Been to : BORACAY

Every Filipino beach bums had been dreaming of going to the most popular Summer get-away of the Philippines, Boracay. So when I got the chance to finally set foot on this most talked about beach hub, I grabbed it right away.

If you are the relaxation-in-vacation type of person, here are some things you can do when in Boracay:

1. People Watching

 Boracay is one of the best places where you can just sit and watch people. They come in different nationalities, different races, different colors and different shapes. Thus, perfect sunglasses do come in handy as you settle in the white beaches of Boracay. 

2. Finish the NOVEL you've been eyeing to read.

 If you do not want to try the water sports Boracay has to offer, reading a book in a bench is good idea. Look for a perfect spot where you won't get toasted, wear a nice piece of bikini, bring a bottled water or order some fresh fruit shake and you are good to go.

 

3. Watch the beautiful sunset.

 Boracay has one great view of the Sunset and a Boracay visitor should never miss it. The setting would be more romantic if you have a love one with you. Go to the seashore around 4 in the afternoon and start waiting for the sun to set. It is also the best time for meditation as you savor the natural beauty of God's amazing creations.

4. Walk or Jog

 With different food stations and restaurants Boracay has, most likely, you will over-eat. To warm you and your sore butt up, take a walk or jog along the shore lines of Station 1 to Station 3 of Boracay. It is also one way of checking the shops, restaurants and more shops Boracay has without spending much.

5. Take a lot of Picture

 Being in Boracay gives you the right to become a camwhore. Make sure to take a photo of you with the popular stores, shops, hotels and restaurants in all stations. Your Boracay experience would not be complete without you taking a picture with the white sand and the ocean as the background.

These are the very few of the things you can do in Boracay. If you are more into adventure, they offer a lot of water activity packages, make sure to ask around first before saying yes to a package.

Enjoy Boracay!

BLOGFEST SOCCSKSARGEN 2.0

Any Soccsksargen Blogger's member is always looking forward for an eyeball, much more a Grand EyeBall! Before 2011 ends, a gathering of Mindanao's bloggers, online writers and social media enthusiast will be once again made possible by no less than Mr. Avel "BARILES" Manansala the author of the multi-awarded GenSan News Online Mag and other Sox bloggers.

For a fast read, here's the important details of the Blogfest Soccsksargen 2.0:

Date: November 26, 2011

Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Venue: TBA

Theme: "The emergence of blogs and social media"

Confirmed Speakers: (you may see the poster above)

1. Usec. Manolo Quezon 
2. Mae Paner aka JUANA CHANGE
3. Abe Olandres
4. Flow Galindez
5. Jack Madrid 
6. Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio
7. and 3 more waiting for confirmation...

So if you wish to join you may do so by clicking the page of Blogfest Soccsksargen. Online registration is still open!

Blogger Insider: DoleFil's CHAIRS FOR TREES PROJECT

"You cannot hope to build a better world without improving individuals. We all must work for our own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity." - Marie Curie

Some people says that if you are sincere in helping others, you do not need to publicize and magnify a buzz about it. But there are some that needs to be highlighted to inspire others and ignite their passion in helping other people, like Dolefil's Chairs for Trees Project.

CHAIRS FOR TREES.

As part of Dolefil's environmental advocacy and a Community Development Reciprocating Action Project, CHAIRS FOR TREES started way back in 2003, where the wooden palettes used by the company are recycled into school armchairs, which are then donated to different public schools in the region. It is the kind of project which creates big impact to different aspects and addresses numbers of today's concerns; that goes by the saying hitting two birds with one stone. For Dolefil's case hitting three or more birds with one stone.

to be recycled

RECYCLING.

Dolefil or Dole Philippines Incorporated is the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fresh cut flowers with a growing line of quality packaged foods. The company particularly uses wooden palettes as part of it processes. This palettes tends to become brittle after a number of usage, thus become unusable for the company. Instead of having it naturally degrade in a dump site, these wooden palettes are collected and turned-over to their partner cooperative for recycling.

