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!

12th International Youth Day Summit: Highlights and Downlows!

Busy B on IYD 2011

Now on its 12^th year, Philippines celebrated the International Youth Day through a Youth and Educators Summit for the Millennium Development Goals spearheaded by no less than the United Nation Youth Association of the Philippines under the banner of the United Nation Association of the Philippines. Held for the very first time out of the Metro Manila setting, the venue for this year is at the City of Love - Iloilo City. Another first for this activity is the fact that it is one of the most attended International Youth Day celebrations in the Philippines so far and that includes us as part of the history.

Here are some events/things that i considered highlights of the summit:

1.  As already mentioned, it is the first IYD gathering that is held outside Manila! A first time for many years.

2. The delegates who came are doubled from the expected number of attendees. From an expected 350 participants the total reached to more than 800!

3. The partner institution Central Philippines University was all out in supporting the event. A big BRAVO for them! Hands down most especially to the CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles and the rest of the student body who worked hard for a successful IYD summit.

4. This year's Outstanding Youth Leaders Awardee are all inspiring: Mark Roy Macanlalay (Pangasinan) and Jo Jan Paul Penol (Iloilo) for Public and Government Service, Brenfred Romero (Northern Samar) and Kristopher John Rivera (Cagayan de Oro) for Community Service, Neil Sandoval (Manila) and Alein Navares (Cebu) for Education and Danilo Roqayan (Zambales) and Jovic Maurice Lee (Albay) for Environment.

OYLA 2011 with Rep. Arenas of Pangasinan

5. International delegates either came in two or in groups like that from Japan, Bangaladesh, Cambodia, Oman and Indonesia.

6.The National Youth Commission is also a partner for IYD 2011. Represented by Undersecretary Leon Flores III, he introduced NYC to those who have not heard about the office.

7. Photo-op with the CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida at the Hotel Lobby.

Kuya Efren at the hotel lobby

8. A chance to visit the Central University of the Philippines and admired their huge reception hall! Wishing that one of our universities here in General Santos City would have one like that.

Central Philippine University

9. National Forum on Volunteerism at CPU was graced by Atty. Alex Lacson (12 Little Things you can do for your country) and Mr. Antonio Meloto (Gawad Kalinga) - both are volunteers themselves who are being looked upon by the younger generation as a living inspiration.

Forum on Volunteering with Atty. Alex Lacson & Tito Tony Meloto

10. Mindanao is on the spotlight during the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines election of officers. The National President and other officers are usually Mindanaoan. Thus Mindanao as the next venue of the IYD Summit is a clearer possibility. General Santos maybe? Why not!

Down Lows:

1. Because of the number of delegates, the organizers had a hard time accommodating everyone fast and efficient! Some even waited until nine o'clock in the evening to get their room assignments, waiting for almost 10 - 12 hours! PATIENCE attack!

2. The organizers were not prepared for the out pour of delegates thus their kits, receipts, meal stub and others are not sufficient.

3. Everyone is a LEADER. Putting intelligent people and leaders of their respective organization in one group will cause mayhem. Nobody wants to be the follower. Everyone wants to decide. The outcome - NOTHING! ZERO! MESS! That are the things that they should improve. Considering that this is the 12th time they conducted the IYD Summit, they should have learned from their previous mistakes.

4. The supposedly highlight ECO-TOUR at Guimaras Island turned out to be a nightmare for everyone. The weather was not suitable for a Guimaras tour that day (moral lesson: check Weather Update before bringing a group of 600 to an island tour). The coordinators were not well coordinated. The tour itself was not well planned (moral lesson: if you plan of bringing your delegates to an island tour or tourist spot tour, try it yourself first so you would know the time duration, the capacity of the place you will be visiting, the orientation you need to conduct and others). Remember that it should be SAFETY over FUN!

5. Because of the disorganized and traumatic Guimaras tour, the delegates missed the talk of Efran Penaflorida at the Central Philippines University. FAIL!

Happy International Youth Day!

Go out and VOLUNTEER towards the realization of the MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS on 2015!

Un Dadsan Festival 2011

The southern most part of Mindanao is becoming one of the places that travelers both local and foreign would love to visit. With the growing popularity of the Sarangani Bay Fest that is annually staged by the government of Sarangani Province, people considers this part of Mindanao a place to be during Summer Breaks. Check the Schedule of Activities of SarBay Fest here.

Sarangani and General Santos City is gifted with beaches that should be taken care of thus the Barangay Council of Dadiangas South thru the leadership of Punong Barangay Alvin Veneracion- taking cue from its neighbor - conceptualize a Summer Feast that can be likened to the SarBay Fest of Sarangani. Highlighting the improvements of the then Lion's Beach - the Festival would like to promote and develop the Queen Tuna Park into an inexpensive Summer destination.

An addition for the Summer Attraction in SOCSSKSARGEN is the 1st Dadiangas South UN DADSAN Festival. Before you troop to the white beaches of Gumasa, Glan, check out the Dadsan Festival on May 4-7, 2011 at the Queen Tuna Park, General Santos City.

