids and toddlers. A modern filtration process is used regularly to clean the freshwater feed and ensure that it doesn’t reek of chlorine, which, for some people, can irritate the skin and eyes.

Both pools are partially surrounded by native-style thatched cottages.

Remarkably enough, the strands of straw forming the thatched roofs reach down like a natural awning to provide extra shade from the glare, at the same time giving privacy to the picnickers inside. The cottages come with silica-topped tables and overhead racks for storage.

There are fishing and boating facilties at the resort’s rear, too. A garden stone-styled pathway leads to the catfish and tilapia fishpond and the small floating cottage, where visitors

can fish using the traditional hook, line and sinker. Worms and shellfish in vats are available as bait.

Guests who would rather keep their hands off the worms and fish can get on small boats for a leisurely ride around the pond -- especially around late afternoon.

The resort’s roofed pavilion can accommodate big groups, and is available for a day’s use at P1,500. The entire resort can be used exclusively for private functions at P5,000 per day. Walk-in visitors pay P50 each at the gate; corkage fee is waived.

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18 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

titlists Joey Orig (Davao) and Christine Padilla (General Santos) at the body-and-brawns search directed by highly celebrated multi-disciplinary artist and local denizen Al-Nezzar Ali. Original awards photo by Michael Chan

Olaer Spring Water Resort

Rediscover the natural.

Owned and managed by Olaer Development Corp.

Barangay Apopong, General Santos | Tel. (083) 3802345

olaer spring water resort:

summer holiday 2010 special

it’s like coming home

Adapted from material published by Orman Manansala in GandaEverSoMuch.com My recollection takes me a long way back; my last visit to Olaer Spring Water Resort was 20 years ago.

It wasn’t a good memory. Chaotic.

Loud. Dirty.

I had to manage my expectations. The invite didn’t say much, just the day and time.

7:00 in the morning.

But was I in for a surprise! It was like coming home.

Childhood memories began rushing in.

Good memories. Olaer Spring Water Resort is reborn!

The Olaer family finally put their act together. The improvements are noticeable.

Now, cottages abound. Restrooms, too. They may be taking baby steps only

now, but they are dreaming big.

It’s good to see the Olaer of my childhood… Back in its fighting form again.

For how can one not love the cool and sweet spring water?

Clear and crystal blue.

As you swim the length of the natural springwater pool, you can feel the fine sand on your soles.

And there’s that big rock, which, seemingly, needed to be concquered.

Old habits never really die. Here at Olaer, beer is still chilled underwater.

Experience my Olaer. It’s like coming home.

19 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

summer holiday 2010 special

sarangani PLAYBILL highlands: B

General Santos is no desert, but the way temperatures can soar in the city it might as well be one. And with the power interruptions and El Niño aggravating the situation, there’s just no telling how long the heat glitch will last. Thanks to Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant, we have one more reprieve from the scorch. Like an oasis in the desert, Sarangani Highlands soothes the senses with lush greenery, refreshing bay view, a comforting glimpse of faraway mountains, and an exquisite dining experience to match.

A friend once remarked that there are only three sights a newcomer should behold in General Santos: the tuna handlers at the Generl Santos Fishport Development Complex fish landing, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s mansion in Lagao, and last but not least, the hilltop confines of Sarangani Highlands in Tambler. (He may have some selfish reasons for patronizing the threesome and preaching the anecdote quite openly, but hey, it’s a free country.)

Probably SoCCSKSarGen’s only hilltop dining establishment, Sarangani Highlands offers a panoramic view of Sarangani Bay, Mt Matutum, even Mt Parker on any clear day. This restaurant resort, soon with a full-service hotel, is just a few minutes drive uphill from the Gensan fishport in Tambler and the stretch of beaches on the road to Maasim in Sarangani.

oasis in the desert

oy-next-door balladeer Christian Bautista gave General Santos a treat with the Southern Mindanao leg of his Romance Revisited Southeast Asian concert tour, appearing in Gensan for the third time since his rise to fame with ABS-CBN’s Star For A Million search. Asia’s Prince of Pop wowed local audiences at his Constant Change concert at the Gensan Gym in Lagao on April 23, singing the love songs of the legendary Jose Mari Chan. PRASIA front-acted the show along with surprise local artists. Proceeds will benefit the People’s Advancement Through Leadership and Management, Inc.

