Gensan Gazer Mar-Apr 2012 by Armando Nicolas PJ

Arts & Culture ● Health & Environment ● Lifestyle & Entertainment ● People & Places ● Travel & Leisure

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Photography by Apple Greatson Francisco

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE WWW.GENSANGAZER.COM VOLUME III NUMBER 2

Kalilangan 2012 does it again! Tribal Warfare: The Colors of Summer Summer Hues across the Oceans: Boracay, Copacabana, Jardim Botanico Gourmet Chef premieres Sahara Forest Project and many more stories!

N ow you can experience the perfect blend of culinary delight, elegant ambience,

and casual dining in just one setting. C Bistro opens in April at Tiongson Arcade on Tiongson Street. See you soon!

ationthse l u t a r Congensan forthe to G ccess of tion su Founda y 73rdnniversar A d 23rd an ngan! Kalila

editor’s NOTE

Armando Nicolas P J EDITOR

Models: (from lef

t) Chesca, Ange

l, and Nicole

Van Almeria Egai Cadiente Bing Cariño Donna Mae Congson Romarie Ivy Cunanan Apple Greatson Francisco Nusha Susanne Heit Avel Manansala Orman Manansala Johann Niño Mari Marthin Millado Nymo Munda CONTRIBUTORS Gensan Gazer™ Magazine is published by Armanikolas Publishing ®™ and printed in General Santos City, Philippines.

GENSAN GAZER MAR-APR 2012 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 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 concomitant slander, defamation, breach, royalties, intellectual property and copyright infringements, unfair trade practices, or violation of privacy rights in their ad material. All contributions must be submitted by email to writing@ gensangazer.com and are subject to editorial review for possible inclusion in Gensan Gazer. Armanikolas Publishing ®™ B34 - L7 Doña Soledad II A, Espina Gen. Santos City 9500 Philippines Phone : +63-83-8269221 Phone : +63-83-5547055 Mobile : +63-908-3373005 Website : www.armanikolas.com Website : www.gensangazer.com Email: inquiry@armanikolas.com Email: inquiry@gensangazer.com Email: advertising@gensangazer.com

AD PLUS -- When you advertise with us, you get free online mileage since the printed magazine also has a counterpart eZine at www.gensangazer.com -- now read in 374 cities across 56 countries and territories worldwide. Call or text +63908-3373005 now to know your advertising options. 2

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tson Francisco

hy by Apple Grea

here shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. Cover photograp

-- Celia Thaxter (1835-1894), American poet and storyteller

e didn’t think we’d ever venture into fashion as focal point for an issue, and though here we are succumbing to the sweet temptation to paint the fashion landscape of the season, we’d simply call our cover story series as GG Summer Special 2012 -- spanning Gensan and Sarangani, even Boracay and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil -- and the likes of Buddy Congson as writer and Apple Greatson Francisco as photographer collaborating on our main feature.

In this issue we also present Kalilangan 2012 and Gensan’s 73rd Foundation Anniversary’s curtain call with my festival recap (featuring solid photography by Paul Fernandez Llanos), a look at how one Middle East venture “makes use of what we have enough of in order to produce what we need more of,” and GG’s chance encounter with Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown (courtesy of Gimma Samalca and Khrys AalaYuzon in New York). Vol. III No. 2 (V3N2) also brings you Bing Carino’s ac-

count of Gensan’s academic and spiritual roots, Orman Manansala’s rundown of Davao’s best dining options, Donna Mae Congson’s colorblocking primer, Romarie Ivy Cunanan’s summer fun, Van Almeria’s sensual summer in Boracay, and the GG debut of Gourmet Chef by Nymo Munda. V3N2 also lets you in on Alyana Marie Aguja’s surprise dinner for her dad, a certain prom queen, GGList’s new items, books and albums to sample, recycling, and more. Have a safe, fun summer!

Armando Nicolas P J

ost-Kalilangan, we bumped into several celebrities who grace Philippine show business, from left: Jay R, Krista Arrieta Kleiner, Chynna Ortaleza, Che Tiongson, Aljur Abrenica, and Mark Bautista. We like it that they’ve come to consider Gensan a regular destination.

INSIDE V3N2 volume three number two

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Gensan Milestones: A Recap of Kalilangan 2012 and Gensan’s 73rd Foundation Anniversary

GGList: Our list of things to wear, work with, read, listen to, put on and whatnot

Travel Tales & Trivia by Mandi Nicolas P J: Gensan Gazer and that Travel Channel Chick

Tribal Warfare: The Colors of Summer Text by Daniel Lois Buddy Congson Photos by Apple Greatson Francisco Rio de Janeiro’s Colors of Summer Text and Photos by Gimma Samalca

Beach Colors (Copacabana) Text and Photos by Mandi Nicolas P J Kitchen Fun: Surprise Dinner for Papa on His Birthday by Alyana Marie Dumalag Aguja Gourmet Chef by Nymo Munda: Whet Summer Appetites with Grilled Fish Tacos

Green Tech: Sahara Forest Project -Lessons in Ingenuity Nations Rich in Natural Resources Can Emulate by Armando Nicolas PJ

Green Living: Recycling -- What You Need to Know

Places2Go | GGPicks: Gensan’s places of interest

Arts Attack, Culture Shock by Bing Cariño: They Who Taught Us the Sign of the Cross and the Rest of the Alphabet

Pinoy Says, Tisay Says by Mando and Nusha: Still in Love with the Ex

Eat’s Terrific! by Orman Manansala: Davao’s Best Eats

Book Pickings | Music Reviews

Ambush Fashionista by Van Almeria: Sensual Summer (Boracay)

Back2Back: Summer Color-Blocking by Donna Congson A Very Happening Summer by Romarie Cunanan

The Acute Eye by Apple Greatson: Prom Queen

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Kalilangan 2012

recap

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Text by Mandi Nicolas PJ Photography by Paul Fernandez Llanos

F ATOP (Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines) named Kalilangan 2011 as the Best Tourism Event of the Philippines, Culture and Arts Category, City Level (2011). Kalilangan 2009 also won in the same category for that year.

ESTIVITIES marking the annual celebration of Kalilangan 2012 and General Santos’ 73rd Foundation Anniversary, which gives recognition to the city’s founding pioneers -- the B’laan and Maguindanaon communities, and the pioneering settlers from Luzon and Visayas -have come to pass, their euphoria ebbing away as the city sends off the bandwagon, clears the banners and the buntings, and returns to the daily grind.

The festival visitors have left, and the locals now pick up where they left off amid the festive flurry of pageantry, performances and parties that feverishly transpired for at least two weeks last February. That fever has died down. What remains are reminders and reaffirmations of the communities’ shared histories, cultural heritage, tapestry of traditions, and their decades-old harmonious co-existence as a common citizenry -- once again reinforced not as a matter of rule but as a natural consequence of affinity.

The 23rd Kalilangan, like its critically acclaimed predecessors Kalilangan 2009 and 2011 (winners of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines’ Best Tourism Event of the Philippines, Culture and Arts Category, City Level), will be remembered for its artistically, culturally and socially diverse program of events, among them the Agri Fair, Laro ng Lahi (festival games), Sayaw Pinoy, Banda Layag (talent show), Lambigitan (cultural night presentation), Kadsagayan (street-dancing competition), and Tanghal Mindanao.