Beach activities includes, Volleyball, Football, Frisbee and other competitions you could think of. See the poster above for the schedule of activities.

It will be a party 

from 

Sun Up to 

Sun Down 

at Queen Tuna Park 

with the 

1st DadSAn Festival!

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!

PASKO SA GENSAN 2010 OFFICIALLY OPENS

The sudden downpour of rain did not stopped the Drum and Lyre contingents from doing their stints. Participants from various schools of General Santos City and neighboring towns looked all animated either with their costume and their make-up with their drums and other musical instruments at hand.


The Drum and Lyre competition organized by the head of Youth Affairs and Development Office, ELMER CEQUINA served as a loud siren that this year's Pasko sa Gensan festivities is on roll.

photo grabbed from General Joana

The swift Program turning every presentors into anime' characters, the parade of champagne and the lighting of the Christmas tree in the middle of the Oval Plaza were only a few signaling the  OPENING. Plus the longest display of fireworks in any General Santos City was greatly enjoyed by the Generals that night.

photo grabbed from General Joana

"Animi sa Gensan, Anime ang Paskuhan" is this years' Pasko sa Gensan Theme which really brought out the creativity of the Generals who participated, participating and will be participating the events and activities lined up. Click this for the lists of activities.

Ooooopppsss! Do not forget the activity I am managing. Go check it out on December 12, 2010 at the Oval Stage. Expect Ten young and talented Bands from General Santos City and the rest of the 1st District of South Cotabato showcase their stuff for the Sigaw Kabataan: Battle of the Bands sa Paskuhan sa Gensan.

Friends experience an Anime' way of 

Christmas only in Paskuhan sa Gensan!

Isang Maligayang Pasko sa Magandang Gensan!

photo grabbed from General Joana

All photos used in this post are taken by Mosler Paul Lapore.

BEEN TO: Merl Garden Spring Resort, Lake Sebu

Semestral break may be over for our Filipino Students but for those who cannot get enough of adventure trips, here is a good place to check out.


The MERL GARDEN SPRING RESORT is located at Barangay Lahit in one of the hottest tourist destination here in the Southern part of the Philippines, LAKE SEBU.

with open and close cottages 

Merl's, as the locals often call it, is the first resort you will find once you enter Lake Sebu. One of the cheapest resort in Lake Sebu, they offer different amenities good for group outings and activities. They have zipline of different kinds but is way shorter and a bit boring compared to the ZipLine at the 7 Falls, still in Lake Sebu.

a Large Pool to enjoy

a mini pool with an exciting slide for the kids and kids at heart

boat-like zipline

function hall good for seminars/orientations

If you plan of staying over night, Merl Garden also offer cottages for you to sleep in at the lowest rate. They have two kinds of cottages, one that may house a maximum of 16 persons (double-deck beds) and one for a small group of four. If you are in Lake Sebu, you do not need an air conditioning unit, cause nature itself is your air condition. 

Cottage good for 8-16 persons

P1,600.00

double deck beds that can fit up to 4 sleepers

cottage for a group of 4

P600.00

Everything will really be back to basics during your stay at Merl Garden Spring Resort. You do not have TV on your rooms, the sound of the night insects will serve as a lullaby plus if you are lucky enough, you will be guarded by the resort's horse.

The only drawback of your stay in Merl though is you do not a have a view of the Lake. But you can arrange a morning activity so you may tour the place and visit other resorts with the Lake as a facade. Plus, the menu is simple compared to other resorts in the area.

For more inquries just contact this number 09194577221 for SMART and 09225713078 fo SUN CELLULAR hoping it would be of great help enjoy guys...

 "Feel the Comfort and Beauty of God's Creation at Merl Garden Spring Resort"

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"

2nd APOPONG URBAN RACE

Apopong Urban Race is a 15-kilometer race with in the area of Barangay Apopong.

In finding ways in promoting different advocacies among our constituents, we find unusual ways in giving the message. With this year’s main objective – TO PROMOTE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN TAKING GOOD CARE OF MOTHER NATURE, Apopong Urban Race ’09 challenges is specially designed to inculcate the importance of an untattered environment to our everyday living. In a way, aside from our main participants, we will be able to share first hand experiences in taking good care –FOR REAL- of MOTHER NATURE.

Started last September 2008, the 2nd Urban Race was held last September 19, 2009 in celebration of the 26th Foundation Anniversary of Barangay Apopong

Here's an amateur video of last year's race:

Meanwhile, for this year here are some  pictures that we took from CP 1 to the last CP:

starts with a prayer

talks with the marshalls

a very inviting OLAER SPRING RESORT

a dip before the final CALL

let the race begin

CP 1 at OLAER SWIMMING RESORT

CP 2 at the Marcos Highway

the marshalls of CP 3

running towards CP 4

the MARSHALLS of CP 4

the working committee

salamat sa sponsors!

MORE PICS TO COME!