Experiences from the South

10 Years of Giacomino's Pizza

by Tanchi | 7:37 AM in Foods, Gensan | View Comments

Owner of East Asia Royale Hotel, Rombar Bartolome widened his business career after acquiring out the whole Giacomino's Pizza company, which was originally establish by an Italian who loved the country's culture and place, which resulted to a combination of Itilian and Filipino type of taste.

After reliving and rediscovering Giacomino's Pizza, the craving for its mouth-watering dishes was also rediscovered.

I was once an avid diner of Giacomino's which was located in RD Plaza while the other one was rooted in the owner's luxury hotel, just in front of Gaisano Mall. After its branch in RD Plaza closed, I've never been engaged with its pizza again, not until a Plurkfiesta initiated by Bariles.

As I entered the place on a rainy afternoon, I was reminded of how Giacomino's spicy wings delighted me, and the Ottima Pizza which was the only vegetable pizza I'd ever liked during wet days. Bariles initiated a plurkfiesta for the Gensan and Davao Bloggers, which basically aims to relive the place and experience the 10 years of great pizza. Just in case you ever wonder, why'd the place got its green, red, and white colors, read this little wall of history:

Click photo to enlarge

What's new about Giacomino's Pizza? Well, I must admit I was amazed with the pizza's newly improved crust and its fresh and hot servings.>

Another thing, Giacomino's had another item for their menu, Halo-halo, which I know, will soon break name in the city.

So,these are just few of the hundred reasons why you should try out the new Giacomino's. Of course, I should.

Soon to Open Taaz Bar Official Logo

by Tanchi | 5:04 AM in Artworks, Gensan | View Comments

Donnamae Congson - owner of Envy Me Salon, one of the famous salon and spa service of the town, is extending her business not just in salon but a bar. Taaz Bar is a new experience of night life in Gensan. By May 2009, the bar, which is located at the rooftop of Envy Me Salon and Citifront lodge, Pioneer Avenure, is expected to open. A new site will soon be added to Pioneer Avenue's night life. Let's keep them coming. Taaz Bar is making a way to Pioneer's lively nights.

As a contributor of establishing the bar, I've been recently invited by Miss Donna to her location to develop ideas which would later be used for the logo. Since the place is a native-inspired look, while maintaining it's modern approach, the fonts used are simple yet jointed styles.

The color is the main criteria. A good combination of yellow, orange, and brown makes the place bright and soothing. I also included the native colors of the famous Tinalak to meet the Bar's tagline, "Where Style Meets Culture". Laslty, to meet and consider the modern part of the bar, I decided to make the logo circular with the use of waves and musical notes.

Gensan Tastebud: Orange Bistro

by Tanchi | 11:14 PM in Foods, Gensan | comments (14)

Mouth-watering dishes- this is the main goal of Ms. Cathy Teng, who runs Lagao Road's savoring food experience, Orange Bistro.

The restaurant's perfect location, Lagao road, make in and out visitors of Gensan come along, the fact that Lagao is an exit road of the city leading to Davao and Sarangani Province.

There are so many comfortable restaurants around the city, but Orange Bistro would still be one of my favorite restaurant here in Gensan. The soothing place and mild lightnings topped my reasons why I keep on coming back for a more well-deserved meal on Orange Bistro.

Last Saturday, Gensan Plurkers decided to meet-up again, or more preferably called, Plurkfiesta, along with a warm-welcoming of a Davao Blogger and Plurker, Mr. Blogie Robillo, who went for his 2-day vacation on Gensan.

Orange Bistro always served good shots of foods. When our random order arrived, it was indeed, well-arranged platters.

Served in front of me was a platter of Nachos dipped in well-applied dose of cheese savors. Preparing Nachos are easy but on that case, the combination of its cheese dip and the crisp Nacho is a good way to start your meal. It is definitely a must-try for all dining at Orange Bistro.

A line of Chicharong Bulaklak (Fried Pork Intestine) is all set for a pinch of vinegar to soak with. I'm much of a Chicaron (Pork Skin) eater than with those Chicharon which mainly consist of Pork Intestine, but to my excitement, I've decided to take dip some crispy part of it into vinegar. It was the intense taste of the vinegar and the Pork Intestine itself which led me for another shot of it.