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Kalilangan 2012, organized this year by the Local Government Unit of General Santos City in partnership with the Mindanao State University - General Santos City (MSU-GSC), showcased a variety of sports tournaments, traditional Filipino games (such as the Palo Sebo, where competitors race to the top of a

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greased bamboo pole), and a cultural extravaganza, replete with unique ethnic ceremonies and rituals (such as marriage celebrations, religious rites, and royal enthronements). Kalilangan, derived from the word Kalilang (which translates to celebration in the Maguindanaoan dialect), also featured the Salubungan, Parada ng Lahi, which is a reenactment of the 1939 landing of Gen. Paulino Santos, implementor of the National Land Settlement Administration (NSA), who laid the foundations of the Dadiangas town, and still later, General Santos City.

Kalilangan 2012 also highlighted this year’s Tanghal Mindanao (University Theater) with top-caliber productions from La Salle University – Ozamis (ANTIGONE, artistic direction by Felimon Blanco), Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (UWAHIG, by Steve Patrick Fernandez), Xavier University – Cagayan de Oro (ISA PA: DALAWA, by Hobart Savior), Mindanao State University – General Santos (DULA TA, by Romeo F. Narvaez), and Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - General Santos (TECLA and DOXOLOGY, by Bing Cariño).

alilangan closed with Kadsagayan, a street-dancing competition showcasing B’laan, T’boli and Maguindanaoan ethnic dancess -- a fitting tribute to a heritage that, though often detached and unseen, lives on in the city’s spirit. GG

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The New MacBook Air soars higher!

The new MacBook Air is faster and more powerful than before, yet it’s still incredibly thin and light. It’s everything a notebook should be. Thin and light, yet rock solid. Its sturdy aluminium unibody design makes MacBook Air sleek, durable and ready for anything. The new, faster MacBook Air notebook also features Thunderbolt technology and OS X Lion. Both the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air now feature the latest generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. It also uses the Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor, which includes an on-chip engine for video encoding and decoding so you experience video playback and FaceTime calls that are smoother, more responsive, and more true-to-life. With one port, MacBook Air gives you access to a world of high-speed peripherals capable

V-Neck Tees never get out of style!

We don’t mean the deep, plunging vees, or those with too much print/colors going on, which sure would work on model types. We regular Joes prefer our V-necks plain, the classic black or

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of transferring data up to 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0. Or use the Thunderbolt port to connect the new Apple Thunderbolt Display and transform your ultracompact MacBook Air into a complete desktop workstation. Flash storage spells reliability, speed, and efficiency. With flash, your computer starts up in almost no time and accesses data quickly. Flash also gives MacBook Air the ability to remain in

standby mode for up to 30 days, so it snaps to in an instant, whether you open it tomorrow or next month. As incredibly compact as it is, MacBook Air still manages to fit a full-size keyboard that makes typing as natural as it is comfortable. And now the keyboard is backlit, so you can type with ease in even the dimmest light. A built-in ambient light sensor detects lighting changes and adjusts the display and keyboard brightness automatically. The Multi-Touch gestures in OS X Lion make everything you do on MacBook Air more intuitive, direct, and fun. And the spacious Multi-Touch trackpad is perfectly designed for them, whether it’s a 3-finger swipe to activate Mission Control or a 4-finger pinch to see all your apps in Launchpad. Other features include high-resolution display, FaceTime camera, stereo speakers, long-life battery, and 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Sure, there are better (or worse?) laptop PC counterparts around, but which one would you rather be seen with? We’d pick Air any day! GG

white most definitely, like this Armani Jeans vee with dog tag design around the neck (about $100), or even the plain ones at Bench, Human or Penshoppe (below $10). They’d do just fine in the summer swelter, topped with blazer or jacket when in cooled offices, if you like. Black vees are especially chic on the night scene, casual without being shabby, especially with nice pecs to flaunt. (Still working on those though.) GG

See no evil, hear no evil (again)...

Or read And Then It’s Spring (trust us, we need to get lost in children’s books once in a while) and listen to Bon Iver by Bon Iver, just two of four we recommend on page 29. There’s something about hope that nourishes us, and reading/ hearing it feels just as good. GG

We’re no makeup experts but we hear Chanel rocks.

Talk is that Chanel 42 Petale Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup (about $45) is all the rave in natural beauty care of late. Providing a fresh complexion for natural beauty, Chanel 42 Petale’s moisturizing fluid texture leaves the skin with a soft, silky feel. An added SPF 12 sun filter also protects against damaging sun rays and helps preserve the skin’s original radiance. We dig ladies who look good without makeup, but if they really have to wear it, this one is pure lightness, a unique makeup that provides dream coverage, allowing the skin’s natural glow to show through while it evens out skin tone and helps to conceal imperfections. Nobody’s perfect, but we get the idea. GG

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Travel Tales & Trivia

e recently ran into Samantha Elizabeth Brown, American TV host, and the face and voice behind several Travel Channel shows (e.g., Girl Meets Hawaii, Great Vacation Homes, Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America, Great Weekends, Passport to China, and Samantha Brown’s Asia) at a travel fair in New York. Fellow Brooklynites Gimma Samalca and Khrys Aala-Yuzon wasted no time to chat with Ms Brown, who is known for her charm, wit, and perky disposition. Brown was born in Dallas, Texas

Gensan Gazer and that Travel Channel Chick and moved to Derry, New Hampshire, graduated from Pinkerton Academy, took 12 years of voice lessons, attended Chapman University, and transferred to Syracuse University to study musical theater. Her early career included working in commercials and performing in the comedy sketch group Mouth, based in New York, where she has lived for ten years now. The Travel Channel was looking for a travel host in 1999, and Brown was chosen after a series of auditions. As host, she introduces viewers to vacation destinations and activities (as well as hotels and restaurants) in the US and around the world. She travels 230 days out of the year and takes eight days to film an hour-long episode. Ms Brown has also hosted several

series and specials, such as Samantha Brown’s First Cruise (aboard Brilliance of the Seas), Great Cruises: Freedom of the Seas with Samantha Brown, Passport to Green Getaways, Passport to Great Weekends, Passport to China, Passport to Great Weekends, and Samantha Brown’s 10th Anniversary Special. She is currently working on a travel book to be released this year.

resented with Gensan Gazer’s The Coming Home Issue, Ms Brown unreservedly said she “would love to go” and visit the Philippine destinations featured in the magazine, Gensan included. We were overwhelmed -- but not as badly as to forget her photo, not to mention a nifty autograph to match! ANPJ

What makes my job so incredible is that I literally get to have a fantasy life. I get to go to these different places and kind of take on an entirely different persona. Photo by Gimma Samalca | Special thanks to Khrys Aala-Yuzon for arranging the shoot

2nd Floor, Meetrovi Building, South Osme単a Street, General Santos City, Philippines 9500 +63-83-553 3377 | www.camella.com.ph | camellageneralsantos@gmail.com | facebook.com/camellageneralsantos

Tribal Warfare

the colors of Summer text by buddy congson | Photography by apple greatson francisco

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ashion is an art that serves as a barometer of society. It reflects the mood of the present times. As commentary or critique in times of war we see camouflage prints strutting down the runway, where moss green would be the in color for the season. And in these fast-paced times people tend to take it back a few steps by going back to the origins or organics. We see lifestyle shops opening everywhere, teashops sprouting like mushrooms. On the streets and on the runway we see people going back to the origins, wearing tribal-inspired outfits and accessories, which are the hottest trend for this season.

that time of year when we can go crazy with our looks, may it be with how we dress up our bodies or the colors we put on our faces. In this cover story we went all-out with all the bright colors of the season. Regarding the clothes, we broke the conventions and went print on print -- tribal prints mixed with animal prints.

