Hospitality and Tourism

Mag-Kalilangan na! Tuklasin ang Gensan!

2012-03-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=favNRVNt8qs&feature=related

Beyond the Bay - Experience Gensan

2012-01-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

Source:
Credits to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&v=AoTVjC_qIH0&gl=US

The Old farmer and His Son!!

2011-12-12T18:30:00.000-08:00

An old farmer wrote to his son in prison.

"This year I wont be able to plant potatoes because I can't dig the ground. I know if you were here you would help me"

The son wrote back:

"Dad don't think of digging the ground because thats where I buried the guns"

But Police read the letter and the very next day, the whole field of the farm of his father was dug by police looking for guns but nothing was found.

The next day son wrote again:

"Now Dad, plant your potatoes, thats the best I can do from here"

The farmer and his son were poor. The son was a dreamer and went to the city. The son wanted to help his father but fell to temptation and became part of a mafia or syndicate. Eventually he was caught and put to jail. The police monitored all communications so that they can gather informations. The son got a letter from his father. The son felt guilty about the condition of his father and the farm. It was already planting time the son cooked up an idea of letting the police dig the entire farm by giving them a false information about the guns. It was a joke for the police but its a very big help to his father and to the farm.

Old Woman!

2011-08-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Someone has email me this sad story of an old woman:

His family went to the beach, as they arrive, he noticed an old woman sitting at the shore. Hours went by, its already midnight. The old woman still sitting there. He approach the said old woman "'Nay, sino po kasama ninyo?." Mga anak ko apo, pero pumunta lang daw sila sa trabaho, tapos balikan lang ako pag-uwi nila."He said " Maghahatinggabi na po Nay! sigurado po ba kayo na babalik pa sila?".

The old woman said;"Oo apo, hindi nila ako pababayaan malaki ang tiwala ko sa mga anak ko dahil sa akin sila nanggaling, saan man sila mapunta lukso ng dugo parin ang mananaig, ito nga't may sulat silang iniwan sa akin apo", His tears fell down as he read the letter, it says" Kung sino man ang makakakita sa matandang ito, pakidala niyo na lang po sa Home for the aged. Thanks po".

The old woman said; Don't cry apo, Huwag ka ng umiyak andyan naman ang Panginoon ako nama'y Kanyang gagabayan hindi naman Niya ako pababayaan. Tulungan mo na lang ako sa pagdarasal na nawa'y ang mga anak ko ay haplusin Niya at ng ako'y maalala.

Destiny's Called!

2011-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

HRM Schools and Culinary classes are everywhere now a days.

Yesterday's waiter, dishwasher and kusinero. But today they are bigtime manager, bigtime chef and some of them they will become a succesful businessmen. Yesterday's vocation is today's career. Managing was something mother's simply exceled in, "Like on how to raised a child", something womens do.

When I was on my O.J.T. (on-the job trainee) at one of the Hotel here in General Santos City, I got an interview one of the on-call washer. And goes like this "He shared I really need this job even though (taga-hugas lang) but its worth it, I need cash in order to help my family. He laugh and continue washing the dishes. You know what if you'll know how to prepare food and accept the reality and have enthusiasm on it maybe one day you will become chef "He laugh again"...That would become your sugar and coffee, I believe that experience is the best teacher just believe and have faith in God trust Him all the way.

Preview

Coffee-Mate Vanilla Caramel, Sugar-Free Powdered Coffee Creamer, 10.2-Ounce Units (Pack of 6)
Coffee-Mate French Vanilla, Sugar-Free Powdered Coffee Creamer, 10.2-Ounce Units (Pack of 6)
Torani Variety Pack, Sugar Free, 25.4-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 6)Maxwell House International Coffee Sugar Free French Vanilla Café, 4-Ounce Cans (Pack of 6)
Big Train Blended Ice Coffee, No Sugar Added Mocha, 2.8-Ounce Bags (Pack of 25)
Maxwell House International Coffee Decaf Sugar Free French Vanilla Café, 4-Ounce Cans (Pack of 6)

Regine Biyahe Tayo! Complete Ad

2011-08-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

Source:
Credits to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-C6a6cyNAw&feature=player_embedded

GENSAN'S TUNA FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE 2009 GTX

2011-08-14T12:15:00.001-07:00

Source:
Credits to
http://www.youtube.com/eRnJALBUNAgumapal

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

2011-08-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Source:
Credits to
http://www.youtube.com/eRnJALBUNAgumapal

Proud to be Pinoy

2011-03-29T01:20:00.001-07:00

Tuna Industry in General Santos City

2011-03-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

Fishing is a PhP50 billion industry in the Philippines, contributing about 4% of the country’s GNP. With an annual production volume of 2.4 million metric tons of fish, it directly provides livelihood and employment to over one million Filipinos. Tuna is among the 200 or so species of fish found in the country that have high commercial value. The Philippines ranks 7th among the top

tuna producing countries in the world, both in terms of fresh/frozen tuna and canned tuna.

