BEST BETS: (LEFT) Make like Manny and try river tubing in Maitum, Sarangani. River tubing entails riding a tube down a river while being propelled by the current. Photo by Rhonson Ng. (RIGHT) Try taking off from Gen San and exploring popular attractions like Sarangani’s white sand Gumasa beach and Davao’s Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ highest peak. Illustration by Kasey Albano.
shapes and sizes with a price that can’t be beat, visit Tiongson Arcade (Tiongson St., Brgy. Lagao). Think of stalls upon stalls of grilling stations and restaurants as far as your eye can see. Red Trellis Seafood Garden (Tiongson Ext. corner Calina St., Brgy. Lagao) is located at the corner and not only serves tuna, but is famous for their opulent crab with coconut milk. Pacquiao is said to dine at Ranchero’s Grill (Villa Consuelo Subdivision, National Highway), which not only serves tuna in all its glory like tuna kinilaw and sizzling tuna entrails, but superb baby back ribs as well. PACQUIAO’S MARK
Raised in a poor, single-parent household, Gen Sanborn Pacquiao has risen through the ranks to become one of the most famed boxers of his generation. Celebrated as the “People’s Champ,” he is known to host concerts after his million-dollar fights, occasionally acts, and is also a congressman for the Province of Sarangani. Together with his wife Jinkee, they raise a bi-coastal family with both of them heavily investing in their hometown and Sarangani. Oh, and one more thing, they are both really, really nice. When visiting Gen San, the Pacquiao stamp is everywhere. Look around, and he’s either been there, or owns the place. The boxer attended Saavedra Saway Elementary School in Barangay Labangal and dropped out of high school when he left home at the age of 14. A few years back, he enrolled in Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (Marist Ave., General Santos City). You may visit the school museum in the university for a glimpse of Gen San’s history. For a glimpse into Manny’s home life, tourists can take a peek at his grand mansion in NLSA Road,
Barangay Lagao. You can’t enter his residence, but you can view the stately manor from afar. If you are looking for overnight accommodations, snooze at Pacquiao’s newest hotel, Roadhouse Economy Hotel (Aparente Ave. and Block 1 Dadiangas Heights Subdivision, General Santos City). Up for shopping? Have your fill of Pacman-related novelty and souvenir items at the Team Pacquiao Store (Robinson’s Place, Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao). If you are an aspiring boxer or just an enthusiast, take a jab at the People’s Champ Gym (Family Country Hotel and Convention Centre, Mateo Road, General Santos City) and see Gen San’s boxing hopefuls train. If you’re lucky, you can meet Pacquiao himself. Pacquiao trained in this gym when he was an up and coming boxer and sometimes still trains there today. Since the boxing champ is an all-around sports and outdoor enthusiast, he is seen quite frequently around his congressional district taking in what nature has to offer. Check out Lemlunay Resort (Tampuan Point, Maasim, Sarangani Province) in Maasim, the closest town to General Santos City. Here you don’t only find breathtaking views of the bay, but intact coral reefs populated with Napoleon wrasse, giant clams, and juvenile jacks. For more snorkeling options, hire a boat in the neighboring town of Kiamba, hometown of Manny’s wife Jinkee, and head on to Tuka Marine Park (Poblacion, Kiamba, Sarangani Province). For a holistic travel experience, Maitum is your best bet. Go river tubing in New La Union (Barangay Malalag, Poblacion, Maitum, Sarangani Province) where Manny has adventured; hike with a T’boli guide to Zion Cave; and check out 2,000-yearold anthropomorphic burial jars in an ancient archaeological site. n
THE WORLD’S 1ST POUND-FOR-POUND BOXER Since the beginning of his boxing career in 1995, Manny Pacquiao has won eight world titles. He maintains a 71.7% knockout record out of all his boxing matches. His current winning streak is 15 straight fights. This started when he beat Hector Velasquez in 2005 up until his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011. Pacquiao is also one of today’s richest boxers, with a net worth of US$70 million.
PAL flies between Manila and General Santos daily. For more information, call PAL reservations office at (+632) 855 8888 or visit www. philippineairlines.com. www.philippineairlines.com I 63