Fashion as an art is a form of self-expression especially for those who are not skilled with the pen and brush. Fashion gives them a venue to be creative and to express themselves through the clothes they wear. It may evoke certain reactions from people, good or bad, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what art is all about -- expressing the uniqueness of self and inducing emotions.

or critique

THE LOOK | Tribal Warfare Tribal Warfare as a concept is a neo mixture of tribal and military inspiration punctuated by bright eyepopping colors. Summer is

Color-blocking (see Donnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primer on color-blocking on page 31) is also very trendy especially for the summer, where one can wear a hot pink dress and patent lemon green heels without being judged. Also, in the summer we want that natural, glowy, bronzy look because this time we want to look natural, our skin beautifully sun-kissed and healthy, not pale and seemingly sickly.

As commentary in times of war we see camouFLage prints strutting down the runway... Then, we pair that with a pop of color either on the cheeks or eyes, and go fuchsia pink crazy on the lips -- your call -- it is summer after all. GG V3N2

It may be hard for some to let loose with complete abandon, so as a mini guide we have compiled some tips and tricks to make the mantra, It’s Funner in the Summer, a reality. Just don’t forget to let go and hold no bars and express your inner warrior -- just be yourself. People will appreciate you for it, you’ll be surprised to find out.

so just use it to show the world who you really are.

Spring-Summer 2012 | How to get the LOOK | Fashion

Foundation -- Showing your real skin is the in thing for this season. Use sheer foundation such as tinted moisturizers or your regular foundation sheered out with your everyday moisturizers. The trick is to make your natural skin show and stand out, and have a sheer coverage just to even out the skin tone and erase unwanted blemishes by putting concealer on the right spots. If you have oily skin, you can set your foundation with a translucent powder.

Summer essentials -- A tribal print maxi dress (see Gimma’s number on page 20) for when you go to the beach, or just to have a summer dinner date out. It is a perfect piece to be glamorous in while keeping up with the trend. Animal prints are a must-have for the summer, too -- may they be as scarf, top or leopard print pumps. Also, chunky heels are so in this season; the chunkier the heel the better. A summer necessity is, of course, the bikini. You may go more timid on the cut of your bikini top or bottom, but when it comes to the print and color just go for something flashier. Tribal accessories can make an outfit or plain dress look more chic, adding a dash of sophistication to it. And lastly as a trick to sum up everything, Don’t be afraid to be daring. You can break those conventions, and wear what makes you feel good and most comfortable. And of course just be yourself: fashion is a form of self-expression

Spring-Summer 2012 | How to get the LOOK | MAKEUP The look: The no-makeup makeup look. Beachy, summery, bronzy, fresh-faced. Effortless-looking. (As for the effort to achieve it, read on.)

Tribal accessories can make an outfIt or plain dress look more chic, adding a dash of sophistication to it. Cheeks -- The trick to that

glowy, youthful, natural blush is using a cheek tint or a cream blush. Lips -- Just go crazy with your lips. It’s the easiest part of your face, where you can play around with the color and have people noticing you in no time. Go ahead and put on that hot pink lipstick you’ve always

wanted but were too shy to try, or that coral orange lipstick, which is so in this season. Just try it. Who knows? It might actually look good on you. Eyes -- A light dusting of natural, earthy shadow is so in this season. Earthy browns and peach are the trend, as well as colorful,

smoky eyes such as greens, blues and purples. Eyelashes -- A pair of false eyelashes really makes the eyes pop, unless you’re born with natural lashes like Aishwarya Rai’s, in which case just ditch the fakes. If you can’t be bothered with wearing false lashes either, you can sim-

ply use two to three coats of volumizing and lengthening mascara instead. Eyebrows -- Thick eyebrows are so in this season that we can see it all over the catwalk and in fashion magazines. Bronzer -- This piece of makeup is a must-have for

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the summer. A light dusting of bronzer to the cheeks, temples, and on any surface of your face that the sun might hit will give you that instant summery, bronzed goddess look that guys simply adore.

Spring-Summer 2012 | How to get the LOOK | Hair The latest hair color craze that Hollywood celebrities and fashion bigwigs are sporting is the Ombre Hair Color. Ombre, in French, means the gradation of color, so basically Ombre Hair Color is the gradation of color from dark to light from the roots to the tips (as worn by our models in this cover feature). It has to have that professional look for it to be considered as Ombre, and not mistaken as the tell-tale signs of hair regrowth, and missing that salon visit to have the roots colored in. In the summer the wavy, beachy, no-frills, effortless, unkempt I-don’t-reallycare-about-my-hair-butit-still-looks-fabulous look is so in. Don’t you just love the look of your hair after spending hours at the beach? But not everyone has the luxury to spend hours at the beach. Some of us are cooped up in our cubicles at the office day-dreaming about sipping mimosas or those fruity cocktails with tiny umbrellas on the brim at some beach bar while reading that book you’ve always wanted but had

no time to read. Here’s a quick tip to instantly transport you to that virgin island in the Pacific you’ve always dreamed of visiting: While the hair is wet apply a dab of mousse to your hair and tie it up in a bun, and while going to work or your summer classes let it air-dry. Then, after giving it ample time to dry, release your bun, and voila! -- instant beach hair! You can now walk the urban jungle and literally feel the sand between your toes. Living in a tropical country, save for when those freak afternoon thunderstorms and the occasional typhoons are around, we can boast of having great sunny weather all year round. But everything comes with a price. All that humidity makes your hair go frizzy, wild and just plain unmanageable. We need to tame that beast (which is our hair) by applying an anti-frizz serum to our locks and frequenting our favorite salons for regular hair treatments. Sometimes, however, that’s not enough. There is this new product that celebrities use, the Brazilian Blowout, the mother of all hair treatments, made from Brazilian Açai berries. Basically it’s a hair-smoothing product that makes hair frizz-free, shinier and healthier for up to four months. It protects the hair by coating each strand with a protective protein layer, which is per-

enjoy that cooling effect on the skin. Sunblock -- I cannot stress enough the importance of sunscreen. Apply sunscreen daily. We can now look for moisturizers with SPF added. We do not want to be 30 years old and look like a 60-year-old spinster, do we?

ext time you use fashion to express yourself, think of the trends that matter, the truism that real beauty is that which makes you happy inside, and the need to always be true to yourself. Everything else you can get at the shops and the salons! DBLC

fect to combat the harsh effects of the scorching sun on our tresses. It also gives your crowning glory that extra oomph it needs to make you stand out.

the moisturizing routine even (and especially) if it’s summer. It is essential for the skin to remain hydrated especially after cleansing and toning. Go for a waterbased moisturizer.

Of course there’s the Basic Skin Care: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize. And here are some added tips to deal with the summer heat.

