Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
General Santos Shopping
Rising from the ashes of the old mall that was destroyed by fire about 4 years ago, you can now experience General Santos shopping at the newly-constructed and airconditoned KCC Mall. The old building used to be located at Osmena Street at the now Koronadal City as a fabric store. Eventually it developed into a shopping mall located at General Santos Drive.
Afterwards, the KCC Warehouse Club was established in General Santos City. The new building was destroyed by fire paving the way for the establishment of KCC Mall of General Santos, the biggest mall in Cotabato.
KCC provides a wide array of the best products General Santos shopping has to offer. You can get local and imported clothing at wholesale price. Its supermarket located at Level 1 has 82 checkout counters. There is a Food Court as well as popular American restaurants such as KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Pizza Hut, to name just a few.
Planning to book tickets for your trip to Manila or other places? KCC is home to a couple of travel agencies. Level 3 is the haven of gamers as well as six mini-cinemas complete with Digital Sound. Aside from that, there is a Skin Center, Dental Clinic, Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop as well as regional offices of the two leading telecommunication companies Globe & Smart.
KCC also has an Internet cafe with over 30 computers providing the lowest rates at PHP20 an hour. Likewise, there are cellphone shops, a hardware, and a computer shop. Operations starts at 9 am and ends at midnight after the last full show in the cinemas. There is free parking space at Level 3 and supermarket level.
The store also sells clothes made by local manufacturers at affordable prices. Looking for souvenir shirts? They are available at US$3 per piece. There are discounted models of cellphones, Filipino crafts, religious items, among others. KCC Mall is located at J. Catolico Sr, Avenue, General Santos City.
General Santos shopping will become even more worthwhile as the SM Group of Companies is expected to open SM City General Santos come 2011, simultaneous with that of SM City North Davao. It will be first SM mall in General Santos City and the third in the whole Mindanao peninsula after SM City Davao and Cagayan de Oro. It will house common fixtures in any SM establishment such as SM Appliance Center, Movietime, Department Store as well as stores like National Bookstore and Toy Kingdom.
General Santos Hospitals and Health Care
Considered as one of the Philippines’ most competitive cities, General Santos City in South Cotabato aims to enhance the health conditions of residents in the area. To attain the objective, the city government allots budget to improve the facilities of public health care units including the General Santos District Hospital and SOCSARGEN County Hospital. In addition, the government also approves the openings of numerous tertiary General Santos hospitals and health care establishments like the Mindanao Medical Center.
General Santos District Hospital
General Santos District Hospital is a public health care facility that provides cheap services to the residents in the city. This health care establishment has well-ventilated rooms and capacious rooms where patients can stay comfortably while receiving treatments from their physicians. Aside from general medicine, this medical care unit specializes in other areas like pediatrics, immunology, pathology and surgery. Individuals who want to set appointments with the physicians serving at this place can communicate with any of the administrative staff by calling (083) 302-0759.
SOCSARGEN County Hospital
Patients who are in search for public General Santos hospitals and health care institutions that use modern facilities and equipment can always go to SOCSARGEN County Hospital, which is situated at the corners of Arradaza Street and Bula Lagao Road. To assist patients who do not have sufficient money to pay for the rising medical costs at private medical establishments in the city, this institution provides discounted medical supplies and free consultations to the residents of South Cotabato. In addition, the place features a clean and comfortable outpatient area. Patients who have serious illnesses can call (083) 553-8906 to get immediate medical help from physicians at this establishment.
Mindanao Medical Center
One of the outstanding tertiary hospitals in the southern region of the Philippines, Mindanao Medical Center has modern facilities and advance medical devices that physicians use to diagnose the health conditions of patients. This health care unit in General Santos City supports the different projects of the Department of Health like the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, which was launched to raise awareness about the health problems that are commonly experienced by the residents in the area. To accommodate patients who are in great need for regular check-ups and immediate medical assistance, this health care establishment features numerous rooms and capacious wards. When it comes to specializations, the medical center employs medical professionals who have ample understanding on various fields like oncology, pathology and general medicine. Aside from these, patients can also get free medicines and vaccines by visiting the outpatient department of this establishment. In case of emergencies, individuals can seek help at Mindanao Medical Center by calling (083) 553-3985.