Despite this formidable ranking, the Philippines position in the international tuna industry leaves much room for improvement. The industry continues to be vulnerable to price fluctuations in the world market, stiff competition from existing and emerging tun producing country, trade discrimination in some importing countries, limited access to fishing grounds, increasing costs, and operational inefficiencies within the industry. Of late, however, these has been a genuine recognition among the tuna industry players and development partners of the need to urgently address the obstacles to industry’s growth and the industry is now taking firm steps to do just that.

With the modest success of the 1st tuna Conference in General Santos City in September 1999 and a series of regional workshops and industry forums earlier this year, it has been confirmed that it is, indeed, possible to bring the multisectoral stakeholder groups together and talk about their common concern-how to strengthen the Philippine tuna industry and become more globally competitive.

GROWTH OF THE TUNA FISHING INDUSTRY IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY

The tuna fishing industry had never been this promising and lucrative since its birth on this side of the earth-General Santos City. Lying at the head of the Sarangani Bay, the city has been dubbed the “Boom Town City of the South,” and considered as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Philippines.

Had it not been for its strategic geographical location and existence of other amenities needed by the fishing industry, General Santos City could not have become South Cotabato’s heart of commerce and trade. Boosted with the signs of prosperity sprouting everywhere,” business has never been better,”. With the advent of the operation of General Santos City Fish Port Complex, post-harvest technology equipment needed to prolong the shelf-life of tuna and other species of fish, are made available, thus playing a vital role for trading and other post harvest activities.

The proximity of the city to tuna-rich fishing grounds including the Moro gulf, Sulu Sea, Mindanao Sea and adjacent Celebes Sea which are known centers of tuna abundance, is great advantage. This location is even pleased with fair weather zone which is not normally visited by devastating typhoons or seasonal adverse weather patterns. Another advantage is the availability of facilities like wharves, canneries and an airport. With these characteristics, the city is truly an ideal base of operation for commercial tuna.

The deep sea adult tuna fish catched by handline or longline ranges from 110 to 150 centimeters in size (Aprieto, 1995).

As early as 1970, General Santos City has been tagged as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”. The total daily catch of adult and juvenile tuna unloaded in the city can surpass that of any other fishport or even the entire unloadings of all other fish ports in the country combined (Aprieto, 1995). The daily catch is easily disposed for foreign and local buyers. The city, being the sanctuary of seven (7) tuna canning factories with an average daily capacity of 750 MT per day and employs around 7,800 plant workers (GEM) the volume of catch on a per day basis is even insignificant as to the distribution of the market.

As of September of the previous year alone, the total catch has reached a voluminous 5,031, 866 kilos where ‘sashimi” grade adult tuna comprises 35 % or about 1,774,922 kilos. The locally distributed adult tuna for local consumption ate the largely 65% chunk and distributed to neighboring cities of Davao, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, South Cotabato and as far Japan and the U.S., skipjack for canned markets in Europe and North America.

Fishing Boats

The commercial tuna fleet is usually composed of deep sea purse seine and ring net vessels. Purse seine boats range from 100 to 500 gross tons, with an average of about 250 gross tons. On the other hand, the municipal tuna fisheries is consist of largely of deep sea tuna fisherman catching by handline or longline the adult tuna which range in size from 110 to 150 centimeters (Aprieto, 1995).

Of the total volume of fish landings brought in by the commercial fisheries (669, 597.40 metric tons as reported by the Philippine fish marketing Authority office in General Santos City), tuna species comprises about 50 to 100 percent.

About 45% of the tuna catch are skipjack, about 25% are yellowfin, and about 23%are frigate and bullet tuna. Around 60% of the ring net landings supplied to the local canneries, 35% is brought out of General Santos City to local domestic fish markets and the remaining 5 % is consumed locally.

Tuna longline fishermen catch adult yellowfin and billfish deep waters as an average from 500 to 800 kilograms per trip which lasts from one week to two weeks. The average number of boats that come known to the port on a daily average is about 25 fishing from as far as borderline of Indonesia and Palau Islands. The catch according to the fishermen usually consists of 95% yellowfin, 3% bigeye, and 2% billfish.

Yellowfin Tuna

The impact of the growing tuna industry of General Santos City has been inviting in-migrants seeking employment in any of the canning factories or sashimi-exporters for the Japan market. The rate of population growth has notably increased in an alarming rate of 2.64% per annum for the last 5 years. This means that the city’s population increases at about 10,000 warm bodies per month. The study is based on the trend analysis on General Santos City migration.

Since the start of GSFPC’s operation, unloading of tuna and tuna-like species has dramatically increased. Fish unloading started at the fishport’s market 1 with the recorded volume of 515, 160 kgs., for the month of April 1998, where majority of the catch consists of yellowfin tuna.

Fish unloading dramatically increased on August 1998, when market 2 which caters to baby purseiners and mixed species of fish producers opened, showing an increase in total fish unloading of 118% based on the April 1998 data.

Apparently, another abrupt increase in tuna unloading was noted when the port’s Market 3 accommodating large purseiners opened on March 1999 increasing the volume by 227% compared to August 1998 data.

The captured tuna and tuna-like fishes have been monitored to be delivered to 3 major destinations. These include the canneries, the processors/exporters, and the local market catering the local consumers.