Face Spritz -- This will give an instant refreshing mist to your face. The most popular is the Evian Face Spritz, or if you prefer the less pricey option go for water infused with cucumber. Put it in a spritz bottle and spray it to your face to

carING FOR your skin THIS summer

Moisturizer -- Don’t skip

Photography by Apple Greatson Francisco | Styling by Donna Mae Congson and Daniel Lois Buddy Congson | Makeup by Donna Mae Congson and Daniel Lois Buddy Congson | Hair by Daniel and Rossel from Envy Me Salon | Nails by Envy Me Salon | Models: Franchesca Ravelo, Maria Isabelle San Mateo, and Angelie Comeros Sequihod | Shot on location at Nalus Falls in Kiamba and Susan’s Beach in Maasim, both in Sarangani Province, Philippines

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Rio de Janeiro’s Colors of Summer Text and photos by Gimma Samalca

ur short impromptu visit to Jardim Botanico in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last month, if it’s any indication, shows us a glimpse of summer colors to come in this South American metropolis. No less than the local Rio de Janeiro ladies themselves proudly show off the subdued and often lighter hues, it turns out, which lend a more subtle contrast (and more like a tribute) to the natural colors of the surroundings in which they frolic. On the left Bianca wears a strapless, tubed sheath dress with laced mini tiers shaded in pink, gray and ash, a daytime garden party number (with flat sandals or ballerina flats) that can double as evening cocktail dress (with heeled, strappy shoes). On the right Eva sports a graphic cotton tank top, cut denim shorts, and wedge sandals -- perfect for any hot summer day. Below, the girls wear cut denim shorts, white linen/cotton tunic and light airy blouses, and strappy flats and sneakers -equally perfect for keeping cool. Our little miss wears a plain, white summer dress, classy and timeless in its own simple way.

here are many ways to beat the summer heat, and these are the Brazilian way to look cool, feel comfy, and be chic. (See Beach Colors on page 20 to complete Rio’s summer look.)

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Beach Colors Text and photos by Mandi Nicolas PJ

each Casual almost always means khaki shorts, capris, skirts or pants, mostly with the top outfit lighter in color and without patterns like flowers, stripes or whatnot. It also means minimal jewelry and bare feet (and light slippers, too, for when the sand gets scorchingly hot). An entire afternoon on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, however, reveals the bolder side of Latin American flair, the Brazilian variety to be exact -- something not entirely alien to Philippine shores -- bright, imposing hues that contrast beautifully against the colors of the sand, sky and sea. A leisurely walk on the beach? Gimma does it in blue-and-green print maxi skirt and a magenta tank top, Ray-Ban sunglasses, cotton sling bag, and enough sunscreen to enjoy the sun without burning. Getting in the water should be the easy part. We prefer board shorts for guys, but who’s to stop you from using the skimpiest trunks in any color imaginable? Flabby or fit, love that body and show it off on the beach. We can’t all be supermodels, but confidence gets you far. Just how far, well, that’s really all up to you.

Footvolley photo by Gimma Samalca

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Kitchen Fun:

Surprise Dinner for Papa on His Birthday by Alyana Marie Dumalag Aguja

have been planning to cook something for Papa on his birthday, even if it’s not the main dish at the celebration dinner. So after deciding on a starter, I made a list of all of the ingredients I needed and the steps to get it done. Mama went to the grocery store to buy those stuff. (Thanks, Ma!) The thing I was going to prepare was the Hawaiian Chicken Salad. (Mama was going to do the Shrimp and Vegetable Creole, and the Piña Frappe.) We kept it a secret until March 19 came. On that day I started cooking at 4:00 pm and finished at 5:25 pm. Papa thought

we didn’t have food because my brother, who Papa thought was going to cook for him, left home early. But when Papa got back he was very surprised. I was happy to do that. After all the effort, it was really worth it. What my family really loved was the salad that I made for them. Well, I’m not that bad, so I’m going to share with you my Hawaiian Chicken Salad recipe. Here are the ingredients: 2 red apples (cut to cubes) / 1 can Dole Pineapple chunks, drained (set syrup aside) / ¼ kilo chicken breast (deboned, cooked, cut to cubes) / 4 stalks celery (diced) / ¾ cup mayonnaise. Then, the steps: 1. Slice the cooked chicken breast into cubes and set aside. 2. Combine all the other ingredients in a salad bowl. Season with salt and sugar according to taste. Mix well and chill before serving. 3. Sprinkle the chicken cubes evenly all over the mixture upon serving. This bowl is good for six people.

hy not prepare this for your family this summer? They’ll love you for it! GG V3N2

gourmetCHEF

by Nymo Munda

Whet Summer Appetites with Grilled Fish Tacos

he problem with summer in the Philippines is that it’s the only other season we have, what with the rainy season being really not that much fun to begin with. The same argument applies to fish, which we can

eat raw or prepare in only so many ways that we need to reinvent or reimagine how to enjoy this more abundant of food sources. We never get tired of the usual recipes, we long for them every now and then (that’s why there are regular dishes on the menu),

but how about new ones that make your gastronomic experience less mundane and more adventurous? In this first outing of Gourmet Chef, I present my own creation, Grilled Fish Tacos. Let’s get cooking! The Ingredients: 1 lb pink salmon fillet (or any fish you prefer) / 2 tbsp lime juice / ¼ cup soy sauce / 2 tbsp cooking oil 2 large tomatoes, small dice / 1 large onion, small dice / 1 cup avocado, small dice / ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped / fresh lettuce / 1 cup quick melt cheese, shredded / flour or corn tortillas / hot sauce (optional) / salt / pepper. The fun part, directions:

GG er Sumem ial c p S 012 2 1. Marinate fish with salt, pepper, oil, lime juice and soy sauce for 5-10 minutes. 2. Combine tomatoes, onions, avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce in a bowl. Set aside for garnish. 3. Preheat griller to medium-high heat. 4. Grill the fish until done. 5. Flake the fish. Set aside. 6. Place the lettuce on top of tortillas, followed by the garnish mixture and fish. Top it with cheese. 7. Put it in the oven toaster 1. just until cheese melts. 8. Serve. 2.

hatever your plans for the summer (or any day of year) may be, do try this recipe! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s good!

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greenTECH

nywhere we are on the planet, the production of clean water, clean energy and a sustainable food supply is one of our civilization’s greatest challenges. This is doubly so in the inhospitable confines of arid deserts. In spite of, and purposely because of this, the Sahara Forest Project (SFP) takes on an integral and complete approach to tackle these challenges -- re-vegetate dry lands, provide green jobs, and profitably produce food, water, clean electricity and biomass in desert areas -- by combining proven environmental technologies (e.g., evaporation of seawater to create cooling and distilled fresh water in saltwater-based greenhouses) and solar thermal technologies. Simply put, the Sahara Forest Project is designed to make use of what we have enough of in order to produce what we need more of -- using an abundance of deserts, saltwater and CO2 to produce food, water and energy.

Sahara Forest Project:

Lessons in Ingenuity Nations Rich in Natural Resources Can Emulate

and condenses moisture to keep it cool, and how fog-basking beetles trap water from the warm night air in the desert, says SFP’s Michael Pawlyn, a biomimicry architect and one of the lead architects behind Eden Project, the world’s largest indoor rainforest.

...Make use of what we have enough of in order to produce what we need more of... The $5.3-million project, set outside Doha in the Qatari desert, will use nature’s tricks in removing salt and creating conditions that enable plants to flourish -- all without any external energy or resources. The 1,000-kilometer2 site will use the temperature difference between surface seawater and water taken from hundreds of meters below ground. Using solar power, both are pumped to the site through separate pipes. The hot desert air is used to

evaporate the warm surface water as it flows over evaporative hedges at one side of the greenhouse. This being cooled, moist air passes over the plants to create a comfortable temperature around them, and condenses as it passes the pipes where the cold deep seawater is pumped, thus producing fresh water. (Saltwater will also be used to grow algae, which in turn is used in biomass production.) The idea is based on how a camel’s nostrils evaporates

Financed by Yara International ASA and the Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO), the Project sprung from the desire to guarantee the longterm survival of inhabitants in the Middle East’s deserts. Sixty people from 12 countries have contributed research to the project, which is intent on transforming inhospitable deserts into flourishing habitats that produce food and power, and harness groundbreaking climate-specific innovations. Jordan was the first country to come on board, and the recent collaboratation with Yara and QAFCO has resulted in funding the one-hectare pilot plant near Doha in Qatar.