At Unified Engineering and Manpower Services Multi-Purpose Cooperative, these wooden palettes are transformed into useful and colorful armchairs, kiddie chairs, kiddie tables or pews. Dolefil will then pay the cooperative P270 per armchair fabricated.

the famous chairs

RECIPROCATE

"Charity is injurious unless it helps the recipient to become independent of it."

Since the project started, it has donated almost 50,000 chairs to different schools, day care centers and churches in Region XII. Unlike the other usual plain dole out activities, the Chairs for Trees project does not only give chairs, it also promotes the culture of give and take among the recipient community. For every P10 worth of Dolefils' assistance, the beneficiary should reciprocate by planting and growing a tree. In the case of the school armchair which is worth P270, the adopted school should grow 27 trees per chairs donated. Seedlings are still provided by Dolefil, all they have to do is to plant and make sure to grow at least 80% of the total number of the trees planted for assessment.

The project thus not only answer the needs of the public schools in the region but also addresses the issue on global warming thus it is called the CHAIRS FOR TREES Project.

Chairs for Trees also created jobs

LIVELIHOOD.

The project also created a livelihood for the community. Carpenters and painters are given jobs by the Unified Engineering and Manpower Services Multi-Purpose Cooperative who manufactures the chairs. 

The seedlings on the other hand are purchased by Dolefil from Mt. Matutum  Federation of Marginal Farmers Association located at Barangay Maligo, Polomolok South Cotabato. Each seedlings is being sold for P1.75 to Dolefil for the Chairs for Trees project as well as its other Corporate Social Responsibility activities. In a year, Dolefil procures millions of seedlings from the said association which gives them an assured earning yearly.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

The project involves two essential factors in saving Mother Earth - RECYCLING and PLANTING TREES. Both are made sustainable by the project through Dolefil and its partner agencies.

PARTNERS.

Dolefil tied up with a dependable group in its Chairs for Trees Project and its many other CSR programs through Mahintana Foundation, Inc. The foundation are responsible in identifying beneficiaries and arranging the turn-over ceremonies for the Chairs for Trees. They are also the ones who evaluates the adopted schools if they have done their part by growing at least 80% of the trees planted. 

Dolefil also has a long standing public private relationship with the Local Government Units in Region XII.For the year 2011 the Province of South Cotabato and Dolefil partners in the Chairs for Trees amounting to P5 million in which other LGU's should follow suit.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Special thanks to: Dolefil; Miss Gwyn Ann Marie Ebol - Communication Superintendent of Dolefil for the CSR Tour; Mr. Kinmark Depaylan of Mahintana Foundation Inc.;  Sir Avel Manansala, RS Dee for the photos used in this post and the SOCSKSARGEN Bloggers 

Been to: Bluejazz Resort, Samal

Last August 19, 2011, the whole family troop to Davao to attend the Awarding Ceremony of my father for his 20 years service to PAGCOR  (Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation), just in time for the Davao's celebration of the famous Kadayawan.

As a gift, our father treated us to a beach get-away. The trip is pretty special since its the first for a very very very long time. So, off we went to Bluejaz Resort and Waterpark. Going to the said resort is a first for all the members of the family so everyone's excited.

views from Bluejaz Resort

Since the resort operates a regular boat service regularly, we decided to take a a 5-minute ferry ride from the Beachside Resort, Maryknoll road, Barangay Vicenta Hizon, leaving our car at the available parking lot. For more details click this link for the directions.

What made your visit to this resort extra speical is the band of drummers that enthusiastically welcome its guest from the Pump Boat! You would really would love to dance along its island beat.

Aside from its infinity pool, water rides and white sand beach, one great offering Bluejaz gives is their exciting Gigantic Water Slides to die for. Do not miss to try and take a huge splash at these famous slides. You may check the resorts website for more info - Bluejaz Resort.

Experience the Gigantic Water Slides

Meanwhile, here is a rundown of the expenses incurred for those who are saving and are planning of visiting the place (per person):

PUMPBoat Fare (Back and Forth)         - Php 30.00

Entrance                                            -        90.00

Rides: Unlimited use Gigantic Slides      -        90.00

           Banana Boat                           -      250.00/person for 15minutes

           *other water sports are for RENT check their website for the fees.

