GO GENSAN GO!
I
spent 67% of my life in the Southern part of the Philippines on the
island of Mindanao- General Santos City (GenSan). It is a city where I
attained my educational degree and offered opportunities that sharpened
me as an individual before entering the world of professionalism.
There
are recorded 7,107 islands in the Republic of the Philippines. General
Santos City (GenSan) is bounded by three municipalities of Sarangani
Province, namely Alabel, South Cotabato and Davao del Sur; 2 municipalities of South Cotabato, Koronadal City and Sultan Kudarat
and is subdivided into 25 barangays (local councils). The closest
neighbour of GenSan is Davao, one of the most extensive cities in the
world and known as " The Durian Capital of the Philippines", as it is a
large grower of the Durian fruit. And, Cebu city, the capital of the
island Cebu and known as “The Queen city of the south” due to its
importance and role in trade, shipping and tourism in the country. They
are both popular destinations in the Southern Philippines.
The
city is recognised by the world as the “Tuna Capital of the
Philippines” as it supplies a large quantity of fish, particularly in
Asia. The fish industries have cultured a variety of fish to be used in
the processing and making of canned goods for consumers and for exports
to the rest of world.
The
developing cities in the Philippines are keen competitors and as a mark
of their success they love to celebrate. General Santos City has its
own two major celebrations each year; the Kalilangan and the Tuna
Festival.
The
Kalilangan is derived from the Maguinadao word “Kalilang” which means
celebration. It projects a positive and dynamic meaning of rich cultural
heritage that has endured from generation to generation. It is a
week-long event each year from February 16-27 to commemorate and give
due respect to the city’s founder, General Paulino Santos, and to the
first settlers from Luzon, who lived on the shores of Sarangani Bay. A
colourful fireworks display treats the children which brings joy &
excitement to their faces. Amongst other activites, a street-dancing
competition is held to cheer-up the crowd.
The
other major event is the fertile Tuna festival, celebrated every year
and falls on the month of September. It celebrates the Tuna industries
of the city that contributes as much as 60% to the economy. The event’s
highlight is the extravagant Tuna float parade on the street that is
attended by the local officials. A Street-dancing competition is held
for all different school levels (elementary and secondary) showcasing
unique performances. Each school competes keenly for that year’s trophy
and a cash prize. This is presented on stage in the form of a giant
cheque. There is also a big and colourful fireworks display on the
opening night which starts the festivities and is a sign of
thanksgiving.
Moreover,
the two major celebrations are also considered as a bazaar. Souvenirs,
tokens, and refreshment are sold. And local products are promoted and
sold to the locals. The tourists find these items especially
interesting. At nightfall, different kinds of fairground-rides brighten
the city’s milieu for family and friends to enjoy and more importantly,
for the kids to experience the giant toys. On the ultimate night of the
celebrations there is a pageant called Beauty to Brain. The selected
gorgeous candidates will compete and vie for a crown that uplifts their
ego as it represents not just a beautiful face and a sexy body, but more
importantly, intelligence.
Furthermore,
the city’s growth depends on the developing and improving
infrastructures. Of particular importance to GenSan is the new
(Robinson) and the existing (Gaisano, KCC, Fitmart) state of the art
shopping malls, which are exclusive pedestrian streets that allow
shoppers to walk around and buy the things they need and want. Also,
beach resorts are important and ideal places to relax the mind and body
in the water. There are also hotels and inns, for holiday makers and
business use offering varied accommodation.
Generally,
the city is not just admirable for the promotion of its festivals and
for supplying tuna fish to the world. It is also, in fact, one of the
least expensive cities in the Philippines, perhaps in the world, that
will blissfully delight you and won’t cost you a king’s ransom.
*Photos courtesy of Jo- Paul Arthur Tan
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