Gensan Gazer Mar 2011

Gensan Gazer

The

F

ranchesca

F

HE’S NOT YOUR TYPICAL pretty face, and her smile doesn’t come easy either.

Born in General Santos and bred in Manila, Davao and back in Gensan again, Franchesca Ravelo was a great revelation in her first shoot, our own take of Gypsy Chic. The BS Entrepreneurship freshman at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University is back in Gensan, for a while at least, big thanks to Grandma, who cajoled her beautiful 19-year-old granddaughter back to Gensan with the promise of a college education. Smart girl, we

S

ascination

can see, and even smarter for letting Apple Greatson Francisco in on her first shoot ever, the first of what we can only hope as many more. Our fascination with this quietly stunning looker is understandable. A knowing stare, the parted lips, the near-perfect face, equally worldly and innocent--all seem to lead to a smile that’d almost never come. She did smile in a very rare unguarded moment.

There and then, the awe was complete.

(ANPJ)

Photography (front cover, back cover and this page) by Apple Greatson Francisco | Wardrobe and accessories by Franchesca Ravelo | Makeup and additional accessories by Donna Mae Congson | Lighting by Charles Soguilon Sitjar and Armando Nicolas PJ

O

O

OT

Live Life Here!

he exclusive lifestyle that awaits you at Camella General Santos only gets better and more colorful with the expansion of the gated community to nearly 10 more hectares of quality homes and landscaped lawns along NLSA Road in Barangay San Isidro, and the future addition of a commercial center at the estate’s main façade.

Isn’t it about time you called Camella your home?

Camella General Santos, 2nd Flr, Mandarin Tea House, South Osmeña St, General Santos City (083) 553 3377 | www. camella.com.ph

O

O O

Camella

F

rom the sea’s bounty to the land’s mystique to its people’s charm, all roads lead to the first and only premiere Caribbeaninspired community in SoCCSKSarGen -- Camella General Santos.

A beautifully evolving new landscape spanning 12 hectares of prime residential land, this impeccably masterplanned community offers real luxury within reach to diverse homeowners -- the newly independent, newly-weds and start-up couples, big families, pensioners, practically across all income brackets.

With fast and easy access to schools, malls, markets,

City Hall, the business district, and the second largest international airport in the South, Camella Gensan features exquisitely themed houses that are spacious and built in harmony with its tropical setting and the Caribbean ambience. The community is cable- and Internet-ready, with amenities such as a grand entrance plaza, an elegant clubhouse and a tastefully designed pool to match, gardens, children’s playground, multi-court activity area, tree-lined roads with flood-proof drainage, a CCTV monitoring system and 24-hour security, and all these, managed by an independent property management team to ensure quality, continuity, and service excellence.

& Leisure People & Places ● Travel & Entertainment ● & Environment ● Lifestyle Arts & Culture ● Health

Gensan Gazer

Chesca graces our covers,

MAGAZINE GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S 2 VOLUME II NUMBER

the very first time we’ve ever featured the same subject front and back, following the reversecovers motif we continue to put out in this and future issues. (More on Chesca on the insidefront-cover page.) The long school break and summer holiday are upon us again, and inside we propose travel options you can take on depending on your budget and time to spare, and the many ways you can enjoy your travels by being anything but a tourist. (Tough!)

We ran into

Armando Nicolas P J EDITOR Van Almeria Egai Cadiente Bing Cariño Donna Mae Congson Romarie Ivy Cunanan Apple Greatson Francisco Avel Manansala Orman Manansala Marthin Millado CONTRIBUTORS

Exclusive: Kalilangan 2011 Recap

Jay Harvey G J CIRCULATION

Exclusive: 2011 Lakan at Lakambini

Gensan Gazer™ Magazine is published by Armanikolas Publishing ®™ and printed by Gregoria Printing Press in General Santos City, Philippines.

Of Aimless Wanderings and Aiming Your Lens

Derek Ramsay caught with GG in Cebu!

editor’s NOTE

Ambush Fashionista,, Franchesca in Focus Malapascua & more!

Derek Ramsay

at the Mactan International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on the way from our Malapascua Island trip (page 25), who graciously gave in to our request for a shot with the equally well-traveled magazine. What we now know from the brief chance encounter with the actor-athlete-model is that this celebrity is no diva; he’s mild-mannered and genuinely friendly. He’s got a great handshake, too. Before we could extend the little impromptu chit-chat with Derek, a deluge of fans came and mobbed around him to have their picture taken with the dude. As I moved back away from the throng, he quickly thanked me for his own copy of Gensan Gazer. That’s a real gentleman there, no less.

God save Japan and the world! Our hearts

bleed for the casualties of war in oil-rich Middle East, the quake victims in Christchurch, and most especially our Japanese brethren, who not only had to deal with the death and devastation brought by the great quake and tsunami, but also had to brace themselves against

endless aftershocks, and the impending threat of a grave nuclear crisis. We can only sit and watch as they struggle to survive as a nation. Or can we?

Surely we’re not helpless. We can skip dessert, drink two less bottles of beer, put on hold that next shopping spree (the list is simply endless), even quit smoking -- and instead donate whatever we can to Red Cross at redcross.org.

Elsewhere,

life

goes on. Our youth faces graduation or higher education, a job or lack thereof, a trip or business venture, and many other options and possibilities -- while the rest of us carry on with living life as usual.

The recent Kalilangan 2011 celebrations (page 4) have left us with fond memories of the festivities, and here we offer a brief flashback.

Meet this year’s Lakan at Lakambini ng Gensan (page 20), and last but not least, we welcome Van Almeria as our very own Ambush Fashionista (page 29)!

Lest we forget, we say our battle cry out loud: Gensan Ground. Global Groove.

Armando Nicolas P J

GENSAN GAZER

GENSAN GAZER MARCH 2011 Gensan Gazer shall not, without the consent of the Publisher, be given, lent, resold, used as textbook, hired out or otherwise disposed of; or affixed to any part of any publication or advertising material in any way whatsoever. While all reasonable care is taken for contributed material, no responsibility will be assumed for its return or for corrections.

Opinions expressed or implied are solely those of the authors, and are not necessarily endorsed by the Editor or Publisher. Advertisers and/or their representatives shall indemnify the Publisher in relation to any concomitant slander, defamation, breach, royalties, intellectual property and copyright infringements, unfair trade practices, or violation of privacy rights in their ad material.

All contributions must be submitted by email to writing@ gensangazer.com and are subject to editorial review for possible inclusion in Gensan Gazer.

Armanikolas Publishing ®™ B34 - L7 Doña Soledad II A, Espina Gen. Santos City 9500 Philippines Phone : +63 83 826 9221 Phone : +63 83 554 7055 Mobile : +63 908 337 3005 Website : www.armanikolas.com Website : www.gensangazer.com Email: inquiry@armanikolas.com Email: inquiry@gensangazer.com Email: advertising@gensangazer.com

INSIDE V2N2

4 8

Travel Tales & Trivia by Armando Nicolas PJ: Of Aimless Wanderings and Aiming Your Lens Snapshots of life on the streets of London, New York and Singapore -- captured on the fly

13

Anywhere But Here: Holiday Home or Away?

14

Health Bits: Vitamin K Sources and Benefits

16

Health Bits: Diet and High Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

17

Briefs: 219 Cities across 38 Nations Now Read Gensan Gazer

20

Yet another look at the 2011 winners of the Lakan at Lakambini ng Gensan pageant

22

Gadget Talk: Wearable Camera Tips Important Things You may not Know | Samsung Galaxy S - The Ultimate Android Smartphone

24

Book Review: Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns

25

4

Top prize winning picture by Noel Nacion in the highly regarded Kalilangan 2011’s photography contest

Green Living: Are We in Danger of Running out of Non-Renewable Resources | Worse Than We thought

10

Gensan’s Kalilangan 2011 and 72nd Founding Anniversary celebrations captured this year’s festival theme to a tee. Here take a look at the brief recap, a fitting curtain call to the festivities.

camera you can wear for your extreme sports footage.

22 Anext Why not?

York 10 New chic

Island Life: The Magic of Malapascua An extended weekend birthday getaway on Cebu’s piece of paradise on earth

26

Movie Buff: Top Movies of 2010

27

Places2Go | GGPick: Roster of bars, cafés, hotels, resorts, and restaurants worth visiting in Gensan, and our choice picks from the lot

29

Ambush Fashionista by Van Almeria: Asian Fashion Fad

30

Pop Pizzazz by Egai Cadiente: Tricycle Tales

32

Arts Attack, Culture Shock by Bing Cariño: The Generals Went to School

33

School Talk: Benefits of Doing an Online PhD Course | Career Advice

34

Back2Back by Donna Mae Congson and Romarie Ivy Cunanan: Summer is in the Air (and in Your Hair) | Beauty and Boxing

36

Postscript by Armando Nicolas PJ: Mixed Bag of March

37

The Acute Eye by Apple Greatson Francisco: Fight Club

Island, Cebu, 25 Malapascua Philippines

graduates, and 36 OfGazer, global events

From this issue onward, we keep track of our magazine installments by volume and number -- volume referring to years in circulation, and number, to issue count for that year. Our second issue for our second year of publication is thus simply labelled as Volume II Number 2. The actual coverage by month(s) and year will still be displayed in the editorial box.

Welcome to V2N2!

3

FIRST PLACE SHOUTY FOR JOEL

BY NO N NACIO

G

eneral Santos City’s Kalilangan 2011 and 72nd Foundation Anniversary celebrations captured this year’s festival theme to a tee. The monthlong series of events involving the community at large -- local government, business sector, the academe, cultural minorities, and the youth, among others -- succeeded in

great measure to take on The Challenge of Change: Preserving Traditions, in the process creating a landmark event that was both relevant to the times and accessible to all segments of Gensan society.

Nine-year-old Alyana Marie Aguja has a more straightforward and simpler view of the festivi-

ties. “For me, Kalilangan 2011 is the best!” (Read her short essay on page 7 to know why.)

On March 7, the Kalilangan 2011 Photo Contest jury declared the winners of the highly competitive event. Bagging the top prize is Noel Nacion’s Shout For Joy, which depicts a group of streetdancers “giving all energy to win the Kadsagayan sa

Kalilangan streetdancing competition.”

The shot won for Noel a cash prize of P10,000 and trophy.

Winning second place is Cocoy Sexcion’s Tabih sa Kalilangan, which captures a Muslim woman “showcasing her traditional malong weaving skills.” The prize came with cash worth P7,000 and a trophy.

At third place is Ronald Velasquez’s Unity in Tradition, which captures a group of girls in traditional garb forming a semi-huddle. The prize came with cash worth P5,000 and a trophy.

