Viaggio magazine by Karlo Alexie Puerto

Special Issue

wHAT’SINSIDE 7 Editor’s Note

FEATURE STORY

8 The People behind the Tuna

12 26th Kalilangan Festival

16 Blue knights gives back

26 Tiongson Arcade

30 All in one paradise

34 Tambilawan

Mindanawon story

24 Mindanao’s tourism ambassador

36 The taste of “crispy” success 41 The Golden Boot’s story

TRAVEL GUIDE

45 GenSan 46 Speak Our Language

COVER STORY Life is all about celebration -- it is with the experiences of the past that make us what we are now and is what would guide us through the future. In

City,

General Santos

they celebrate their beginnings and their present

through the annual

Kalilangan Festival. The

festival

GENSAN PHOTO HERE

is also a celebration of their people who made possible what

GenSan is right now.

CAPTION HERE: Description here Description here Description here Description here Description here

Eco-friendly theme dominates the peaceful theme in Heneral Plaza Photo by Elaine Mae D. Magistrado

f bo x staf

EDITOR’S NOTE

LET’S GO LOCAL During my childhood days, I was deprived of travel outside my hometown Davao City simply because we cannot afford such plan. That time, I was already contented on watching travel magazine shows on television and read some dated travel magazines I found inside the cabinet. I then told myself that I would engage myself into travel when I am already capable of doing it. Years have passed by and finally I was able to enjoy the perks of travelling! Well, not really since some of those trips were not for leisure purposes, but the fact that I was able to start exploring my country and my homeland is already an achievement to an infrequent traveler such as me, thanks to my sponsors. I have already visited places, from Manila, Baguio and Dagupan in Luzon, Cebu in Visayas and Cagayan de Oro, Mati and Cotabato in Mindanao. However, it seemed incomplete for me since I have envisioned myself to visit at least 70% of the Philippines before I reach the age of 30. Sounds impossible for me as of the moment, I guess.

While conceptualizing for Viaggio, I then thought of a destination I planned of visiting this year – the Tuna Capital of the country, General Santos City. I pitched the idea to the staff and fortunately, they approved the plan! For this issue, we focused on what best can we do in General Santos City. Good thing the staff found the maker of the best tuna chicharon in the city and she eagerly entertained our quick request for a word on her best-selling product. Don’t worry, we brought home several packs and we have consumed them all in a few days. Also, with the guide of some locals I would like to thank for, we found where we could unwind and enjoy the view of Sarangani Bay and places where we can affordably fill our stomachs of GenSan cravings. Our visit to the southernmost city of the country was even more memorable when Honorable Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera accommodated our request for a courtesy visit to the city hall. We have also inserted people’s stories that could inspire the readers to do more and excel in their

fields of expertise. With us in this goal are Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato, Jr. and teenage football player Agot Danton. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We will surely treasure our interactions with you. With this in hand, allow me to introduce you to our General Santos City issue. Hope you enjoy reading! Remember, love our own and… It’s more fun in the Philippines!

KARLO ALEXIE PUERTO Editor in chief

Got something you want to ask, say or suggest? All you have to do is send us a letter! Letters to the Editor can be send to: editorial@viaggio.ph

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The people behind the Tuna WORDS & PHOTOS BY JANE MARIE C. ECHAURE

agged as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, General Santoa City or GenSan has kept this prestige not only because of their blessed location but also because of the hard work paid off by their local fishermen. An estimated 750 metric tons of fish are caught by almost7,800 workers every day, from 5am to 7am. They are distributed by ten ships and are circulated in the four markets inside the Fish Port Complex at Barangay Tambler. Each market has their own departmentwho have their own specific work in order to maintain the flow of the market. “There are [four] markets here and the largest tunas are deliveredin Market One. And as the market number increase, the size of the fish decreases and are distributed to local markets” says Jun Santino, 50. Santino is one of the fish distributors who buys the biggest tuna and blue marlins from Market One and exports them in Japan and the United States. He has been working at the fish port for more than 10 years already. “We have this metal rod which we dash inside the fish to check its meat. If it’s red, then it has good quality and [is] ready for export. But if the meat is white, then it’s for the [local] markets only” he said. Santino also shared that when there are times that the fishes caught are not for international export, they usually sell it to neighboring cities such as in Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalayand Cotabato. Another department of the marketis the cleaning department. This is where the cleaning of the inside of the fishes takes place. 70-year-old CarlitoGrandion has been working herefor 15 years already. “Unlike the other sections wherein they come to the port as early as four or 5am, we go around sixor seven onwards to clean,” Grandionsaid. 8