General Santos Beach Guide
There are a lot of activities that you can do when in this beautiful city, but definitely one of the most exciting would be to go visit the beaches in and around the area. This General Santos beach guide can give you an idea of where to go.
One of the destinations that would definitely be worth checking out is Gumasa Beach, which is only a couple of hours away. This General Santos beach guide can inform you that there are several valid reasons why it is so popular among tourists. The waters are very clear and unspoiled, with none of the problems that afflict other beaches that are frequented by too many people. Moreover, the sands around the beach are exceedingly fine, perfect for daily strolls.
Another site that should be in any General Santos beach guide is London Beach off Siguel. Siguel is only a few minutes away by motor vehicle from General Santos, and once you get there, you will be able to savor the pure air and water around the area. There are also resorts nearby so finding a place to stay in will not be a problem.
Nearby is Tropicana Beach. Compared with other beaches, it is quiet and serene, which would be welcomed by tourists and travelers who just want to spend some quiet time by the ocean shore. The cool breeze that emanates from the sea can be felt night and day, so you can visit it at any time and still savor the breeze.
Tuka Beach is also a place worthy of inclusion in this General Santos beach guide. It is situated off Kiamba in Sarangani, which is not that far off from General Santos. The beach is divided into Tuka Beach 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each one is filled with interesting sights, not the least of which are the hills and mountains covering the surrounding landscape.
All of the beaches in Tuka have their own distinct features, and there are several things that you can enjoy. You can go on a boating trip, or as most people now do, go to the nearby theme park, for which the entire place is named. This General Santos beach guide can point out that you will see a wide array of exotic animals in the area, several of which are located only in the local seas.
This General Santos beach guide only gives you an overview of the features of these sites. Once there, you will find other hidden treasures and thrills that will make your stay even more exciting.
General Santos Hotel Guide
General Santos is also called as the boom town of Mindanao. This city has become an excellent destination for tourists. They have many beautiful beaches and landmarks. They also have top resorts and hotels. Most of the hotels have excellent services and some are very affordable too. Many guests keep coming back to them because they all make their stay memorable and nice.
1. Dolores Tropicana Resort – This resort is in the town of Tambler in the city. This resort is a franchise company from South Cotabato. The whole resort has a peaceful surrounding where you can enjoy a quiet time to relax from the hectic city life. Many residents like holding special celebrations with them like weddings, business seminars and meetings. There are different types of rooms. They are Taub, Katunggan and Balud rooms. The cost of staying in a room for one night can cost one thousand two hundred pesos up to two thousand eight hundred pesos. Every room has the standard amenities like television, telephone and bathrooms.
2. Days Hotel – This hotel is in the town of Lagao. Many guests like coming back to stay here because the people are reliable. They are also proud of their friendly service. They have good amenities like spacious parking space, deposit boxes for safety and huge conference rooms. A room with one bed costs sixty five dollars up to ninety five dollars. The room with two beds costs seventy five dollars up to one hundred five dollars for one night. Each room has all the amenities like telephones and televisions.
3. East Asia Royale Hotel – This is situated on the national highway. It is known for its elegance and good hospitable staff. They have different room for huge banquets. They also have a center for business. The hotel has its own coffee shop, restaurant and one bar with a pianist. The guests are offered different rooms like superior, standard, deluxe and
suite rooms. Most of the rooms costs one thousand nine hundred fifty pesos and the suites cost three thousand two hundred pesos.
4. Dolores Hotel – This hotel is along the boulevard called Santiago in the city. They have many halls for conventions and other function rooms. They also have their own restaurant. The hotels offer single, matrimonial, family and twin rooms for their guests. The price of the rooms range from five hundred pesos up to nine hundred pesos. The rooms have the standard amenities like telephones, televisions and one bathroom with the shower.