The big number of photo entries highlights the festivities in general, and stands as a testament to the energy, color, diversity, significance, and spirit of Kalilangan 2011.

H

ere Gensan Gazer embarks on a rundown of the highlights of this year’s Kalilangan celebrations: The festival formally opened on February 21 with a colorful evening extravaganza dubbed as “Kasaysayan, Kultura, Kalilangan,” capped with a celebratory fireworks display.

Tadaman Cultural Showcase: Kulintangan sa Kalilangan and Pangalay - Dayang Dayang Competition on February 24 put on centerstage the Kulintang, an ethnic musical instrument played during weddings, festivals and thanksgiving or Kanduli, usually accompanied by the agong, dabakan, pomander and gandingan.

Larong Pinoy (Filipino Games) followed suit that same afternoon, bringing back to the fore our age-old games that have become almost extinct in

this age of PSPs and the Internet.

Patintero is a children’s game usually played on empty streets, schoolyards and beaches.

It involves a grid drawn on the ground, where one team attempts to pass through while the opposing team tries to catch them without leaving the grid’s lines at all times.

Shatong is played using a long and short stick, and involves hitting and tossing, with teams taking turns at the “batting” hole.

Palosebo is played among 2 or more players, usually boys during a town fiesta. Long, straight bamboo poles are greased and polished to make them smooth and slippery. Before they are set upright, a small bag containing the prize is tied at the end of every pole, usually containing money or toys. The contestants try to climb the poles to

SECON PLAC D TABIH SE KALILA A NGAN

BY COC SEXCIOOY N

The morning after Farmers Day opened, featuring the Carabao Caretela, and the Parade of Stars Fiesta Bonanza, among a number of different activities involving the farmers, agri business sector and consumers.

IRD TH IR E T CD LA PH E A LITC IN P N UNITY INN Y IO DIT N RA IO TU LD NA TBRYARDOIT LEDZ A N O R U Y B Q S A L EZ VE VELASQU

secure the prizes. A small flag may be used, the actual prize being given to the winner afterwards.

Anyone who fails to reach the top is disqualified.

The winner is the one who successfully reaches and unties the prize.

Other traditional games featured in Kalilangan 2011 were Sipa sa Manggis, Hitting the Pot, and Tug-’O-War.

Kadang-Kadang involves several players, the equipment being two pieces of wooden stilt with a stepladder about 2 feet from the ground.

The principle of the game is to walk on stilts from a start to finish line about 100 meters across.

F

ollowing that evening was the Kamunamunan: Cultural Night of Remembrance, a fellowship soirée that showcased traditional attire and finery, dances and songs, and the Convergence of the Tri-People -- in remembrance and recognition of our history, and celebration of our cultural heritage.

Early morning on February 27, the Parada ng Lahi: Kadena de Amor (Salubongan and WreathLaying) took place at the Plaza Heneral Santos and the Gen. Paulino Santos’ Monument. It was a solemn historical reenactment of the arrival of the first batch of settlers led

by Gen. Paulino Santos, and the welcome accorded by the local residents, the B’laan and Maguindanaoan natives. Above all, it carried on the sacred rite of recognizing the great contributions of the pioneers.

General Santos City National School of Arts and Trade emerged as champion at the Kadsagayan sa Kalilangan Streetdancing Competition later during the day, with Fatima National High School, General Santos City SPED Integrated School, and New Society Central Elementary School placing first, second and third runnersup, respectively. The competition depicted the relevant traditions, and rich cultural and historical heritage of Gensan, bringing to life its central theme: “Unity and prosperity in diversity and peaceful co-existence among different cultures.”

Like all good and grand things, Kalilangan 2011 had to come to an end.

Kalilangan 2011

Kalilangan 2011 was the best time and place for me to ‘pasyal’ with my family at the Oval Plaza because of its many activities that were exciting. There were lots of children I saw ‘na namamasyal’ with their parents and friends.

There were lots of things to buy like toys, shirts and dresses for children. You could also eat at the Food Galore when hungry. The food was affordable. You could also see a mini zoo at the Oval. The ostrich was so tall and it was from our school, SCWA. There was a crocodile and a snake, too. On a Saturday, there was a Dog Show. The dogs were skilled and they looked so cute, and there were also big ones. The carnival had many rides and they cost okay.

The most exciting was the Carabao Caretela, but then I failed to ride on it because many people ahead of me were waiting for their turn. Maybe because they were missing the farm life or they wanted to have a taste of what it is like. I will have my turn next Kalilangan for sure.

There were also ‘bahay-kubos’ selling fresh vegetables and ‘bulad.’ I even enjoyed looking at the houses of the B’laans and Muslims. Their houses were decorated, and they had food to taste and for sale.

For me, kalilangan 2011 is the best!

See you next year!

Artwork and short essay by Alyana Marie D. Aguja, 9 years old, a Grade 3 student of Shalom Crest Wizard Academy. An avid Gensan Gazer fan, Alyana reads a lot at home. Her favorite hangout is National Bookstore.

Here the closing program, Tagbuan sa Kalilangan, was auspiciously escorted by a soft rain, as if in an act of blessing, the mass of spectators intact despite the weather. The official closing ceremony of the 72nd Foundation Anniversary and Kalilangan 2011 was capped again by fireworks.

greenLIVING

W

Are We in Danger of Running out of NonRenewable Resources?

e often hear that we are in danger of running out of non-renewable resources, but what exactly is a non-renewable resource?

Stated simply, it is a resource that cannot be replenished at a rate equal to or greater than it is consumed. For example, oil is a non-renewable resource.

There is only so much oil in the ground.

Every year the world consumes thirty-one billion barrels of oil. At some point, if we continue to use oil at the same rate, we will be using more than we are extracting from the ground.

On the other hand, if we were able to produce cars that run 100% on solar power, we would be using a renewable resource -- the sun. It would be renewable because the sun produces so much energy that we would be in no danger of depleting it.

Non-renewable energy resources primarily come from fossil fuels. These are fuels that had their genesis millions of years ago as buried organisms decomposed to form the oil, coal, and natural gas that we are able to take advantage of today. These fossil fuels basically provide the energy that drives the economy of the United States.

Currently, at least 80% of all the energy that the US, as a nation, uses comes from fossil fuels. Its military experts have long been aware of how the reliance on this form of energy is putting the country

Worse Than We Thought

A

ccording to Stephanie Rogers, lead writer of green blog EarthFirst (not to be confused with the radical environmental movement of the same name), “many of the environmental problems that have received the most public attention are even worse

8

by John Kuzniar

at risk. And just recently, they have released documents that warn of the effects that global warming will have on their national security.

The biggest reason that they are concerned is that these fossil-based fuels

than we thought -- from destruction of the rainforests to melting glaciers in the Arctic.” Here are the deadly seven in her list: 1. Population explosion, where we add roughly 74 million people to the planet every year 2. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere due to greenhouse gas emissions caused by automobiles, power plants, factories, and large livestock farms 3. Polar sea ice loss due to global warming

that we depend on so heavily is the cause of the huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions that pollute the air each year.

The most dangerous of these greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, mainly because there is so much of it produced each day.

If you talk to scientists, it is beyond dispute that greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming. The polar ice caps that have existed since man has been keeping records have begun to melt. And the result has already begun to cause the sea levels to rise in areas around the world. Already millions have been displaced from their homelands with many millions more to be displaced in the future.

A

t some future time the tipping point will be reached, and it will be too late to make effective corrections to the problems that man has caused. No one knows exactly when this tipping point will occur, but nearly all climate scientists agree that it is not that far away.

Solar energy is an important part of our future. To read more articles such as solar panels for homes and solar hot water panel and on solar energy, come visit our website at www.solarpowerfamily.com.

4. Destruction of the rainforests due to agriculture, drought, fire, logging, livestock ranching, even reduced rainfall 5. Collapsing fish stock due to overfishing and water pollution 6. Ocean dead zones, areas lacking of oxygen due to excess nitrogen from pollutants, and can no longer support any form of life

7. Extinction of mammals due to habitat loss and overhunting

H

er plea: “If we want to keep this planet a healthy place for humans to live -- for our grandchildren to enjoy -- it’s time to buckle down and do everything in our power to reverse the damage we’ve done.”

(Read the blog in full at earthfirst.com/7-environmental-problems-thatare-worse-than-wethought)

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Travel Tales & Trivia

T

he best part of any travel is getting the chance to wander aimlessly -- with nary a care for time or company -- and simply get lost in unfamiliar terrain, soaking in the sights and the experience of the senses. Such truism is

never more right on

the money than

scouring a new city on foot, preferrably avoiding districts roiling in thick traffic or reeking of tourist traps, or both. Most importantly, know that you’re a traveler, not a tourist.

American author and playwright Don DeLillo said: Tourism is the march of stupidity. You’re expected to be stupid. The entire mechanism of the host country is geared to travelers acting stupidly. You walk around

dazed, squinting into fold-out maps. You don’t know how to talk to people, how to get anywhere, what the money means, what time it is, what to eat or how to eat it. Being stupid is the pattern, the level and the norm. You can exist on this level for weeks and months without reprimand or dire consequence.

Together with thousands, you are granted immunities and broad freedoms. You are an army of fools, wearing bright polyesters, riding camels, taking pictures of each

Of aimless wanderings and aiming your lens

Shoot and Run. Okay, not exactly, but running into an intimate pictorial like this calls for a little deference and some sense of propriety. Take a shot of the scene very discreetly, if you must, and leave as soon as soon as you’re done.

Family Country Hotel & CONVENTION CENTRE We’re a -ready establishment!

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1,000-person capacity convention centre Spacious, grand lobby 25-meter swimming pool, children’s pool Floating-like restaurant and coffee shop Annex building with 5 air-conditioned function rooms • Courtyard/open garden with landscaped grounds for outdoor functions

• Spacious children’s playground • 4,450-square-meter fenced parking area • Andrea Ticia Resto Bar by the pool • Executive board room for small functions

Matrimonial Room

Deluxe Room

Suite

zone

Andrea Ticia Resto Bar

We serve Ihaw-Ihaw & Chinese Dishes

Located at the pool side of Family Country Hotel and Convention Centre

Fully airconditioned function rooms

Enjoy our in-house and guest live bands!

In-house music & videoke Sundays-Tuesdays. Live band Wednesdays-Saturdays. Open 10 am - 2 pm and 4 pm - 12 mn Mondays to Saturdays.

Bucket for P200.00 only 6 bottles, San Miguel Pale Pilsen and Red Horse Stallion also available.

Glamor in the Big Apple. A New Yorker in fine street chic mirrors an unusually similar-looking mannequin at a store window nearby.

other, haggard, dysenteric, thirsty.

There is nothing to think about but the next shapeless event.

