My SM, My City, My Cuisine Commends SOX Cuisine

The newly opened SM City in General Santos City never fails to amaze the locals as it gives tributes and pride last February 22, 2013 at the SM Event Center to the regional recipe that spans nationwide with their My SM, My City, My Cuisine.

the SOX bloggers with SM City - GenSan Assistant Mall Manager
 Engr Hermon L. Hernandez

This joint project of SM Supermalls and the Philippine Star with help from Homeworld, My City My SM My Cuisine highlights the unique flavor of Philippine regional cuisine through a culinary competition presenting two signature recipes from participating cities where SM malls are placed. 

Culinary Competition Winners Olimpio C. Pactes and Janeth P. Paghubasan 

The competition at SM City - General Santos showed off two signature recipes of bihod (tuna roe) for the entree and dessert from dried papaya and dried pineapple. 

Winners Mr. Olimpio C. Pactes for Tuna Roe Pinakamalan, a Maguindanaon dish for entree category and Mr. Janeth P. Paghubasan for  Dried Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Toast Bread for dessert category bagged Php 5,000.00 worth of SM gift certificates  and gift packs from Homeworld.

the distinguished board of judges for the cook - off competition

Winners were decided and chosen by the board of judges which included SM Foodcourt Manager, Mr. Donne Marcos, Ranchero Nuevo owner, Mr. Paolo Sunglao and SM City General Santos Assistant Mall Manager, Engr. Hermon L. Hernandez.

Tuna Buntot in Gata specialty from
Mrs. Sol Sunglao, Ranchero Resto Owner

The Launching Program commenced with audio visual presentation with Ms. Cora Alvina, Board of Trustee of Metropolitan Museum, was prepared and underscored GenSan’s food culture and featured personalities who play significant roles in GenSan’s food tradition and industry. It featured Chef Kring Macion, who shared their family heirloom recipe, Chicken with Pineapple. Another successful woman with great contribution in GenSan’s rich culinary culture was also highlighted, Mrs. Sol Sunglao, owner of Ranchero who demonstrated her original recipe which is Paksiw na Buntot ng Tuna in gata. And lastly, Ms. Marina Sudao, a native T’boli woman, shared with our guests and mall goers their food which native t’boli people usually have in their table. My SM, My City, My Cuisine calls for the unique blends and taste of the SOX chefs and the restaurants that showcase the  distinct liking of the SOX for great food. So, hail to SM City for highlighting the pride of Filipino cuisine nationwide!

DOLEFIL Turns 50

SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers Meet - up with DOLEFIL

Reaching a golden year is never easy for companies, thus, to have come that far, commendations are well due to the entire company for a job well done.

But, DOLEFIL reaches 50 with distinct flying colors as it receives various international and national awards including from ISO and Kapatid Award for outstanding management, operation, social responsibility, employees' care and safety to list a few.

To date, DOLEFIL  has more than 4000 regular employees with annual production equivalent to about 8 billion health - bound servings delivered to international markets worldwide. 

So, this 2013 is a string of various activities for DOLEFIL which started with simultaneous fireworks display last January 1, 2013 in its areas of operations in Calumpang, General Santos City, Surallah, and Polomolok, South Cotabato.

More importantly, they shall be helping underprivileged families  and individuals who are stricken with unwanted health issues to go through free medical operations under the expertise of doctors and other medical personnel from Philippine Medical Society of Florida in partnership with Howard Hubbard Memorial  Hospital staff, Mahintana Foundation, Inc.,  and Mt. Matutum Healthcare Foundation that aims to help around 100 patients to commence on January 13 - 19, 2012.

With the new strategic business move,  the new ownership of DOLE's Worldwide Packaged Foods and Asia Fresh businesses, including DOLEFIL, more improvements and upgrades are expected to be on roll.

So, we salute DOLEFIL for its continued employee - focused, community - oriented,  and quality - adherence practices and principles. Another 50 years shall be be an easy feat.  

