The Beguiling Tuna Festival

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

September 29, 2010, 2:38pm

Tuna float (photo by Henrylito D. Tacio)

Tucked in the mouth of the Sarangani Bay on the southern edge of Mindanao, General Santos City used to be a backward fishing port before foreign buyers discovered the high quality and quantity of the tuna catch in the 1970s. A 20-year boom followed, with major canneries and export markets to Europe and the United States established.

“What makes General Santos unique is that the city is near tuna-rich fishing grounds like Moro Gulf, Sulu Sea, Mindanao Sea, and adjacent Celebes Sea,” explains Rienje B. Andrada, a fish port staff member.  “We have fair weather zone which is not normally visited by devastating typhoons or seasonal adverse weather patterns.”

Today, the tuna industry contributes about 60 percent to the economy of the city that was named thrice by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the country’s “most competitive.” So much so that in 1999, the city government, with official development assistance from Japan, built a 36-hectare General Santos Fish Port Complex that is now the country’s second largest – after Navotas.

The tuna has been commercially promoted as being the “chicken of the sea” because of its commonness and popularity in people’s diets worldwide.  Tuna meat is rich in omega-3 (polyunsaturated) fatty acids that build up high-density lipids or “good cholesterol.”  Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease, improve the immune system, cure varied inflammatory conditions, ease the pain caused by arthritis, and help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Gensan – as most locals call their city – is noted for the powerful swimmer yellowfin tuna, which rarely ventures into dirty and murky water, making it one of the safest fishes to eat.  This species has a bright red flesh with meaty flavor.  It is so versatile that you can grill, bake, broil, or sauté it. 

Sashimi-grade tuna are exported to Japan, Canada, United States, Hong Kong, and Korea.  These are also sold to leading hotels in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other parts of the country.  In the Philippines, tuna is the main ingredient of kinilaw.

Today, Gensan is known as the tuna capital of the Philippines.  To pay proper homage to the city’s number one industry, the Tuna Festival came into existence.

But unlike more prominent Philippine festivals which started out as an output of a planned concept, the Tuna Festival sprung from a spontaneous idea. In 1998, during the 30th City Charter Anniversary, the General Santos City Tourism Association – a consortium of hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and other tourism-related establishments – staged an event that showcased tuna cuisine through culinary competitions, exhibits, and other activities.
Adelebert W. Antonio, who was the mayor at that time, thought that the theme could actually be the basis for a festival.

Today, the Tuna Festival is one of the grandest and liveliest festivals in the country.  Generally, it is celebrated during the first week of September, but this year, the festivity was moved to the fourth week under the new administration of Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

Among the activities during the Tuna Festival were the Tuna Culinary Skills Competition, the Cheer Dance Competition, Skim Boarding Competition, Langoy/Bugsay Marathon Challenge, the Fish Dance Competition, and the Al Fresco Sashimi Night (where you can satisfy your taste buds with the various tuna delicacies).

However, the last three days had the most number of activities.  On September 24, there was the grand finals of the Gensan Pop Idol held in one of the city’s popular malls.  “Originally, Gensan’s Pop Idol was a Tuna Festival event until it was moved to December’s Pasko sa Gensan celebration,” explained Orman Manansala, the person in-charge of this year’s activities.  “This time around, we brought back the ultimate singing talent search.”

The following day, thousands of the generals (yes, the name used for the locals of the city) flocked to the KCC Convention Center to watch the finals of the pageant show, Mr. and Ms. Gensan 2010.  Genevieve Mutia and Jenel Labiana, both students from the Mindanao State University, emerged as winners. 

The Mardi Gras Street Dancing Competition made the participants kick, jump, strut, and dance to the beat of “Whoa Gensan!,” an original music performed by the Centerpoint, a band of six young musicians from Gensan that plays positive modern rock music.

Fifteen schools competed against each other to win in one of the two categories: elementary and high school.  As street dancing was the most anticipated, thousands of people flocked to the Pioneer Avenue as early as seven in the morning, although the contest started at nine in the morning.

Also at nine in the morning, at the other side of the city, tuna floats paraded as people watched in awe at the creative forms and diverse colors of the competing floats.  The floats were inspired by the idea that Gensan is one of the largest exporters of sushi and sashimi-grade tuna to North America, Europe, and Japan.

In the afternoon, the focal presentation of Mardi Gras was done at the Gensan Gym in Lagao.