Big cities such as London, New York and Singapore are especially ideal for the aimless wanderer, the traveler with the luxury of time.

They offer a multitude of havens and enclaves, and the back alleys that hide them or provide you with hideaway -- whichever frame of reference you’re game for or state of mind you’re in.

And being a traveler, you’d need to document your wanderings, not so much to possess the imagery of your mileage as to relive the experience in its vividness and/or to share the captured moments with your significant others.

This means that on such excursions you’ll have to wear something comfy and suitable to your playground, depending on weather conditions and the time of year. As for weapon of choice, pick between a bulky DSLR camera (telephoto lens, filters, tripod, the works!), or a sleek point-and-shoot that can fit snugly in your left front pants pocket. I’d pick the latter any day.

P

eople dress up and roam the streets, I’d like to believe, in order to see and be seen. (Otherwise they’d hole up in their homes in bedroom clothes, not caring how they look or smell.) This almost always gives me an imagined license to photograph strangers -- bystanders and passersby alike -- with just the right mix of abandon and discretion.

A model and photographer pair I ran into in a back alley in Singapore shared an almost tangible connection as they shot what could only be an underwear ad, and out of respect I stepped back and watched

discreetly from the sidelines, and stole a shot as quickly as I came and left.

A model type I came across in Midtown Manhattan needed a more radical treatment, even paparazzi-like, as I crossed the green light to her side of

the street, shooting on shake-control and sports mode on my reliable water-/shock-/crash-/freeze-proof Olympus. She noticed, looked my way in a split second, and walked away as if on a runway.

Street performers, voluntary or otherwise, are easier to capture, as they (or their producers) crave an audience, the very street on which they stand being the centerstage of this semi-random encounter.

M

any more stories unfold in the confines of a borough or a block, just waiting to be experienced by a bystander or passerby, townfolk or traveler.

Brit Beat. Christmas carolers outside London’s Embankment tube station ambushed by an Internet TV team to perform, and Brick Lane blues boys at work at their usual station.

Holiday Home or Away?

anYWHERE

BUTHERE

Y

ou don’t really have to go anywhere during the holidays or on your days off. The recent Japan disaster, present-day Middle East crisis, and all this talk about oil shortage and fuel price hike, if anything, put a damper on your sense of adventure -especially as your conscience begins to calculate your earth-friendliness and count your humanitarian quotient. But if you must travel, how far should you go and what can you do to appease the green citizen in you? Let’s start with the when...

Apr 9

Apr 21-22

May 1

For Araw ng Kagitingan SAT why not put a little patriotism and history into your your travel itinerary? Fly to Dipolog and drive to national hero Dr Jose Rizal’s Dapitan (and its prized Dakak Beach Resort) for a weekend R&R, and get a taste of Zamboanga’s quiet and laid-back

pleasures.

Chances are

you’d want

a longer stay

next time.

The Holy Week and Easter Weekend gives you a much THU-FRI longer getaway, something you (with family or friends) can take advantage of for recharging the body and spirit. Which means, a less touristic destination could be in order, such as Malapascua Island off the province of Cebu, for example.

Peace and

quiet, stress free island

life, nature.

(See page 25.)

Don’t stray too far on the SUN Labor Day Weekend, and revisit your favorite lakefront resort instead. Lake Sebu offers a quick welcome change from the hustle, hurry, and heat of city life -- literally. There’s the region’s highest and most picturesque zip-line ride, the equally majestic

Seven Falls,

cool weather,

fresh tilapia,

T’boli crafts,

and more.

Jun 12 Don’t stray too far on the SUN Independence Day Weekend either, Isla Jardin del Mar is only a little over an hour away. That’s the closest thing you can get to an untouched beach front -- white sand, reef, rocks and all -- that’s capped by comfortable accommodations, modern facilities,

year-round

sun, and an

air of privi-,

leged exclu sivity.

Aug 21-29

Nov 1

Got 9 days in August? Take advantage of Ninoy Aquino SUN-MON Day, National Heroes Day, and the days in between to fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. This is your chance to see Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, marvels of the ancient Khmer civilization. Fly Cebu Pacific to Singapore, then Tiger Airways to

Siem Reap.

You’ve been warned, do

all bookings

early.

For some quick change of TUE scenery, spend All Saints Day at Sarangani Highlands Garden & Restaurant. (OK, maybe not the whole day, it’s up to you.) Late afternoons here can be a great escape from the city. Watch the sky’s spectacle as dusk approaches, views of Sarangani Bay and Mt

Matutum at

your bidding.

Let the sun

set and dine

in peace.

Nov 30

Dec 24-31

Bonifacio Day mid-week is WED no problem: why not stay put and stay overnight at Family Country Hotel for a little pampering? Being a resident doesn’t mean you can’t play guest in your own city. Enjoy good food and an Olympic-size pool, as well as poolside nightlife ambience for a fraction

of the cost

and without

going far. It’s

home sweet

home!

Christmas, Rizal Day, New Year’s Eve -- ample chance SAT-SAT to take off for somewhere special, though if traveling with the family, this can be a real dent on your finances. Boracay, Bali, Bahamas -- your options can only be matched by how much you’re willing to pay. Or, you could stay and holiday

home. After

all, a happy

home is what holidays are

all about.

N

ow for that earth-friendliness and green citizen bit... You and I know we can’t stop air travel, and as long as we’re going to places near and far anyway, be eco-friendly everywhere. Reuse your hotel towel for as long as possible. Clean up the area of beach you’re lazing on. Skip the ride when walking is possible. Clean up after yourself. Use disposable cups only when ordering take-out coffee; better yet, have it in the café in reusable mugs. You can do more for sure. (ANPJ) 13

healthBITS

Vitamin K2 Sources and Benefits

by Mary Dezfoli

D

id you know that so many problems in our bodies are caused by excessive calcification? Calcium can get deposited in the walls of the arteries and vessels and can cause bone spurs, as well as calcification of soft tissues.

Some possible diseases this can manifest into include obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even osteoporosis. Here’s where Vitamin K steps in, particularly Vitamin K2, which can take care of all these problems and help you lead a better and fuller life.

Vitamin K2’s most important function is to make sure calcium gets deposited where it is supposed to -- in the blood and bones -- not other places like arteries and cells.

When calcium gets deposited elsewhere, it can cause problems and eventually lead to numerous diseases.

The uses of Vitamin K2 are still being discovered, as this is something that is continuously being researched and developed. Vitamin K is the collective name for related compounds with similar molecular structures. Vitamin K1 and K2 together are some of the most important compounds that can prevent calcification in the arteries.

Where is it found? Vitamin K2 is normally produced in the intestinal tract, but the body can’t always produce enough, so we need to consume it externally. The interesting thing to note is that when we eat food that contains Vitamin K1, only a small percentage of it is absorbed by the body, 14

whereas K2 is more efficient and almost all of it can be absorbed. Furthermore, K2 can remain in the body for a longer time unlike K1, which dissipates within a few hours.

B

enefits. We’ve already understood that K2 is very beneficial for our body, but understanding exactly

how it can help you will truly amaze you. Extensive research conducted by scientists over the years shows that Vitamin K2 prevents: Atherosclerosis - Regular

Vitamin K2 intake can greatly reduce the chances of the hardening of arteries due to calcification. Increased intake of K2 has significantly reduced the occurrence of

coronary diseases, as well as related mortality.

Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become brittle due to lack of calcium. Taking calcium supplements isn’t the only way to prevent this. When combined with K2, it ensures that the calcium that has been taken reaches the bones and not elsewhere.

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Diet and High Cholesterol: What

You Need To Know

typically use with canola oil, olive oil, or plant sterol spreads. Using white wine vinegar to keep your pan moist while cooking instead of butter will get you off to a good start in preparing healthier meals. You get

A

by Todd Peterson

Y

ou must maintain a healthy cholesterol level in order to avoid heart disease. Increased cholesterol levels, which are unhealthy, are caused by many things.

On its own, being overweight cannot explain heart disease, but it can cause an increase in cholesterol levels. Lowering your bad cholesterol and increasing your good cholesterol can be done by losing weight. Plus, things like exercise, age, and gender also play an important part in whether you are at risk of having high cholesterol. How much cholesterol your body will make is sometimes determined by genetics, and there is nothing you can do about the genes you received from your Mom and Dad. Certain diets can also lower your cholesterol level.

The best way is to stick to a lowcholesterol diet. Cutting back 10-20% of the bad cholesterol in your diet will greatly improve the health of your heart.

Include foods that are rich in healthy fats like vegetable oils and fish. When preparing your meals try to avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats. This will help in keeping bad cholesterol at a healthy level. One easy way to change your diet to a low-cholesterol diet is to replace the butter, trans fat margarines and polyunsaturated oils that you might

Post menopausal fractures Women experiencing menopause are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, and as a result of brittle, weakened bones, they could also suffer from painful fractures. Even if they do not sustain fractures, bone density loss is debilitating by itself. K2 slows down the bone loss in postmenopausal women, and studies have shown that the regular intake of supplements has even increased the bone density.

Aging - Growing old is not a pretty thing to witness, and it’s even tougher to experience. The body as a whole slows down, and some of this is due to arterial stiffening and calcification. K2 intake helps in completely reducing the occurrence of stiffness.

K2 is a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce the effects arising in the body due to oxidation and aging. Studies have shown that K2 is around 80% as effective as Vitamin E in stopping oxidation.

16

important that your body has a backup plan in case you were to be in a situation where you were starving, like if you were to experience a famine. What will happen is that your liver will start to produce cholesterol to maintain it at a certain level.

n adverse domino effect is set off when a low-fat, high-carb diet. High levels of insulin are dumped into the bloodstream.

This triggers the body to siphon off excess blood sugar into the liver to make cholesterol and triglycerides. Although it is important to continue to eat foods that contain good cholesterol but staying away from it altogether can have negative consequences. 75% of the cholesterol that your body needs is made by the liver. The rest of the cholesterol you need comes from the things that you eat. If you decrease the amount of cholesterol that you are eating too much of and make up for those calories in carbs and sugar, your metabolism goes into famine mode and your liver overproduces cholesterol to make up the difference and stock up. The only way to stop the liver from doing this is to start eating cholesterol again. In conclusion, a low-cholesterol, high-carbohydrate diet can actually lead to high cholesterol!

the best of both worlds. It does not change the taste of the food and it is low in cholesterol. Using a cholesterol-free egg substitute instead of whole eggs is also another option you should consider.

To improve your overall health, it is not enough to change your diet but you need to change it the right way. Cholesterol is so

Diabetes - Your pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, and normally has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin K in your body.

This is why vitamin K plays such an important role in the process.