Enjoy Great Dining Experience @ Pensoy's Grill

Pensoy's Grill Facade; photo credits: Arnel Joshua Lim

Three (3) weeks ago the old Big Blings Restaurant was reborn to "PENSOY'S GRILL" under the original owners, the Thomas Haw family, of Big Blings with wider food offers with excellent food taste only from the presence of in-house nationally - trained chef. Of course, you won't miss their house specialties of ostrich steak and burger and croco's sisig among others.

crocodile sisig; photo credits: Arnel Joshua Lim

low - cholesterol ostrich steak; photo credits: Arnel Joshua Lim

Unlike the old Big Blings where drinking was it's main service, the new Pensoy's Grill offers a new dining experience with their unique menu collection. They house 2 function rooms for conferences or special family occasion that can cater  50 - 100 guests at very affordable packages and a music room at PHP 500.00 consumable hourly rate .

Sarangani Province Vice Governor Steve Solon plays badminton at Big Shot; photo credits: Arnel Joshua Lim

More importantly, you can fully get more worth from your dining stay with Pensoy's Grill as they offer other sports amenities like the beer pong (table tennis with a twist), Big Shot's badminton or basketball at an hourly rate. Consequently, you and your friends or loved ones can quite have a great bonding time even at budget price.

Great music from BTB (Bulag - Taba - Bayot) Band on Stage; photo credits: Arnel Joshua Lim

They are open from 3:00 pm to 12:00 midnight and have cool and excellent bands from Monday to Saturday. Did I mention that they serve short orders too?

See you there and enjoy their specialties! 

Sun Cellular Brings Communication Services to the Next Level

I have been using another telecommunication network for over a decade and even if there are a number of telecommunication lines with various promotions, my loyalty is all glued to this network. But, when budget becomes a pressing issue, my need for a more value - laden communication service becomes more persistent and adamant.

with Sun Cellular VIPs and SOX blogger - friends 

So, a visit to a local Sun Cellular Shop made me realized what I have been wasting on my old telecommunication line. With unlimited texts to other Sun numbers with free hours of call and 500 free texts to other networks for as low as 250.00 among other freebies, what more can I ask for. And, to have the same privileges enjoyed by family members through a group plan, Sun Cellular has become and shall be a personal household name.

And, Sun Cellular doesn't hold its leash tighter on services as it launches its new baby and the entire Filipinos have better reason to shift to Sun.

Read on this official press release from the desk of Sun Cellular Senior Manager for Digital Marketing James Lim.

March 9, 2012

SUN CELLULAR LAUNCHES NEW POSTPAID PLAN 250

Following its intensified network expansion program, Sun Cellular launched its first salvo of new and better value postpaid plans, the Postpaid Plan 250 initially available in Mindanao.

“Given the immense demand for Sun Cellular’s best-value services in Mindanao, we have specifically chosen the region as our pilot area for this subscription plan offering,” says Ricky Pena, Senior Vice President for Postpaid and New Business.

For only Php250.00 per month, subscribers to this new postpaid plan includes unlimited Sun-to-Sun texts, four hours of Sun-to-Sun calls, 500 texts to other networks plus a free Samsung E1080 phone.  This plan is perfect for those who want to enjoy unlimited texting and still be able to call their friends and loved ones from time to time. Also with the generous allocation of texts to other networks, this plan will also attract those who want to stay in touch but do not want to spend too much.

Sun Cellular has been the preferred choice of over 50% of new postpaid plan subscribers for the past 5 years. Its postpaid subscriber base continues to grow steadily increasing by more than 30% year over year in January of 2012 versus the same period last year.
“This 2012, we are focusing on boosting our network signal strength by augmenting and optimizing our existing cell sites, and taking advantage of synergies with our sister companies in the PLDT Group. Our extensive network strengthening campaign will be complimented with products that best suit the needs of the locals in the areas we are expanding to,” Pena revealed.

Pena also expressed his confidence on the widened coverage in Mindanao. “As we move to further establishing a more extensive network, our subscribers in Mindanao may now enjoy our best-value postpaid plans in areas where before we were not present,” he adds. “This will also benefit customers in other areas outside Mindanao as they can now get in touch with their family and other loved ones in the new areas we are now in using their Sun Cellular lines.”
 The first wave of these network enhancement efforts are now being felt in the areas of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Camiguin, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Dinagat Island, Compostella Valley, Sulu, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Sur, among others.

Sun Cellular is a member of the PLDT Group. 