T

he Michael Jackson Experience Presents Kenny Wizz: Forever Michael captivated fans, followers and friends of the late King of Pop at the Gensan Gym in Lagao on May 2. LA-born Kenny Wizz, who grew up listening to pop, soul and R&B, bears a strikingly strong resemblance to Michael Jackson, and has over the years honed his performances with shows in Asia, Europe and the US. Today, Kenny Wizz is reputed to be one of the world’s best Michael Jackson tribute artists.

The Michael Jackson Experience live concert was brought to Gensan by JeTV Channel 43 and DigitalDetours, Inc.

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FISHPORT COMPLEX, TAMBLER, GENERAL SANTOS CITY OUR BRANCHES ● 103 Cardoc Building 5, Mango Avenue, Carreta, Cebu City, Tel. (032) 234 6032 ● Pag-asa, Bankerohan, Davao City, Tel. (082) 302 7677 ● Imperial Bayfront Tower, Mabini Street, Malate, Manila, Tel. (02) 382 6788 ● Lajo Building, National Highway, General Santos City, Tel. (083) 302 1038

he now institutional Sarap Mag-Babad Foam Parties once again drenched revelers and party folk at the East Asia Royale Hotel (EARH) on April 16 and 17. This time around Mystix (Manila), Birdseye and Check It Out (Davao), together with Renaissance and Toolbox (General Santos) provided the weekend’s assembly with live heart-stopping music -- with DJ Moko, DJ Yancy and DJ Philip James filling the dancefloor with frolickers and foam, courtesy of EARH and San Miguel Beer. This is hotelier Romeo Bartolome’s second foam party for 2010.

PLAYBILL Moment

W

TUNA PRODUCTS

VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS

LOINS ● PANGA BELLY ● SASHIMI CUBES ● TRIMMINGS FILLET (SAKU)

FINGERS ● EMBUTIDO ● CHORIZO JERKY ● SMOKED FISH NUGGETS ● TOCINO ● PATTY POUCHED ● SWORDFISH MAHI-MAHI ● SHRIMPS MARLINS

AND OTHER MARINE PRODUCTS

here... have I been hiding?

And what... was I thinking, hiding all these years?

I made a mental note: NEVER MISS A FOAM PARTY EVER AGAIN!

(Orman Manansala, GandaEverSoMuch. com)

read & reviewed • danmeyer

These are beautiful and often overly idealistic stories of a child growing up in a Hawaii that no longer exists. The stories of the old temples, traditions, carvings and magic are wonderful, as is the story of the reclamation of the island of Kahoolawe.

Unfortunately, the ending of the book undermines what had been previously written.

Her father had lectured her about ‘the class of people who scrimp the present for the future, ...for that sort of people the future never comes.’ Then he becomes one of them himself by finding himself without the mental reserves to adjust to a less physical life. Tragic.”

A thorough airing of one family’s closet’s skeletons. It speaks strongly to the pain inflicted on communities when people judge who is worth acknowledgement and who is not.

Born In Paradise, written by Armine Von Tempski, is the autobiographical account of growing up on a cattle ranch in Maui, Hawaii in the 1900s -- replete with descriptions of the exotic landscape and culture, and her obvious joy in living this type of free outdoor life. It tells of old Hawaii in a warm and evocative way.

Here Von Tempski describes the day-to-day routines, ageold traditions and strikingly polygot people of her youth in vivid detail.

Annie’s Ghosts: A Journey Into a Family Secret, written by Steve Luxenberg, is part memoir, part mystery, part history of the mental health movement -- a fascinating account of a life hidden in the shadows. Luxenberg’s mother, Beth, lived as if she were an only child. A few years before she died in 1999, she admitted to having a mentally and physically disabled younger sister, Annie, who passed on in 1972. Beth’s failing health precluded Luxenberg and his siblings from learning more. After Beth’s

passing, Luxenberg set out to seek the truth. Being a son and reporter proved a doubleedged sword. He dug furiously for facts, at the same time wondering if secrets were best left alone. What happened to Annie? Why was there almost no record of her early years? And most bafflingly, why did Beth hide her sister’s existence? Using sharp investigative skills and relentless zeal, Luxenberg tracked down family and friends, and sought experts to find the answers.