Japanese researchers have found that vitamin K deficiency has clinical effects similar to those of diabetes: high blood sugar, low insulin, and problems with sugar molecules entering your cells where they are needed for increased energy production. This has prompted intense research into the use of vitamin K for treating diabetes. However, more proof is needed before standard recommendations can be made.

Alzheimer’s Disease - One of the reasons why certain people develop Alzheimer’s is because of calcification of blood vessels in the brain tissues. A high K2 dosage could even work greatly towards preventing Alzheimer’s.

T

About The Author Todd Peterson has done extensive research on nutrition and heart health for many years. For more on diets that lower cholesterol, Visit his website on maintaining healthy cholesterol, levels the natural and healthy way at howlower-cholesterol.com

he top 10 Sources of vitamin K are kale, collards, spinach, turnip greens, beet greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spring onions.

However, very little is absorbed by the body. Vitamin K2 is more beneficial and is usually hard to find in the foods we eat.

K2 can, however, be found in some fermented foods, and is also present in the good bacteria in the digestive tract. In Japan, natto is very well known and is prepared from steamed and fermented soy beans.

This excellent breakfast food is rich in vitamin K2 and has been incorporated in breakfast programs in Japanese schools to benefit all children as well.

How much is too much? You might be surprised to learn that while around 1 mg of K1 is recommended daily, when it comes to K2, even 45 mg is not too much. Researchers have

found that an intake of 45 mg of Vitamin K2 through supplements doesn’t cause any problems whatsoever. However, pregnant women need to be careful while taking this supplement, as too much of the same can cause birth defects in the baby.

Side effects. Vitamin K2 is usually harmless, but you need to remember that if you are taking an anticoagulant or blood thinner like Warfarin or Heparin, it is better to consult a doctor before you start on K2. Patients who take anticoagulants should generally avoid K2 because it affects one of the important functions of K2, which is to act as a coagulant.

Vitamin K2 is available as a dietary supplement, and it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before you start taking it.

The author invites you to visit www.bewellbuzz.com.

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We can help expatriates and long-term visitors settle in to their new living and working environment. We can do visa renewals, provide local tours, even help your children get into a good school in your locality, if need be.

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219 Cities across 38 Nations Now Read Gensan Gazer GENSAN GAZER We’re not just about Gensan, and we’re read not only in Gensan. This town is our home.

The world is our playground.

Gensan Ground.

Global ® Groove.

T

wo-hundred and 19 cities across 38 countries and territories now read the Gensan Gazer eZine, according to statistics posted in Google Analytics on March 20, 2011.

Newcomers France, Hong Kong, Norway, Spain, and Turkey join the GROUP OF 38 GG READER NATIONS, along with the Philippines, United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Netherlands, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Africa, Malaysia, Israel, Russia, South Korea, Qatar, New Zealand, Colombia, Brunei, Croatia, Micronesia, Greece, Sweden, Vietnam, Guam, Bahrain, Brazil, India, Kuwait, and Serbia.

I

t has been three years since Camella broke ground in General Santos City, laying down the cornerstone of what would later become renowned as Gensan’s, even the region’s first masterplanned community. It was the 7th of March in the year 2008, when twelve hectares of prime residential property along NLSA Road in Barangay San Isidro, breathed life into an integrated living space -- both accessible and affordable, characterized by comfort and convenience, and Caribbean-inspired to emulate an exclusive lifestyle -- the Camella General Santos.

Gener Bigger As Camella General Santos celebrates its third year anniversary this month, we marvel at this premier development’s physical grandeur. Beyond the majestic main entrance, homeowners and visitors are greeted by a parade of date palms reminiscent of Caribbean promenades, surpassed only by the array of elegant house models that have become home to families big and small.

Here, close to a hundred homes have taken root and prospered, safe and sound inside a gated perimeter fence manned by guard house personnel on 24-hour security detail. Nearly a hundred more homes await their new owners, already soaking in a reassuring atmosphere of privilege, exclusivity, and harmony with nature. Linear parks lie beautifully across the development’s 12-hectare expanse, designer

lamp posts dotting tree-lined streets, over 500 trees in all -- a testament to Camella’s firm resolve to do its share in preserving the environment.

Camella General Santos is the first subdivision in Gensan to have a property management group that ensures and promotes a self-sustaining homeowners’ association. It maintains the facilities, grounds and parks within the estate -- including the basketball court and children’s playground -- for the enjoyment and health benefits of its homeowners. It also provides reliable shuttle service to and from select areas in the city.

Now going on its fourth year, Camella looks forward to the completion of several resortthemed amenities, including an Olympic-size swimming pool and a multi-function clubhouse.

Camella also oversees the

ral Santos: r & Better at 3

development of a commercial arcade in the vicinity of the residential space, bringing homeowners closer to businesses and shops that cater to their personal and home needs.

E

ven as this piece is being written, Camella General Santos Phase II continues to rise and take shape on top of the 10-hectare strip of land adjacent to the first development.

Camella General Santos Phase II will feature resort living ambience and experience, its physical design boasting of wider roads, a broad selection of house models for discern-

ing would-be owners to choose from, and large-area lots ranging from premium plots to courtyard enclaves to estate landspaces.

Camella General Santos is a development of Camella, a subsidiary of Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc., the country’s largest homebuilder. It has 35 years of experience, built more than 200,000 homes through 87 projects, and maintains a strong presence in Mega Manila and 19 other key provincial destinations and 44 cities and municipalities, while expanding to other regions. For more information, call 083-553-3377 or log on to www.camella.com.ph.

2011 TOP PERFORMERS

C

amella thanks and congratulates the year’s top performers for making 2011 a hallmark year. Special mentions go to Top Property Executive of the Year Prescy Fernandez (top photo, center, flanked by Engr Rexray John Oljol and Ivy Rissa Provido); Top Division Manager of the Year Anna Marie Guatlo (middle photo, center, flanked by Engr Oljol and Ivy Rissa Provido); and Top Business Director of the Year Jeanette Biruar (lower photo, center, flanked

by Engr Maechel de Celis and Ivy Rissa). Kudos everyone!

Lakan 2nd Runner-Up Francis Jay Lagudas

Lakan ng Gensan 2011 Richard Mark G. Nuñez

Lakambini 2nd Runner-Up Gensan May Cabatingan

Text and photos by

I

N A GRAND SHOWCASE OF BEAUTY and talent, ten pairs of semi-finalists to the 2011 Lakan at Lakambini ng Gensan pageant proved to everyone why Gensan is called the Wellspring of Winners.

With barely a week to rehearse for the Talent Presentation, Fashion Show, and Pageant Night, I saw for myself how this year’s batch evolved from nerdy to worthy candidates. Their transformation as individuals surprised us pleasantly, and when the winners were announced, we couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

Lakan ng Gensan 2011 is Richard Mark G. Nuñez, a 19-year old Nursing student.

He is attending school at the General Santos Doctors Medical School Foundation, Inc. During the Screening and Elimination Show, he looked just like any ordinary guy.

He even wore board shorts during the swimwear segment, which caused the crowd to snicker.

It was when he performed his talent that we gave him a second look. His magic tricks

Lakan at

Lngakambini Gensan

Crowned

Congressional First Lady Dr Rose Acharon

Lakambini ng Gensan 2011 Joanna Marie H. Tan

Lakambini 1st Runner-Up Dallen Baldonado

Lakan 1st Runner-Up Jomie Fritz Zaulda

Orman Manansala

became an instant hit, which eventually earned him the Talent Award. Montage Digital Photography also chose him as Mr. Photogenic.

Hon. Mayor Darlene AntoninoCustodio

E

ighteen-year old Joanna Marie H. Tan is this year’s Lakambini ng Gensan. She is a Mass Communications student from the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.

Prior to the Lakan at Lakambini pageant, Joanne was crowned as Hiyas ng Notre Dame First Runner-Up. You talk about queenly bearing from start to finish -- Joanne has it!

She wowed everyone with her regal manner and friendly disposition. She may not be the best dancer but she gave her best just the same. Joanne also won the Best in Ethnic-Inspired Attire award, and as Miss Freego Jeans.

To the other winners, our warmest congratulations as well: Lakan First Runner-Up Jomie Fritz Zaulda and Lakambini First Runner-Up Dallen Baldonado, and Lakan Second RunnerUp Francis Jay Lagudas and Lakambini Second Runner-Up Gensan May Cabatingan.

gadgetTALK

I

Wearable Camera Tips: Important Things You May Not Know

by Zachary Wagstaff

nto extreme sports?

Then you’d want to invest in a good quality wearable camera. After all, it would be such a waste if you don’t capture those daredevil moves you risk your life for. Before, adventure enthusiasts simply relied on memory to relive and relate the adrenalin rush they felt when they did their stunts to family and friends.

Now, however, the power of technology has actually made it possible for everyone, including the athletes themselves, to view the whole adventure again and again.

Mountable wearable cameras come in all shapes, sizes and prices; it’s up to you to determine what suits your needs. Here are a few tips to get you started on your search.

First off, you’d want to determine what sport you need a wearable camera for. Is it for skydiving, snowboarding or offroad motorcycle racing? If you need it for surfing, you’re going to have to get one that’s waterproof, obviously. Depending on how brutal your sport is (if it’s going to involve a lot of knocks and bumps), you’re going to need a camera that’s enclosed in a hard

Samsung Galaxy S: The Ultimate Android Smartphone

by Chris Westley

T

he Samsung Galaxy S is arguably the most technologically advanced smartphone from the manufacturer. Sales had surpassed the 10-million mark, a testament to its popularity.

It has proven to be so popular no doubt due to the fact that it boasts of the winning combination of both aesthetic appeal and an advanced specs list.

The handset measures 122 x 64.3 x 9.9 mm, making it one of the slimmest smartphones money can buy, and surprisingly

22

removable casing and one that’s extremely durable as well. If you need or simply want a gadget that can capture a wide-angle view, then you’d want to choose a cam that can be attached to your helmet. Otherwise, if it’s for something that you might want to attach to your bike’s handlebars, your surfboard or your chest, make sure to purchase one with the appropriate mounting kit, which should durable, too.

Next, you’d want to consider your budget. Depending on the brand, prices of wearable cameras vary widely. Of course, standard definition cameras are a lot cheaper than high-definition cameras, but for clearer videos involving lots of action, high definition is the recommended choice. If you just need one to capture hiking moments with your dog then standard definition would do just fine. However, the best rule of thumb to follow is if you can afford it, then go for one that gives you the best image, resolution and video quality. Remember that your camera is going to be with you for a long while, so you need to invest in one that won’t get destroyed easily.

compact for a smartphone that offers a 4-inch touchscreen. It is also lighter than you may think, weighing just 119 grams. The super AMOLED touchscreen has a pixel resolution of 480 x 800, which means that images and

Another important consideration that’s important when it comes to shopping for wearable cameras is whether it can store your recordings for a long time. You have to grow old sometime, and there will come a time when age and infirmity (if your sport doesn’t get the better of you first) won’t allow you to do these things that you are now doing. While all wearable cameras now will become obsolete in the future, it is still possible to preserve the memories long enough for your grand children to see what a cool granddad you are. You’ll just have to choose one with a long-term storage medium. This isn’t much of a problem, though, since you can transfer your videos into your PC where you can save and create backups so they can still be viewed 30 years from now.