Hail to DOLE Philippines' Light - a - Life Program

15 Years of Helping Orphanages and Home of the Elders

Decorated Norfolk Pine Trees along the DOLE Phil's Pedestrian Walk

Christamas Day is quite early among DOLE Philippines and its partner beneficiaries as it holds its 15th year of Light - a - Tree, Light - a - Life Program.  Since the start of this program for social responsibility,  various orphanages and home of the elders were chosen as recipients for funds raised by the DOLE Philippines. And, what makes the program extra special is the fact that every DOLE employee from the administration to the rank and file,  contributes to helping this program works and making sure that they can indeed touch someone else's holiday.

More than just a symbol,

the gifts mean sharing the blessings and appreciating good life with the  less fortunate community

Recycled Paper - Plastic -  Filled Snowmen for  a Frosty Island - Inspired Theme

So, to give hope and to celebrate life's blessings, abundance and solidarity, nine (9)  proud evergreen Norfolk pine trees  were decorated and lighted from recycled cans, plastic bottles, cups, straws, defective cds / mouse to the santa - pedaled conveyor.

the SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS plus photographer Arnel Joshua Lim
responding to the cause

The SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS could only be prouder that DOLE Philippines have made the colder  nights of  Polomolok  brighter and have made orphans and elders' Christmas Holiday  love -  and  - hope - filled. 

You too can change the Christmas Holidays of our local orphans and elders, contribute a peso or more and that can make extra difference among the underprivileged. And, by helping, we make our Christmas celebration more meaningful and special.

Join the Fun, Be in BlogFest SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0!

It was a year ago that my family had joined the first ever SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGFEST and we simply had one extravagant and blogful  day since the blogfest was swarmed with amazing blog  / journalism / niche experts.

So, my family and I won't let the 2nd Blogfest pass in spite of this late entry. Over 100 bloggers are expected to fill the venue and coming from two big men, Bariles and Orman Manansala, this Blogfest 2.0 shall be another success to look forward to.

Join us then, and make your blog more interesting, fun, and worth - visiting. I am pretty sure you will make your attendance very very worthwhile.

Check Out the New Fire and Ice Grill and Steak Bar in GenSan

 The Generals shall have another pride as a new place can be a haven for those who simply want to relax and to enjoy good food with friends and family.The old Anchor Driving Range now dubbed as Gensan Sports Center begins its metamorphosis as a newly opened Fire and Ice Grill & Steak Bar just around the golf area starts serving the locals with their breakfast - to - dinner varied menu and concoctions.

But, what is more exciting is that sports enthusiasts shall have another place to sweat and to have fun since Mr. Rey Billena and family shall add more amenities for softball, gym, spa and alike. And, come NOVEMBER 11, 2011, the generals can be more proud for this high - end sports center.

So, the SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS   can only be more grateful to be invited to this new hang - out and we can't wait to enjoy the new face that this old favorite place can deliver.

photo credits: ARNEL JOSHUA LIM

Soccsksargen EXperience (SEX) Tour Rocks

Last February 25, the SOCCSKSARGEN EXperience once again took flight but this year was grander and merrier. And, since we had long weekend with strings of works to do, we just have to join few events including a concert along Al Fresco of Robinsons, zipline on Fifth Mountain of B'lakayo and Foam Party at Royal East Hotel.

We still have to wait for pictures since we missed to bring our own camera and by then, I shall be writing more detailed posts for each stop we had. In fact, my own kid was all delighted with his first zipline experience.

I am only too sorry because we miss a great number of events. But, next year shall be another string of eco - adventures.

Fun Birthday Celebration of SOX Bloggers' Founder

Last January 19, we joined the other friends of Avelmar Manansala, the very man who made Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2 possible and made SOX Bloggers alive and kicking along with other SOX original founders.

The birthday bash was orange - theme, so, we sport our orange - inspired tops and simply painted the town red with the potluck celebration along friends and loved ones of our good friend, Avel.   Best wishes big man!

When Service Goes Beyond Humanity

Sometime in October, the SOX Bloggers community had the chance to visit the B'laan community that contributes largely to the coffee industry through the processing of the most expensive civet coffee. However, we had to traverse several mountains until we reached midway of Mt. Matutum.