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Owned by Michael Pawlyn, structural engineer Bill Watts, and the Norwegian environmental group Bellona Foundation, the Sahara Forest Project was initially established in

2009. After learning about the project in Norway, Jordan’s King Abdullah II officially came on board in early 2011. The pilot project just outside of Doha will develop

and test seawater-based greenhouses, concentrated solar power (CSP) for heat and electricity, evaporative hedges and ponds for reducing brine to dry salts, algae cultivation facilities, vegetated outdoor areas, and units for cultivating halophytes (plants that are adapted to live in soil with high concentrations of salt). “We are very excited to join forces with QAFCO and Yara to realize this truly unique system of green technologies. The Pilot Plant will prove the benefits of a holistic approach to challenges in the food, water and energy sector,” says SFP’s CEO, Joakim Hauge. “A cornerstone of the pilot is greenhouses utilizing seawater to provide cool and

humid growing conditions for vegetables. The greenhouses will also produce freshwater themselves,” according to SFP, adding that “the greenhouses will be coupled with a stateof-the-art parabolic trough solar collector with a thermal desalination unit supported by PV-technology.” The pilot project, expected for completion by the end of 2012, will also cultivate algae in a system of photobioreactors and open pond cultivation systems. ANPJ

greenLIVING

Recycling: What You Need To Know

elieve it or not, there are still people out there who aren’t recycling. I know, I know -- some places make it easier than others. But did you know that 75% of our trash and waste is recyclable? It’s true. This means that all those who aren’t following the reduce, recycle, reuse bible are sending recyclable, and sometimes hazardous materials to our land fills! What needs to be recycled? Aluminum. Glass. Paper. Plastic. Steel. Anything with a Caution or Warning label. (If you’re unsure if it’s recyclable check on the bottom of the container and you’ll see a raised triangle symbol with a number in the middle. If the number is 1 or 2, recycle it. How do I start recycling? Cities are different so be sure to research how your own community recycles. Some will have you buy certain containers for your recyclables, be it a certain trash bag or a large plastic box. Some places provide you with the containers but you need to ask for them. Some communities have drop spots where you’ll need to bring your recyclables rather than using curbside recycling. Most places do offer curbside recycling but if you live in a community that doesn’t, 24

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(Published with permission from Joakim Hauge, CEO, The Sahara Forest Project. Visit SaharaForestProject.com for a detailed list of technologies to be tested in Qatar. All images courtesy of SFP.)

by Stephanie Barker

you need to request it to start a recycling program, and you will most likely be successful in your campaign. Why should I start if I’ve never done it before? Because you should care about the world you live in. By not recycling you are wasting countless materials that can be used to make other products, saving energy, money and materials. Your un-recycled trash is taking up space in our landfills. Not only that but many recyclable products contain hazardous substances that, once in the landfill, can leach into the ground and contaminate the drinking water. Stephanie Barker is a writer and recycler looking to spread awareness and relief to the world, one enlightened reader at a time. Visit the author’s website at ruthmontgomerywritesagain.com.

Where can we go for great crabs, pasta, and wine?

bars 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, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123 ext. 106) Cassado Billiard Bar - Pool tables, ice-cold beers, live band, (Grd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3028389) Drill Shack- Aussie staples such as salads, steaks, condom-wrapped beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos) Pahayahay - Live band, ice-cold beers, best live guitar by owner Gifford (Mezzanine, Marietta’s Bldg, Magsaysay Ave., Gen. Santos) GGPick Piyesta! KTV and Resto Bar - Super value combo meals, inventive dishes, novelty cocktails, free KTV up to your total bill, friendly staff, al fresco heaven (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542139) [wi◦fi] GGPick Red Rocket Sports Bar Warm meals and ice-cold beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 2, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos) Veranda - Two levels of bars, discotheques and open-air bistro, very young crowd (National Highway across NDDU campus, Gen. Santos) GGPick V Bar - Longest bar counter in Gensan, great vibe, best music (SunCity Complex, Gen. Santos)

cafés

GGPick BluGré Cafe - Next best thing to Starbucks, designer coffees, hot/cold mixes, filling meals (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-835542177) [wi◦fi] GGPick BluGré Cafe - Bigger and more relaxing than the one at Robinsons (South Osmeña, Gen. Santos, +63-5521111) [wi◦fi] Cafe Amoree - Local gem, great drinks/eats, off city center but worth a visit (Mabuhay Rd, Gen. Santos, +6383-5542173) [wi◦fi] Cafe Paulino - Unpretentious coffee place, quiet retreat from the crowd (Gaisano Mall, Gen. Santos) GGPick Caffe Firenzo - Gourmet coffees, desserts, sandwiches, pizza, open 24/7 (SunCity Complex, National Highway, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] Coffee Club 101 - Coffee, pasta, desserts (Laurel East, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5535430) [wi◦fi] GGPick Coffee Club 101 - Gourmet coffees, great place to peoplewatch and be seen in (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534878) [wi◦fi] GGPick Coffee Dream - Coffee, sweets and refuge before/after shopping (2nd Flr, KCC Mall, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3018263) [wi◦fi] GGPick Fagioli Coffee Shop - Great after-hours haunt (Petron Station, Lagao, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-552749) [wi◦fi] GGPick Fagioli Coffee Shop - Pri-

vate, cozy, perfect mall chill (Grd Flr, KCC Mall, +63-83-5542384) [wi◦fi] Generals Brew - Fine gourmet coffees, sandwiches, 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

CBHL Garden Rooms & Dormitel - Central location and tasteful guest rooms at budget rates (Laurel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5546336) [wi◦fi] GGPick East Asia Royale Hotel Stone’s throw away from the financial district, shopping malls, convention centers, with bars, function rooms, restaurants, business center, 24-hour room service (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123) [wi◦fi] GGPick Family Country Hotel & Convention Centre - Guest rooms, pools, meeting/banquet halls for 1,000 heads, Cafe Leticia (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528895) [wi◦fi] Florotel - Strategic downtown location, modern amenities (Laurel North, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5540880) GGPick Hotel San Marco - Newly built boutique hotel with 28 elegant rooms, restaurant and bar (Laurel East Ave., Gen. Santos, +63-83-3011818, +63-922-8217332) [wi◦fi] GGPick Ice Castle - Centrally located, offers modern rooms, in-house bar and restaurant (Provido Village, City Heights, Gen. Santos, +63-835544423, +63-83-8269026) [wi◦fi] Phela Grande Hotel - Luxury guest rooms, in-house Meilih Restaurant/ Cafe Eduardo (Magsaysay cor. Atis, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5524220) [wi◦fi] Residencia Heneral Travelers Inn - Prime location, affordable rooms (RD Bldg, Pioneer Ave., Gen. Santos, +6383-3020533, +63-922-8420103) GGPick Richeva Gensan Suites Minimalist-modern, centrally located, quality rooms (11 Sampaguita St, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5540410, +63-9197936227, +63-932-3753001) [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 rooms, restaurants, professional banquet/conference facilities (Pendatun cor. Pioneer, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479) [wi◦fi]

resorts

Amandari Cove - Resort-quality accommodations, pool, Cafe Amoree and Caicos Restobar (Dacera, off Mabuhay Road, +63-083-5542654 | 8261074 | 8261070) [wi◦fi] Gensan View Resort - Sun, sky, swimming pool (Nursery Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3028237) GGPick Isla Jardin del Mar - Sand,