W

earable cameras are cool gadgets that make extreme sports fun and exciting to watch. With these tips to guide you, it’s time to shop for that perfect wearable camera.

Lastly, you should definitely check out GoPro HD Hero -- it is simply amazing.

About the Author Zach is an extreme sports enthusiast, world traveler, and a happily married father of three. He invites you to visit www.gpcameras.com.

videos look great, displaying up to 16-million colors. Proximity and accelerometer sensors are both included as standard, the latter allowing users to view the screens contents in either portrait or landscape modes.

If you like to store your music collection on your phone, you will love the Samsung Galaxy S. It comes with an 8-GB onboard storage capacity as standard (16-GB also available). You can add an integrated microSD card of up to 32-GB. It also comes with photo-

call, and a spacious internal phonebook.

Class 12 GPRS and EDGE connects the Samsung Galaxy S to cell networks, while fast and reliable Internet browsing experience is assured, thanks to HSDPA connection in areas with 3G coverage, along with Wi-Fi that allows faster connections depending on access to local wireless networks. To connect to other phones and devices, both Bluetooth and micro USB connections are included.

The Samsung Galaxy S also makes an ideal option for those who are into photography, or those who like to take spontaneous snapshots when out and about. Its 5-megapixel camera is by no means groundbreaking, but it does a great job of taking great quality still images and HD video in 720p quality. It is advanced enough to take quality pics, yet easy enough to use in everyday scenarios. F Page 33

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bookREVIEW

Khaled Hosseini‘s

By now the Taliban are in control, Rasheed becomes increasingly frenzied, and life’s hardships are more desperate than before.

The novel’s heart is the gradual bonding of Laila, the girl-mother, and Mariam, the older woman. Hosseini writes poignantly, giving voice to his two female characters -- a remarkable accomplishment for any male author. What follows is devastating, yet Hosseini is unflinching in his desire to remind us not only of his characters’ tragic lives, but also of their strength and capacity to sacrifice for those they love.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

haled Hosseini writes with power and surety, producing another bestseller with A Thousand Splendid Suns. This is his second novel, following close upon the heels of The Kite Runner, and like the earlier book, deals with the troubled history and people of Afghanistan.

Two women, Mariam and Laila, a generation apart, are thrown together under painful circumstances.

(What in this country isn’t painful, especially for its women?) Tyrannized by those who hold dominion over them, the two women eventually find common cause and unite to face their enemies.

Mariam, the illegitimate daughter of a prosperous businessman,

by Molly Lundquist

is married off to Rasheed, a Kabul shoemaker. She is only 15. But when it becomes apparent over the years that Mariam will never produce a male heir, Rasheed’s domination over his wife escalates into verbal and physical brutality.

Enter Laila, a girl of 14. It is now the early 1990s, after the Soviets have left the country and the mujahideen are fighting for control of the country.

Laila, whose parents are killed in a rocket attack, is given aid by Mariam and Rasheed. It becomes clear to Rasheed, however, that this girl will be the one to bear him a son. And so at the age of 60, Rasheed takes Laila as his second wife, bringing her into the household.

The two women balance an uneasy relationship as Laila tries to break through Mariam’s resentment. Laila bears two children, the first a girl, whom Rasheed in time comes to understand is not his own. The second child is a boy, but his birth gives neither Laila nor Mariam respite from Rasheed’s brutality.

hile some criticism has centered on the book’s melodrama -characters too good or evil to be believable -- the power of Hosseini’s writing is his ability to illuminate and make readers care.

This is a book that brings immediacy to the story of people’s lives in a remote yet vital part of the world.

About The Author Molly Lundquist is the owner of www.LitLovers.com, an online resource for book clubs and solo readers. LitLovers brings together Molly’s life-long love of reading, writing, and teaching. The website includes a large list of in-depth reading guides, book recommendations and reviews, free online literature courses, international book club recipes, and plenty of how-to tips for book clubs, including tips for kids book clubs. The author invites you to visit Litlovers.com.

Literacy and its Economic Impact

M

any policy analysts consider literacy rates as a crucial measure to enhance a region’s human capital. This claim is made on the grounds that literate people can be trained less expensively than illiterate people, generally have a higher socio-economic status, and enjoy better health and employment prospects. Policy makers also argue that literacy increases job opportunities and access to higher education. (Wikipedia)

24

islandLIFE

The Magic of Malapascua

he Island of MalapasPhotos and text

by Armando Nicolas PJ cua, roughly translated as on the different beaches and around Bad Easter in Español, is located the town, a visit to the now defunct in the Visayan Sea across a shallow lighthouse at its hilltop perch (specstrait from the northernmost tip of tacular views from up there), and the mainland Cebu. Malapascua is part Saturday night diskural or town dance, of the island barangay of Logon in where guys pay a token amount to the municipality of Daanbantayan, dance with local girls on open ground Cebu Province. Shaped, in the fenced in with makeshift wooden barwords of my girlfriend Gimma, like ricades.

“Pumba, the wild hog in Lion King,” Grand rooms at Malapascua Legend, Malapascua is a small isle, having a good food at Ging-Ging’s, and great length of only about two-and-a-half times await your arrival in Malapascua. kilometers and a width of a thouTo get there, take a Ceres Liner bus sand meters. It has eight sitios or from the North Terminal in Cebu City hamlets, one elementary school, a (it costs you about US$3 and 4-5 hours high school, and a small church. one way) to Maya, where you can For newbie and seasoned divers hop on a motorized outrigger (about alike, Malapascua Island was known US$1.50 and 1 hour) to get to the only recently as the diving destinaisland. The last boat from Malapascua tion to watch. In the early 1990s, leaves for the mainland at 2:30 pm. the island was first known for its wide white-sand Bounty Beach, and then for its breathtaking coral gardens and impeccable dive spots just off the shore, as well as dive sites further asea, including Gato Island, Kemod Shoal, and Monad Shoal, an undersea island where thresher sharks and manta rays can be frequently seen.

On dry land you can enjoy walks

a floating bar for the ultimate chillout...

splendid snorkel & dive sites... an island of a thousand boats and outriggers...

25

movieBUFF ear 2010 was a very good year for the box office -- some sequels, some new ideas, and a whole lot of not-so-good movies managed to make it into different top ten lists. But there are other different ways of judging the top ten movies of 2010 -- maybe based on profits, quality, content, or story? Let’s look at two different appraisals. If we judge only by money rakings, we get the following list:

Top Movies of

2010

by Nika Kocbek

US$365-million and set itself up for yet another sequel. At least this movie was actually good, something that Little Fockers can never claim.

But if we take a look a list of the best ten movies according to Rotten Tomatoes, we get new list. On the Rotten Tomatoes site both critics and the public get a chance to review and rank movies. When the year ends, the standings are published.

$ Q

Just how much does a number one box office smash make these days?

For example Iron Man 2 brought in

26

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

MARWENCOL WASTE LAND GASLAND Toy Story 3 How to Train Your Dragon 6. Exit Through the Gift Shop 7. The Social Network 8. Inside Job 9. Mugabe and the White African 10. The King’s Speech

About The Author Nika Kocbek just loves movies, especially the good ones. Nika invites you to visit list-of-movies.info.

Movies We’d Least Likely Get to See in Gensan

A

long with our esteemed Pepe Diokno’s movie Engkwentro, these movies will most likely be skipped by Gensan cinemas in favor of blockbuster, B-grade, and bakya movies. Much can be said about our state of artistic apathy and socio-cultural indifference, no thanks to pervasive global commercialization and our escapist tendencies. Still, enjoy the movies!

Å

1. Iron Man 2 2. Toy Story 3 3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I 4. Twilight Saga: Eclipse 5. Knight and Day 6. Little Fockers 7. Salt 8. Inception 9. Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 10. The A-Team

box office hits don’t even appear here? What makes a good movie isn’t always the financing for promotions. Sometimes it’s actually the story that the movie tells.

Just for reference, Iron Man 2 is at 86th place according to Rotten Tomatoes. Of course, not all movies are appropriate for all moviegoers.

For example, no matter how good Marwencol may be, it wouldn’t be a good choice for children.

Notice how many of the top scoring

bars Babes Bar - One of East Asia Royale Hotel’s watering holes, with discotheque, live music Thu-Fri (2nd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +6383-5534123 ext. 106) Cassado Billiard Bar - Pool tables with lady attendants, live band, icecold beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3028389) Red Rocket Sports Bar - Warm meals and ice-cold beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 2, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos) GGPick Pacman Sports Bar - Five pool tables/dart boards, The Pacman himself if you’re lucky, lots of lounge space (JMP Bldg 2, Aparente, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528880) GGPick Q Bar - Great place to dine and be seen in, for chilling and dancing, with superb music and yuppie crowd (SunCity Complex, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5543202)

iQ BAR

cafés GGPick BluGré Cafe - Next best thing to Starbucks, designer coffees, hot/cold mixes, filling meals (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-835542177) [wi◦fi] GGPick BluGré Cafe - Bigger and more relaxing than the one at Robinsons (South Osmeña, Gen. Santos, +63-5521111) [wi◦fi] Cafe Amoree - Local gem, great drinks/eats, off city center but worth a visit (Mabuhay Rd, Gen. Santos, +6383-5542173) [wi◦fi] Cafe Paulino - Unpretentious coffee place, central yet a quiet retreat from the crowd (Gaisano Mall, Gen. Santos) Caffe Firenzo - Gourmet coffees, desserts, sandwiches, pizza, open 24/7 (SunCity Complex, National Highway, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] Coffee Club 101 - Coffee, pasta, desserts, free PC stations for patrons (Laurel East, Gen. Santos, +63-835535430) [wi◦fi] Coffee Club 101 - Great place to people-watch and be seen in, perfect chill after shopping (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534878) [wi◦fi] Coffee Dream - Coffee and sweets for after shopping or while waiting for company, reopening soon (2nd Flr, KCC Mall, Gen. Santos, +6383-3018263) [wi◦fi] Fagioli Coffee Shop - Great after hours haunt, tends to get really crowded at night (Petron Station, Lagao, National Highway, Gen. San-