This year’s theme of the Tuna Festival was “Go Global GenSan: We Are Ready for the World.”  It was their way of saying that they were geared up to show the world their renowned talents and skills in the different spectacular events.

Go, go Gensan!

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Published in Manila Bulletin Sept. 30, 2010.

What to do during Long Flights besides Sleep

By JANE NEPOMUCENO

September 28, 2010, 8:13pm

While hearing the whirring sound of the plane’s engine bothers most travelers, for the passionate traveler, it is just a part of being nearer his destination. Even the long flights are welcomed.

But at times, the long hours waiting for the plane to land can be a bore, especially if the only activity you have in mind to entertain – or not – yourself is to make yourself comfortable with the space available and sleep.

Whether you’re traveling alone or not, you can make long flights entertaining with a few activities that you can do during the flight. You should consider time in the plane as a part of the whole travel adventure and make the most out of it. After all, it consumes a big chunk of your time especially when you’re going to farther destinations.

Here are a few activities that you can do to keep yourself entertained during long flights.

Make friends

Chat with your seatmate. If you’re traveling alone, your seatmate is the most reasonable candidate to be your new friend. But before engaging him/her in a long conversation, make sure that s/he is willing to pass the time talking with you.

Don’t wear your wristwatch

Looking at the time during your flight will only make the hours pass slowly and make you restless. Besides, knowing the time wouldn’t make the plane fly faster and make you reach your destination right away.

Bring something to entertain yourself 

Watching movies or listening to music is a good way to pass the time on the plane without involving other people but still keeping you entertained. Just be sure to follow the flight regulations regarding the use of electronic devices.

Move around

Do this by keeping yourself busy with in-flight activities such as games or exercises. When they are not provided, you may stretch your legs and muscles to keep yourself awake. Again, follow the attendants’ instructions regarding movement during the flight.

Eat

Food will keep you away from reaching for your travel pillow and sleep so take some sweets and snacks with you.

Read

When you’ve tried to do all the other things mentioned above, settle with a good book.

Palawan Underground River Tops Poll

By MARVYN N. BENANING

September 19, 2010, 5:49pm

MANILA, Philippines – The Puerto Princesa Underground River has topped the latest poll of the New 7 Wonders of the World Campaign.

In its latest rankings, the Palawan subterranean river was chosen by 58.38 percent of females who joined the online poll, with 41.62 percent of the voters comprised of males.

The underground river is battling 27 other natural wonders worldwide, many of them in Europe and Latin America.

Apprised of the latest results, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn said the support of the people of Palawan and many Filipinos worldwide was essential in copping the top place in the latest online poll, which has already reached millions of people globally.

Among the other contestants are the Dead Sea, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Maldives, Grand Canyon, Jeju Island, Bay of Fundy, Black Forest, Iguazu Falls, Angel Falls, Yushan, Uluru, Galapagos, Milford Sound, Bu Tinah Island, Great Barrier Reef, Halong Bay, Komodo, Amazon, Vesuvius, Table Mountain, Masurian Lake District and Mud Volcano.

Hagedorn urged all Filipinos here and abroad to continue supporting the campaign of the Puerto Princesa Underground River to win the top slot in the contest for the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Published in Manila Bulletin Sept. 20, 2010.

A New Tourist Treat: Famous Toilets

By JANE NEPOMUCENO

September 5, 2010

If you’re one to enjoy being out of your comfort zone and likes adventure, traveling may be one of your most favorite hobbies. You’re used to seeing new places and roaming different cities. You’ve seen it all – from parks to beaches, museums to churches, as well as political and historical landmarks.

But for tourists who are tired of traditional sightseeing tours, Berlin has something new to offer. One Berlin tour guide is offering something altogether different: a tour of Berlin's public conveniences.

Tour guide Anna Haase wanted to take visitors to Berlin off the beaten track and came up with the novel idea of showing them some of the German capital's most famous toilets.

She takes groups around the city's lavatories, telling them about the history of the toilet's development from biblical times to the present day and showing them toilets ranging from the oldest and most primitive to the newest and most technical.

"I thought my colleagues would probably all do tours of parks and churches, but I wanted to break a taboo and explain the history of Berlin's hygiene and toilet culture," she told Reuters.

Highlights of the tour include a visit to a toilet block dating from the late 19th century and a trip to the Kaiser's fully restored bathroom at the Potsdamer Platz square.