sun, sky (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, islajardindelmar@yahoo.com) Lagare Springfield Resort Natural springs, lanscaped gardens (Apopong, Gen. Santos) GGPick Le Jardin Arnevel Convention halls, swimming pool, 2,000-m2 garden, spacious parking area (Mabuhay Rd, Gen. Santos, +6383-3012513) [wi◦fi] GGPick Lemlunay Resort - Clifftop seaside resort with excellent villas, restaurant, bar, pool and worldclass dive site (Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani, +63-920-914 9259 | South Point Divers: southpointdivers.ph) [wi◦fi] Merl Garden Spring Resort Zip-line ride, pool, horseback riding and more (Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, +63-919-4577221) Olaer Spring Resort - Natural springs, lasting city icon (Apopong, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3802345) GGPick Paraiso Verde Resort & Water Park - Modern recreational facility with main attractions Moby Wave Pool, Adventura River Rapids, Freestyle Swim Pool, and Wiggles Kiddie Pool, a 300-person capacity pavilion, and food court (Gen. Santos Drive, Koronadal, +63-83-2281988, +63-923-8701483) Rosal Beach Resort - Sun, sky, and white sand beach fun (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, +63-920-9212203) Shellrock Spring Resort - Natural springs and greenery, a welcome escape from city life (Barrio Cebuano, Tupi, South Cotabato, +63-9182821801, +63-83-5524278) Susan’s Beach - Beach retreat with spacious cottages and karaoke halls (Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani)

restaurants

GGPick Aunt Ludi - Besides gourmet breads, Aunt Ludi serves great burger, pasta and rice meals. (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos and J&G Propriedad Bldg, Nuñez Street, Purok Malakas, Gen. Santos) 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) [wi◦fi] GGPick C Bistro - Fine Filipino fusion cuisine and ambience for wining, dining and lounging (Tiongson Arcade, Tiongson Ave., Gen. Santos) GGPick Cookie Factory - Homestyle restaurant (J. Catolico Sr, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5522035) Firenzo Deli - Pastries, sandwiches (SunCity Complex, National Highway, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick C Bistro - Main draw of Tiongson Arcade, a casual yet elegant place to dine, wine and lounge (Tiongson Avenue, Lagao, Gen. Santos)

Pick one, hon. One with wi-fi is great so I can work some.

pLaces2GO

GGPicks

Grab-A-Crab - Exciting seafood, crab specialties (Laurel East, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5535430) [wi◦fi] Grab-A-Crab - Same Grab-A-Crab vibe, only smaller (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] Gusteau’s Restaurant - Fine crab and seafood delicacies (SunCity Complex, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick Little Dubai Kebab GrillsTaste of exotic Middle East at half the price for home delivery (Gen. Santos, +63-922-8141010) [wi◦fi] GGPick The Little Kitchen Serves European, Oriental and Filipino specialties in Mediterranean-inspired ambience (Cor. Quirino and Zapote, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs - Pablo’s has perfected the art of preparing steaks (certified US Angus) (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +6383-5539298) GGPick Paseo Del Sol - Haciendastyle haven for theme/special events, serving Pablo’s/Ranchero fare, and exclusive dishes/catering for private functions (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Ranchero Grill - Takes native/Filipino/ranch-style food to the next level. Book in advance to play it safe! (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Red Trellis Seafood Garden - Asian fusion-inspired, chili/black pepper crab to die for (Across NDDUIBED, Tiongson Extension, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3022722) Rooftop Grill Ihaw-Ihaw - Seafood/grill, great city view (6th Flr, Sydney Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-835525479 ext. 103) [wi◦fi] Royale Lounge - Relaxing café with minimalist decór, acoustic music Wed-Sat (East Asia Royale Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123) [wi◦fi] GGPick Sarangani Highlands Garden & Restaurant - Hilltop joint with views of Sarangani Bay, downtown Gensan, Mt Parker/Mt Matutum. Great for private parties (Tambler, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3040752) GGPick Taps & Mix - Healthy meals, relaxing atmosphere, eclectic crowd, affordable price 24-7 (Roxas East across NDDU campus, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542846) [wi◦fi] GGPick Tricia’s The Coffee Pot & Tables - Meals, coffee and pastry, homey atmosphere (20 Champaca St, Gen. Santos, +63-933-9411941) [wi◦fi] GGPick Euro Kitchen - European fare at Gensan prices, imported beers and wines served (1st Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos) Wanchin Dimsum Restaurant - Good food, great view of Plaza Heneral Santos (2nd Flr, Sydney Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479) [wi◦fi] GG V3N2

artsATTACK cuLtureSHOCK

by Bing

Cariño

They Who Taught Us the Sign of the Cross and the Rest of the Alphabet

limate change and all, summer is definitely pushing through this year. When the Department of Tourism launched the It’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign, it went viral, and people began to pitch in their ideas of fun, majority of which centered on themes of sun, surf and sand. With a total coastline of 36,289 kilometers, the capital of fun in a tropical country like the Philippines would definitely be the beach. While beachcombing could be had any time of the year in the land made famous by Boracay and CamSur, the height of watersport engagement reaches its zenith come summertime. Summer in the Philippines officially starts when the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) declares the coming of season, and just like any program in the Philippines that starts with a spiritual invocation, the program of skimpy beach wear always start with the celebration of the Holy Week. While most of my buddies begin the summer revelry at the start of Palm Sunday and pass out dead drunk before Easter Sunday, I stay in town to practice the only religion-themed activity left in my calendar: get inside the church and create the altar of repose for Holy Thursday. Despite being founded at end of the American occupation, the development of General Santos, like the rest of Spanish Philippines, was largely influenced by men and women of the cloth. While the heroes of the foundation of the city, led by the General, did well by establishing a vibrant economy of trade and commerce, our local history would credit the religious for building not only the spiritual fiber of the place, but also for putting in place institutions of learning, building a cadre a human resource pool with education and better competencies. While credit is due to Roskie Munda, daughter of the General, together with the pioneering teachers, in building the first elementary school in Lagao, the Oblates came just in time to establish the first high school. Fr Joseph Milford, OMI established Notre Dame of Lagao just in time for the 26

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Pioneering Brothers Herbert Daniel, Maurus James, Joe Damian Teston, and Peter Leonard, circa 1947

first batch of highschool students graduating from Lagao Elementary School in 1947. Fr Francis McSorely, who later became Bishop of Jolo, supervised the building of the 16-acre campus in Lagao, which opened its first school year in 1947-1948. Around 1952, when the Oblates centered its apostolate in Jolo, the parish was turned over to the Passionists and the Marist Brothers, led by Bro. Joseph Damian Teston, FMS. The coming of the Passionists and the Marists expanded the educational opportunities for the young municipality. The Passionists later established the radio station DXCP (making information available on air), with the Marists eyeing the opening of the first higher education in the district that founded its beginnings in the humble patch of cogon land.

The Dominican Sisters followed a year later and established an all-girl’s school, giving the early Gensan a convent style schooling that was the order of the day then. As the public school system continued to flourish, the private school system, with the combined forces of the Passionists (non-formal education), Marists and Dominicans (formal education), continued the mandate of providing quality education that in turn produced competent professionals, who then provided human resource to the industries that began to mushroom in the city. In 1959, when the college was officially opened, the mission of educating the Generals came full circle: a child born in General Santos can start preschool and earn his doctor’s degree without leaving town. Gensan at present is the educational center of the south with two universities, several colleges, dozens of technical and vocational schools, and close to two hundred elementary and high schools. There are so many teachers, so many schools, but General Santos would never be where it is now without the men and women of the cloth who made a mission out of educating the mind, heart and soul of a settlement district that has now become one of the most progressive, successful and dynamic cities in the Philippines.

any of us in General Santos, to this day, at the end of every day’s love and labor, still, out of heart or habit, invoke, “Notre Dame, pray for us.” Bing Cariño finished elementary school at the Notre Dame of Lagao for Girls and graduated high school from Notre Dame of Dadiangas College High School Department Lagao Campus. His high school Batch 1987 is currently celebrating their silver jubilee year. The photo, names and dates are from the article “Reunion… A Bridge Over Time” by Prima Guipo (www.notredamegensan. org/History-f.html).