GENERAL SANTOS FISHPORT COMPLEX

The construction of General Santos Fish Port Complex(GSFPC) was funded by Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund(OECF) of Japan. GSFPC is the nation’s second largest fish port after Navotas, and considered the most modern in the country today. The construction started last December 1994 and finished in March 1999.

Aerial view of the General Santos Fishport Complex.

Located at Barangay Tambler, General Santos City, it is a 32-hectar lot owned by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority(PFDA) The operationalization of the GSFPC is considered of great importance to the East Asian Growth Area(EAGA) as it is envisioned to be a major fishing post-harvest project in Mindanao area. GSFPC boast complete six -35°C cold storage with a 300 MT capacity each, 4- tons/day brine freezer; a 60 tonner ice plant and a 758 meters of landing/preparation area.

REFRIGERATION FACILITIES

Ice Making Plant 60 tons/day

Ice Storage 60 tons/day

Ice Crusher 20 tons/hour

Cold Storage, -35°C 1,500 tons (6 x 250 tons)

Contact Freezer, -45°C (4 units) 288 kg./cycle/3-4 hr./unit

Air Blast 14 tons/day

Brine Freezer 50 tons/day

BUILDINGFACILITIES
Fish Market (3 units) 6,000 sq.m.

Refrigeration Building 7,000 sq.m.

Maintenance Shop 360 sq.m.

Administrative Building 420 sq.m.

Net Mending Shed(4 units) 160 sq.m.

Public Toilets 120 sq.m.

Fresh Water Pump House 19.36 sq.m.

Fire Pump House 12.00 sq.m.

Sea Water Pump House 19.04. sq.m.

It also include 4 market halls, fish container storage yard and maintenance shop among others. The operation of GSFPC paved the way for bigger production and high quality products which is now haven for big and small fish producers/processors. With the expansion of General Santos City Fish Port Complex, the growing fishing industry in the city will be served with utmost efficiency. The expansion includes a belt conveyor fish sorting system with ancillary cargo-handling, weight bridge and telescopic boom crane, municipal fish landing wharf and a market hall and an off-site development for fisheries and related activities which will be leased to cooperatives and other interested private individual for fish processing, ice and cold storage plant, contact freezer, e.g. fencing, road pavement, drainage and water reservoir.

Indeed, These salient special features of the General Santos Fish Port Complex could well be competitive with the international fish port facilities catering the ever growing tuna industry of General Santos City.

Source credit to : http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/tuna-industry/

About GENERAL SANTOS CITY

2011-03-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Magandang GENSAN...

The City of General Santos (abbreviated G.S.C. or GenSan.; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Heneral Santos, Filipino: Lungsod ng Heneral Santos) is the southern most port city of the Republic of the Philippines. It is one of the most populous urban centers in the country with a population of 529,542 as per data of 2007 census.[1][2] GenSan is bounded by municipalities of Sarangani Province namely Alabel in the East of the city, and Maasim in the South. The city is likewise bounded by South Cotabato municipalities of Polomolok and Malungon in the North, and the municipality of T'boli in the West of the city. General Santos City is a component of South Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN) growth region.

History

Organized under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) of the Commonwealth Government headed by President Manuel L. Quezon, General Paulino Santos led the relocation of 62 Christian settlers from Luzon to the shores of Sarangani Bay aboard the steam ship “Basilan” of Compania Maritima on February 27, 1939. The 62 pioneers (mostly agricultural and trade graduates) were the first big batch of settlers to land in GenSan with the mission to industriously cultivate GenSan's fertile expanse of land. After this first influx of pioneers, thousands more from Luzon and the Visayas have subsequently migrated into the area. This started the displacement of some native B'laan tribe to the mountains and lost their livelihood.

The B'laan people are the original settlers of GenSan which they called Dadiangas during the time. The B’laans live a nomadic way of life in and around GenSan. Evidence of their early occupancy are the names of the places in the city which were derived from their native terms. One significant name is Dadiangas, their native call for a tree which has thorns on it’s trunk and stems that abundantly thrive in GenSan during the time. Under Indigenous Peoples Right Act IPRA law RA 8371, these Dadiangas trees are now protected and it is proven under the Philippine jurisprudence of the Supreme Court. In the present time, the B'laan tribe live side by side in harmony with the new generation of settlers and other immigrants.

In March 1939, the first formal settlement in the city was established in ’’Alagao’’ which is now known as Barangay Lagao. Lagao district was known then as the “Municipal District of Buayan” under the jurisdiction of the deputy governor of the Municipal District of Glan. Until it officially became an independent Municipal District of Buayan on October 1, 1940 appointing Datu Sharif Zainal Abedin—an Arab mestizo married to a daughter of a very influential datu of lower Buayan—as the first district municipal mayor.

One year after the mark of Philippine Independence from the Americans on July 4, 1946, the Municipality of Buayan became a 4th class regular municipality by virtue of the Executive Order Number 82, dated August 18, 1947 by President Manuel Roxas, absorbing the Municipal District of Glan whose low income bracket at the time disqualified it for the honor. Dadiangas was the seat of government for the Municipality of Buayan electing Ireneo Santiago as its first Municipal Mayor on a local election that was held on November 11, 1947. Mayor Santiago was formally inducted on January 1, 1948.[3]

Six years later, in June 1954, the Municipality of Buayan was renamed General Santos as a tribute to its great pioneer. This was made possible by Republic Act No. 1107 authored by Congressman Luminog Mangelen of Cotabato Province.