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Creative Services | Graphic Design | Media R2C2 Digital Instincts Specializes in plastic school ID cards, business cards, invitations, souvenir items, logo designs, poster/brochure layout and design, multimedia presentation, computer graphics, other printing services, PC repair. Call/text (0926) 747 5484 (Sheng) or Ric at (0927) 322 0947; send email to sdumalay@yahoo.com.

Freelance Jobs | PartTime Employment Freelance Advertising Sales Representatives - Got the knack/nerve to pitch any idea to just about anyone at will? Send your sales pitch to jobs@gensangazer.com. (You will be notified if short-listed.)

Freelance Messenger - Got your own ride and a few days to spare every month? Email jobs@gensangazer.com. (You will be notified if short-listed.)

Freelance Writers/Photojournalists - If you have the flair for the written language, nose for interesting stories and

eye for out-of-this-world imagery, we’d like to hear from you. Send us a feeler at jobs@ gensangazer.com. (You will be notified if short-listed.)

Contract Web Developer Short-term assignment to set up online interface that allows multiple users to post/edit/ manage classified ads data.

Send your curriculum vitae to jobs@gensangazer.com. (You will be notified if short-listed.)

General Business Support and Services Napoleon Bookkeeping & General Services - Financial statement preparation, passport application, permit application, thesis/research, driver’s license processing, vehicle registration, transfer of title, correction of birth certificate, late registrartion of birth and marriage, PRC ID renewal.

Call/text (0928) 359 6985, (0927) 552 7456, (083) 301 6654.

Nenita L. Lozano Accounting Off ce - Financial statement preparation, permit application, driver’s license processing, vehicle registration, transfer of title,

correction of birth certificate, late registrartion of birth and marriage, PRC ID renewal.

Call/text (083) 826 0692, (0926) 326 6903, (083) 552 1263.

Home Beauty Service | Home Spa Manicure, pedicure, full body massage in the comfort of your own home. Call/text Precy at (0909) 875 8330 for appointments.

Home Design | Home Furnishing The Living Room - Fine, chic custom-made drapes and curtains for the home and office, high-quality materials, local labor, including fixtures and installation. Call Mercy at (083) 552 9034 for free estimates.

Sale | Garage Sale | Home Retail Designer Sale - Nine West bags and wallets, Aldo bags, Giordano shirts and blouses, and other imported products.

Call/text Charry at (0918) 660 0365, or call Charry/Chiclet at (083) 552 4628.

21 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

profilefocus Photos and Text by Apple Greatson as told to Armando Nicolas P J

The heartthrob from Gensan returned to his hometown to celebrate his 21st birthday with his family and closest friends, as well as a few Gensan personalities and his choicest fans. It was a simple gesture to reconnect with the Generals, and to look back to his roots, where he came from, and how it all started for the humble actor.

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hooting a celebrity gathering with your pants literally falling off is no mean feat, as I soon discovered at Gerard Anderson’s private birthday bash at Paseo del Sol in General Santos in March this year. The very laid-back and unpretentious star, one of Gensan’s favorite sons and Manila’s most promising actors, happened to be rummaging through his closet for an impromptu evening wear for the semi-surprise birthday gathering. When at last he managed a black ensemble, alas, there was no belt to complete the number. “Nice belt you got there,” he said to me disarmingly. And so for the rest of the evening, I was clutching the back of my pants in between posed and candid takes.

22 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

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he atmosphere was warm and lively, the food superb, the event a mixture of beautiful faces and ambience you can only call awesome.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. When time came for Gerald to speak of his family and about starting out in the big city, he was tearful, in turn making his brother and mother cry. Everyone was touched and teary.

Gerald’s birthday party, purposely devoid of big media and paparazzi, was

Kim Chiu, flanked by the Andersons Vangie, Gerald and Ken

a joint brainchild of fellow actor Kim Chiu, Gerald’s onscreen/offscreen love interest, and his beauteous mom Vangie.

I

felt honored to take on the exclusive photo coverage for the event.

I seldom encounter a project involving a well-known actor, and this would be a welcome addition to my portfolio. Coincidentally, it was the perfect time to use the new 24-70 2.8 lens for my Nikon. I took many shots of Gerald using continuous lights. The dominant blue hues highlighted his appealing nature.