Pinoy Says

Mando

ime and again we hear of on-andoff-and-on-again relationships that work even more solidly for a while and then eventually fizzle out for some reason or another. Having said that, rooting for a former lover is a natural human response, but so is forgetting someone we used to care for and moving on. Granted you’re really still in love with your ex, and you want to make things right. The only other question is, does he feel the same? This is a difficult question to answer. Pain, pride and distrust can ruin people emotionally, and until real resolution is achieved, new beginnings can never really work. Begin by showing him what you feel, then see what happens next.

Tisay Says

My la st re la en d ed se ve ratil on ship ba ck , a n d I h m onth s re so lved to m ova ve si n ce out on d ate s oce on. I g o a lly a n d even ca sionI fo u n d “t h e onth ou g h or twice, th e sa e” on ce re ma in s: I’ m st d truth with th e ex. Ca ill in love n yo --M a ry L L Bu h elp?

Nusha

e honest with yourself -- are you still in love, or are you just afraid of being alone? People often tend to pine for their ex after they spend a few nights alone in front of the TV, no friends within reach because they are elsewhere or busy with their lives or spending time with their partner. And after a few unsuccessful attempts at trying to find a proper replacement, one might recognize that the other fishes in the sea are not as colorful as they seemed from afar. It may sound trite but it’s still true: you don’t know what you’e got until it is gone... But do not let the loneliness cloud your judgment: there must have been reasons for ending the relationship. Refresh you memory and ask yourself again if you’re truly still in love with your ex, or if you’re just missing the precious past, or you’re just lonely and afraid, or something. If you’re still convinced that your ex is the one, then you have to do something about it. Take things slowly. For example, start off with a new friendship, spend some time with him, evaluate the chances, and most importantly, be willing to make changes. You probably want things to be the way they were before, but keep in mind that therein lies the reason why you broke up. Hence, be careful what you wish for and together learn from past mistakes to avoid them in the future as you try to rebuild a relationship that just might be even stronger than before. Best of luck to you both!

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The online of this columnvewrsion Best Food & Bev on the erage Blog in the 2011 Phili ine Blog Awards pp for Mindanao.

Davao’s Best Eats

fter coming up with last issue’s Gensan’s Best Eats list, here are my Best of Davao choices. I haven’t really explored all of Davao’s wide array of food choices yet, but right now, these are my personal best of the best. Check them out!

Best Shabu-Shabu Meal -- Shabu-shabu has always been a messy affair for me until I tried Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu & Grill. Not only are the waiters at your beck and call, but they can also guide you and even do the cooking for you. Any newbie in this manner of dining will definitely enjoy. And the food is really superb!

Best Fish Teriyaki -- They may be pricey but Nonki Japanese Restaurant gives good value for your money. I’ve always liked having gindara (cod fish) served grilled or soup-based. So when I tried it in teriyake mode, I was floored. Its sweetness doesn’t overwhelm, and that for me is classic!

Best Pasta Combo Meals -- Hands down Wings & Dip Cafeteria earns my vote. With so much to choose from, chances are you’d want to try them all. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to pasta! Best Chicken Rice Meal -- Trellis ‘n Vine Restaurant wowed me with their Chicken Biryani Rice, a curry-flavored offering whose taste and smell never overwhelms. It can be shared by three people and is already a complete meal in itself.

Best Crispy Fried Chicken -- If you advertise your fried chicken as greaseless then you must really mean it. Yellow Fin Seafood & Restaurant wowed me the first time I tried their prized offering. One look at this crispy fried chicken and you’d want to take a bite immediately. Eat it with your bare hands to enjoy it even more. Best Chicharong Bulaklak -- Hands down, Mooon Cafe delivers the best chicharong bulaklak in Davao City. I am certain that they marinated the pork innards before frying them to its crispy perfection. This can already pass as a full dish rather than as mere appetizer, side dish, or finger food to accompany a round or two of beer. 28

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Best Pork Knuckles Meal -- Dining at Alor’s (A Home Kitchen) is like enjoying your mother’s home-cooked meal. Among their varied food choices, my favorite is their Patatim, set in a bed of pechay leaves. This one’s my favorite among a bevy of other great meals! Best Chicken Skin Chicharon -- I know, I know... This is so not healthy but what the heck! Sunburst Fried Chicken’s chicken skin chicharon is very addicting. Once you’ve started munching, you can’t stop.

Best Crispy Pata -This is one of their bestsellers and you should not miss it when you go to Ranchero’s Davao. I love the crispiness of the pork skin, and what gives it more star points is the tenderness of the meat and its taste — pure heaven! Best Appetizer -- Handuraw Pizza takes prides in their thin-crust pizza, but what really scored big for me is their deep-fried Mozzarella Triangles with mayo dip. Just the thought of it makes me drool. It’s like eating tacos minus the mess.

here is so much more to explore in Davao City. How I wish I could find time to try them all. Well, there’s the rest of 2012 to look forward to. Happy eating!

bookPICKINGS

They dig, they plant, they play, they wait...

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few more years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault In Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

musicREVIEWS Bon Iver (2011), by Bon Iver | êêêêê -- We love this Wisconsin-based folk band’s debut, For Emma, Forever Ago (2008). Bagging the 2012 Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Album for the self-titled second album sure didn’t do any harm. This new work has the same soul and an even better sound. Sure, we respect artists who try to evolve and experiment, but most often we just want more of the same vibe, one that Bon Iver delivers here so effortlessly. Holocene stands out as most virtuosic, with Calgary, Hinnom TX, Lisbon OH, Minnesota WI, Perth, Wash. and Michicant verging less on actual geography and more on naming a state of mind. Towers celebrates folk wisdom, and Beth/Rest pays tribute to 80s ballads the way only Bon Iver’s timbre, tone and texture can.

And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano and Erin E. Stead Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they’ve had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait... until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way. Julie Fogliano’s story of anticipation is brought to life by the illustrations of Erin E. Stead, recipient of the 2011 Caldecott Medal, a prize for the most distinguished picture book for children.

I’m such a tease, and you’re such a flirt. The King of Limbs (2011), by Radiohead | êêêêê -- Radiohead’s eight album plays up the rhythm with plenty of samples (birdsong, wind, etc.), loops, ambient sounds, and dubstep vibe. Bloom opens as a strangely beautiful orchestra in orderly chaos, while funky Morning Mr Magpie intones, “You stole it all, give it back.” The same plea reverberates in Little By Little (“I’m such a tease,

and you’re such a flirt”) over guitar and drums, and in Feral over processed vocals and distortions. Lotus Flower soars with Thom Yorke’s falsetto, while Codex slows down with the piano, flugelhorns and strings, as does Give Up The Ghost with sedated vocal harmonies. End track Separator features an eeire tune that didn’t quite finish, but perhaps that signals a ninth album? Bring it on!

ambushFASHIONISTA

by Van Almeria

Sensual Summer

created fragments of surreal summer escapades when I used to seriously sing prose and verses in the university. I was certain, however, that somehow someday I’d get the chance to enjoy a real summer experience -- where the summer’s eyes shine, penetrating the ocean, colors are seen everywhere in the open, people lying down with sun-kissed skin, and the sky’s majestic view bleeding and burning.