From 1963 to 1967, during the incumbency of Mayor Lucio A. Velayo, an upsurge in the municipality's economy was experienced as several large agri-based and multi-national corporations such as Dole Philippines, General Milling Corporation and UDAGRI have expanded into the area. Although it was then qualified to become a fourth class city from being a municipality, the residents rejected a move by Congressman Salipada Pendatun to convert the Municipality of Buayan into a city and to rename it ’’Rajah Buayan’’.

Finally, on July 8, 1968, upon the approval of Republic Act No. 5412, which was authored by the late Congressman James L. Chiongbian, the Municipality of General Santos was converted into a city while keeping its name. It was inaugurated on September 5 of that year. Antonio C. Acharon became its first city mayor. In 1988, two decades after its inauguration, it was declared as a highly urbanized city.

Location

General Santos City lies at the southern part of the Philippines. It is located at 6°7'N 125°10'E latitude. The city is southeast of Manila, southeast of Cebu and southwest of Davao.

Barangays

General Santos City is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.[1]

* Apopong

* Baluan

* Batomelong

* Buayan

* Bula

* Calumpang

* City Heights

* Conel

* Dadiangas East (Pob.)

* Dadiangas North

* Dadiangas South

* Dadiangas West

* Fatima

* Katangawan

* Labangal

* Lagao (1st & 3rd)

* Ligaya

* Mabuhay

* Olympog

* San Isidro (Lagao 2nd)

* San Jose

* Siguel

* Sinawal

* Tambler

* Tinagacan

* Upper LabaY

The city is the gateway to the opportunities, sights, sounds and culture of SOCCSKSARGEN region. Backed with world class infrastructure today,[4] GenSan and the whole of SOCCSKSARGEN region are within hassle-free reach by air, land, sea or even via the most advanced form of technology from virtually any part of the world.

* Communication

Modern and state-of-the-art communication facilities at par with global standards are readily available and are provided in General Santos City by major telecommunication companies in the country. These include voice, data, internet and network solutions, among others, in both wired and mobile forms.

* Air

The General Santos International Airport is the largest airport in Mindanao. It has a 3,221-meter concrete runway[5] capable of handling wide-bodied jets like Airbus A340 and Boeing 747-400. Flights to and from Manila and Cebu cities are currently being operated in the airport, by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, servicing an ever increasing demand in the volume of both passenger and cargo traffic to and from the city and SOCCSKSARGEN region.

* Sea

The Makar Wharf is the main international port of the city and is one of the finest ports in the country. With a 740-meter docking length and a 19-meter width, the wharf can accommodate up to nine (9) ship berthing positions all at the same time.[6] The port is complete with modern facilities like container yards, storage and weighing bridges to name a few.[7] Several shipping companies operate regular inter-island ferry service to and from other major ports in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Negros Navigation, SuperFerry and Sulpicio Lines provide these inter-island shipping routes while numerous Indonesian shipping lines operate international ferry service between General Santos City and neighboring ports in Indonesia carrying both passenger and cargo loads.

* Land

Commuting in and around General Santos City is a fast and convenient ride. More than 400 passenger buses and jeepneys wield routes within the city and neighboring provinces. Three-wheeled motorized cabs known as tricycles are the city's main mode of public transport and has been in the road since the pioneering times. Air-conditioned taxis also ply the city streets offering commuters a choice of a more comfortable mode of transportation.

Maintained by the City Engineers' Office, the city's major road networks are paved and endowed with safety road marks, signs and signals to ensure a secure and efficient traffic flow within the city. The Pan-Philippine Highway links the city by land to other major cities in Mindanao and to the rest of the country.

The General Santos City Terminal—popularly known as Bulaong Terminal—located in Barangay Dadiangas North is the city's main integrated land transport terminal. The terminal serves as the city's gateway for land travelers. Buses, jeepneys and other forms of public mass transport—to and from various parts of Mindanao and the country—are being stationed at the said terminal. A proposed Laoag-Manila-General Santos City and vice versa bus route may soon be operational by Partas, a mass transport company based in Cubao, Quezon City.

Economy & Industry

The city's major economic activity is primarily anchored in two sectors namely the agro-industry and fishing industry.

* Agro-industry

Endowed with rich volcanic soil, ample and well distributed rainfall all throughout the year and a typhoon-free climate, General Santos City produces export quality high valued crops such as corn, coconut, pineapple, asparagus, banana and rice. It also yields quality exotic fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. The city is also a top producer and exporter of quality livestock such as poultry, hogs, and cattle. But with the continuing growth in population and economy in the passing of time, a number of the city's agricultural lands have gradually been converted into built up areas in order to address the relatively growing need of dwelling and viable spaces.