Food  - you can either order from the resort's resto or bring your own food with corkage fees

Cottages - Day Tour: There are available open cottages for free or you can rent a "bahay kubo" type cottage for P250.

I hope this helped you with the budgeting!

Been there TIP! Be among the early birds and you can skip paying CORKAGE FEES for the food you bring!

BUSY B Proud Mapper

MAP YOUR WORLD. With Google Map Maker application, anyone can map and tag their neighborhood as easy as one-two-three. 

Google Map Maker is a service launched by Google in June 2008,^[1] designed to expand the breadth of the service currently offered by Google Maps. In some countries mapping data is unavailable, and so to combat this problem Google has decided to open up Google Maps to a collaborative community effort in certain territories. The project is similar to OpenStreetMap (OSM), but unlike OSM which provides its map data under a Creative Commons license, Google obtains "... a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display, distribute, and create derivative works of the User Submission".^[2] 

The ultimate goal of the project is to acquire sufficient high-quality mapping data to be published and used on the existing Google Maps service.  -wikipedia- 

FLASHBACK. My first Google Mapping Party was a year and five days ago - April 25, 2011 (days before the historical Philippine National Elections). It was a Google Precinct Mapping Party organized by Sir Avel Manansala held at Grab A Crab Restaurant Oval Room, Robinsons Place- GenSan. The party served as  Google Philippines' and the Sox Bloggers'  share for the National Elections - to help voters locate their Voting Precincts in a breeze and in effect increase the voter turn-outs and achieve a better Philippines. Pnoy won as President and he rest as we always say is history.

24 Busy Mappers in Blue*

NOW. April 30, 2011. Still through Sir Avel Manansala's determination, the very first Google Mapping Party in General Santos City for the year 2011 took place at the City Mayor's Office New Conference Room. With the objective of mapping and tagging the places which will be highly necessary in time of disaster or calamity, Twenty Four Map Volunteers spent more than four hours,  pointing, lining, shaping, zooming in and out or adding name in their neighborhood and the rest of Socsksargen. To make the mapping more systematic, each volunteer are assigned either a municipality or a Barangay or two to map or tag.


My assignment's my own barangay - Apopong and supposedly the neighbor Barangay Sinawal as well but since the images are not that clear, I was not able to tag or map a single establishment for Barangay Sinawal. For Barangay Apopong, I successfully located and tagged the Barangay Hall, Barangay Gymnasium, a School and some chapels and hopefully before the year ends I can able to identify all the important landmarks of Barangay Apopong.

Busy-B Mapping*

Special thank yous goes out to all the sponsors of this activity. Google Philippines, Jollibee Gaisano - Cruchy Chicken Burger, Mamma Maria's Pizzeria, Zagu Pearl Shake, Smart Bro, City Mayor's Office and gensanboy.com.


Lets spread the virus and continue on Mapping our World!


*Photos by Sir Avel Manansala

SKIMBOARDIN' @ QUEEN TUNA PARK - GENSAN

Skim Dance

Where in General Santos City, can you spend one summer day or afternoon just lazing and dozing on the sand or swim and soak in the salty waters or learn new water sport with all your might for FREE?


Years after rehabilitating the Lion's Beach Resort, people of General Santos and few of its neighbors started to flock their way to the now known QUEEN TUNA PARK during hot weekends and holidays.Located just at the downtown area, the park is pretty accessible for beach bums everywhere. FACT. It is near the Public Market and a walking distance to a number of restaurants. Plus, rides like tricycles and jeepneys are available on your way out.


QUEEN TUNA PARK is now clean and safe to bum around the place. The Generals who are on tight budget or not, go to the park to meet with friends, bond with love ones or just enjoy the beach. There are those who do more than that!


Introducing a water sport that you might consider learning - SKIMBOARDING!