"At first people tend to turn their nose up, but then they are generally surprised at the interesting facts that they learn about on the tour," she said.

However, if you want to have a traditional Berlin holiday and want to tour the German capital the way most vacationers do, here are the most traditional spots to see in Berlin:

Visit the Berlin Zoo

It is Europe’s biggest and oldest zoo and one of the most popular zoos in the world. The zoo houses 1,500 different species and around 16,000 animals. One of them is Knut, the first polar bear to be born in the animal park in over 30 years.

See what’s left of the Berlin Wall

Though it fell in 1989 and is now completely removed, there are only a few parts which can still be found. Though we can’t see the famous wall anymore, just being close to it can make anyone have bragging rights about being near one of the world’s most famous historical landmarks.

Marvel at Jewish history at the Jewish Museum

This museum officially opened in 2001 and covers two millennia of Jewish history.  The Jewish Museum's exhibits chronicle the history of the Jewish community in Germany from the Middle Ages to this day. A general overview of Judaism is provided in the third floor.

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

(With a report from Reuters)

Sources:

Sacred destinations

10 best

Journey, etc

'Filipino Mafia' on USS Warship

By ELENA L. ABEN

September 5, 2010, 4:57pm

Aboard the United States’ 100,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS George Washington which is now on a four-day port visit in Manila, is a “Filipino mafia.”

This, in light banter, is how Filipino sailors described their bond as part of the 5,000 crew of what is known as one of the world’s largest warships dubbed “City at Sea.”

Capt. David “Too Tall” Lausman, USS GW commanding officer, told a group of reporters given a tour of the ship as it docked at Manila Bay their visit also serves as a homecoming for its Filipino sailors, who comprise about 30 percent of the crewmembers.

The USS George Washington and embarked Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW 5) along with guided-missile destroyers, USS John S McCain (DDG 56) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85), arrived before dawn last Saturday near Corregidor island where she was met by the Philippine Navy ship, BRP Leopoldo Regis (PG 847) and escorted her to the vicinity of the SM Mall of Asia (MoA).

This is the warship’s second port call to Manila, the last being in August, 2009, when its sailors also took the time to enjoy Philippine culture.

“As you know from last year, about 30 percent of the crew have direct ties to the Philippines either through aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, great uncles, great grandmothers, etc., and this is really a homecoming of families and cultures because they are waiting to come back to their homes as well,” Lausman said.

He noted that during their last port call in Manila, “there was a lot of unique family reunions” and there are some again this year.

“I know there’s a lot of families that’s going to be welcomed aboard for a personal tour while we’re on port and some of them (sailors) are going on leave,” said Lausman, even recounting that some of the returning Filipino sailors talked about a special family gathering or reunion in their neighborhoods.

Asked how he would rate the Filipino sailors’ performance on the ship, Lausman quickly responded,

Troop talk aboard the USS McCampbell (DDG-85).: An article from: U.S. Department of Defense Speeches

“I don’t need to say anything, this is a great warship, they did it.” He added, “This is great. I’m very proud to be their shipmate.”

Meanwhile, the Filipino sailors expressed their excitement in coming home to the country as they also shared their life on the ship and how they anxiously await their chance to see or visit their families, relatives, and friends even for t a brief time.

“I am glad that I get this opportunity to visit my family and friends,” said Olongapo-born Aviation Ordnance Airman Steven Hoffman of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 28.

“It has been six years since I was in the Philippines, so it would be nice to see how things have changed and to talk with my family about the things I have done in the US Navy,” he said.

For Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Carlo Roberto Toledo, a port visit to Manila is the chance of a lifetime for sailors who are from the Philippines.

With the big number of Filipino and Filipino-American sailors on board the giant warship, some of those interviewed laughingly said there is, in fact, what some of the crewmembers from other nations tagged as “Filipino mafia” not for anything else, but because of the strong brotherhood that exists among them.

Aviation Ordnance expert Gza Ione Larican, a petite lass from Isabela province, said Filipino sailors on board USS George Washington “stick together, that is why they call us “Filipino mafia.”

“It doesn’t matter if someone says something bad or good, we just stick together,” Larican said, adding while they support one another, they also blend with fellow sailors of other nationalities.

She also described how Filipino sailors show their friendliness as they say hi to everyone they see or meet along the hallway and resiliency as they just go on even in some instances they experience a bit of discrimination.