Tuna Export in General Santos City

* Fishing industry

General Santos City is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the Philippines. Thus in as early as 1970, the title "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" has become a tag to it. GenSan also accounts for the second largest daily total catch of fish in the country after Navotas City in the National Capital Region. Locals in the city boast that fishes and seafoods do not come fresher than what is found in their locality. The fishing industry in GenSan yields a total daily capacity of 750 metric tons of fish catch alone and employs about 7,800 workers. Which is why, General Santos City is home to seven (7) tuna processing plants in the country. A world class Fishport Complex in Barangay Tambler has a 750-meter quay and a 300-meter wharf for 2,000 GT reefer carriers. The fishport is equipped with modern facilities that comply with international standards on fish catch handling.

Being a component city and center of commerce and trade in Region XII known as the SOCCSKSARGEN region and owing to its strategic location and world class infrastructure and support facilities, General Santos City plays a very important role in the emergence of SOCCSKSARGEN region as the country's leading producer of export-quality major commodities.

[edit] Support facility

* Power

Majority of the city's power supply is being serviced by the second district of South Cotabato Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO-II). The said power distributor acquires the majority of its power needs for the city's consumption from the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) while other sources are drawn from various Independent Power Producers (IPP) from nearby power plants and barges.

* Water

Majority of the households and other entities in the city are provided and serviced with clean, safe and potable water supply from deep well sources by General Santos City Water District (GSCWD). Potable water sources in other far flung and remote parts of the city where cannot be reached my the local water utility service are being served by their individual Barangay Water And Sanitation systems.

* Waste management

In a bid to achieve an efficient and sustainabale management of non-hazardous wastes the city produces every single day, the finalization and construction of the city's waste water treatment facility is currently underway at the corner of P.Acharon and I.Santiago Bloulevards .[8] The said location is adjacent to the city public market and is the former site of the city's Fish Landing. The facility will include settling ponds and anaerobic reactors among others.

Likewise is the finalization stage for the construction of a multi-million solid waste management and disposal system in Barangay Sinawal. The new and modern solid waste management facility will replace the existing city dumpsite in Barangay Siguel.[9]

Business

General Santos City has registered 1,505 new medium to large enterprises in 2000. An aggregate investment involved is estimated PHP 1.899 billion, generating 4,361 new employees. Of the total investments, 76.03% were in social and personal services, 9.77% in wholesale/retail trade businesses, 4.38% in manufacturing while at 0.02% were investments in mining & quarrying.

* Banking and Finance

As of 2000, there are 59 banks serving the city. This composed of 46 commercial banks, 5 savings banks, 7 rural banks and 1 cooperative bank. Aside from this, there are 48 lending institutions as well as 49 pawnshops providing emergency loan assistance.

Education

General Santos City continues to be the center of education in Region XII. The city is home to two (2) universities namely Mindanao State University - General Santos (MSU-GSC) and The Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU)and also Colleges like Goldenstate College.

Tourism

Down the southern tip of Mindanao, expanding from the basin of Sarangani Bay, lies the City of General Santos. The bustling metropolis is a fortress of modern amenities that is endowed with the gift of nature's beauty and diverse cultures abound. It is a gateway in discovering the boundless beauty of SOCCSKSARGEN Growth Region.

Food

The Tuna City pampers its guest with tons and tons of tuna and other fish delights that gave birth to several eating institutions. Wide range of dining establishments pop-up right into the heart of the city which can fill your cravings with satisfaction beyond capacity with a variety of Mindanaoan, Filipino, Asian and Western delicacies. Fresh-from-the-catch seafood and right-from-the-harvest agricultural products have perfectly matched to make a savory and sumptuous array of dishes in its various food outlets and restaurants.

Topping the list of must-eats are tuna and opah ("Dayana"), two of the best sellers among local celebrities, which come served as the exciting sutukil-sugba (charcoal-boiled in special sauce, dipped in the requisite Toyomansi), tula (soup in ginger, onion, lemon grass, pechay and tomatoes), and kinilaw (fresh cuts in vinegar, shallots, cucumber and pepper).

Festivities

The colorful and lively Kadsagayan Parade during Kalilangan

Big tuna float during Gensan's Tuna Festival

General Santos City celebrates the "Kalilangan" every month of February. "Kalilangan" means festival, festivity or jubilation. It is a social gathering marked by exchanging of amenities among traditional leaders, elders, allies and subordinates in varying tones. In a broader perspective, "Kalilangan" projects a positive and dynamic meaning for it engulfs the artistic, humane and altruistic aspects of social interaction that takes place in any occasion or celebration. "Kalilangan" is a noble tradition. It is a complete work of art nourished and nurtured by rich cultural heritage that has withstand the test of time from generation to generation.

It is also a pageantry of unique and colorful ethnic rites, rituals and traditions like marriage celebrations, religious ceremonies, anniversaries, funerals, enthronement of royal dignitaries, thanksgiving and other forms of social, political and economic activities.

It is not just an economic activity, but a continuous season of merriment, gaiety and merrymaking accentuated by sharing of gifts, traditional sports competition, dancing, singing and instrumental rendition and other forms of exhibition games, entertainment and amusement.

General Santos City is known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. Thanksgiving and festivities are being celebrated annually through its "Tuna Festival". Focusing on its main industry. Tuna Float is an event to taste sumptuous tuna treats during the Tuna Culinary Contest.