Apart from the Andersons and Kim Chiu, I extend my thanks to the people who worked hard to make the event successful: Jhun Ador, Events Invites Design by Luzie, Raymond Lopez, Print Depot, Digital Detours, Nanette Cake Creations, EZ Capture Photobooth and last but

Reel/real-time love birds Gerald and Kim Chiu

not least, Paseo del Sol. Special thanks also go to Orman Manansala for featuring the event and my pictures at his muchvisited GandaEverSoMuch. com blog site.

As for my belt, it had its day keeping Gerald’s pants up. Being a professional, I gladly went on with my job even if my pants kept inching down little by little -- a small price to pay for an intimate glimpse of celebrity.

About Gerald. Gerald Randolph Anderson Jr -- born 7 March 1989 to

American Navy instructor Gerald Randy Anderson Sr and Gensan local Evangeline Opsima in Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines -- rose to fame after being a former housemate on the first season of the hit Philippine reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition, afterwards appearing in the drama television series Sana Maulit Muli (Once Again), My Girl, Tayong Dalawa (Us Two), and Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (If We Ever Part). He is currently part of ABS-CBN Network’s pool of contract talents.

Apple Greatson, Photographer at large

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pple Greatson started out as a techie, until he found his niche in photography barely 5 years ago. Saving money to buy his first Nikon, he studied and trained himself in the art, taking inspiration from international lensmen Jerry Ghionis and Yervant, and Filipinos Lito Sy, Mark Nicdao and Xander Angeles, among many others, eventually mastering in art and editorial portraits. He is now one of the most sought after wedding photographers in the region, occasionally shooting Manny Pacquiao’s more intimate personal and family portraits. He is currently shooting Martin Millado for the new line of Team Pacquiao body shirts and casual tees. Check out www.applegreatson.com for more.

23 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

music & more • mandeejay

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hat does it take to produce a contemporary R&B album in a seemingly indiesaturated, acoustic-fixated music industry? For this quartet of rhythm rappers, a union of musical minds with the passion for blues and rap and plenty to say does the trick. And boy, does Blackdize have lots to say! These local boys talk at length about love, loss and longing -even about the local color of hometown Gensan -using choice elements from across the R&B spectrum, including catchy sample loops (most prominently in Angel) and rapid-fire rap vocals all around in part-unison and part-harmony. While the instrumentation is straightforward and uncluttered, the spoken parts come across as fresh and crisp, al-

quiksoundbitez H

earing Foy Vance perform live, be it in a concert hall or county fair (which I did), is one hair-raising experience. Hope (2007), this IrishAmerican singer-songwriter’s debut album, takes you to the same parallel universe he unleashes pointblank on unsuspecting ears, playing music that unravels the mysteries and great expectations of the journey into the human soul. Who could possibly listen to his Indiscriminate Act Of Kindness, which speaks of finding solace in the direst of circumstances, without breaking down, even just a little, inside? Or ignore the eye-opening If Only You Could See Yourself Like I See You? Or remain unscathed by Gabriel And The Vagabond, which tells the tale of the angel helping a beggar, who in turn helps others, in the end inspiring multitudes and causing them to make amends? His honest artistry and powerful storytelling defy commercial formula -- soaking his eve24 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

though a full-fledged Filipino language coach will have plenty to dissect on the Tagalog enunciation.

But we’re not unaware and unappreciative of The Streets’ Brummie (Birmingham accent) in most of their every other work, so no biggie there.

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lackdize’s self-titled 14-track debut album includes carrier singles Nang Makilala Ka (When I Met You) and Ngayon Pa Nawala (Lost You Just Now), easy and radio-friendly Angel and Lalala (Mahal Pa Rin Kita) (I Still Love You), and anthemic Ganda Ng (Beauty Of) Gensan, which won the Best in Lyrical Content prize at the 2009 Tuna Festival Pop Songwriting Competition.

They’re neither as big as Boyz II Men nor as sleek as Craig David, but if the band’s agenda prove effective and successful, Gensan’s contemporary R&B scene could take off with the rise of Blackdize. (If it hasn’t already!)