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After cleaning the fish, Grandio and his colleagues then sells the intestines to the wet market and usually gives them about 500 pesos a day. “What we earn varies upon the month. Usually there’s no fish at this time since it [is] very hot and the large ones often hides along the very bottom of the sea to cool down”. He alsoadded that“the peak seasons are usually on March to April and September to December.” And the job of the third department of the port is to chop the fishes’ bones. “We buy the bones of the fish for 60 pesos per kilo and chop them off to sell as pig and fish food. The head is an exception though, since we sell it separately and deliver it to the market directly,” says Nante Francisco, 35 and has been on the job for five years. The fishing industry of GenSan is still very alive and active for over 45 years. The ports and the markets of the city have been a witness of not only abundance of sea creatures caught and delivered in their lands but also the hard work pulled off by its employees. From the checking of the qualities uptotheselling ofitsbones and intestines, the work of these fishermenisnojoke. They do not earn that much but it is already the lifestyle they have come to see and lived. The people behind General Santos’ tuna’s are the greatest factors why the city has preserved the title of being the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

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From business to politics, Mayor Ronnel Rivera welcomes all the tourists to the beautiful city of GenSan during the 26th Kalilangan Festival. Photo by Elaine Mae D. Magistrado 10

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26th Kalilangan Festival: Celebration of progress and development

ajestic fireworks, colourful Ronnel C. Rivera noted that the street dances, irresistible celebration is not just to honor General Santos but also to celebrate smiles. These were the dominating the beginning of growth of then images during the 26th year of the Rajah Buayan. Kalilangan Festival being celebrated The Municipality of Buayan by the Generals on February 27 of each (the original name before General year, in commemoration of General Santos’ arrival) was renamed to the Paulino Santos who brought in 62 settlers from Luzon in 1939 aboard the steamship Basilan 76 years ago as part of the National Land Settlement Adminitration (NLSA) program that gave lands to settlers. With the theme “Kultura Ko, Identity Ko” (My culture, my identity), the week-long Kalilangan, Municipality of General Santos under whose festival name is derived from the virtue of Republic Act 1107. The the Maguindanaoan word kalingan late South Cotabato Representative which means ‘celebration’, began James L. Chiongbian authored a with a ceremonial opening entitled bill leading to Republic Act 5412, IKONS at the Oval Plaza on the 23rd which converts then Municipality of featuring the best of General Santos in General Santos into its present city a cultural and historical presentation. status. “If not for the 62 settlers General Santos City Mayor

General Santos brought here, General Santos could have still been a grassland,” Mayor Rivera said during the sidelines of the Parada ng mga Lahi at Plaza Heneral Santos. Rivera also mentioned about celebrating the tribal origins of the city.

“We also need to recognize and celebrate their contribution to the growth of the city,”

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“We also need to recognize and celebrate their contribution to the growth of the city,” Rivera added. The Parada ng mga Lahi held on the 27th was participated by the sons and daughters of the 62 settlers General Santos brought to Dadiangas, joined by the different tribes such as the B’laan and Maguindanao. The

Words BY KARLO ALEXIE C. PUERTO photos by elaine mae d. magistrado

event started late dawn from the Queen Tuna Park and ended with a presentation early morning at Plaza Heneral Santos. The Kadsagayan sa Kalilangan or the street dance competition featured the colourful celebration of the city’s founding anniversary with the loud beat of the drums under the heat GenSan is known for. German Piamonte, Principal III of the James L. Chongbian National Trade School in Kiamba, Sarangani Province said that they did not expect that they will be the only one left to compete. “We were only informed the night before that they were the only contingent left [in the street dance competition]. But given that, we did not inform the students so they could still give their best performance,” Piamonte added. The culminating activity for the celebration called Kariktan, a

showcase of the beauties of General Santos was held at the Oval Plaza, followed by the Mindanao-wide Battle of the Bands featuring the 6Cyclemind. The festival was one of the hall of famers in the Department of Tourism’s Pearl Award for “best festival for the culture and the arts” from 2012 to 2014. What made the celebration special this year was the integration of social media and technology in the festival proper. The government, through its private technology partner Data-Byte, installed and activated free WiFi connectivity in the Oval Plaza, the focal point of the festivities. This innovation enabled locals and tourists alike to share their Kalilangan experience to social media, with #Kalilangan2015. Some netizens have even shared their experiences during the festival. “Woooo! I think my stomach

will detach,” Twitter user YowKendwa posted, describing her experience with the Sea Dragon that she rode at the Oval Plaza during the week-long Kalilangan 2015 Mini Zoo. Other continuing events include the Agri-Trade Fair at the Oval Plaza, photo exhibits of the early beginnings of the city and sporting events as well. Other continuing events include the Agri-Trade Fair at the Oval Plaza, photo exhibits of the early beginnings of the city in different malls and sporting events such as chess, billiards and even football. The city government tapped the academe to co-organize the festival. This year, they forged partnership with the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College (RMMC) to spearhead the event, who also raised Php 1 million to support the organizing committee and make the event even more successful. Special Issue | VIAGGIO

In every step and every chant, everybody say, “Magandang GenSan!”