5. Phela Grande Hotel – This was established on the corners of Atis Street and Magsaysay. This is one of the biggest hotels in General Santos. They have a big restaurant, souvenir store and other rooms for different functions. The guests are offered with different rooms like standard, single and family rooms. The price of the rooms varies from nine hundred pesos and two thousand two hundred pesos. The rooms have standard features.
General Santos Destination Guides
Overview
Found in the southern part of the Philippines General Santos is one of the most frequented tourist destination in Mindanao. What draws people visitors to General Santos is the inherent need in every individual to be in touch with nature once in a while and appreciate its beauty. Indeed, many General Santos destinations are unspoiled and for many years have been maintained that way.
Lake Sebu
Lake Sebu is where the indigenous group T’boli tribe first settled and one can just imagine that this place was found suitable to meet the needs of the community. Lake Sebu is impressive because of how serene it looks and makes one feel. In fact, many visitors go to this General Santos destination once and keep coming back. The water of Lake Sebu makes one feel that no matter what one is going through, everything can be held together. The water is also very clear at this General Santos destination, a sign that the T’boli group has made every effort to make sure that it stays in exactly the same way as when they first settled here. The local tribe also believes that Lake Sebu is a place of miracles because even during the hottest and driest months, this never goes dry. Another good reason to visit Lake Sebu is the chance to interact with the T’boli tribe.
Kalaja Karst Area
Ranked high on the most visited General Santos destinations is the Kalaja Karst Area found in Barangay Conel. The General Santos destination is a national reserve that is good for anyone who knows how to appreciate nature. One does not have to be a nature lover to be able to enjoy the Kalaja Karst Area because once here, one will realize that nature is something that’s truly wonderful and should be preserved. Aside from picnics and camping, a tour guide awaits at the Kalaja Karst Area to bring one to the Kalaja Cave and the different waterfalls in the area. This General Santos destination is a one stop for those who want to go on a picnic, swim, go trekking or camping. Because of the many options offered by the Kalaja Karst Area, one will definitely not get bored and the rugged environment is something that is very laid back. Even children can enjoy this tourist destination and it’s a good idea to bring them to Kalaja Karst Area so that they learn to appreciate nature at an early age and feel the need to preserve and protect it as they get older.
General Santos Transportation
Overview
Fondly known to its inhabitants as Gensan, this city in Mindanao is frequented by tourists because of the many natural wonders that can be seen here. The strength of Gensan lies in its thriving agricultural land and although this is the primary source of livelihood here, General Santos is a progressive city. In fact, when in Gensan, one will be amazed at how accessible General Santos transportation is.
Getting to General Santos City
If one is planning a trip to General Santos, it’s a good idea to consider the different means of General Santos transportation that would get one to this thriving city. The quickest way is of course by plane and a direct flight originating from the nation’s capital lasts for about an hour and forty five minutes. There are many airlines that offer promotional packages when it comes to airfares going to General Santos and during off peak season, one might just chance upon promotional offers that will bring ticket rates down to less that Php2000. If however one is not able to book a direct flight, there is another mode of General Santos transportation that can get one there quickly and that is to fly from Manila to Cebu. Once in Cebu, it’s much easier to book a flight that’s headed straight for General Santos City.
Believe it or not, another mode of General Santos transportation is to take the bus although this is a 3 day journey. This passes several provinces on the way to General Santos and the scenery varies from scenic to endless stretches of national road. This costs about Php2000 per person.
If one is considering of getting to this part of Mindanao via sea, a multitude of General Santos transportation options are available. One can take a ferry directly to General Santos or make stopovers in Iloilo for a total travel time of three days. Depending on the type of accommodation options that one chooses, fare can range from Php2000 to Php6000.
Getting Around General Santos City
Once in Gensan, one will notice that almost all types of public utility vehicles that can be seen in Manila can be found here. Among the General Santos transportation options to help one get around the city are jeepneys, tricycles, taxis and buses. The most affordable would of course be the jeepney with fare less than Php10 per head but these make several stops and drive on designated routes. For a more comfortable trip, there are air conditioned taxis and the initial flag down rate is Php30.