tos, +63-83-552749) [wi◦fi] GGPick Fagioli Coffee Shop - Private yet accessible, perfect chill after shopping (Grd Flr, KCC Mall, +63-835542384) [wi◦fi] Generals Brew - Fine gourmet coffees, sandwiches, combo meals (Pioneer, Gen. Santos, +63-835526559) [wi◦fi] Red Ribbon Bakeshop - Cakes, pastries, sumptuous Filipino/Western meal combos (Lower Grd Flr, KCC Mall, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3018388)

hotels

iEAST ASIA ROYALE HOTEL

CBHL Garden Rooms & Dormitel - Central location and tasteful guest rooms at budget rates (Laurel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5546336) [wi◦fi] GGPick East Asia Royale Hotel Stone’s throw away from the financial district, shopping malls, convention/ exhibition centers, with function rooms/ restaurants/bars (Grand Royale Ballroom, Babes Bar), business center, 24-hour room service (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +6383-5534123) [wi◦fi] GGPick Family Country Hotel & Convention Centre - Guest rooms, meeting/banquet halls (up to 1,000 heads), pool, in-house Cafe Leticia amidst greenery (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528895) [wi◦fi] Florotel - Strategic downtown location, modern amenities (North Laurel Avenue, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5540880) GGPick Ice Castle - Modern, centrally located, offers excellent accommodations, in-house bar and restaurant (Provido Village, City Heights, Gen. Santos, +63-835544423, +63-83-8269026) [wi◦fi] Phela Grande Hotel - Luxury guest rooms, in-house Meilih Restaurant/ Cafe Eduardo (Magsaysay cor. Atis, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5524220) [wi◦fi] SunCity Suites - Hotel at the heart of upscale and trendy SunCity Complex (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5523333) [wi◦fi] Sydney Hotel - Centrally located, offers comfortable accommodations and excellent restaurants, professional banquet/conference facilities (Pendatun cor. Pioneer, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479) [wi◦fi]

iFAMILY COUNTRY HOTEL

resorts

iISLA JARDIN DEL MAR

Gensan View Resort - Sun, sky, swimming pool (Nursery Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3028237) GGPick Isla Jardin del Mar Sun, sky, swimming pool (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, islajardindelmar@ yahoo.com) GGPick Le Jardin Arnevel Convention halls, swimming pool, 2,000-m2 garden, spacious parking area (Mabuhay Rd, Gen. Santos, +6383-3012513) [wi◦fi] GGPick Lemlunay Resort Clifftop seaside resort with excellent villas, restaurant and bar, pool, and worldclass dive site (Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani, +63-920-914 9259 | South Point Divers: www.southpointdivers. ph) [wi◦fi] Merl Garden Spring Resort Zip-line ride, pool, horseback riding and more (Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, +63-919-4577221) Olaer Spring Resort - Natural springs, lasting city icon (Apopong, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3802345) GGPick Rosal Beach Resort Sun, sky, and all-year-round white sand beach fun (Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani, +63-920-9212203)

iLEMLUNAY RESORT

restaurants

iLITTLE DUBAI KEBAB GRILLS

Andrea Ticia Family Restaurant - Green, homey setting for a relaxing dining experience (Mateo Rd, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5528896) [wi◦fi] GGPick Aunt Ludi - Apart from a wide array of gourmet breads, Aunt Ludi serves great burger, pastas, and rice meals. (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos and J&G Propriedad Bldg, Nuñez Street, Purok Malakas, Gen. Santos,

pLaces2GO GGPick

aunt_ludi_bakeshoppe@yahoo.com) GGPick Big Ben Steaks & Grills - Steaks you can always rely on in a homey, central setting, you’d wanna hang out long after the plates are cleared. (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3030315) GGPick Bigby’s Cafe & Restaurant - Great coffees and sumptuous food platters. Try Pescado Al Fresco -dory in onion sauce! (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5520111) [wi◦fi] GGPick Cookie Factory - Homestyle restaurant (J. Catolico Sr, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5522035) Firenzo Deli - Pastries, sandwiches (SunCity Complex, National Highway, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] Gio’s Mongo Grill - One of Tiongson Arcade’s main draw, Gio’s has great tasting barbecue (Tiongson Arcade, Lagao, Gen. Santos) Grab-A-Crab - Exciting seafood, crab specialties (Laurel East, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5535430) [wi◦fi] Grab-A-Crab - Same Grab-A-Crab vibe, only smaller (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] Gusteau’s Restaurant - Fine crab and seafood delicacies (SunCity Complex, National Highway, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick Little Dubai Kebab Grills- Taste of exotic Middle East at half the price (SAFI Arcade, Bula Rd, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5520140, +63922-8141010) [wi◦fi] GGPick The Little Kitchen - Serves European (pizza, pasta, chicken cordon bleu), Oriental (kalbi chim, ebi tempura, chao fan), and Filipino (sizzling bangus sisig, buco pandan with lychee) in Mediterranean-inspired and Filipino-warmed ambience. (Cor. Quirino and Zapote, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] Ocean Cave Restaurant - Fine seafood and Filipino specialties (SunCity Complex, National Highway, Gen. Santos) [wi◦fi] GGPick Pablo’s Steaks and Crabs - Pablo’s of Paseo Del Sol has perfected the art of preparing steaks (certified US Angus) (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-835539298) GGPick Paseo Del Sol - Hacienda-style haven, catering to theme/ special events, serving Pablo’s/ Ranchero fare, as well as exclusive dishes for private functions/catering service (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Ranchero Grill - Paseo Del Sol’s old-timer Ranchero takes native/Filipino/ranch-style food to the next level (National Highway, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5539298) GGPick Red Trellis Seafood Garden - Asian fusion-inspired, gives Singapore-style chili/black pepper crab places a run for their money (Across NDDU-IBED, Tiongson, Lagao, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3022722) Rooftop Grill Ihaw-Ihaw Seafood/grill, great view of Plaza

27

Heneral Santos (6th Flr, Sydney Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479 ext. 103) [wi◦fi] Royale Lounge - Relaxing café with minimalist decór, acoustic music Wed-Sat (East Asia Royale Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5534123) [wi◦fi] GGPick Sarangani Highlands Garden & Restaurant - Hilltop joint with views of Sarangani Bay, downtown Gensan, Mt Parker/Mt Matutum. Nature, fresh air, good food, great for private parties (Tambler, Gen. Santos, +63-83-3040752) Wanchin Dimsum Restaurant Good food, great view of Plaza Heneral Santos (2nd Flr, Sydney Hotel, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5525479) [wi◦fi]

iRED TRELLIS SEAFOOD GARDEN

resto-bars Crocodillo’s Resto Bar - Occasional expat haunt, laid-back crowd, cheap beers (Laurel East, Gen. Santos) Drill Shack- Aussie staples as salads, steaks, burgers and condomwrapped beers (Grd Flr, Arcade 1, East Asia Royale Hotel, National Highway, Gen. Santos) GGPick Jmix Resto Bar - Great food, great music (JMP Bldg 2, City Heights, Gen. Santos, +63-835542368) GGPick Piyesta! KTV and Resto Bar - Value-for-money combo meals, inventive dishes, novelty drinks and cocktails, tower drinks, intimate KTV rooms, friendly staff, al fresco heaven (Robinsons Place, Gen. Santos, +63-83-5542139) [wi◦fi]

iPIYESTA KTV & RESTO-BAR

WANT IN? EMAIL DETAILS TO INFO@GENSANGAZER.COM

F

ocus on competition has always been a formula for mediocrity.

(Daniel Burrus) 28

ENVY ME SALON & SPA Robinsons Place Gensan National Highway Lagao, General Santos Phone (083) 5542134

HAIRS & NAILS SALON & SPA Level 2 KCC Mall of Gensan Phone (083) 3014822 Level 3 KCC Mall of Marbel Phone (083) 2289048

Grab this opportunity to earn extra income.

Three Business Opportunities, One Company.

Mag-negosyo tayo, mga Generals!

Attend our free Business Orientation every Sunday at RD Building at the old Envy Me Salon shop, Pioneer Avenue, General Santos City.

Also, please contact +63-920-8425064 for more information.

ambushFASHIONISTA

Asian Fashion

A

Fad

long with the popular cosplay craze buzzing around the city, Asian Fashion has emerged with great influence among young women in General Santos. Inherited from fashion trendsetters coming mainly from Japan and South Korea (who probably adopted it from more fashionable centers in Europe like Paris and Rome), it has gone from mod to mainstream. Aside from the creative approach, contemporary, classy, and trendy mix-and-matching are just a few of the characteristics of Asian Fashion. It doesn’t deviate from any variation. Though it is constantly evolving, black boots, knee-high stocking socks, mini skirts, and full-sleeve blouses are commonly worn.

Fashion victims and urban fashionsistas are usually found in shopping malls, the most accessible and convenient local runway for flaunting simple and artistic apparel. With Gensan’s fashion aesthetics growing, I’m sure the Generals will sashay out of their antediluvian wardrobe to welcome Asian fashion’s coming of age.

Having these thoughts I switched on my paparazza mode, bringing along an entry level DSLR camera, a cellular phone, courage, and self-confidence. The task finally kicked off one fine Saturday in February as

by Van Almeria

I chanced upon two of the winners during a recently concluded local cosplay event. True to this column’s tactics, I ambushed them into a quick shoot and an even quicker interview.

Name: Celes Ricolne (white cap) and Trixy Eden Dy (check beret) Style: Asian Fashion Van: What does fashion mean to you?

Celes: Fashion is art. It’s something people can enjoy, get inspiration from, and it’s basically something everyone can experiment and have fun with. It’s also a form of selfexpression.

Trixy: Fashion is a way of self-expression.

Van: Who is your fashion guru?

Celes: Michelle Phan and Namie Amuro Trixy: I don’t really have a fashion guru. Most of the time, I get my inspiration while watching celebrities dress up for an event, as well as in Japanese anime shows or fashion, and somehow I get ideas on how to mix and match outfits together.

Van: What makes the characteristic of your style?

Celes: Classy, elegant and cute are some of the essential characteristics. The most important thing to take into consideration is that it’s comfortable to wear.

Trixy: My style is more of being able to look fresh, simple yet elegant and most importantly, it shows my side of being fun!

Van: Do you agree with the saying, “We are what we wear?”

Why? Celes: Partly yes, because what people wear can tell how artistic they can be. But I don’t think this applies to everybody. What people wear tells only tidbits about someone’s interests, but it doesn’t really necessarily point to what kind of person they are. Stereotyping is a natural part of social behavior. Take the color black, for instance. It’s been associated with emo or gloomy personali-

ties. Even if some people like to wear black most of the time (take me as an example), that doesn’t mean they’re emo. So I think getting to know the people through proper communication is still the best way of determining what kind of personality they have.