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Blue Knights give back WRITTEN BY FRAZN R. STA TERESA PHOTOS BY ELAINE MAE D. MAGISTRADO

here is no exercise better for the heart than reaching getting down and lifting people up. It is almost close to tradition for every third year Mass Communication students of Ateneo de Davao University to not just enjoin but also engage in charitable acts in the community exposure for their Journalism class under the class of Dr. Maria GemimaValderrama-Galang, and this year is not an exception to set aside time for generosity as it is now bequeathed to one of the day care centers in the heart of General Santos City. Sixty preschool children of the Barangay DadiangasSouth Day Care Centerare considered blessed and grateful to their older brothers and sisters, the third year Mass Communication students of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), as they were endowed a 32-inch LCD flat screen TV together with a DVD player and a USB flash drive contained with variety of educational programsthat you can name of.

Even though technology is considered one of the fastest tools for learning in this generation, books are still as important because they are the foundation of what the world is all about for nothing can add to our intellect than reading a book. With this, the batch raised 115 books, all donated and purchased especially just for the kids in the day care center. MindaJaeyme, one of the parents expressed her gratitude saying that her daughter can now learn a lot more things with the additional materials given to the day care and that she is very happy of the Ateneo students’ help. “It is part of our plan to give visual aids like books and we are lucky that you donated. We are happy for that. At least we know what more to give them. This is a big help for the children’s education and for them to meet the requirements of today to be able to read,” RogelBoyetBito-onon, executive assistant of the Alay saKabataanLahatngAlaga at Tali-

no (AKLAT) program,elaborated. The AKLAT program is a brainchild of Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera that seeks to help create a conducive learning environment for students of the different day care centers and schools in General Santos City by giving educational materials, school furniture & fixtures, and essential appliances such as electric fans. Division ChiefHadijaSuivOdoyan heartily conveyed that the help the AdDUMassComm students extended will be part of the lives of the children and that they will not forget that moment. The donations were made possible by continuing the Project FAD (Five A Day) that the Mass Communication students have devised way back, where the students will set aside five pesos each day from their allowance to raise funds. Happiness and excitement to use all the educational materials can be seen in the children’s eyessince they first saw the Mass Communication students enter

“It is part of our plan to give visual aids like books and we are lucky that you donated. We are happy for that. At least we know what more to give them...”

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Every smile is worth a mile. The GenSan trip of the 3rd year mass communication students after seeing the joy in the children’s eyes.

their classroom doorstep until the end of the little program they prepared for the latter. They was a ball of sunshine in the eyes of the Ateneans that they cannot help but instantly feel attached and warmed seeing the children’s smiles, their future full of hope and assured with the proper educational materials bestowed upon them. The Community Exposure is an annual expedition of all third year Mass Communication students of AdDUto see places, get

to know people and leaders, and toengage in various events and charity works is unquestionably one of them. Just as when you think that the world is already full of corruption and self-indulgence, The AdDU MassCommunication students proved that there is still room for generosity and concern for the others’ well-being and future outside their home and campus. Faith in humanity definitely restored. Special Issue | VIAGGIO

IT’S GENSAN NOW: Not only about the Tuna WORDS & PHOTO BY Jane Marie C. Echaure

Photo by Elaine Mae D. Magistrado 18

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new catch phrase will now complement ‘Magandang Gensan’ in a bid to attract more tourists and investments for the upgrading of General Santos City’s economy. In a courtesy call by the Ateneo de Davao University Mass Communication students to General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, he revealed the city’s plans after the launch of ‘IT’S GenSan NOW!’ promotional campaign in November last year. He said that the city is now becoming more aggressive in terms of attracting investors and tourists alike. “Aside from the tuna, agriculture is also one of the aspects that we want to strengthen. Also other seafood such as tilapia and hito (catfish)”, Rivera said. Being known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, the city aims this year that it has a lot more to offer aside from tuna. Moreover, the slogan IT’S GenSan Now stands for Investment, Tourism and Services, all of which the GenSan government has not banked much on. “Recently, we have been touring investors around the city and so far, we have attracted a lot of them,” Rivera added.

He also added that the different spots within the city are now being more developed and advertised which have resulted to an increase of tourist arrivals not only in the city. Latest data from the Department of TourismRegion XII said that for 2014, General Santos City received 672,960 tourists, a 653% increase from 2013’s 103,000 tourist arrivals. General Santos City hosts tourist destinations such as the Saranggani Highlands, Mount Sabrina Highland Resort and London Beach Resort, among others, which will surely make tourists enjoy their stay in the city. Services in the city are elevated as businesses and investors keeps pouring which resulted to upgraded facilities such as business centres and malls in the city. Nevertheless, General Santos city has indeed evolved into a getaway for locals and tourists alike as time goes by. And with its new tagline, IT’S GenSan Now! Is in hopes that it will promote the city more and will boost not only the city’s economy and name but also for others to realize that they are not only about the tuna. From beaches to hilltops, surely tourists will enjoy their stay in GenSan. Special Issue | VIAGGIO

Mindanao’s tourism ambassador WORDS BY Karlo Alexie C. Puerto PHOTOS BY JANE MARIE C. ECHAURE

“I am a child of Mindanao… Let us not be dictated by the news portraying a negative image of Mindanao because in our hearts we truly know what is Mindanao, the place we always want to live and never plan to leave.”