“We always try to be happy,” she said.

But aside from the Filipino sailors, the rest of the crewmembers of the warship, according to Lausman, are also excited to come to Manila, having fully enjoyed their first visit last year.

He said the first area of interest of the sailors is a trip to the SM Mall of Asia, the fourth largest shopping mall in the world.

“They are ready to go shop, shop, shop and eat. Eat. eat. And they enjoyed that last year, and I think some of the shop owners are waiting for them to return as well,” said Lausman.

The sailors will also get the chance to tour Corregidor, go scuba diving, among others.

Published in Manila Bulletin September 5. 2010.

1,000 trips canceled, but investors keep faith

Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Travelers from Hong Kong and mainland China have canceled more than 1,000 Philippine package tours after eight Hong Kong tourists were killed in a bus hijacking in Manila, Chinese state media said Monday.

The Philippine tourism industry could suffer losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next three months, the China Daily reported, quoting Philippine Department of Tourism Undersecretary Simeon P. Marfori.

Big market

Hong Kong tourists accounted for one in ten of all inbound tourists to the Philippines while Chinese tourists represented the highest growth market of visitors to the country, Marfori said. The report provided no other figures.

But leaders of a group of foreign investors, in a forum in Manila, said they don’t see the hostage-taking case to have long-term effects on investor confidence.

Hubert d’Aboville, president of the European Chamber of Commerce, said while the hostage taking was tragic and showed the shortcomings of police, it won’t have any huge effect on investment climate in the Philippines.

Bigger picture

“Investment is not subject to this kind of tragic event. Let’s focus ourselves on the bigger picture,” he said. “It’s tragic indeed and it will take some time to heal but it will eventually.”

D’Aboville and other officials of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), a group of investors in the Philippines, Monday signed an agreement with the labor department to help improve what the JFC considers as the “big winner” industries or the most promising investment areas in the country—agribusiness, business process outsourcing, creative industries, infrastructure, manufacturing and logistics, mining and tourism and medical travel and retirement.

It happens anywhere

D’Aboville said he had met with officials of 25 French firms “and we are explaining to them what the situation in the Philippines is.”

Shameem Qurash, head of the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Regional Headquarters, said stories about the bloodbath shouldn’t be blown out of proportion.

“It happens all over the world,” he said. “This is not the only country where there are problems.”

Philip C. Tubeza and Agence France-Presse

Travel A-Z: Samar

By VINCE G. LOPEZ

September 1, 2010, 11:57am

From idyllic beaches to scenic mountains, the Philippines is one of the places on Earth that can be considered as a “complete” destination. A tropical country teeming with sundry attractions, there will always be something new to discover. This section provides an overview of the country’s various provinces from A-Z with helpful tips on interesting insights and quirky must-sees that will inspire you to go out and explore some more!

Samar

Characterized by beautiful coastlines and scenic mountains, the province of Samar is described as “The Perfect Destination for the Adventurous Traveler”.

The name Samar came from the local term “samad” meaning wound or cut. The name aptly describes the rugged features of the terrains of the island complete with hills and mountaintops ranging from 200 to 800 meters above sea level - a feature that’s perfect for the adventurous traveler.

An adventure to this province should include treks and river cruises but the pristine beaches remain to be favorite destinations for tourists and locals. Samar may be an adventure destination but it’s the simple serenity and rural living of the province that tourists appreciate about it.

Regular tourists enjoy frolicking in the wonderful beaches that are spread out in the province. Some of the island’s beaches are the country’s best-kept secret, making them attractive alternatives to highly commercialized beach destinations in the country.

Fast facts:

Local Dialect: Waray

Festival: Mayaw-Mayaw Ethnic Festival, Pahoy-Pahoy, and Kaadlawan Festival that celebrate local customs and culture.

Man-made Wonders:

Obelisk - Obelisk features the major historical events of the province which depicted in the four sides of the structure which is situated in front of the Capitol Building, Catbalogan, Samar.

San Juanico Bridge - One of the most popular landmarks of the country which has the distinction of being the longest bridge in Southeast Asia.  It has a total length of 7,092 feet, its highest point is 41 meters above the water level.

Natural Wonders:

Sohoton National Park - an approximate area of 840 hectares filled with fascinating geological features. The national park contains caves, limestone boulders, rock holes, weathered formation rocks, and underground rivers.