Trixy: Yes. We express ourselves when we wear something.

It’s not just to look good that’s why we wear outfits, but we wear them because we can show to others who we are. Although sometimes we wear things to suit an event, most of the time or on regular days we wear clothes that keep us comfortable and free.

29

popPIZZAZZ

Tricycle Tales

S

trike a conversation with the driver. That’s what I usually do when I get on a tricycle.

Surely, the driver would tell you an ordinary story, a typical Filipino survival story.

You’d meet a 16-year-old father forced by circumstances to eke out a living for a child and wife, or a few students who moonlight off-school to support their studies, working students we call them. You’d meet a lesbian driver you’d mistake for a guy, who lives with a widow partner and her four children. There’s this lady driver who switched places with her husband at home, the latter attending to their children and the household chores. You’d hear the story of a 70year old man supporting a similarly aged wife with no children looking out for them, or a 40-year-old widower with ten children to feed.

Stories are told inside a tricycle.

Mundane stories. What makes these tales poignant is that these are raw, pure, and real vignettes of life, of Filipino existence. Journeys of ordinary people in extraordinary times. And ordinarily, this is part of Filipino life. These stories are not your usual telenovela plots that unfold before your cozy living room. These are unscripted toils told between the bumps and humps of the road.

Sure, tricyle rides are uncomfortable. Its only convenience is that you get to your destination in no time.

It’s inconvenient compared to a jeepney or cab in terms of legroom. But chances are, a guy would get in a tricycle with his girlfriend or someone he pines for -- the ample space makes for physical closeness, a chance for casual intimacy albeit only for as long as the ride lasts. A tricycle is a representation of ordinary lives, but it may as well be a cocoon where a love story begins, Filipino style.

This mobile constricted space is Filipino life in its simplest fashion. It’s 30

by Egai Cadiente

a Filipino culture icon. Next to jeepneys, it is the most widely utilized form of transportation. In the provinces, tricycles are a normal sight and a staple form of mobility. And if the jeepney is the king of the road, I’d say a tricycle is the queen because, like in a chess game, the queen can strike anywhere, in any direction, so muck like a tricycle. Tricycles give access to more rural or secluded areas, which jeepneys or taxis cannot reach. From highways to narrow alleys, from rough to asphalted, as long as the road is paved, tricycles take you there. For short trips or distances, tricycles come in handy. Jeepneys, as inspired by American GI jeep, evolved into a Filipino transport facility by way of Filipino creativity, a product of that proverbial ingenuity.

First they make a square metal frame, then encase it with tin sheets to look like a shrinked version of the jeepney’s body, splash its exteriors with colorful painting, install upholstered seats, and line up tiny decorative trinkets along its moldings. The assemblage is then welded to a foreignmanufactured motorcycle, and voila! -an affordable mode of Filipino transport is born! How its physical make has evolved is a story unto itself. But beyond it are glimpses of life shared during short rides. Stories unravel as the tricycle travels.

When I listen to their bio-sketches, I smell the sweet sweat of this thing called survival. They epitomize that -- people who are in the streets all day, ordinary folks who keep the city innards pulsating, regular citizens who ply the city’s concrete nerves. They who face the sheets of rain ‘til they get soaked, tenacious souls who dare the blazing sun ‘til they smell like it.

I

tell you, listen to their sagas.

They are as varied as there are tricycles, and characters as diverse. Stories told in tricycles are real. There are nearly 5,000 franchised tricycles, apart from about a thousand unregistered ones roaming the streets. Such reservoir of stories!

Soon, tricycles will become extinct in the concrete cityscape. Why not catch a ride now before they are finally phased out, and engage the driver to tell his existential tale. The story you will hear might just be yours.

The original version of this article first appeared in SunsStar Weekly Gensan Vol.1 No. 39 (10-16 Oct 2005). You can send comments to my_eyeview@yahoo.com.

General Santos City’s Best-Kept Secret No More

Red Trellis

SEAFOOD GARDEN

Tiongson Extension, Across NDDU-IBED, Lagao, General Santos For reservations and other inquiries, please call (083) 302 2722.

Fine Asian Fusion Cuisine in Casual Dining

artsATTACK cuLtureSHOCK

by Bing Cariño

The Generals Went To School T

he 72nd Foundation Anniversary celebration of General Santos City on February 27 kicked off with a socio-civic parade participated in by the key organizations that contributed to the success of Gensan as a working urban center, making the city one of the Philippines’ most competitive and livable cities. It took more than thirty minutes for Gensan’s education sector to pass through -- close to two thousand teachers joined the parade. The city continues to thrive as its human resource development mechanism stays in place.

With a state university, a private university, more than a dozen higher education institutions, several technical and vocational schools, and more than a hundred basic education institutions, General Santos City is SoCSKSarGen’s education center.

The development of Gensan’s education system is providential by design. The then municipality’s inaccessibility to the urban centers in the 1940s left the pioneers with the immense task of building a self-sustaining community, including educating the growing population. The first school established was the Lagao Elementary School. The enterprising pioneers used a warehouse in an old cotton granary, which one of the very first students, Bing Santos, aptly describes as the main infrastructure of this pioneering effort to establish 32

a school system. The first teachers were the wives of the pioneers. This early, students from neighboring municipalities traveled to Gensan for schooling.

Later, when the town plan was executed, four schools were established in the four districts of Dadiangas -- the East, West, North, and South Elementary Schools.

These basic education institutions were integral in the neighborhood unit town plan system, where schools were situated within walking distance from the residential areas, making access to education safe and cost-effective.

Incidentally, the young municipality was under the Archdiocese of Cotabato. In 1950, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate partnered with the municipal government, and established the first high school. Here, the Notre Dame School system was established. So crucial was this education partnership that the municipality under Mayor Santiago apportioned for this venture a huge chunk of prime property that is now the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University campus. When the Oblates strengthened their missions to Jolo, the management of Notre Dame was transferred to the Marist Brothers, which later divided the schools into separate exclusive boys’ and girls’ schools when the Dominican Sisters came and managed the girls’ departments.

In time for the cityhood of General Santos in 1968, Atty Eugenio Millado and wife Aurora established the Mindanao Vocational School, which later became the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Col-

leges. Being advocates of education and educators themselves, the Millado couple also established the Southern Island Colleges, which was annexed to RMMC later in the 1980s.

Mindanao State University started as a high school during the time of Mayor Velayo. MSU began operations at the North Elementary School campus as the city’s first public high school. Eventually the plot of land originally allocated for a trade school in the town development plan was given to MSU. This is now the present site of the MSU High School campus. When the state university offered its full undergraduate program, the campus at MSU Tambler was established.

As the city grew in size, more schools were established. The Mindanao Polytechnic College and the Holy Trinity College opened to offer courses needed by the growing city. The need for more teachers and merchant marines led to the successful establishment of these schools.

From a few barangays, the city has grown to a brood of 26. All 26 have several public elementary schools and a high school. There is also a special education school, and several schools with a science and an arts curriculum.

Soon a science high school and a high school for the arts will be established by the local education board.

In the early years of the city parents have had to toil hard in order to send their children to education centers in Luzon and Visayas, in the process exhausting household income on travel, room and board. Separation anxiety plagued the teens as they were separated from their families early in their lives. With the establishment of more schools offering many courses and competencies, the local youth can get their education just a short ride away.

The father-daughter tandem of Bing Santos, President of the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers of General Santos, and Councilor Margareth Santos, Chairman of the Education Committee of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, are the main sources of this article.

E From page 22...

The Android-operated Samsung Galaxy S comes with plenty of entertainment and productivity features, all backed up by a highly capable 1-GHz processor.

The Android market gives users

unlimited options when it comes to expanding the functionality and customization of the phone, making it a great all-rounder.

Whether you are looking for a competent camera phone or mobile Internet browser, the

Samsung Galaxy S is sure to meet your needs. It is also a great multimedia phone with comprehensive compatibility, while the availability of a white color variant means that it also offers aesthetic appeal to the style-

Benefits of Doing an Online PhD Course

by Kelly Hunter

who advice you on what you need to know in your field of learning. The level of knowledge that you get will also help you decide how best to proceed with any future career prospects.

Sometimes in different work scenarios we need some differentiation between people who have more or less than the skills and capabilities we possess. By getting an additional degree you give yourself an edge.

There are different places where you can get your PhD. You can enroll in an institution of

Career Advice – You Got the Job, Now What?

by Diarmuid Haughian

M

Check out the best Samsung Galaxy deals at phoneslimited.co.uk/ Samsung. The author invites you to visit phoneslimited.co.uk.

schoolTALK

A

ny university degree is worth having, even more so a PhD because it certifies you as an authority in any field in which you decide to specialize.

These fields may vary in nature but if you have a PhD you tend to set yourself apart from the rest in your field, and increase your capacity for potential and future earnings. Few people can boast of having a PhD with no employment or career prospects as an advanced degree almost always guarantees some better form of career placement.

This career placement better positions you in any career or occupation where you decide to place yourself.

PhD degrees aren’t all about career advancement and earning a bigger paycheck. In any field for which you choose to get your PhD, there will be specialists

conscious mobile phone user.

ost pieces of career advice out there focus on finding a job, but a good career advice doesn’t stop there.

Getting the job is only the first step in a long and rewarding career. It’s important to celebrate when you get that good news call, but don’t forget, now is when the real work begins. Read on for tips on how to make sure your new job gets off on the right foot.

There’s only one chance to make a first impression. When you think of

higher learning. These institutions have different faculties and courses you can enroll in to get the knowledge that you desire. Most people, however, have problems with finding a university in their immediate neighborhoods. Also, part of the reasons limiting their ability to enroll in these programs is employment constraints.

So, why not enroll in your preferred PhD course online? Doing so will give you the ability to get your degree flexibly. All you have to do is have an Internet

making a first impression, you probably think about what you’re going to wear, and that’s important. Don’t discount the career advice that tells you how to dress for success, but making a good first impression goes beyond the clothes. Does your hair need a trim? How about your nails? Think about your outer accessories as well. The best suit in the world won’t get a second glance if you show up in an old, ragged coat. Ladies, make sure your

connection and a computer with which to download your course material. You can submit your assignments and project material the same way. Attendance at the physical campuses of most online institutions is hardly necessary. You can get your degree while you’re at home or in the office -- it’s all up to you.

There are different benefits to getting your PhD online, including flexibility in terms of schedule and cost. It’s cheaper than getting the degree by physically attending the institution.

You save money from everything -- lower tuition and zero transportation, among others.

Most schools require students who physically attend courses to pay fees for auxiliary activities.

As an individual taking a degree online you are usually exempted from these fees.