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uoting from The Edge Davao, these words of Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary (ASec) for Mindanao Arturo Boncato, Jr. solidify his mission for his homeland Mindanao – to promote the island as a tourist-friendly destination and disprove Mindanao being a conflict zone in the national and international community. Being referred by his colleagues, the press and his friends as “Art,” he never lost passion of his work – going to even the farthest regions of Mindanao and of the Philippines, bringing with him the distinction of being the only one among the DOT secretaries that hails from Mindanao. Early beginnings The passion for promoting Mindanao started when he was working with the Office of the President, under then-president Fidel V. Ramos, being assigned in Mindanao. “It was the time when the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) was born and [I thought] there were a lot of opportunities to include tourism [in Mindanao],” Boncato noted as he narrated how he, being a Journalism graduate at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, had discovered the tourism potential of the island. His entry to the tourism sector began when he became an event organizer and with the encouragement and support from then-DOT Region XI director Catalina Dacudao and other incorporators, they formed Convenors, Inc. (which means Conventions and Events Organizers). “We handled some of DOT’s projects in Mindanao, and also in the BIMP-EAGA area, including Singapore and other parts of Asia,” he further described. His professional stint in tourism began when he became the Sales and Marketing Manager at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao in 2000, and was eventually promoted to Assistant General Manager, the second highest ranking official on the hotel, before leaving the life of a hotelier. “I did not realize they [Marco Polo] were giving me a very senior executive position because I did not have a background in tourism, hotel management and sales. So, I have to learn on the job,” Boncato shared. During his employment for the hotel chain, he also became president of the Davao Tourism Association (DATA), where he pushed for innovative ways to promote Davao as a destination of choice. Journey to the top It was in 2010 that he was appointed as the

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Regional Director of DOT Davao Region, and he began promoting Davao as a destination through global tourism fairs and bidding of events. “The position has many challenges, one of which is bringing the Davao brand out there, showing [a] different image of Davao as a destination because there are stereotypes being in Mindanao. Every destination in Mindanao is perceived not so attractive to many travellers,” he expounded on the effects of the Mindanao stigma on Davao region being in the global tourism radar. It was under his watch that the DOT-Davao introduced “Let’s Meet in Davao,” an invitation for local and foreign companies to stage their corporate events in Davao in line with the new concept in business tourism: MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events). “[It is a good thing that] we were able to organize and get support from the hotel operators, convention centers and even restaurants and tour operators. We actually printed a manual for the MICE providers,” he detailed. The move to introduce MICE tourism in Davao led to the increase of MICE-related events in the city, and so far spread throughout the region. It also opened the opportunity for the possible hosting of the annual Ad Congress, since they have already seen Davao as a safe place to host larger events, which the organizers have never considered before. He was also the brainchild of the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, where triathletes from all over the world convene in Mindanao in its bid to reach the summit of the Philippines’ highest peak, in partnership with the Municipality of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, being the host. His other initiatives being the DOT-Davao regional director include the Big Fun Davao Sale, now on its second year, that promotes Davao as the shopping core of the South and an alternative shopping destination in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMPEAGA); and in partnership with the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), the Visit Samal Islands campaign every summer that invites locals and tourists alike to spend the season in the pristine beaches of the island. It was in 2013 that the DOT looked for a Mindanaobased assistant secretary and he was appointed as Mindanao’s representative in the DOT secretarial board. “In fact, I thought about it for a year. They asked me early on but I’m just new in [DOT] Davao. I thought it would be an opportunity wasted if I don’t take it specially that it was offered to me and

“I’m happy that the national government is now integrating Mindanao in the national tourism effort. I am optimistic of the results of such efforts done by the country,” there’s great support behind it. I think [I] just have to grab it and make it happen,” he said. Now, he has pushed the inclusion of Mindanao as a destination to be promoted on the DOT’s Visit Philippines 2015 campaign and be part of the national goal of attracting ten million tourists before Presiden Benigno Aquino III ends his term in 2016. “I’m happy that the national government is now integrating Mindanao in the national tourism effort. I am optimistic of the results of such efforts done by the country,” he noted on Mindanao’s rise from not being included in some tourism collaterals by the DOT before. The other side Outside the borders of his office either in the Department of Tourism office in Manila or in his Mindanao office at the Landco Corporate Center, he is just the same Art that his colleagues and tourism partners know. “I’m having fun, in and out. I even eat a lot more often in the office than outside,” he shared in jest. He is also a frequent traveller, noting all his 104 planes rides last year were work-related. “I don’t find time to travel outside work because my schedule is just crazy! But in between my travels for work is a rest time for me,” Boncato noted. Being a family man, he opened how he manages business and leisure time. “I always find time to shut off. I don’t think about work if there is time outside the office. I need time to be a normal human being, like being with my family, going to church, socializing with friends and whatnot.” He also said that he would sometimes just stay at home and reflect on his own. “I appreciate it when I just stay in my room, enjoying the silent moments because I was talking too much outside!,” he then quipped.