Seeing how far and remote the community was and that their needs were simply limited to food, we just need to help. So, we promised to be back Christmas Season to bring forth Christmas gifts. But, angels are among everyone because another fellow SOX Blogger and a Rotarian, Lynette Gallinero, invited her RC group to render a Dental - Medical Mission. So, last December 18, the SOX Bloggers along with the Rotary Club  of Polomolok brought forth bags of school supplies, goodies, clothes and medicines to two rural communities of Polomolok.

It has always been my passion to help especially to the forgotten community, so, with all the stuffs we could carry from our boutique, we hurdled them with happiness and hope.

the RC officers and Interact students doing bayanihan to load the gift bags to Palakasam community

with fellow blogger, Ariel and RC Presidents Xavier Bayan and Rey Transporto giving our gift bag to one of the families

the Palakasam mothers prepared hot and steamy arrozcaldo, feeding the families including the SOX Bloggers and RC officials

long and winding travel and difficult roads didn't stop these people to help

serving over 25 families on medical and dental service

The whole day travel and extreme roads and weather to two remote communities of Polomolok had  made the mission all entirely meaningful and when we saw sincere joy from the families especially the kids when they saw the gift bag, medicines and candies, they affirmed us true meaning of service and humanity. 

 the SOX bloggers with Rotary Club 101 of Polomolok on  community mission

photo source: lynette

the Kinilis community on medical and dental consultation and medicines giving with Rtns Doc Grace SalazarCelema Grino and Melani Deypalan

After the successful event, we quite wish that the RC Polomolok 101 and SOX Bloggers community be partners again in their rendering of service to Polomolok and hopefully to the other SOCCSKSARGEN areas.

SOX Blog Fest 2010, One Event You Should Not Miss

The SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS once again is making history as they hold another big and exciting bloggers' convention for every potential, newbie and seasoned blogger in the region. While we seem to know practically everything about the power of blogging, the line - up of speakers include special points on internet security (Do you want to know how your online accounts like Facebook can be all hacked in few minutes?), blog animation and videography, tourism on new media, Google mania, new media on politics and economics, SEO techniques and blog monetization and more.

With an expected number of  100 participants that may come from various area of SOCCSKSARGEN, this event on December 11, 2010 at Royal East Hotel is simply bound to succeed with guaranteed overwhelming fun.



As of December 5, around 80 registrants overwhelm the list and with few more days, the number is simply be filled in a flash. So, if you want to be one of the privileged attendees, get a slot and mark December 11 a big holiday.

So, with my sister Tammy and  partner Arnel,  the BLOG FEST 2010 is sure event I wont miss for anything.

SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers Meet Up with Author of Postscripts from Mindanao

SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers with Ms. Wilma Villanueva (seated center)

Dubai - based Tupi - hailed  authorWilma Villanueva happened to be in SOCCSKSARGEN  and gladly, our  blog community founder, Avel Manansala, invited Ms. Wilma to meet us up. So, we all convened at Piyesta Resto Bar and had a good time.

The book was highly commendable since it illustrated the undiscovered beauty and misconceptions about Region 12. And, writing the book while in abroad made the  cause for Mindanao more commendable.

We can only be more excited to wait for another book from a very proud Mindanaoan, Wilma Villanueva.

Fun with SOX Bloggers at Music KTV Bar

We were invited early evening to join the SOX bloggers' meeting at  the opeing of Music KTV at Sun City, General Santos City. They had their soft opening last Sunday, September 12, and while it still needs polishing, the entire bar is worth visiting.

There are KTV spacious rooms good for 8 - 14 persons that may range between PHP 200.00 and PHP 300.00  per hour.  And, if your  barkadas or buddies simply need a place to relax and enjoy while having fun singing and drinking, then, this new KTV bar must be one of your top list.

We quite like their sumptuous food and different cocktail offers. Soon, we will visit this place for another fun time singing and dining.

Music KTV facade

Fellow SOX bloggers at cocktail session

enjoying the singing session with upbeat and touchy collections

SOX Blood Drive for Cause

The SOX bloggers along with Red Cross Personnel on Blood Donation Drive at 

Robinson's  Gensan Activity Area

 

Our fellow blogger, Professor Gilbert Tan, giving his share

The SOX bloggers waiting for more donors (laptop anywhere, huh!)