The Klaja Ecopark

Is an ecological preservation park located 15 km off the central business district on the North East side of city in Barangay Conel. Klaja Karsts Land derived it's name from “Kalaha” or frying pot as it looked like one due to the surrounding towers of karsts formation naturally formed millions of years ago. It produced natural waterfalls and caves. Opposite to this area is the Ranch and camping ground of Nopol Hills which borders Barangays Conel and Mabuhay. Nopol hills offer visitors a wide scenic overview of the entire city, as well as the Sarangani Bay and parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province. The view of the city is even more breath-taking at night time where colorful bright lights of the bustling metropolis are visible from the top.

During World War II, Gen. Santos City become one of the last frontiers between the American, Filipino and Japanese forces. Japanese retreating forces made Klaja Karsts Land as their last ground for defense, constructing round cemented bunkers and tunnels. Today, one can still see bunkers at Sitio Guadalupe but unfortunately for the tunnels, most were deformed and even destroyed by treasure hunters and land developers.

Sister cities

Butuan City, Philippines

Cebu City, Philippines

Marikina City, Philippines

Naga City, Philippines

Quezon City, Philippines

Monterrey, Mexico

Hadano, Kanagawa, Japan

Source: Credit to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Santos

AN DIE BLUMEN VON HEIDELBERG (German, English, Spanish, Tagalog)

2010-10-10T02:41:00.001-07:00

AN DIE BLUMEN VON HEIDELBERG

(German, English, Spanish, Tagalog)

by: Dr. Jose Rizal on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 5:35pm

This Poem written by: Jose Rizal in Germany

AN DIE BLUMEN VON HEIDELBERG (GERMAN)

Reist in die Heimat, fremde Blumen,

die ihr des Wandrers Weg gesäumt,

reist dorthin, wo er seine Lieben

beschützt vom blauen Himmel weiss.

Erzählt vom Pilger in der Ferne,

der sich nach seiner heimatlichen Erde sehnt.

Geht, Blumen, und erzählt

vom ersten Sonnenstrahl,

der am kühlen Neckarufer

eure Blüten öffnete und,

versunken in Gedanken

an der Heimat ew'gen Frühling,

den stillen Wanderer

an eurer Seite fand.

Erzählt auch von dem sanften Wind,

der mit euch spielend,

euren Duft euch raubte,

während er vertraute Liebeslieder

in der Muttersprache sang.

Erzählet von der Morgensonne,

die den Königstuhl vergoldend

schimmernd durch die Nebelschleier

Wald und Flur erwachen liess.

Hier noch in ihrer Morgenröte,

lässt sie daheim schon den Zenit erglühen.

Erzählet, wie dieser Wanderer,

noch ehe jener Tag sich neigte,

am Wegesrain, am Neckarufer,

in Waldes Schatten und

des Schlosses alte Mauern

euch Blumen brach.

Erinnert auch, was er euch sagte,

als er behutsam eure welken Blätter

geliebten Bücherseiten anvertraut.

Tragt meine Liebe in die Heimat,

bringt ihrer Erde, die so reich an Früchten,

Frieden, Vernunft den Männern,

Klugheit ihren Frauen,

Gesundheit allen guten Menschen,

die der Geborgenheit des Vaterhauses sicher sind.

Erreicht Ihr Blumen dann den Strand,

so lasst die Flügel einer Brise

den Kuss, den ich euch gebe, weitertragen,

dass er als Zeugnis meiner Liebe

berühre, was mir lieb und heilig ist.

Doch ach, ihr Blumen, wisset:

Fern der heimatlichen Erde,

der das Leben ihr verdankt,

verlieret ihr den Duft,

auch wenn eure Farben leuchten.

Denn der Duft ist eure Seele,

die den Himmel,

unter dem sie sich entfaltet,

nie vergessen noch verlassen kann.

TO THE FLOWERS OF HEIDELBERG (ENGLISH)

Go to my country, go, foreign flowers,

Planted by the traveler on his way,

And there beneath that sky of blue

That over my beloved towers,

Speak for this traveler to say

What faith in his homeland he breathes to you.

Go and say. . . say that when the dawn

First drew your calyx open there

Beside the River Neckar chill,

You saw him standing by you, very still,

Reflecting on the primrose flush you wear.

Say that when the morning light

Her toll of perfume from you wrung,

While playfully she whispered, "How I love you!"

He too murmured here above you

Tender love songs in his native tongue.

That when the rising sun the height

Of Kainigsthul in early morn first spies,

And with its tepid light

Is pouring life in valley, wood, and grove,

He greets the sun as it begins to rise,

Which in his native land is blazing straight above.

And tell them of that day he staid

And plucked you from the border of the path,

Amid the ruins of the feudal castle,

By the River Neckar, and in the silvan shade.

Tell them what he told you

As tenderly he took

Your pliant leaves and pressed them in a book,

Where now its well worn pages close enfold you.

Carry, carry, flowers of Rhine,

Love to every love of mine,

Peace to my country and her fertile loam,

Virtue to her women, courage to her men,

Salute those darling ones again,

Who formed the sacred circle of our home.

And when you reach that shore,

Each kiss I press upon you now,

Deposit on the pinions of the wind,

And those I love and honor and adore

Will feel my kisses carried to their brow.