Boncato even shrugged off the burdens brought about by the nature of his job. “I don’t think that I have a heavy burden. I did not feel that I was working because I had fun,” Boncato enthusiastically said. He noted that while he was a graduate of UP Diliman, he went to Ateneo Grade School and Davao City National High School for his basic education. “I’m part of the school paper, theatre group, dance group, debate team and other school organizations [during high school]. But academicwise, I’m just an average student,” he said. He is the eldest of the four siblings in the family. He also has a daughter, who is now in Canada to finish college. What now? Boncato gamely told where he is going after he ends in term in 2016, co-terminus with that of President Aquino. “If you would ask me on what I would be doing, it will still be tourism-related. Tourisminformation, tourism-media or anything that is about sharing good, positive developments in the industry,” he declared with certainty. He even would still prefer doing it for Mindanao, his home land. “For me, there’s so much room for growth because we are the least developed, the least supported. We can excel in adventure ecotourism, community ecotourism and even the MICE tourism for other major cities like Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga,” he detailed. E ven with his career achievements, he has still remained grounded to the very purpose of him being in the tourism industry – the positive promotion of Mindanao both on the local and global community. He is a living example of what a genuine Mindanaoan is – hardworking, passionate and simply self-effacing. Special Issue | VIAGGIO

Tiongson Arcade:

Your affordable grilled food destination

henever hearing the word General Santos City, an individual's taste will instantly crave for the taste of their tuna. But what others do not know is that there are a lot more seafood delicacies than tuna that the city has to offer and will surely fill the appetite of many. One of the most popular and visited food destinations to gobbletheir seafood delicaciesis the Tiongson Arcade, which is located atCorner Tiongson and Mesa Streets in Barangay Lagao. Tiongson Arcade is composed of several restaurants which are al frescoin nature. In this setup, everyonewill be able to inhale all the smoke from the grilling areathat will surely awaken anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appetite, similar to that of the Dampa of Manila or the Larsian sa Fuente OsmeĂąa of Cebu. It usually gets crowded especially on weekend nights because most of the customers are together with their friends and families. They offer a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes - from fishes, squids, to seaweeds,

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WRITTEN BY MONIQUE LOISE ABELLANA PHOTOS BY ELAINE MAE D. MAGISTRADO

shrimps and a lot more.They also serve meats and kernelswith their special GenSan recipe. Most of them provide the same from the grilled pork, chicken, chorizo, chicken intestines to its gizzard. To ensure customers that they willbe eating the freshest catch, they can choose anything that is being offered in their aquarium (sometimes displayed similar to how the wet markets do it) and the cook will immediately grill it.It is a perfect spot to go after a long day in GenSan especially for the tourists who have been roaming around the city under the scorching heat of the sun. The restos at Tiongson are also very affordable, perfect for those who are in a tight budget. From the specialties likebihod (tuna roe) that costs Php100 only and can be cooked in spicy adobo-style to the white giant squid that is only Php130, the lato salad is at Php50 per serving. All of these have significantly large servings and are already good to share. Special Issue | VIAGGIO