Summer winds in the Philippines taste like burnt tortilla as the summer days are growing warmer and crisper. The sound of summer chimes as if an orchestra as it heralds the beginning of the season. In the Philippines, summer is best experienced through one of its 7,107 islands. Located in the northwest tip of Panay in Western Visayas, Boracay boasts of its white sand beach and world-class resorts, amenities and leisure activities. My boyfriend and I packed our bags for a summer getaway, and to experience the countenance of the quintessential summer in the island of Boracay. I have visualized my summer experience -- the cool ocean waves roaring and summer fashion rhapsodically hitting the shore. Fashion changes from time to time. On a hot summer’s day everybody wants to feel comfortable and free. There are people who dare to make a style statement, which includes trying out some of the fashion trends of the summer season. There are numerous styles to choose from. You can opt to have those that compliment your personality, which, in the first place can also help accentuate your curves and hide your flaws. Looking your best on the beach totally depends on your choice of clothes 30

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and the way you carry them. Swimwear and bikinis were invented to help you enjoy the season in style. You can also add accessories like jewelry, hats, and sunglasses to jazz up your look a bit more. Indeed, summertime can be all about joyful moments spent with family and friends on a faraway beach, where you can relax while listening to the symphony of waves on a beach chaise. Whatever swimwear, vibrant accessories, sexy swimsuit and breezy dresses you have, walk tall and proud, with grace, and more importantly, carry yourself with confidence!

hen summer recreation and vacation meet style and fashion, a new summer bandwagon is born -- hopefully, one that is happily reborn every year.

Summer Back2Back ColorBlocking by Donna Mae Congson and Romarie Ivy Cunanan

Photo by Apple Greatson Francisco | Hair by Envy Me Salon | Makeup by Donna Mae Congson

A Very Happening Summer

ummer always reminds me of colors -- bright colors, that is -- and it’s one reason precisely why I love the season because I can get away with wearing and experimenting with unusual yet beautifully colorful pairings. Color-blocking has been such a huge hit in fashion, and summer is the perfect time to explore this visual trend.

verybody simply looks forward to the summer year in, year out. Beach, fun, feast, and parties -- that’s all we want! We want the spray of the waves, the heat of the sun, and the fun of water sports and games. Plan your summer outings with your friends, as well as your budget and destinations, and never forget to do the following:

Thanks to Wendy Nguyen (wendyslookbook.com), fashion guru and blogger, who inspired me to explore color-blocking. I follow her YouTube channel to get really good and useful fashion tips. Here I’m sharing those that I learned from her blogs, and a bit of my own experiments as well. Color-blocking is combining different bold colors that will support or compliment each other in an unexpected way. It’s tricky at first because you don’t want to appear like a clown or a walking Christmas tree. The trick is to learn and know the color wheel, what colors match or compliment each other. We have primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Mixing these colors in different combinations creates your secondary colors: green, purple, and orange. Lastly, your tertiary colors result from further mixing. Analogous color schemes have three colors lined up within a color family, e.g., purple, pink and red. Complementary colors are on directly opposite sides of the color wheel, e.g., red and green. A triadic color scheme has three color points evenly spaced out in the color wheel, e.g., yellow, blue, and orange. You may think this very Lady Gaga and extreme, but the

• Wear trendy, hip bikinis, or swimwear that fits your body and you’re comfortable to move in. (Cocobana swimwear I suggest!) • To get a tan, make sure to apply sunblock to avoid sunburn and skin disease. (Nivea SPF45 or Myra E Daily Sun Protect SPF15 is best for the skin.) • Wear shades to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. (D&G shades are so in!) • Use lip balm to avoid chapped lips. Moisturize the lips (and maintain luscious lips) while it’s very hot. (Chapstick is the best.) • Condition your hair after swimming, which usually causes dry hair, so put conditioner and have bouncy soft hair all day. You don’t need to rinse it! (I love Creamsilk Hair Treatment or Loreal Conditioner; they really work with my frizzy, curly hair.) • Carry a big tote bag so you could easily put all your stuff in it. (I like Victoria’s Secret Summer Collections bag.

key point in going triadic is to balance it out by using one color as feature color and the other two as accents. I’m new to color-blocking but when I explored around it I found out that I can create a lot of pairings using the clothes I already have in my closet. I’m discovering new, unexpected and exciting outfit pairings. I now love pairing blue and orange for a normal humid day in Gensan, say, blue shorts and light orange top. At Kasalang Filipino 2012, which I hosted, I wore a plain yellow shirt with royal blue blazer and denim jeans. It’s really fun to explore new colors this summer and to take the time to appreciate nature where we can see inspirations for our color-blocking schemes. Just take note to go for bold on bold; don’t color-block outfits with prints and designs as the main attraction here is the brightness and vibrancy of the basic colors. And don’t overdo it, like match red pants with yellow shirt; just choose a color to highlight. Color-blocking does not apply only to top and bottom; you can include your bag, accessories and shoes to the whole scheme. Let’s enjoy the summer heat this dragon year. Good vibes and colorful days are here!

Lonely Planet ones so in, too.) • Wear flat and comfy slippers for long beach walks. (Must buy Havaianas, Ipanema or Banana Peel!) • Lights, camera, action! Document your summer happenings! Share your fun experience on your FB timeline. (Invest in a GoPro camera for underwater and sports pics/vids, too.) • Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. (Recycle: bring your own water canister.)

t’s also fun to accessorize! Big chunky bangles, colorful batik sarong tied around your neck, and bohemian dropdown earrings to match. A cuff ring with big details is a plus! A tunic is another alternative; cover some part of your body while showing your sexy back, shoulder, and elbow. Put on long pearl necklaces and a flower on your ear. Match your bikini with a big hat, oversize shades and flat sandals. You’ll be the hippest chick on the beach, trust me! Have a trendy summer!

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Prom Queen I

n the US and Canada, a prom (short for promenade) is a formal dance or gathering of high school students, typically held near the end of the senior year. High school juniors attending the prom may call it Junior Prom, and seniors, Senior Prom; in practice this may be a combined junior-senior dance. The dance often declares a Prom Queen and King, honorary titles awarded to students chosen in a prior school-wide vote, and are usually given to seniors. Juniors may also be honored, but would be called Prom Prince or Princess. In the UK, Australia, and Ireland, the terms formal or grad are most commonly used, and the event is usually held for those graduating high school or middle school, though the term prom is becoming more frequent in the UK due to US TV shows. In Ireland, the event is also known as the debs, which is derived from debutante. Proms are popular in high schools in the Philippines, usually taking place in the junior and senior years, normally around February or March. Proms are commonly known as JS Prom or Junior-Senior Prom. Usually a Prom King and Queen are chosen based on the beauty and fashion sense of the nominees, not their popularity. Model: Beti Ocampo, 2012 Prom Queen, Hope Christian School | Makeup Artist: Jacque Kate Duguil | Location: The Road House

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I love the great outdoors, the sun and sky and sea, the shallows, the swells, the seemingly full and hollow endlessness... i love substance, the sound of a perfect sentence, the flow of honesty and wisdom, the magic of a vision, the remembrance, the experience, the life.

thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why i read gensan gazer . t

n â&#x20AC;&#x2122;? o Dyou