Ah, flowers, you may fare through,

Conserving still, perhaps, your native hue;

Yet, far from Fatherland, heroic loam

To which you owe your life,

The perfume will be gone from you;

For aroma is your soul; it cannot roam

Beyond the skies which saw it born, nor e'er forget

A LAS FLORES DE HEIDELBERG (SPANISH)

Id a mi patria, id, extrangeras flores,

sembradas del viajero en el camino,

y bajo su azul cielo,

que guarda mis amores,

contad del peregrino

la fe que alienta por su patrio suelo!

id y decid ... decid que cuando el alba

vuestro caliz abrio por vez primera

cabe el Neckar helado,

le visteis silencioso a vuestro lado

pensando en su constante primavera.

Decid que cuando el alba,

que roba vuestro aroma,

cantos de amor jugando os susurraba,

el tambien murmuraba

cantos de amor en su natal idioma;

que cuando el sol la cumbre

del Koenigsthul en la manana dora

y con su tibia lumbre

anima el valle, el bosque y la espesura,

saluda a ese sol aun en su aurora,

al que en su patria en el cenit fulgura !

y contad aquel dia

cuando os cogia al borde del sendero,

entre ruinas del feudal castillo,

orilla al Neckar, o a la selva umbria.

Contad lo que os decia ,

cuando, con gran ciudado

entre las paginas de un libro usado

vuestras flexibles hojas oprimia.

Llevad, llevad, oh flores !

amor a mis amores

paz a mi pais y a su fecunda tierra,

fe a sus hombres, virtud a sus mujeres,

salud a dulces seres

que el paternal, sagrado hogar encierra ...

Cuando to queis la playa,

el beso os imprimo

depositadlo en ala de la brisa,

por que con ella vaya

y bese cuanto adora, amo y estimo.

Mas ay llegareis flores,

conservareis quizas vuestras colores,

pero lejos del patrio, heroico suelo

a quien debeis la vida:

que aroma es alma, y no abandona el cielo,

cuya luz viera en su nacer, ni olvida.

SA MGA BULAKLAK NG HEIDELBERG (TAGALOG)

Pumaroon kayo sa mutya kong bayang pinakamamahal,

O mga bulaklak na hasik sa landas niyong manlalakbay,

At doon, sa silong ng maaliwalas na langit na bughaw,

Sa mga mahal ko'y di nagpapabaya't laging nagbabantay,

Inyong ibalita itong pananalig na sa puso'y taglay

Ng abang lagalag na di lumilimot sa nilisang bayan.

Pumaroon kayo, inyong ibalitang madilim-dilim pa,

Kung kayo, sa bati ng bukang-liwayway, ay bumubukad na,

Sa pampang ng Neckar na lubhang malamig ay naroon siya,

At sa inyong tabi'y inyong namamasid na parang estatuwa,

Ang Tagsibol doong hindi nagbabago'y binubulay niya.

Inyong ibalitang kung sinisingil na ng bukang-liwayway

Ang buwis na bango ng inyong talulot pag ngiti ng araw,

Habang bumubulong ang bagong umagang halik ang kasabay

Ng "Kung inyo lamang nababatid sana yaring pagmamahal!"

Siya'y may bulong ding inaawit-awit sa katahimikan,

Kundiman ng puso na sa kanyang wika'y inyong napakinggan.

At kung sa taluktok niyong Koenigsthul ay humahalik na

Ang mapulang labi ng anak ng araw sa pag-uumaga,

At ang mga lambak, gubat at kahuya'y binubusog niya

Sa daloy ng buhay na dulot ng sinag na malahininga,

Yaong manlalakbay ay bumabati ring puspos ng ligaya

Sa araw, na doon sa sariling baya'y laging nagbabaga.

At ibalita rin na nang minsang siya'y naglalakad-lakad

Sa pampang ng Neckar ay pinupol kayo sa gilid ng landas,

Doon sa ang tanod ay ang mga guhong bakas ng lumipas,

Na nalililiman ng maraming punong doo'y naggugubat.

Ibalita ninyo kung paanong kayo'y marahang pinupol,

Pinakaingatang huwag masisira ang sariwang dahon,

At sa kanyang aklat ay ipinaloob at doon kinuyom,

Aklat ay luma na, datapuwa't kayo'y naroon pa ngayon.

Hatdan, hatdan ninyo, O pinakatanging bulaklak ng Rin,

Hatdan ng pag-ibig ang lahat ng aking nga ginigiliw,

Sa bayan kong sinta ay kapayapaan ang tapat kong hiling,

Sa kababaihan ay binhi ng tapang ang inyong itanim;

Pagsadyain ninyo, O mga bulaklak, at inyong batiin

Ang mga mahal kong sa tahanang banal ay kasama namin.

At pagsapit ninyo sa dalampasigan ng bayan kong irog,

Bawa't halik sanang idinarampi ko sa inyong talulot

Ay inyong isakay sa pakpak ng hanging doo'y lumilibot,

Upang sa lahat nang iginagalang ko't sinisitang lubos

Nawa'y makasapit ang halik ng aking pag-ibig na taos.