SKIMBOARDING
- n The sport of riding a skimboard over shallow water on a beach and into oncoming waves close to shore The board is usually tossed ahead and jumped on after a running approach.

SHOW TIME! PLAY TIME!

Since its was introduced in 2000 at Tanauan, Leyte (SkimBoarding Capital of the Philippines), the SKIM fever reached the shores of General Santos City also!At first, young generals usually come together at the Queen Tuna Park to simply enjoy the small waves through skimboarding, until they considered joining friendly competitions and staging Skimboarding Competition as well.  


Considering that  General Santos shores does not have huge waves like those of Hawaii, skimboarding is a good substitute for surfing. No need to go to Leyte to experience SkimBoarding. You just need a skim board and you are good to go!


Interested? Let me know and I'll help look for someone to make a Skim Board specially made for you.


Who says Summer Outing need to be expensive? That I differ! 

Been to: SUSAN's BEACH, Maasim

Relax & Enjoy at Susan's Beach

If you think Gumasa is the only place that offers commercial-free white sand beaches in the district of Representative Manny Pacquiao, then I must say you have not gone to the other side of Sarangani.


Opposite way going to Gumasa in Glan, there is this unassuming place where beach lovers will surely add up to their must-go to lists.


Susan's Beach is a white sand beach in Maasim, Sarangani Province. Going to the place is so easy, cause it is just along the national highway, below the 73rd IB Philippine Army Camp in Maasim. If you are coming from Gensan, it is before another tourist destination Lemlunay. Yes, you can see it from the Highway.


The place is still going through different improvements like additional cottages and other amenities, but the resort has available clean bathroom and shower area. Plus, a weekend treat for your family does not need to be expensive for the entrance for both children and adults is only Fifteen Pesos while the cottages rate is only P300 for medium size and P500 for the large sized cottage. 


The next time you want to get sunburn, check out Susan's Beach! It is worth the long ride!

LOVING ROBINSONS

September 30 of last year was a beginning of a new shopping lifestyle for the economically improving city of the Generals.With the growing numbers of migrating residents, the opening of Robinsons in Gensan was in perfect timing. Shopping enthusiast from Gensan and other neighboring areas welcomed the new addition to their shopping destinations with an ear to ear smiles, so eager to have a taste of the popular "Robinsons Malls Experience".

The 32,700 square meters Mall caters to everyone. Young and Not-so- Young. Students and Professionals. Paid employees and Businessmen, and to every different clientele you can think of. 

It is not hard to fall in love with any Robinsons Malls in this side of the planet, Robinsons Place Gensan most especially. I can say they are the most GENEROUS Mall in General Santos City. They are the only mall in the city which offers ABSOLUTELY FREE WIFI ACCESS in almost every corner of the mall. (You can get better wifi access at the FOOD COURT, AL FRESCO and the line of RESTAURANTS in the mall). In this time of new age technology, where you can easily connect to the whole wide world with a simple thumbing of your internet-able mobile phones, wifi access inside a mall  is the "honey to the bees" for our multi-tasking shoppers. Robinsons Place also brought quiet a number of celebrities, artists and famous characters to General Santos City and everyone is invited. No need to purchase THIS and THAT to get closer with their idols. "Just be there when it happens" is always the motto, proving that MAS MAPAGBIGAY kami dito!

close encounter with SHREK at Robinsons Place GenSan

Robinsons Malls are consistent and genuine with their SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. In their special ways, the management makes an extra effort in getting acquainted with the community. They hold Catholic Mass regularly, initiate Exercise Sessions to promote healthy lifestyle, and open its doors for different local offices and organizations to hold events/activities in their ATRIUM. Aside from those, what I love about Robinsons is the fact that they are trying their best to keep safe the environment. Their Think BIG. Think GREEN project is being practiced extensively. Starting from the building construction to the EcoSavers Bag, Robinsons reminds the Generals once in a while that even big establishments such as Robinsons is not just all about the financial profit. Indeed, "MAS MABAIT KAMI SA LAHAT DITO"