All in one paradise

WRITTEN BY Angela Caesar Grant C. Rabino PHOTO BY ELAINE MAE D. MAGISTRADO

ired from the hustle and bustle of the city? General Santos City offers a place not far from downtown where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the view from above. Sarangani Highlands, one of GenSan’s top spots, is located on a hilltop that offers a breathtaking view of the Sarangani Bay and the nearby Balut Island in Davao Occidental, a six to nine-hour ferry trip from downtown General Santos. It also offers a perfect view of Mt. Parker and Mt. Matutum, both from nearby South Cotabato province. “The concept of a highlandresort was introduced in 2006,when the owners saw the potential of the site. They thenstarted the development of the area with the unused landscapingmaterials from Labella Hospital,” Jean Gerada, the Assistant General Managerdetailed. She also said that the landowner called in the two doctorsof the Labella Hospital tojoin in the management of theresort. The management trio decided to open first the highland restaurant on July 8, 2007, calledthe Sarangani Highlands Garden,and they continuously developedthe area and opened25 guest rooms and eight functionhalls in 2010. While in Sarangani Highlands, you will definitely get an acquaintance and reconciliation with nature.It undeniably has an excellent landscaping – lavish plants, flowers and a neatly trimmed lawn. There are also a variety of amenities that would surely satisfy your stay – garden, restaurant, functionsand hotel. Also, the place has its own stations of the cross that made it one of the perfect places for meditation. Its restaurant is one of the most visited parts of the place. They offer sumptuous and at the same timedelicious Filipino and Chinese dishes. Also, they serve breakfast that showcases the city’s local produce– tuna, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables. Until now, it is known to be the restaurant in the skies. Sarangani Highlands is also a great venue for seminars, conferences, weddings, birthdays and otherkind of celebrations. The place has a total of seven functions areas may it be indoor or outdoor. After a whole day of enjoying its facilities, you can have a blissful rest and relaxation withyour family and friends in their hotel. They offer excellent rooms at a very reasonable and affordableprice. Other offers in their hotel includes free Wi-Fi, free airport transfer, hot and coldshower for secondfloor rooms, a veranda and minibar for some deluxe rooms and a cable LCD television. Sarangani Highlands alsowelcomed several esteemedguests such as televisionpersonality Korina Sanchez-Roxas, beauty queen ShamceySupsup, and even worldboxer Manny Pacquiao. Itwas in 2013 that the place gotthe most exposure when KrisAquino decided to shoot herKrisTV episode here. “We have been very lucky herethat we have been chosen tohost some of Philippines’ most prominent figures. It will alwaysbe an advantage on our part,”Gerada said in jest. To get there, hail a tricycle(from downtown) or a taxi(from the airport) and tell thedriver to drive you to SaranganiHighlands in BarangayTambler. It is 20 minutes fromdowntown and 10 minutesfrom the airport. Moreover, they offer a breakfast promowherein you can start yourmornings with a SaranganiHighlands meal for as lowas Php 99 while enjoying thescenery and the landscape. They also offer a Sundaypromo wherein they will slashhalf of the indicated price of allguest rooms. Certainly, you will forget all your troubles when you breathe in the fresh air and fill your senses with the spectacular view of the Sarangani Bay and downtownpart of General Santos City. Surely, Sarangani Highlands is your all in one paradise. 30

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Tambilawan: the place you shouldn't miss

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the place. The chicken inato was juicy, and the halo-halo? So yummy!,â&#x20AC;? Rachelyn Bonjoc, GenSan-based student blogger.

WRITTEN BY KARLO ALEXIE C. PUERTO AND ADELINE CLAIRE E. PONTERAS PHOTOS BY ELAINE MAE D. MAGISTRADO

eed to cool down from the GenSan heat? The city offers their best version of the favorite Filipino cooler, the halo-halo! Located at J.P. Laurel Avenue in Barangay Dadiangas West, Tambilawan Kamayan Restaurant will not just satisfy your need for a cooling dessert but also your appetite for a heavy meal. They have their signature juicy chicken inasal meal for only Php 59 apiece (Php 89 for unlimited rice) that will surely make your stomach full. Aside from it, they also serve the all-time favorite GenSan tuna belly and other heavy meals. They also serve the superstar of their menu: their own version of halo-halo, whch is packaged colorfully, similar to the serving by Davao's famous halo-halo destination Aling Foping's, for only Php 49. Affordable, right? Their halo-halo is creamy and tastes just right - neither too sweet nor too bland. will surely make your mouth water and you will surely crave for more! "I like the place. The chicken inato was juicy, and the halo-halo? So yummy!," Rachelyn Bonjoc, a GenSan-based student blogger said. The place itself is also 'Instagram-worthy', she added. Aside from their tasty food, the place itself is very relaxing and calming. Their native kawayan theme is leveled up by the eco-friendly garden accessories they display in the vicinity. What are you waiting for? Food, place and price, they got it all! Do not end your GenSan trip without dropping by Tambilawan Kamayan Restaurant. Special Issue | VIAGGIO

The taste of crispy success By Fairah Kleanne Pendatun and Louise Janree Sacco photos by elaine mae d. magistrado

“I used to buy pork chicharon whenever I’m in Cebu but as they say, health wise tuna is healthier and from there I discovered Tuna Chicharon,”

eople often say that money is not important to be happy in life and that the family is and more important than anything else. While some stands by that saying, some believes that money is also important in order to attain a good and happy life as well. From a clerk attendant to one time big time businesswoman, Mrs. Felicidad Into never thought her discovery of tuna chicharon and her little Ellyne’s Tuna Chicharon business would become a hit – not just in GenSan but in the whole country. In exchange to all her hard works and determination, her product became a salelable product in GenSan and is well-received in other countries like the U.S.A., Canada, the Middle East and other Asian countries as well. Every sacrifice she has done to give her family a better living and be able to provide their needs all paid off, thanks to her tuna chicharon!

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Early beginnings “Actually, I am a business course graduate and started as a clerk then got employed for 20 years. I started a small business, in addition to my salary as an employee,” Into shares. GenSan is popular in producing Tuna and she discovered that the tuna skin is being thrown and is not used. From there on, she came up with an idea of making her own version of Tuna Chicharon since she is an avid eater of chicharon, too. “I used to buy pork chicharon whenever I’m in Cebu but as they say, health wise tuna is healthier and from there I discovered Tuna Chicharon,” she says. She wanted it to be different from other chicharon. She started her own signature tuna chicharon taste by innovating it from a plain flavor. She then added spices on it such as garlic, salmon and hot spicy. Later, with the help of her family, they started packaging in small amounts. “My husband and I cook it and when my children are still students, they used to package the chicharon and I used to tell them ‘we should help one another to make this business work’ and then it got acceptable to the market,” she shares.