Spaghetti and Angel's Hair were unique in different ways, but it would have been a same approach since the two are both pasta, but Angel's Hair is quite different from what I expected it to be with the sweet taste of Spaghetti. It is very much similar in terms of it's appearance, but Angel's Hair had other unforgettable taste and a soothing aroma.

Ever tried an Iced Tea with a drip of Orange fruit extract? It was the first time I tried to extract two slices of Orange fruit and the blending was quite far from the expected taste of the drink. There was a mild-sourness when I tried sipping it, and as it pass through I took over a taste of sweetness, better yet, the original taste of the Iced Tea.

Since the place is located just beside the highway, I'm sure travelers would be seeing much of an Orange Bistro comfortable site, and their function room just beside the dining proper of the place. Start visiting the place now, and who knows, this might be a new thrill for you to share with.

Orange Bistro is located at Lagao Road, General Santos City.

Gensan is Participating in Earth Hour 2009

by Tanchi | 3:56 AM in Gensan, Positivity Posts | comments (11)

March 28,2009 is a day that would once again mark the history, in which people unite for one goal: to temporarily cut off the electricity and turn off all the lights to reduce the negative effect on Earth.

This time, it's our turn to participate. All the Generals would be actively supporting this special event. The local government of General Santos City is participating for the first time with the response and initiative of Mayor Pedro B. Acharon in the invitation to join and support this move.

World's largest mass participation: One billion people, 1000 cities will join force to help save the earth by sending out impulses to UN and help reduce and contain the Greenhouse gas which continuously damage the earth.

The country's participation was initiated by WWF and Department of Energy, getting the attention of almost all Filipinos nationwide.

As an active General who is willing to take the chance out of it, I'm calling out people of SOCCSKSARGEN to take action and responsibility in a once beautiful earth.

This is a movement for us to prove that we still care about our planet, we all strive for a better earth, and most of all, there's still a hope to build a better tomorrow.

Pooh and K Live in Gensan

by Tanchi | 9:45 PM in Gensan, Gigs in the Town | comments (13)

Gensan is indeed full of surprise. The visit of a great songwriter and composer David Pomeranz last February 14 proves the possibility that the city can hold events not just local artists but also to those who are international performers.

April is the best month to showcase another talent, but this time, it would be the scene of the local artists. This time, it's not feeding our eardrums with melodies, instead, it would be a night of humor, and laugh lines.

Did I ring a bell?

April 19,2009, the same spot where David Pomeranz serenade the Generals, Lagao Gym, Pooh and K will be feeding us with their most funny and famous laugh lines. With this great combination of the country's top comedians, Pooh and Kay Brosas would definitely laugh our hearts out.

This event will be a blast for sure, adding the fact that Pooh used to impersonate our very own Manny Pacquiao, with this fact, his on-going famous career began with his comedic-name, Manny POOHquiao.

Here's a teaser from Pooh's stunning laugh lines as Manny Poohquiao:

Meanwhile, Kay Brosas who's claim-to-fame was her "Sasakyan Kita" video which was performed by her group called K and the Boxers.

LAUGH 'TIL YOU DROP, The compatibility of Kay Brosas to Pooh was never a bad decision, the two would definitely be on track with each other's line.

I guess, this would be a night to free your worries and start that moment with nothing but the laughter on your mind. Just relax and have a dose of Pooh-K sessions.

So Generals? What are you waiting for? Be sure to reserve your tickets now, and watch out for on-going promos:

Platinum - Php 600 (reserve seats, courtside)
Gold - Php 400 (free seating, courtside)
Silver- Php 250 (free seating, lower bleacher)
Bronze - Php 150 (free seating, upper bleacher)

Want some free pass? Then, be sure to take off your seat and visit Bariles Republic for his BLOG-ABOUT-IT on-going contest.

For more info, you may contact 0920-2078888 and 0905-8222220 or call the City Mayor’s Office at (083) 554-4214. Look for Haydee

Gensan, All Set for Kalilangan Festival 2009

by Tanchi | 6:35 PM in Gensan, Gigs in the Town | comments (6)

Kalilangan Festival 2009 is all set for a blast this coming Friday, February 20. The festival is known for its showcases, particularly, Streetdance Competition where different schools perform through colorful appearances. Lakan at Lakambini is also a must-see in the festival, and other associated pageantry.

There's been a great development on how the Local Government, specifically, the Gensan Tourism Council, establish the plans on how to push through with Kalilangan. After the releasement of Kalilangan Festival's official poster there had been a greater positive response, considering how the design of the poster made an eye for everyone. Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College's Grease Art Studio never failed it's subject, and basically, this year's theme.