General Santos Sightseeing Guide
General Santos is one of the modern cities in the Philippines. It ranks as among the best cities to live in Mindanao. The city is home to many companies and factories. It is now known as one of the best places to visit while you are in the Philippines. There are many things you can see and do if you are interested in visiting General Santos.
1. Kalaja Karst Area – This is a place you should definitely visit if you are in General Santos. It is located nine miles from the town of Conel. This is a reserve with natural wonders that feature different animals as well as a camping sight for campers. You can even check out the Kalaja cave and have a spelunking adventure. In the cave is water about ten feet deep. They always give a guide when you are visiting the cave. The reserve also has some of the best waterfalls in General Santos. You can also have a hiking or climbing adventure with your friends while going around the reserve.
2.Lake Sebu – This is where the tribe known as the T’boli lived before. They like living within a short distance from the lake. The lake is so clear and pure. The whole area surrounding the lake is peaceful. Many people believed that it is a mythical and miraculous body of water.
3. Lake Maughan – This is another lake with a natural reserve. Tourists visiting can see exotic flora and fauna.
4. The Kalsangi Golf course – This is a good place to visit for golf fans. This is next to the Mountain called Matutum.
5. The settlements of the tribe of the T’bolis – There are still some T’bolis living in the western side of Sebu lake. Tourists can visit the place and you can have an educational experience about their culture.
6. Mountain Matutum – This is a mountain that is two thousand meters tall. This is one of the highest peaks in Mindanao. Many Filipino climbers have climbed the mountain and they enjoy the nice view and the variation in the landscape.
7. Nopol Hills- These are hills near General Santos city. If you are coming from Kalaja Karsts you can easily go to the hills in just thirty minutes. From the hills tourists can see the Sarangani Bay and have a good view of it. Most people go there to enjoy the sunset with their families and friends.
General Santos Government Sites
General Santos City: All about Tuna
The Tuna Capital of the Philippines had been cited as the ‘Most Competitive City’ because of its economic competency and stability. Agro-industry has been the strong commercial enterprise that enhanced the city of General Santos’ financial system. This feat would never be realized without a clear cut vision and mission declaration guiding them to live with.
Mission and Vission of General Santos City
The city’s mission: ‘To provide opportunities to all sectors of society to be productive and responsible stakeholders, through execution of sound and beneficial programs, projects and initiatives anchored on the principles of justice and equity.’ The main commerce of the place is agro-industrial and for this reason, the local government provided leverage on the promotion of the local products of the city. This has proved to be very effective and it really encouraged local and small entrepreneurs to improve on their crafts.
The local government as well provides alluring incentive that keeps the enthusiasm to keep improving. The city’s vision: ‘By 2015, General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the wellspring of winners will be a globally competitive and livable city whose healthy, friendly, well-educated and responsible citizens actively participate in effective governance.’ With a clear objective or goal in mind, being globally competitive would be a reality in the near future. Eco-Tourism is also a boost in the city’s economic stability and progress. The Kalaja Eco-Tourism Destination has been a favorite spot for visitors and tourists alike.
The Progress of Tuna Fishing Industry in General Santos City
The tuna fishing business had never been this thriving and prosperous since its conception from the past years to the present. The new technology, strategic location and the needed facilities for fishing had been the factor why General Santos City’s tuna industry is flourishing and for this the city is now is ‘Boom Town City of the South’. In order to make this industry progressive they need to attract local and international investors. The city’s official website (http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/) gives an overview for tourists, visitors or business financiers of what General Santos City is all about. It is loaded with a lot of information and related facts suitable for possible tourists and commercial entrepreneurs. After browsing through the official website, one can never get enough of just a glimpse of the place. An individual needs to be at General Santos City to enjoy its wonders.
General Santos Education
As one of the highly populous areas in the Philippines, General Santos City features a lineup of impressive universities and colleges. These educational facilities are key components of an excellent General Santos education system. Here, students can easily be part of extensive academic programs and enroll in highly interesting courses. From these schools, they can expect to find decent modern facilities, outstanding curricula and other key elements that are crucial for learning.