The SOCCSKSARGEN  (SOX) bloggers conducted this blood donation drive in celebration of Red Cross Month. And, this was only timely especially with the alarming cases of Dengue nationwide where more than 500 cases are from our General Santos City. 

We aimed to have 15 donors and I wanted to donate but for usual reasons (stress, blood pressure, anemia), I could not donate. 

We were only happy that we had around 10 when my sister and I left briefly. So, to all donors, Robinsons management, Red Cross personnel, our many thanks; we hope the donated blood can be of help.

Bloggers Gimmick Again

In Piyesta's Opening where owner - blogger Donna was our main hostess

The SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers Community has long been created and could be traced back to 2008 and everything else that followed is simply a long thread of friendship, party, fun and more fun.

In a few hours, we shall convene again for a travel forum with professional travelers from across regions shall commence the evening. Of course, exquisite dining and fun - filled talks shall overwhelm again our time.Until then. . .

Our Mayor on State of the City Address

Bariles had asked us to join him on the City Address of General Santos Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr. The rest of the Gensan bloggers who are free were asked to witness the SOCA. And, although I committed to be around during his speech, I have to still see my students this afternoon for our lecture.

I can however, miss my laboratory and head to the  venue although I won't really be missed. Geez, I might as well miss the talk and just attend to my class. LOL!

Well, the SOCA will surely highlight the accomplishments of our Mayor and future projects the city will be having. Under our city mayor administration, our city has become more known and progressive.   This is one pride one General can have. 

I must however, finish all my works should I decide to join this event. 

Gensan Bloggers at Gensan View Resort

Fish pond at Gensan View Resort where anyone can go fishing and can have the catch cooked only at 95.00/kilo

photo source: kwayster

The Gensan View Resort

photo source: kyawster

the wacky Gensan bloggers!

photo source: kyawster

Last Thursday, Bariles once again invited us to join him and other bloggers to a newly opened resort in the city. We were only happy to tag along and since it has a pool, we brought our little kid with us. 

The place was quite awesome especially seeing the panorama of the countryside and the big - sized pool was distinguishing irony. One can only enjoy the cool farm breeze while savoring the tranquility and fun. My kid could not be stopped from hitting the pool waters. LOL!

We did have the chance to talk with the owners, Mr. Joel and Mrs. Patrice Santos, who are grandkids of General Santos City's founder, Gen. Paulino Santos. Great!!!!

Since, the place is simply close to our home, this resort shall be a welcoming experience for the entire family  and to other Generals who wish to relax. 

Bloggers' Birthday Bash for a Great Man!

Happy birthday, big guy!

We just arrived from a birthday celebration of Bariles, who two years  ago we strangely met through the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit held here in Gensan.

Since then, the bloggers' community in Gensan started hanging around with one through several gigs, blog contests and still we make history.

some of the SOCCKSSARGEN Bloggers together with Jojie Alcantara, a famous Davao media personality during 2009 Christmas Party and Photo-Journalism Workshop last December 21,2009 at The Farm, Carpenter's Hill, Koronadal City

photo source: Gensan Online Mag

The party was filled with fellow bloggers, loved ones and friends of our great man. We had a nice time together and we cant wait until the next gig for our group.

But, happy happy birthay Bariles! More and more best wishes for you and your loved ones!

Sarah Geronimo Concert Blog Contest Grand Prize: Me!

The blogger - winners during Sarah Geronimo Concert in Gensan City

This is quite too late for a post, but I failed to mention that I indeed won from Sarah Geronimo Next One Concert in Gensan  through my entry.

I have won gift certificates, VIP concert tickets and I simply had fun from hearing beautiful songs from great artists. 

I have to thank Michael Wee, the concert producer and owner of Grab a Crab and Coffee Club and Bariles for initiating concert. 

I can't wait for the next concert again. hahhahaah!

I Miss Our Bloggers' Group

Since we started our mall store exhibit, we missed also the fun gatherings of SOCCSKSARGEN BLOGGERS getaway. They asked us to join the Plurk site, we did but we just don't have time to hang around Plurk.

I kinda miss them since they have become our close buddies too. My sister, Tammy and my partner normally join the gathering. But, even my sister is quite busy with her frequent travels. I hope we can join the group the next time there will be a Plurk fiesta or a bloggers' gathering.