Blackdize is composed of Ryan Jay Kawayan Animas, Glen Yohcki Tuscano, McMartin McWalo Talabo, and Clifferwayne Murky Alas, all born and bred in General Santos.

ry word and every guitar riff and every pitch in the same feel potion that made Sting King of Pain. Foy has an arsenal of soul, blues, gospel and jazz vibes that do not merely float; they soothe or bite. May this old soul churn out more music for generations to come to live and enjoy. ctress Zooey Deschanel, the doe-eyed Goth gal in Jennifer Aniston’s The Good Girl and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s half-hearted love interest in 500 Days Of Summer, has met her (musical) match in Matt Ward, the other half of She & Him. This folk, alternative-country duo picked up on their first collaboration, Volume One (2008), and moved on to becoming a full-fledged touring band. Zooey and Matt are a wonderfully comfortable and mutually nurturing pair; Volume Two (2010) has us sitting in on, or better yet, joining two old friends as they get together

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and share new stories in the same candid artistry and fresh sound the duo was originally known for. This time they upped the ante on their harmonic layers, set the string arrangements in more dramatic hues, and displayed songwriting that’s definitely more self-assured. Cynics beware: this work is replete with catchy ditties to sunny days, walking hand in hand with that someone, and being extra nice to yourself. Matt’s The Beach Boysesque rolling strums and drums complement Zooey’s soft-rock diva voice, especially when she seems to take on a Linda Ronstadt stance in Thieves, or Dolly Parton’s in a Gonna Get Along Without You cover, or simply sing the lullaby in If You Can’t Sleep.

If Foy Vance’s Hope is exhilaration after the painstaking climb to, say, Mt Sinai, She & Him’s Volume Two is the easy cable-car ride down to where, say, your SUV is parked.

healthbits • docching

What’s Tomato With You?

Walking

for Health & Physique Friends often find my walks from Gaisano to KCC Mall to Robinsons Place amusing, and in Gensan’s scorching heat, a bit ridiculous. It seems we feel the need to force walking into our routines these days, but in reality, it is the most natural way to get from one place to another. Before the wheel and all other modes of transportation were invented, people simply had to walk. As a race of natural walkers, we enjoyed its benefits: better flexibility, healthier heart, reduced body fat, and most importantly, better mental health. Over time, however, technological advances made us lead sedentary lives. Now is the time to once again realize the value of walking.

Walking is the simplest and easiest form of aerobic exercise.

It requires no equipment, invest-

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ment, instructor or special skill. It improves blood circulation, gets the heart pumping, and keeps it healthy. Faster and longer walks burn more fat, resulting in better fitness, if not lighter weight. This translates into cutting down risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular walkers also show reduced cholesterol, greater flexibility and lower blood pressure than nonwalkers. Walking, a stress reliever, is also known to increase bone density, thus preventing osteoporosis in women. A 150-pounder walking briskly for a half-hour can burn an average of 150 calories, and if done daily, can lose almost five kilograms a year. Some tips: • Pump arms, bend 90° to burn an added 5-10% more calories with every step.

• Avoid hitting a plateau by taking a different route periodically. Add climbs or up your time, speed or frequency.

Just keep walking; stay healthy!

Antioxidants in tomatoes help prevent cancer, heart disease, and visual degradation. Antioxidants, in general, protect the body from the damage inflicted by an excess of disease-inducing, cancer-causing free radicals.

Free radicals are byproducts of oxygen used during normal cell function; they harm neighboring cells during the oxidation process. The body is exposed

to free radicals when it digests sugars, breaks down medicines and chemicals, or when it is exposed to pollutants such as excess alcohol or cigarette smoke.

Antioxidants come in handy in repairing the damage free radicals inflict on the body.

Vitamin C and lycopene in tomatoes help preserve mental health and delay the onset of age-related illnesses. It’s safe to say tomatoes keep your brain cells healthy. and prevent your arteries from clogging. Do get your antioxidants from food instead of supplements -- avoid smoking and sunburn for best results. So, feeling sick now?

What’s tomato with you?

Know What’s in Your Drink Starbucks Cafe Latte

Chamomile Tea, brewed

Ginger Ale

Calories

204

2

10

Total Fat Saturated Fat

11.0 g 7.0 g

0.0 g 0.0 g

0.0 g 0.0 g

Cholesterol

45 mg

0 mg

0 mg

Sodium

156 mg

2 mg

2 mg

Sugars

14.0 g

0.5 g

2.7 g

Protein

11.0 g

0.0 g

0.0 g

Source: http://caloriecount.about.com/

Brown Rice?

ot only is brown rice healthier, but it’s more eco-friendly than white rice, too.