Maaaring doo'y makarating kayong taglay pa ang kulay,

Subali't ang bango'y wala na marahil at kusang pumanaw,

Wala na ang samyong sa talulot ninyo'y iningatang yaman,

Pagka't malayo na sa lupang sa inyo'y nagbigay ng buhay;

Iwing halimuyak ang inyong kaluluwa, at di malilisan

Ni malilimot pa ang langit na saksi nang kayo'y isilang.

The Yellow Rose (Ang Dilaw na Rosas)

2010-04-12T03:47:00.000-07:00

Ang Dilaw na Rosas

"The Yellow Rose"

Sa isang napakalawak na bukirin ng Hacienda Paraiso, may napadaang manlalakbay na kung iyong tingnan ay parang hindi siya tagaroon, ng sa kanyang paglalakad napadpad siya sa isang pangpang na kung tawagin ng mga tagaroon ay "Mahiwaga" sapagkat puno ito ng mga magagandang bulaklak na doon mo lamang masisilayan. Nang siya'y dumungaw sa bandang bahagi ng pangpang may napansin siyang isang dilaw na rosas na kung saan kakaiba sa lahat ng nandoon, napalingon siya sa itaas at biglang nasabi "Panginoon nais kung pitasin ang mahiwagang rosas na aking nakita sa mahiwagang pangpang na ito"(wika ng manlalakbay),at biglang may sumigaw sa kanyang likuran"Sir! bakit po kayo nandyan ipinagbabawal po ang pagpunta diyan sapagkat marami ng nadisgrasya sa pangpang na iyan.(sabi ng batang may edad walo).Bata nais ko lamang pitasin ang magandang dilaw na rosas na nakabighani ng aking paningin maaari ko bang pitasin ito?(wika ng manlalakbay na para bang nagmamakaawa),Pwede naman po, pero paano?(sabi ng bata). Bata mapipitas ko yan kung tutulungan mo ko, may lubid akong dala ikaw ang itatali ko dito sa lubid na ito at dahan-dahan mong pitasin ang bulalak, at ako ang hahawak at huwag kang matakot hihigpitan ko ang paghawak upang ikaw ay hindi mahulog, kahit magkano ibibigay ko sayo makuha ko lamang ang ninanais ko.(wika ng isang manlalakbay). Ok po pero sa isang kundisyon!(wika ng bata),Ano namanng kundisyon iyan?(wika ng manlalakbay).Papuntahin ko muna ang tatay ko upang sa ganoon siya ang hahawak sa lubid na pagtatalian ko.(wika ng bata).Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto bumalik ang bata at daladala ang kanyang tatay. At gayon nga napitas ng bata ang mahiwagang dilaw na rosas sa pangpang. Maraming salamat sa inyo sa wakas nakuha ko ang ninanais ko,kaya mo pala pinapunta ang tatay mo eh!wala ka sigurong tiwala sa katulad kong estranghero."wika ng manlalakbay".Eh! ganoon po talaga kahit sinong bata ang uutusan niyo po sa ganoon ka panganib na sitwasyon talagang nangangailangan ng tulong sa kanyang ama, ako po malaki ang tiwala ko sa itay ko dahil alam kong hindi niya ako ipapahamak."wika ng bata". At doon nagtatapos ang maikling kwento.

Bottom line;

Gaya ng bata may matibay siyang tiwala sa kanyang ama, kahit mapanganib susuungin niya dahil matibay ang kanyang pananalig sa kanyang ama, na hindi siya kailanman ipapahamak. Para sa akin sa maikling kuwento na ito ang bata ay may may matibay na tiwala sa kanyang ama na kailanma'y hindi siya ipapahamak nito, sa linyang ito isinasaad na kahit ano pa mang mga pagsubok o unos na darating sa buhay mo tawagin mo lang Siya, Siya ay nariyan sa iyong puso matagal ng kumakatok pagbuksan mo lang tiyak ikaw ay kanyang bibiyayaan ng magandang buhay, basta manalig ka lang sa Kanya at magtiwala ng walang pag-aalinlangan. Tungkol naman sa manlalakbay para sa akin siya ang pagsubok na aakit sa iyong mga kahinaan na kailangan mong paglabanan, kung ang kahinaan mo ang susi ng iyong tagumpay gawin mo ang ninanais mo manalig at magtiwala ka lang sa Kanya tiyak hindi ka niya pababayaan ng ating Panginoong Hesu Kristo!.

Ang salita ng Diyos!

Magpasalamat tayo sa Diyos at Ama ng ating Panginoong Jesu-Kristo! Pinagkalooban niya tayo ng lahat ng pagpapalang espirituwal dahil sa ating pakikipag-isa kay Kristo. At sa atin ngang pakikipag-isang ito, hinirang na niya tayo bago pa nilikha ang sanlibutan upang maging banal at walang kapintasan sa harapan niya. Dahil sa pag-ibig ng Diyos, tayo’y kanyang itinalaga upang maging mga anak niya sa pamamagitan ni Jesu-Kristo. Iyan ang kanyang layunin at kalooban. Purihin natin siya dahil sa kanyang kahanga-hangang pagkalinga sa atin sa pamamagitan ng kanyang minamahal na Anak!