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They joined fairs hosted by the local government of GenSan to introduce their product. They received good feedbacks and became known as Ellyn’s Tuna Chicharon. Today, they have expanded their outlets in airports, hotels, malls and pasalubong centers in Gensan Journey to the top Mrs. Felicidad and her husband, Mr. Edgardo Into, started their tuna chicharon business in 2007. In the beginning, they find it really hard to sell the chicharon because nobody wanted to resell their product because of the fear that nobody would want to try it. “Before, only a few buys our product then we tried distributing it in the pasalubong centers and they rejected it because no one was interested in buying it and its foul smell. Then, I said to myself that my product is different and I experimented and added seasoning to it. I asked for suggestions from my friends until I got the right taste of what tuna chicharon should really be,” Mrs. Into said. It took the couple years before their chicharon became famous. Mr. and Mrs. Into would travel to Manila to attend trade fairs just to promote their

product. They have tried many ways to promote their product until they became known as Ellyne’s Tuna Chicharon. They also had customers from other parts of the country who orders to them regularly. “Well, actually, we just get ideas from our consumers and also from other producers. It’s different because it has a distinct flavor. Well of course it’s Tuna and at first it wasn’t really accepted because of its smell until we innovated it,” Mrs. Into shared. She became open with suggestions from friends and those who have tried their chicharon, she adds. It was a gesture that helped their business grow and become famous not only in Gensan but also in the country. From a small business, their chicharon is now famous and has been featured in TV shows from GMA, ABS CBN and TV5. The couple never expected their business to grow and be known in the country. From a product that took so long before people appreciated, it became a product that people are looking for especially those who are not from Gensan. They are now distributing their chicharon in variety of pasalubong centers in Gensan and shipping bulk orders of chicharon outside General San-

tos City. What now? “I am planning to experiment more on my chicharon and explore other things so the public would love my product more,” she revealed. Today, Mrs. Into is experimenting new taste of vinegar to pair with her Tuna chicharon to give a better taste to the chicharon. They are also planning to change the name Ellyne’s Tuna Chicharon to Ellyne’s Food products, paving way to their plan to diversify their offerings and and promote Gensan to other Filipinos and foreigners as well. “We’re planning to have a factory outlet and to have our own place, for us to have no difficulties in distributing the product and it will be easy for us,” she adds. From all the trials that she and her family encountered, everything paid off. She was able to send her children to prestigious schools and now all of them had graduated and on their way to become professionals. Money does not guarantee you happiness but it can help you provide the needs of your family to be able to live a healthy and harmonious life.

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The Golden Boot’s Story WORDS & PHOTOS BY Adeline Claire E. Ponteras

“It’s my passion already. I wanted to be popular like famous football player Marta Vieira da Silva. I would also want to build a stadium here in Davao since there are more skilled players here than anywhere else in the Philippines,”

hen we were kids, we are usually asked what we want to be when we grow up. Some would want to be astronauts, doctors or become a president. Others would even want to become princesses in their own fairy tales. Then about a couple of years later they would be asked the same question again. This time, teenagers would usually say, “Who the hell knows? Our future remains unknown and there are a lot of choices yet to be made.” But Agot Danton, 18 years old, already knows what she wants to become. She did not just wake up one morning and became the Golden Boot of the 2014 Street Child World Cup held in Brazil. She has been working hard and training hard every day of her life since she got to know the ball.

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Childhood Agot has been living in the S.O.S. Children’s Village in Davao City together with her four other siblings since their mother passed away and their father left them back in 2006. “My mother died when I was five years old, then my father had another family,” Danton shared. They used to live at Matina Pangi in Davao City but when her mother passed away, his father told them he cannot support them anymore and left them to another charity institution before they were moved to the S.O.S Children’s Village. “He only visited us for two instances. After that, he did not visit us anymore. But, as what we know, he is just in the city,” she detailed. They were then transferred to the S.O.S. Children’s Village, where the siblings became closer and more intact. “In each of the 14 houses lives 10-11 people. Since we are siblings, the four of us are placed in one house,” Danton explained as to how the S.O.S. Children’s Village distributes children to their respective houses. Currently, Agot is now on ninth grade at the Holy Cross of Davao, sponsored by the institution. “They give us the freedom to choose where we would want to enroll. We strive hard to be good on our studies because our good grades is the only thing we can give them,” she said. Hello, football Fate led the way to unleash Agot’s once hidden talent. Upon her transfer to the village, she also got the opportunity to know about football. “Usually, only men play football. I would want to try playing, but our aunt [as they call the guardian from the S.O.S.] said that the sport is only for men. I would want to explore art, but she told me to help out in the household chores and watch over my siblings instead,” she started. She then saw Rona Zulueta, a fellow from the village, playing football, giving a hint that the sport is definitely not only for men. “I told her ‘good for you, you can play. My aunt [the institution head] told me that I cannot play football because I’m a girl.’ But Ate Rona told me that girls can play football, so I told her I would want to join the trainings even if it’s not allowed,” she then shared. Agot then continued how she would sneak playing football. “I would play whenever the head goes out to the wet market. If she returns, she would just see me doing household chores,” she said in jest. 42