Rice undergoes several processes before it gets to your kitchen. After the harvest, the rice seeds are run through a huller/husker to remove the outer grain husks, after which we’re left with brown rice. To make white rice, the germ and inner husk or bran is removed; the grain, polished using glucose or talc.

What’s funny is that turning brown rice to white actually removes nutrients, which are then reintroduced synthetically to make fortified white rice. (And no, we’re not laughing.)

Brown rice has far more vitamins E, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9, minerals potassium, magnesium and iron, and more than a dozen other nutrients; it has four times the dietary fiber that’s left in white rice.

Brown rice is definitely the better choice than white, but how does environment-friendliness get in the picture? We’re down to process here: with less processing comes less energy used.

And all these synthetic vitamins that are added back in are made in labs from an assortment of chemicals, often using methods that are known for their unfavorable effect on the environment.

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ommon sense dictates going brown works better for your health and the earth in the long run. So it seems it’s only a matter of time before you and I make the switch, if you haven’t done it already. The other funny thing is that brown rice appears to be more expensive than the white variety. This may be a result of the law of supply and demand. But hey, what’s a few more pesos for health and earth?

White Rice?

25 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

beauty & fashion back2back • donnacongson & romariecunanan

Romarie Meets Gerald

Donna Goes FOAM

ensan party-goers always look hen I received the memo about forward to the summer parties, the homecoming of Gerald in particular the Foam Party Anderson I was all smiles. I sponsored by San Miguel Beer and immediately thought of what I was going East Asia Royale Hotel, It’s called to wear because I’d be receiving one of the Foam Party because literally there’s the most in-demand foam all over the dance floor, which young actors in the will definitely make you dripping wet. country, so I needed to (Manila-based Mystix Band and DJs prep up. Haha. On the from Davao gave the 2-night gig April most anticipated arrival 16 and 17 its live, pulsating beat.) date, I was on the tarEveryone looks forward to this mac together with his because this it’s when you can have mom Tita Vangie, an instant reunion with friends and Tito Avel Manansala classmates. Due to my busy schedule I and Task Force Genhaven’t gone san, all of us anxiousto this party ly waiting for him to for over a get off the plane.

Masthead photo by Brian Congson year now, but Gerald looked a bit G this time I really had to go because exhausted from the flight or from the e I missed it all a lot -- the energy, night before (most likely), but remained n the sounds, the lights, my friends, cheerful when we had a little chit-chat. ch and of course the crazy, wet people I was able to meet Fred, Gerald’s conbuzzing around, and grinding and temporary on Pinoy Big Brother Teen te bumping against one another.

Edition, who hails from Manila.

Ed Clad in my newly When buying clothes, pay bought Maxi dress and sp special attention to the type of party make-up I went to pa patterns you get. Wearing a the foam party on Friday, blo blouse, shirt or dress with stripes and in another summer ha has advantages. It is better to ensemble on Saturday. we wear stripes that flow diagonally Certainly I was not as they make the body look slimdismayed -- old and new me mer and longer. friends were there, like Later that night, while wellRoxanne Baquero, and wis wishers waited for Gerald to to my surprise friends show up at his surprise birthday party (courtesy from Davao where also of his mom and Kim Chiu) at Paseo del Sol, present. I also ran into everyone seemed nervous, excited and happy.

Orman (It was his first Gerald was clueless about this, obviously. There ever Foam Party!), Avel, was plenty of scrumptious food, chilled wine and Gilbert, Mandi, Marz beautiful people. A little later there was a commoand their friends. Beers, tion and frantic screams, everyone obviously elated cocktails, wet and sexy and ecstatic, and in a split second Gerald made an hunks and babes were appearance. He was amazed and overwhelmed by flowing (and frolicking) freely. the party, clearly not expecting to see his dearest family and To prepare for this kind of closest friends, not to mention his most loyal fans, on his parties arm your selves with birthday night in Gensan. I sat at my corner of our table and make-up that will last throughout silently observed the crowd, and all of a sudden somebody the night until the break of dawn. called my name, “Miss Romarie?” To my surprise it was the You really don’t want to look dashing Gerald Anderson! He then invited me to dance with pale in those photo ops. (Word him. I stood up, smiled and carefully watched every step as of advice: Waterproof. You I was too scared to step on his foot, and also because Kim don’t want to look like a walking was watching. Haha. It was a short, fun and memorable zzombie bride either, do you?) For dance. e h smoky k eyes llook. k evening and party make-up, go for that D Don’t worry about it being too dark because as the night p progresses, it will eventually lighten up, so towards the end o of the party, by dawn, you will still h have that make-up on you, and you a are still picture-perfect.