GTC's vice-chair Rey Billena's previously released schedule concludes a greater Kalilangan Festival, magnificent showcases around the city, battle of beauties, and tons of suprises for the enjoyment of everyone. One proof of a much amazing Kalilangan Festival this year is the David Pomeranz Concert last February 14th.

General Santos City's 70th Foundation Anniversary is entitled "Pagbabalik Gunita sa Pitumpong Taon ng Kaunlaran, Kapayapaan, at Kasiyahan". The festival is a great approach on how the city made it through its ups and downs the past 70 years.

Be sure to be in the Grand Ceremonial Opening on the 20th day of February, which is usually followed by a grand fireworks display. HAPPY KALILANGAN!

Life Under Highway

by Tanchi | 5:06 AM in Gensan, Photography | comments (5)

I grew up with experiences of suburban thrills, while rarely visiting places of Gensan's outskirts, particularly, Puting Bato. The moment we recieve our place to establish our Backyard Catechism thrills me. Imagine, being on a populated place, experience their way of living their, everything's a whole new level, since I grew up downtown.

A view from the descended part of the community, approaching the highway.

Life under the highway is simple, everyday is just an ordinary day. Descending from the main road, cloth hangers catched my attention, kids playing just beside the road, by that time, you'll realize how dangerous it is. A path leading to their chapel, where you could barely walk through, is the first thing you'll experience through.

Above all this,what thrilled me most is how these people showed enthusiasm to our simple teachings, especially the children. Obviously,the place is crowded with more children than adult ones. Children are eager to learn and join in activities. People in that place would really change your impressions into somewhat kind and cozy fellows, actually, they did welcomed us warmly.

SOCCSKARGEN Bloggers Night at Genee

by Tanchi | 11:05 PM in Blogging, Gensan, Mindanao | comments (16)

I was ecstatic about the invitation of Sir Avel, otherwise known as Bariles, regarding a bloggers meet-up. A chance to meet up the co-members of SOCCSKARGEN Bloggers was put into action at Genee, a new taste on Gensan's downtown.

Being on a wiser spot, Genee is surrounded by different schools on Gensan's Oval Plaza and Pendatun Avenue. The former Gensan Oval Grill was now transformed into a whole new level, from it's ambience, down to its food and quality service. Owner Rey Billena brought up the place into a whole new additional suiting taste of the city's Pendatun Avenue.

It was around 6:30 pm when I arrived their together with my school prof, Rammyboi, but not to call him "sir" whenever we are outside the school's vicinity. It was the first time I entered the newly renovated restaurant, along with my impressions on its interior designs, it was indeed a one-of-a-kind gig place. The ceiling is made up of a collaged photographs of Gensan's top photographers, on of it is Leonard Pe, and a well cleaned sight to be seen in every corner of Genee.

Havin a stress-free night out

Later on, Sir Avel arrived and it didn't took long before we had our chunk of Genee's taste. Bangus-chicken combo in a single plate along with a fair-scored Mango Juice suits my dinner well. The sweet taste of their bangus is just getting splendid as you chunk more of it, while the chicken never failed my taste either, thus, making me more interested for an early comeback on the place. The serving is fair enough for its low price, definitely.

Bangus and Chicken

After a sip of the last mango juice, the orders never ended their. Sir Avel kept them coming, a dose of appetizer, such as halo-halo, together with a cup of two mango ice cream chunks. The approach on the appetizer was a real good thing after eating up your dinner, the halo-halo was large at serving but fair enough to satisfy your craving.

Mango Ice Cream

We ended up having our appetites full, while doing a little place-strolling, and a magic trick session by Nate Marx, it never failed his audience.

The big deal on the meeting that night was never forgotten, to experience a Northern Downpour, in a simplier meaning, in order to get attention not only in Mindanao but also to the country, we should be, at first, as a blogger, be involved in online communities which socializes, one of it is SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS. Second one, blog about what's positively happening in our town lately, to gain more attractions which I guess will lead to a well-known blogger's community here in Gensan, it's a great privilage of we're in it.