Sohotan Natural Bridge - A fantastic huge arch-shaped rock that connects two mountain ridges spanning the Sohoton River.

Bangon Falls - Bangon Falls is one of the most beautiful and spectacular scenic spots worth visiting in the province. Following the stream by ascending to the upper level, one will be amazed to see a circular pond of about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving.

Langun-Gubingub Cave- Said to be the second largest Karst cave in the world.

Ton-ok Falls - the scenic view of the waterfall is vividly illustrated through the boulders that rise and fall in a series of steps from down below to the topmost section of the mountains.

Lologayan Falls - The term “lologayan” came from the waray-waray root word “logay” meaning to unfold a braided long hair. According to local myth, the falls was where a legendary maiden in the area used to wash her hair.

Marabut Marine Park - The marine park boasts of 15 towering rock islands with secluded beach coves and coral gardens perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sun bathing.

Scenic Beaches:

Blanca Aurora Falls - a bathing resort frequented by local tourists visiting from nearby provinces.

Malojog Beach - Stretching about 200 meters long of grayish sand and cold blue waters with towering rocks at its south and three beachfront balconied cottages

Lo-ok Beach - This beach resort is most often visited due to the accessibility of the place. Its white sand, blue waters, swaying palm trees, towering rocks and concrete rest houses give the destination a “South Seas Island” touch.

Must Do: White-water rafting at Lulugayan Falls and rapids.

How to get there: There are no direct flights from Manila to Samar but there are numerous daily flights to nearby provinces such as Tacloban or Cebu. From these destinations, there are buses and shuttles available to take you to Samar.

Another alternative is taking the bus from terminals in Pasay City and Cubao in Quezon City. There are regular trips for the 12-hour bus ride to Matnog in the province of Sorsogon where visitors can take the ferry going to Samar.

When in Cebu City, please visit gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs.

Published in Manila Bulletin September 3, 2010.

Gokongwei unit eyes 30 budget hotels in next 5 years

By Doris Dumlao Philippine Daily Inquirer Most Read GOKONGWEI-LED Robinsons Land Corp. plans to roll out a local network of 30budget hotels over the next five years, partly through franchising, as part of its target to eventually operate the biggest hotel chain in the Philippines. At the grand opening of RLC’s pilot value hotelGohotels.ph in Cybergate Plaza along Edsa in Mandaluyong City Friday, RLC president Frederick Go told reporters that franchising would play a significant role in the nationwide expansion of value hotel chain Gohotels.ph. He said one private investor, for instance, was now looking at five sites within Greater Metro Manila to fold into the new chain under a franchising arrangement. “They build the facility. We operate the facility. We provide the system. We provide the brand, management and online booking system, which is very crucial,” Go said. Gohotels.ph, which operates under the motto “A Place for Every Juan,” seeks to offer clean, affordable, secure and strategically located but no-frills hotel roomsmostly through online booking. Pricing is variable, similar to the system used by RLC’s affiliate airline Cebu Pacific, wherein the rate are cheaper the earlier a client books. Typically, the price of a room a night will range from a low of P388 to a high as P1,888. Since the soft opening of the pilot budget hotel in Mandaluyong three months ago, Go reported that even with very little advertising, the first Gohotels.ph was hitting an occupancy rate of 90 percent. The hotel is even sometimes getting fully booked and thus unable to accommodate walk-in clients, he added. “Due to the high demand for excellent accommodations, Gohotels.ph is now welcoming offers from parties who are interested to franchise or sell their land,” Gohotels.ph general manager Liz Gregorio said. A potential hotel property should have at least 100 rooms to be economically viable, Go said. Aside from those that can be added to the Gohotels.ph network through franchising, Go said RLC itself would build more hotels, mostly near its existing Robinsons malls across the country. “We now have 30 malls. Theoretically, we have at least 30 locations that we could build it on,” Go said. The target of having a 30-hotel network over five years is even a “conservative” target, given a parallel expansion strategy through franchising. “We want to be the biggest hotel operator in a few years,” Go said. By 2011, new Gohotels.ph are planned to rise in Bacolod and Dumaguete. By 2012, new sites are seen in Palawan, Iloilo, Cebu and Tacloban. By 2013, new hotels are targeted to rise in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Zamboanga and General Santos. The idea is to set up a local hotel wherever carrier Cebu Pacific flies to, Go said. Published in Philippine Daily Inquirer September 3, 2010.