Last but not least, Mystix Band had a sumptuous lunch with us at h Piyesta KTV & RestoBar on April 17.

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G

bigonblogs

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he h e Pioneer Woman

«thepioneerwoman.com» is an impeccably written and exquisitely designed blog site that can rival almost any other travel, leisure and lifestyle portal. The premise here, it seems,

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Photographic Ph hotograph hic SSaga aga

«leonardpe.com» is a blog dedicated to Leonard Pe’s travels, passions and adventures in photography. Capturing the soul in portraits, painting the world in landscape stills, embracing the deep blue in underwater shots -- these are the things he does best, and thanks to his blogs, shares to the world best.

Perhaps the plain olive slate on his blog

Postscript pt is to admire, create and enjoy all things beautiful and natural. With country life a recurring theme, its creator, Ree Drummond, uses the kitchen, shovel, came camera, book, and her natural shovel flair for words to reach out to her readers with tales of foals, friendship, food, fun, family, even feeding the baby. Nothing fancy, no frills here, just pure fascination!

site’s masthead is a buffer to the ensuing barrage of colors and hues in the works of art he invites you to uncover therein, all a moving vision that launches a thousand ships. more than la When one such photograph made it to the pages of Gensan Gazer in a previous issue, the world literally stood aghast at the natural beauty so wonderfully captured in the most unexpected of places.

Real photographers have the knack for such discoveries, and the really good ones, like Leonard, are not afraid to show them to the world.

digitalart • marthinmillado&company

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ward-winning (2005 Regional eBusiness Week Digital Fine Art and 2006 National DigiGraphic Design champion) pre-Avatar Feu Flabe, B’laan for good afternoon or dusk, is artist Marthin Millado’s take on his grandma’s stories about fairies and elves. One such story, he was told, talked about how these otherworldly beings pretend to look and behave like humans, and then playing with children after 5 pm when the sky turns red, in the end luring and abducting the unsuspecting youngsters. In their childhood, this and other similar stories were very effective in keeping Marthin and his siblings indoors. Until they got older, of course.

The piece is also a call to respect Mother Earth and our elders.

28 ● Gensan Gazer ● Apr-May 2010

DUMALAY, NOT OT DUMA DU UMA MA OR DUMAL. We cringe ge att the unfortunate mishap from the previous issue of Gensan Gazer: miscuts!

Particularly on page 15, where the Gensan View Resort ad appears. Where it should read “Photography by Ric Dumalay,” the inaccurate cutting inadvertently amputated the promising photographer’s name invariably to Ric Duma or Ric Dumal. Just to set the record straight: Ric Dumalay’s the man.

AD POSTCARDS OUT NOW! In April we saw the launch (sans ceremony) of the ArmaniAd PostCards, Armanikolas Publishing’s newest line of micro advertising products. A nifty substitute to the lowly f yer, the ad postcards are simply that -- advertising message on a postcard -- something that would most likely be kept or sent to friends by post, rather than crumpled and thrown in the trash. This is great news for small businesses needing to spread the word out fast and easily, with a little touch of class and novelty, too. (See ad on page 19.) Call (083) 825 9221 now for your own ad postcards, and see how far your idea f ies!

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL. THAT IS THE QUESTION. We’ve been pondering over the matter about selling Gensan Gazer at magazine stands (or not) right from the very start. As the presses churned to print the pages of the maiden issue, the nagging thought lingered, and after the fresh copies were released, remained albeit as an afterthought.

To this day we’re still mulling over the idea. True, we may not have enough ads to cover the cost of printing on a regular basis; on the other hand, we may alienate our readers. Sooner or later we’ll have to act on this matter. In the meantime, let us know how you think we should answer the question: do email us at inquiry@gensangazer.com.

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lastlook

Stars of Sarangani by ANPJ Coral reefs at low tide off Isla Jardin del Mar in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, Philippines