I'm laughing out loud, too bad

Members of SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers

So if you are a blogger of Gensan, or more general, SOCCSKSARGEN, why not sign up here. Let's continue growing up. I know we can.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: gensantos.com, blagadaggg.com

David Pomeranz Live in Gensan (Updated)

by Tanchi | 9:06 PM in Gensan, Gigs in the Town | comments (8)

Old songs remind us of our special someone, the beautiful and rough moments. The melodies of love songs seems like tattoed on our minds, we never grew tired repeating these harmonic melodies all over again. February 14, all lovers will be reuniting their cherished moments along with the songs of an unfading love icon, David Pomeranz. I've been one of those kids who grow up hearing his undying songs, from a generation, down to another generation.

Yes, if I'm not mistaken, David Pomeranz who's name is on the songs, "King and Queen of Hearts", "Born for You", "If You Walk Away", and my all-time favorite "Got to Believe". Gensan is welcoming again another foreign artist, since Toto's invasion, which clearly prides Gensan's competetiveness. Ok, here's the big deal, David Pomeranz, will be invading the city of Generals, right on the very day of valentines. Lovers will witness the Multi-platinum award winning songwriter's performance at the city's official gym, Lagao.

Another dose of David's love song, here is a teaser if you'd like to know how do a guy named David Pomeranz serenade his audience: (INSPIRED BY THE ANIMATION)

In line with the Kalilangan Celebration in the midst of February, David Pomeranz' performance on Feb. 14 will be one of the highlights of the celebration, knowing that Gensan is the famous singer's major stop, which will be followed on the other parts of the country, particularly Cebu.

As what Bariles qouted in his blog:

David’s gig in GenSan comes in the heels of the concerts of foreign artists last year in this area, The Lettermen (in Koronadal) and Toto (GenSan), a clear indication of better things to come for Soccsksargen’s concert circuit.

Ok, so, if you're up to this gig, be sure to follow-up your tickets, with the corresponding prices: P 1,500 (courtside), P 1,000 (lower box), P 350 (upper box).

The price is fairly enough for everyone who wanted to watch this event, considering how famous, David is.

Bariles Republic wanted you to come, so he decided to establish a contest regarding this event, if you want to join just take your time to visit the contest mechanics. Who knows? So, all the lovers and loveless out there, guess what? you could be the one sitting in front of the King of Love songs. You'll also get the chance to take home stuffs from Grab-a-crab, and Coffee Club 101. Spare no time, it's your chance!

OFFICIAL POSTER

Tickets to “A Valentine’s Affair with David Pomeranz” are available at Coffee Dream KCC, Grab A Crab Restaurant, Coffee Club 101, MISO, East Asia Royale Hotel and ABS-CBN Office at Purok Malakas. For inquiries, please contact telephone #s (083) 303-0060, 0919-8912259 or 0917-3639191. Or log on at http://www.ticketbox.com.ph

News from: Gensantos.com (No. 1 Blog of the South)

Gensan Tastebuds: Port Cafe

by Tanchi | 3:21 AM in Food and Drugs, Gensan, My Banana Experience | comments (9)

Yesterday was a bit far off from what we used to do. Me and my friends hang out sometime within the past few days, but luckily, yesterday, we tried out to take over Gaisano Mall Gensan's Port Café. Trying out something new on the food list is what we do whenever we are exhausted from strolling the two nearby malls.

Port Café has never been an uknown dining experience since I was on my last year in high school. Aside from the fresh air on its veranda along with the relaxing seats, the restaurant also offers cheap foods, such as buy-one-take-one shakes and mild appetizers like, moise cakes. The "port" interior design would really catch your attention while you can relax and groove with the catchy tunes of the restaurant's jazz music.

After an hour of a stressful walk, the group decided to take on the shakes as the appetite starters then off to the main order: Spaghetti for 69 pesos. The thought of planning a late lunch was put to test, looking back at their Port Meals Menu, I decided to add Garlic Chicken for only 60 pesos in my list, along with its stunnig gravy dip and the iced tea. While waiting for our queue, we decided to order something sweet and sour, so we go for the Calamares, fried and breaded squid and it's just something hard to resist especially the dip.

After a dose of milk shakes, grilled pork chop, and ice tea spilling all over the places, we decided to rest for a while, letting those calories shake off a bit, and headed for a photo-op session. All these camwhores are exhausted from eating out the whole bunch of food galore.

So, If you're a traveller, and was blown here in Gensan, try one of the city's tastebuds, surely you'll be hook to it's good service and good foods. This is just one of many delicious food experience here in Gensan. Try it!