About the Author Kelly Hunter operates phdcourses.com, writing extensively about PhD courses and related material.

handbag is clean and empty of old receipts, mint wrappers and other bits; the last thing you want your new employer to see is a mess when you pull out a pen to take notes. Gentleman? If you use a wallet make sure it’s tidy as well. You won’t win any bonus points for having one with Velcro or pictures of Spiderman on it, so if you need a grown up wallet, now’s the time to buy one. And finally? Don’t forget to do a transportation test run before the first day, ideally at the same time as you’ll be travelling normally. You’ll be nervous enough that first day and don’t want any surprises.

On the Job. Great! You’ve listened to our career advice and shown up for your first day on time looking clean and crisp. Now is the time to lay the foundation for your

future success.

F Page 36 33

Summer is in the Air (and in Your Hair!)

O

n February 21 yours truly organized a Hair and Make-up Competition and Seminar at the Atrium of Robinsons Place Gensan.

Make-up artists, hairstylists, salon owners and cosmetology students all over South Central Mindanao attended the event, with attendees coming from as far as Midsayap. This is an annual event where we update the industry players on the latest trends in hair color, cut and so on. This is also the venue where make-up artists and salon stylists can showcase their art and talent by competing in various categories: cut, color and style, rebonding (a new category launched this year), and bridal make-up.

The morning was intended for the seminar where two Technical Directors from Botanique Hair Care Products imparted the season’s latest color trends, the chocolate color collection, and taught techniques in hair rebonding and cutting. They also answered frequently ask questions about rebonding, and clarified other misconceptions about the process.

It was an informative, productive and colorful day for all industry players in this part of the country. The event was concluded with the Lakan at Lakambini ng Gensan 2011 presentation of finalists.

Summer is already here and the excruciating heat of the sun also doubled its intensity. Beat the heat and protect yourselves from the harsh sunrays this summer.

Arm yourselves with lotion, moisturizer with UV protection and SPF+30 or higher.

Also, protect your hair by maintaining its moisture through conditioning and continuous hair treatments. Never leave your house without your shades to protect your eyes. A handy umbrella can also be thrown into that big bag of yours. A tip for ladies who just had their hair rebonded or colored: if you can’t resist the call to swim in the sea or pool here are some of the things you can do to protect your hair. We all know that pools have chlorinated water and the sea has a high salt level, which can eventually damage your hair, especially those just recently colored and/or rebonded. Before dipping and swimming put a leave-on conby Donna Mae ditioner in your hair. It is very Congson and important that you immediately Romarie Ivy wash off the salt or chlorine in Cunanan your hair with tapwater after

Back2Back

swimming. Never let your hair be exposed to the sun with salt and chlorine for long periods of time. You could also use a swimming cap to further protect your hair. Again, hair treatment is a must this summer.

S

Beauty and Boxing

triking knockouts, thrilling victories -- we call them star-making performances, but in truth the performance only brings the boxer to the crag of stardom. That’s because it is not just their performance that makes them a star but their promoters, too. I was so glad when one of the promoters of Sanman Production, Dexter Tan, invited me to join their team in preparing their big event for Kalilangan 2011, the Double Trouble boxing event, an excellent tactical fight between a couple of guys who knew this as the biggest opportunity for their future boxing career, and had the styles that pleased us.

Benefits of Boxing -- Boxing is a whole-body conditioning workout. Legs, hips, back, shoulders, arms, and midsection are all worked hard as they’re trained to work together. Aerobic fitness, muscular strength, power, balance, quickness, and stamina are developed with time and patience. Becoming adept at boxing enhances confidence, self-esteem, and all levels of fitness, not to mention providing focus and outlet for pent-up aggression. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.

During fight night, I met coach Jun Buboli and boxers Ryan Lumacad, JP Macadompis, Jay-R Edurot, and Randy Petalcurin. Children ages 10-15 in the amateurs started first.

Boxers coming from different places arrived together with their coaches and assistants.

Before the professional fight started I said good luck to Jay-R and Randy; already warmed up, they were all smiles. The Philippine National Anthem was sung by Krystel Ng. It gave me goosebumps because patriotism was felt all around. As the emcee called Jay-R I was really nervous, at the same time praying for his safety. Jay-R knocked out his opponent in less than two minutes, garnering the title MPBF champion.

Next fight was Randy’s. As the bell sounded I saw him plant his feet on the floor, bite his mouthpiece, and start to move. I was on my feet the entire match, enjoying it. Every punch was solid. “Upper cut! Jab! Hook!” I could hear his coach shouting. In the end, Randy got the Philippine Flyweight Champ belt, placing 21st in the world (IBO).

The event was a success. It ended around midnight. The team headed to Jam’s Restaurant for the afterparty. Overflowing drinks and scrumptious food Photo were served. Everyone was

by Apple Greatson ecstatic over the victory. I give Francisco my high regard to the boxers. | Hair by Envy Me They were excellent in the Salon | fight. It wasn’t easy but they Makeup by Donna Mae gave their all to succeed.

Congson A real fighter never quits.

A real fighter never runs away. A real fighter is never a coward. A real fighter fights till the end.

doesn’t need a lot of talk.

Aparente Street, Purok Malakas, General Santos Roxas Avenue (across DBP), General Santos Cell: 0927-8169455 | Phone: 083-3041906 www.nanettecakes.multiply.com

SkyCable Gensan Channel 21 SkyCable Davao Channel 19 Call 082-225-4199 for Inquiries

For TV ad info and inquiry, contact 0939-542-6217 (Smart) | 0922-863-2233 (Sun), or email phil.southspot@live.com.

Member of the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (United Kingdom) and the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (United States)

L ove, like photography,

postSCRIPT

emcee, philantropist, and our fellow writer at Gensan Gazer -for finishing her degree in mass communications while juggling those roles deftly and with great success. Rom, little big sister, we’re immensely proud of you! We wish you success and fulfillment in your future endeavors, and peace and happiness in your personal life. Keep writing!

by Armando Nicolas PJ

Mixed Bag of March

F

irst off, we congratulate our graduates this year, wishing them Godspeed as they move higher in their studies, or leave the academe altogether to embark on life in the real world. We especially give our kudos to Romarie Ivy Cunanan -- beauty queen, model, blogger, serial

Hard Facts. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the global unemployment rate this year will reach 6.1% or equivalent to 203.3 million people. The number of unemployed young people rose significantly to 78 million last year. Aside from the problem of unemployment, the world also faces the threat from approximately 1.53 billion people trapped in “vulnerable employment,” which ILO defines as temporary jobs “just to fill the time.”

G

ensan Gazer faced a few setbacks when it hit the stands this year. A few followers were disconcerted and taken aback by the reverse-covers

E From page 33...

Remember the networking skills you used to land the job? Put those in action right away and make sure to meet as many people as you can during your first month. It may feel more

comfortable to hide out at your desk, but you were hired to solve problems, so take that new notebook and pen and set up initial introductory meetings with key people (if you aren’t sure who those people are, ask your

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Accounting and bookkeeping services Financial statement preparaPermit application tion and license processing Other services

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lsewhere the world reels from both natural and man-made disasters. As of this writing, a joint military offensive has been taken against Gadhafi’s forces in Libya, even as internal tensions escalate at different intensities in Bahrain, Ivory Coast, Syria, and Yemen -- while Japan grieves over death and loss, and helps its survivors, at the same time scrambling to control the nuclear crisis in the wake of March 11’s quake and tsunami.

March is a mixed bag of emotions for us in this part of the globe. What we know for sure is that, our concerns pale in comparison to, say, a family in Sendai torn apart, without food, clothing and water -- homeless, freezing and scared -- not knowing if redemption, or any semblance of it, is near.

supervisor). Ask questions such as, “How can I help you in my new role?” and “What did you wish you knew when you started working here?” People will appreciate your initiative because they’ll want to meet you, too.

Diarmuid Haughian blogs, writes articles, and explores interesting topics such as education, career, etc. You can find more details about career guidance and career advice for more details visit at www.careerguidance.co.uk.

Somewhere Special to Go and Nothing to Wear?

LOZANO Bookkeeping Services Plan and map out your travel itinerary, and book your discount flights and accommodations at VisitFilipinas. com -- it’d be a real pity to miss out on many great deals and big offers. Why wait? Visit us soon!

concept we set in place, which is quite understandable as people tend to stick to the norm as much as possible. The release of the eZine a week before the distribution of the printed magazine also slightly affected sales, as some readers took the option to make do with the digital copy instead of shelling out disposable cash for a printed mag.

One reader, an Australian visitor, even sent an email asking why he could no longer download GG online; we disabled this for obvious reasons. We’re caught between reaching our online readers ahead, an effort from which we derive zero income, and maximizing the paper distribution locally. These are challenges we’ll take on as we move forward.

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Call or text (083) 826 0692 | (0926) 326 6903 | (083) 552 1263

We have high-quality gowns, formal dresses, and costumes to wear to your event -- be it a cotillion, prom, graduation ball, Halloween party, or stage play -- even a Linggo ng Wika, United Nations, or Santacruzan affair. We have the outfit you’ve always wanted but just couldn’t find anywhere. Visit us at Block 29, Lot 2, Gensanville, Bula, General Santos, call/ text (0930) 2732867, or write to anntquijano@ yahoo.com.ph now. Don’t be late!

by Apple Greatson Francisco

(Text: Armando Nicolas PJ, Model: Marthin Anthony Millado, Set Design & Photography: Apple Greatson Francisco)

i ke Gladiators to ancient Romans, Fighters seem just as revered in modern society despite our advancement in nobler disciplines. Our fondness for wrestling and boxing forms the lower spectrum of this obsession, the morbid fascination with extremely violent movies probably at the extreme end. Who would have thought that the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, would produce the world’s finest boxers? It’s ironic that the legendary Manny Pacquiao, both religious and political, wields his fists again and again to prevail in what could be the world’s most popular sport founded on physical aggression.

The youth, highly impressionable, faces this discrepancy in our midst. Decades ago it would’ve been unthinkable to even imagine high school kids gunning down their peers and teachers on school grounds, or young boys training as guerilla warriors in ethnic strifes the world over. Do we blame violent movies and video games? Do we blame the children’s detachment from family values? This opens an ongoing debate that requires a hard look at what we have become. In the meantime, let’s watch Fight Club in the comfort of our homes.

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Fight Club

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Arts & Culture ● Health & Environment ● Lifestyle & Entertainment ● People & Places ● Travel & Leisure

Gensan Gazer GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE VOLUME II NUMBER 2

Exclusive: Kalilangan 2011 Recap

Exclusive: 2011 Lakan at Lakambini

Derek Ramsay caught with GG in Cebu!

Of Aimless Wanderings and Aiming Your Lens

Ambush Fashionista, Franchesca in Focus, Malapascua & more!