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But when their ‘aunt’ saw her playing and saw how she would play, her ‘aunt’ finally allowed her to play football. Training She started playing when she was about eleven years old under her first mentor, Coach Wawee. It was in summer of 2007 that she met Coach Kitoy Canton, who became her mentor and coach then on. “Agot is very hardworking. Every morning, I would see her bringing a ball, in every corner of the village. The ball is her best friend,” Coach Kitoy shared. Indeed, Agot’s hard work paid off as she was selected to represent the Philippines in the 2014 Street Child World Cup. “The director [of the village] does not want me to join the Street Child [World Cup] because I am not a street child. I told her I just would want to join for exposure,” she narrated. The village director allowed her to join, being one of the three Mindanawons who were part of the nine ladies selected to represent the country in the said competition. Invading Rio Agot shared her experience in Rio de Janeiro “It’s really different. From the fourteen hour travel to the grand welcome that was given to us at the airport, we were even shocked that we do not know what to react or do,” she expressed in jubilation. Nineteen countries participated the tournament, and they stayed in a common village-style compound in the Brazilian capital. “We were warmly welcomed by the host country and the organizing committee. We had a group sharing before we went to the stadium where famous football player Neymar de Silva Santos Jr. played,” she added. The Philippine team made it to the finals against the host country Brazil. It was a tough game as both teams had a chance to win but the home court advantage and more cheers from the Brazilian crowd boosted the Brazilian players and defeated the Philippine team by one goal. “Unfortunately, we failed to defeat Brazil. We were even afraid of them knowing that we are in their homecourt. We have not even scored a single point against their one point,” she recounted. Even though the Philippines ended up as the first runner-up, Agot was awarded the cup’s Golden Boot Award. The Golden Boot award is given to the player tallying the most goals during the whole season. Agot was able to make a total of 10 goals in all their matches.

“I feel rejuvenated every single time I play. I am excited to play every day. Before, I am the goalkeeper and our opponents have a difficult time hitting the goal,” “I did not expect to get the award. I exerted more effort because our coach told us that if we will not win the semis, we will surely be out of the competition,” she said. Through football, Agot was able to receive good tidings. One of which is being able to travel in different places inside and outside of the Philippines and was able to expand her friendship circles. “I feel proud when my friends, whether here or abroad, would cheer for me whenever I am playing on the field,” she elaborated. Sometimes, she feels physically exhausted after playing series of matches that led her to procrastinate in some school projects but, she is still able to cope up, recover and excel in her studies as well. “She could perfectly balance her academics and athletics. Aside from football, she also engaged in karate and dancing,” Coach Kitoy described. “Unya sa school pud naga excel pud siya. Balance lang. Dili kay sports lang, sa iyang studies naga excel pud siya. Murag honor student gani siya. Naga apil pud siyag lain pareha sa karate, naa siyay dancing. Naa na siya didto. Dili lang siya focus sa sports, gina try niya tanan,” Canton says.

Marta Vieira da Silva. I would also want to build a stadium here since there are more skilled players here than Manila,” Danton added. Agot’s passion didn’t just made her an excellent player but a deserving role model as well. “I told her to lead and motivate her team mates to play their best game. I know they will take cue because I know her team mates look up on her as a role model,” Canton remarked. Aside from passion, her family became her fortress to continue living and playing. “They fuel more my passion to play. Aside from them, I also count on my friends and also to God for inspiration and strength,” she said. Danton also would like to disprove the notion that the sport is only for men. “I want to inspire everyone who watches our games. My opponents would even tell me that they are inspired of my story,” she added.

Invitation Like Agot, who never thought that her dream will happen sooner than how she imagined it, anyone who works hard will surely be a step closer to their Motivation dreams as well. When asked what motivates her to keep on “Follow your dreams and never give up. Even playing football, Agot respond with only one word, if it is not yet your time, keep practicing. Have faith in passion. God as He will guide you to achieve your dreams,” she “I feel rejuvenated every single time I play. I am then shared. excited to play every day. Before, I am the goalkeeper Like how she journeyed to represent the and our opponents have a difficult time hitting the Philippines in the world sporting arena, anyone can goal,” she said. take a cue from her and excel in a thing you love and She even shared her aspirations do. “I wanted to be popular like famous football player

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