Holy Trinity College
Located along Fiscal Daproza Avenue, Holy Trinity College was considered a developing educational institution under the Commission on Higher Education Institutional Quality Assurance Monitoring and Evaluation. It has good student personnel services, which aim to provide financial assistance, counseling services and career information. In addition, the school also has some very good facilities to offer including an extensive research center, modern sports and recreational facilities as well as an information technology center. In terms of academics, it showcases numerous impressive courses under its major colleges such as the College of Criminal Justice Administration, College of Teacher Education and College of Information Technology. It also offers technical education courses like Computer Hardware Servicing NC II, Building Wiring Installation NC II and Automotive Servicing NC II.
Mindanao Polytechnic College
With all its beautiful facilities and outstanding academic programs, Mindanao Polytechnic College is easily one of the top schools in the area. Situated at Makar-Polomolok Junction, one of its major aims as an educational institution is to produce professionals who are highly competent in their chosen fields. Likewise, the school aims to imbibe in the character of students important values such as transparency, honesty and integrity. It features different kinds of degree programs, which are divided into various departments including the Department of Information Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Customs Administration.
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
Established in 1953, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University is found along Marist Avenue, which is part of the extensive General Santos education system. Under the College of Business, it offers courses like Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism Management and Financial Management. Furthermore, it also has the College of Engineering and Technology, where students can enroll in courses such as Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
Mindanao State University-General Santos City
As a state-owned educational establishment, many people find it really good to enroll at Mindanao State University-General Santos City. This school offers good quality education at super low tuition fee rates. Moreover, it is provides different kinds of scholarships for exceptional students, especially those who are financially challenged. Under its College of Agriculture, students can enroll in undergraduate courses including BSA Horticulture, BSA Animal Science and BS Agricultural Education. It also has other colleges such as the College of Public Affairs, the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, as well as the College of Health Sciences.
General Santos Restaurant Guide
General Santos City is a city in Mindanao which attracts more and more tourists every year. Today General Santos has more businesses than ever before including restaurants offering varied cuisines to the locals and the tourists.
1. Tatay Pepe’s Restobar – This is a restaurant in General City which is a popular hangout among the residents there. This is a restaurant where many young adults hang out. The setting of the restaurant is very simple and casual. The cost of the food in Tatay Pepe’s is very affordable. A complete meal can cost seventy five pesos only. This restaurant is situated in Osmena Avenue which is a major street in the city. You can visit their website at tataypepes.com.
2. La Veranda Café – This cafe and restaurant belongs to the latest and hippest restaurant in General Santos. La Veranda is a coffee shop offering international foods like pastas, salads and American dishes. They are proud of having different systems for brewing their coffee. One of their best sellers is the mocha coffee. The price of the coffee in La Veranda begins at eighty pesos. There is a good area on the top of the restaurant where some tables are arranged so lucky patrons can enjoy the view outside including the General Santos city sunset. La Veranda is established at the top of the Tandem building in the in the city’s national highway.
3.Ranchero’s Grill – This is a smaller restaurant in the city compared to others when it first began which today has branches in many towns and other Mindanao cities. This grill became a hit with many residents in the city including tourists because of the grilled foods. They are also known for the affordability of the dishes. You can bring one hundred pesos and enjoy a complete meal. Their best seller is the grilled tuna.
4. Dimsum Diner- This is a diner which offers tasty Asian dishes like Japanese and Chinese foods. The ambience in the whole restaurant is very cozy where customers can choose from a wide selection of platters of dimsum. They also have platters made from bamboo. Their best seller is the dumpling. They are located at the East Asia Hotel.
5. Grab-A-Crab – This is restaurant is a combination of an elegant but modern restaurant. They offer gourmet foods and the restaurant is designed to evoke intimacy and class. Many elite residents in the city dine here. They serve good Filipino and Chinese dishes. They are popular for their seafood meals.