Robinsons Place Gensan knows how to TAKE CARE of their costumers. Putting their foot in the costumers' shoes,  Robinsons Place Gensan management see to it that we shoppers are well taken care of. Consistent temperature of the Cooling System, Fast, Efficient and Friendly sales people, availably Clean Comfort Rooms, and sufficient fixtures to sit-on everytime your legs tire-up. Therefore, "MAS MAALAGA KAMI DITO"

Robinsons Place Gensan's Number 1 FAN

Robinsons Place Gensan is also KIDS HAVEN which made them an A PLUS for my family because of our youngest sister! The ATRIUM with the QUANTUM toys(FERRIS WHEEL, CRAWLING ANIMALS and TOOTER TRAIN) is like a chocolate factory for the kids and kids at heart. With 3D Movie readily available courtesy of Robinsons Movie World, don't you wish you can live inside the mall? It is definitely "MAS MASAYA at BONGGA dito!

going UP and DOWN on the Ferris Wheel

Aside from those facts, having Robinsons Place around made the Malling Business more competitive in General Santos City. Alarmed with their existence and sudden claim to fame, other malls also made improvements as well. Improvements or None, mas MAGANDA pa rin dito sa Robinsons Place Gensan!

BEEN TO: BAGUIO

Breaking away from the hellish heat, I had the chance to have an almost week-long reclusion in the country's Summer Capital. From warm or shall I say beyond hot weather im used of, Baguio is such a SWEET ESCAPE.


From the airport, my group directly went to the Bus Terminal bound for Baguio. The 8-hour bus ride was tedious. For 1st timers, I would recommend you to sleep while your still in the Metro so that you'll be wide awake when you reach the Provinces you'll get to pass by, the likes of Pampanga, Pangasinan, Tarlac and La Union to name a few.


One of the locales said that we're lucky cause we just came on the right time for it is somewhat warm in Baguio. WARM? They consider it warm when I cannot even go out without my sweaters on? Well obviously, I am not just used of this kind of weather makign me wish that I can bring some of the climate back home.


On your first step of Baguio, you'll be welcomed by the cool breeze that will surely sink on your bones.


From the bus stop, if you are a total stranger with the place, transient inns will do for you but if you are going with a group better contact our guy KUYA ERNIE for he will not only provide you with a ride but can offer good lodging deals like the one we stayed.


When in Baguio, make sure not to miss these places:




Botanical Garden


If you want to be one with nature, the peaceful and green ambiance of Botanical Garden will surely be appreciated. Sitting inside the serene park, surrounded with tall, green and luscious trees, would  make you thank GOD for HIS wonderful creations. Expect to be welcomed by the "Katutubo" as you get inside, you have to pay them though if you want your photo taken with them.

The Mansion


          Make Sure not to miss to have your photo taken with the Mansion as the background. The Mansion for those of you who does not know serves as the Summer Crib of the President of the country and their family.

Burnham Park

 Just right in the Baguio's busy center, looking for this place is not a hassle. A walking distance from the Market place and SM Baguio, it is nice to take a walk while enjoying the cool breeze and scenery in Burnham Park. You can also have a boat ride to add a romantic set up to your trip.

SM Baguio 

The only non-air conditioned SM Branch in the Philippines, I really love the idea of strolling and window shopping inside an environment friendly mall. Just imagine having your hair blown while your waiting in line at the cashier.

Mines View Park

Mine View Park is the a shoppers haven. This is where you can have great finds that you can bring home. Make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes or slippers sot hat nothing can stop you from your shopping spree. From knitted wardrobe selection to bottled Baguio delicacies, a visit to Mines View will not fail you. 

Strawberry Farm at Benguet

30-minute ride away from the City, another worthwhile experience thatyou should not missed is the strawberry picking. In a minimum amount, you may pick strawberries as many as you want. But if I were you I will not pick numbers of them if you wont be able to finish them all in a day. They easily get spoiled. Better bring home processed strawberries (e.g. jams)

Do not also miss and visit PMA and while your on your shopping spree try checking out the Baguio Market for some Ukay-Ukay.

"Wag maging dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan"