Gensan Gazer Sep-Nov 2012

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

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE WWW.GENSANGAZER.COM VOLUME III NUMBER 5

Tuna Festival Photo Recap Mr and Ms Gensan 2012 Winners Gensan Teacher, Gensan Pride Precious Puerto Princesa

Nicole San Mateo as photographed

by Apple Greatson Francisco

Going Gothic in Gensan Tobacco: The Poor and the Young Books: 50 Shades of Grey, Unbroken CDs: Channel Orange, Scars & Stories Vintage Nicole: A Glimpse into 1920s Fashion Many more stories inside!

Miss Gensan 2012 Mary Elizabeth Eastes

Daniel Padilla and GG

GAISANO MALL

CO AV UE

EN

SM CITY GENERAL SANTOS

SANTIAGO BOULEVARD

CITY HALL

Suite Room

Standard Room Twin

Family Country Hotel

& CONVENTION CENTRE Mateo Road, Lagao, General Santos Phone +63 83 552-88-95 to 97 Facsimile +63 83 301-0774 Cellphone +63 932 887-8896 www.FamilyCountryHotel.com.ph family_country_hotel@yahoo.com

Executive Ballroom

Semi Olympic-size Swimming Pool

We’re a -ready establishment!

Annex Function Rooms

Newly-built The Arena for Big Groups

Cafe Leticia

ACHARON BOULEVARD

NATIONAL HIGHWAY

LI

Deluxe Room Twin

BULA ROAD

MATEO ROAD

TO

Quiet, Clean, Green, and Homey.

KCC MALL OF GENSAN

Deluxe Room Matrimonial

CA

• 1,000-person capacity convention center • Spacious, grand lobby • 25-meter Semi Olympic size swimming pool, children’s pool • Floating restaurant and coffee shop • Boxing Ring and Fitness Gym • The Arena @ Family Country Hotel for Large-Group of Functions • Annex building with 5 fully air-conditioned function rooms • 4,450-square-meter fenced parking area • Executive board room for small functions

Camella General Santos: First of its Kind in Boom City Gensan

C

amella General Santos is the first of its kind in the boom city of General Santos. This masterplanned community is a premier subdivision known for prestige and quality, the first Caribbean-themed residential development in Gensan, boasting of a wide range of house designs, land area, and price options.

The elegantly masterplanned Camella General Santos residential enclave is

the first gated community with 24-hour security monitoring and perimeter fence system designed to keep the area safe and secure at all times.

Camella’s Caribbean motif is complemented by its trademark tree-lined Grand Entrance and the Central Plaza, on open space with amenities such as the Grand Clubhouse, Children’s Playground, play courts, pocket gardens, and soon, swimming pool and children’s wading pool.

Prime location / Accessibility:

Within 3 km from SM City / Robinsons Place / KCC, very near to Quantum School

Comfort / Convenience Affordable / Value for Money Exclusive Lifestyle

Camella General Santos, which also provides its homeowners and their families with shuttle service to select destinations in the city and back, is the only subdivision in Gensan with a dedicated property management company that oversees the community’s cleanliness, upkeep, and maintenance.

Over the course of its growth, Camella General Santos has perfected its esteemed Home Collection, which

showcases designs masterfully crafted to style and function with different homeowner types in mind, providing a wide range of house models to choose from, even offering lotonly packages for investors.

Its Camella Home Series (PHP 1.1-2.5 M) features elegant house models ideal for start-up families and young professionals. The Crown Jewels Series (PHP 2.6-3.5 M) suits the established individuals who seek maximum comfort and superlative elegance. The Luxuria Series (PHP 4-5 M) combines luster, luxury and lifestyle in one irresistible package.

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.

editor’s NOTE

Armando Nicolas P J EDITOR Van Almeria Egai Cadiente Bing Cariño Donna Mae Congson Romarie Ivy Cunanan Apple Greatson Francisco Nusha Susanne Heit Avel Manansala Orman Manansala Marthin Millado CONTRIBUTORS Gensan Gazer™ Magazine is published by Armanikolas Publishing ®™ and printed in General Santos City, Philippines.

Proud member of the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated GENSAN GAZER SEP-NOV 2012 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 : +63-83-8269221 Phone : +63-83-5547055 Mobile : +63-908-3373005 Website : www.gensangazer.com

AD PLUS -- When you advertise with us, you get free online mileage since the printed magazine also has a counterpart eZine at www.gensangazer.com -- now read in 361 cities across 62 countries and territories worldwide. Call or text +63908-3373005 now to know your advertising options.

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GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

in this ISSUE

4 5

Gensan teacher among the country’s most outstanding Arts Attack, Culture Shock: The Medicine Men & Women of Gensan by Bing Cariño

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Travel Tales & Trivia: Precious Puerto Princesa

by Armando Nicolas PJ

7 8/10

Gensan Gazer in Greece

A Look into 1920s Fashion | Fearless Nicole, Photography by Apple Greatson Francisco, Text by Armando NPJ

11

A group of local photographers are Going Gothic!

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usy can’t begin to describe the last two months of this release -- our involvement in Manny Pacquiao’s coffee-table book, the first Southern Mindanao visual arts catalogue, and the beginnings of Dolefil’s 50th anniversary book, and the Yaman Gensan magazine, just to name a few, not to mention a spur-of-the-moment trip to Greece, France, and Belgium for three weeks.

We’re cramming more stories than usual into our 32 pages this issue, and lots

of visual storytelling by local photographers as well, including the Tuna Festival, Mr & Miss Gensan 2012, a Gothic shoot, and our take on the (unbearably) ubiquitous Gangnam Style craze.

Check out the list below to see which ones you’d take a look at first, or just breeze through for a leisurely read.

To all our readers in 361 cities across 62 nations worldwide, Magandang GenSan! Armando Nicolas P J

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Tuna Festival 2012 Photo Recap

by Paul Fernandez Llanos GGList: Concealers, CDs, Chips, and SmartWatch Book Pickings: E.L. James, Laura Hillenbrand / Music Reviews: Frank Ocean, The Fray

Hair Tips for Girls from a Girl

by Alyana Marie D. Aguja | Gensan Gazer eZines now read in 62 nations Mr & Miss Gensan 2012 Photo Gallery by Omar Gallinero Back2Back: Learning Beauty Trends by Donna Congson, Holidaying in Hong Kong by Romarie Cunanan

Daniel Padilla, ABS-CBN/Star Magic actor/singer, currently stars as Gino in primetime drama Princess And I. Born on 26 April 1995, Daniel hails from one of the most famous Filipino showbiz clans, being the son of actor Rommel Padilla and singer Karla Estrada. Because of his popularity with women, he is more often compared with his uncle Robin Padilla, who became famous for his bad boy image. Here he poses with Gensan Gazer, as photographed

by Van Almeria.

Pinoy Says, Tisay Says: Strictly for Business Only by Mandi Nicolas PJ & Nusha Heit | Countryside Quirks: Home Delivery

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Big Tobacco Targets the Poor and the Young by William A. Collins CommDev by Mahintana Foundation, Inc. | PostScript: Travel to Live, Live to Travel by Armando Nicolas PJ The Acute Eye: Gangnam Style by Apple Greatson Francisco featuring Marthin Millado

Inside catch this year’s Mr & Miss Gensan winners (from left): Miss Gensan 1st Runner-up Daisy Jane Deslate, Mr Gensan 1st Runner-up Arjay Arado, Miss Gensan Mary Elizabeth Eastes, Mr Gensan Nasser Dyle Malaguiok, Miss Gensan 2nd Runner-up Lailane Bayadog, and Mr Gensan 2nd Runner-up Garry Gallarde.

We’re opening this November!

Enjoy our all-day buffet every sunday!

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

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M

s Marivi Lim Castro, a resident of Barangay San Isidro and a teacher at the SPED Integrated School of General Santos City, was recently named as one of the outstanding teachers of Metrobank Foundation’s 2012 Search for Outstanding Teachers. Ms Castro was chosen as one of the country’s top ten best teachers from among 283 nominees.

At the 101st session of the 16th Sanggunian, Councilor Margareth Meg Santos, Committee Chair on Education, together with the other members of Sangguniang Panlunsod, honored Ms Castro for her achievement. In her introduction at the small ceremony, Councilor Meg Santos said, “With the exemplary qualities and achievements shown by Ms Castro in

Gensan educator hailed among the country’s most outstanding teachers here chosen field, it shows a positive affirmation that being a teacher is the noblest profession... (she) being equipped with the right attitude, values, and characteristics that made her one of the best in the city, and the whole nation.”

Councilor Santos added that this was the second time that a General bagged such a prestigious award; Mr Gellie Alkuino of Ireneo Santiago National High School of Metro Dadiangas

How the General Santos City Special Education Center Differs from Traditional Schools 1. The center begins instruction by determining individual strengths and needs.

2. It uses varied assessment methods. These enable the school to differentiate instructions, attending to individual gifts, needs, and interests.

3. It uses collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to start instruction.

4. Pupils are able to move at their own pace in core subjects without the public school’s bureaucratic constraints

5. It provides the best possible instruction and maximizing the learning potential of every pupil.

6. It utilizes non-traditional or innovative teaching methodologies, carefully measuring each pupil’s progress and adapting to pupil’s needs.

7. It encourages pupils to be responsible of their own learning. Adequate exercises for individual pursuits, all-class projects, and group work are provided.

8. It offers multi-level instruction and individualized instruction in heterogeneous grouping.

O

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE VOLUME III NUMBER 1

It’s More Fun in Kalilangan!

Wonders of the Wild: General Santos City’s Last Frontier The Swedish Family Pettersson Marrakech on My Mind From Settlement District to Metropolis ... And many more stories!

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GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

received this award in 2007.

Ms Castro was also honored recently by the Coalition for Better Education (CBE) during CBE’s 11th Founding Anniversary at Fort San Pedro, Plaza Independencia, Cebu City.

This award is in recognition for her steadfast commitment and service to the coalition’s various undertakings.

“These achievements do not only make General Santos City the Home of Champions but also the Home of Dedicated Heroes, who give themselves selflessly with pride and devotion to public service,” Councilor Santos concluded. GG

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

Gensan Gazer

Ms Marivi Lim Castro (left) and Councilor Meg Santos

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

REACH 62 NATIONS WITH US.

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

GG er Summ ial Spec12 20

Kalilangan 2012 does it again!

Tribal Warfare: The Colors of Summer Summer Hues across the Oceans: Boracay, Copacabana, Jardim Botanico Gourmet Chef premieres Sahara Forest Project and many more stories!

GG Travel The Tales & Travel Trivia Special

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE WWW.GENSANGAZER.COM VOLUME III NUMBER 2

Photography by Apple Greatson Francisco

GensanNEWS GazerBRIEFS

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE WWW.GENSANGAZER.COM VOLUME III NUMBER 3

MOVIE ADDICTS, RAISE YOUR HAND!

BORACAY/GENSAN/GLAN/ MAASIM (PHILIPPINES) MEKNÈS (MOROCCO) RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL)

GEN. SANTOS CITY’S MAYORS

SAKURA IN MY EYES (JAPAN SPECIAL)

SUMMER PART TWO

TOOTING YOUR OWN HORN

MORE STORIES!

A NOISY WORLD LEVI’S ETC.

Marc Nelson and GG in Boracay

Horse Carriage in Meknès, Morocco

Ana Marie for Summer Part Two

artsATTACK cuLtureSHOCK

The health care industry, or medical industry, is a sector within the economic system that provides goods and services to treat patients with curative, preventive, rehabilitative, palliative, or, at times, unnecessary care. The number and quality of medical facilities in a country or region is one common measure of that area’s prosperity and quality of life. (United States Department of Labor, Health Care Industry Information, 27 February 2007)

W

hat I really like about the literature on health care industry that I found on the Internet is the reference to economic system, and that the quality and quantity of medical facilities is directly proportional to the prosperity and quality of life in that economic structure. This, for me, sheds some light on the mystery of the success of Gensan not just as a community but also as an economic structure. The presence of a visiting physician, as part of the team led by Gen. Paulino Santos, who was sent to the land that will have become General Santos City by the National Lands Settlement Administration, is a clear indication of establishing a settlement project that was envisioned to succeed.

Dr. Patag, the visiting doctor, was replaced within a few months by a resident physician, Dr. Jorge Royeca, and a hospital was immediately constructed in the patch of land that is now the present site of the General Santos City Hospital. Irineo Santiago and

The Medicine Men & Women of General Santos

by Bing Cariño

Jose Catolico, and later Grinio Gonzales and Deling Mendoza were the first nurses and midwife (Mendoza) to assist the pioneering physician in attending to those who fell ill in the dawning of the settlement.

In 1954, Jose Catolico established the Puericulture Center, which became a facility for community health. This is within the period when Dr. Victorio Velazquez, Dr. Jose Mendoza, Dr. Maximo Bulaong, and Dr. Nemecio Cuenca, and years later Dr. Gervacio Posadas and Dr. Jorge Calderon established clinics in downtown Dadiangas to serve the growing population of the city. A few seasons later (around the same time), Canda’s Clinic and Peñamante’s Clinic were established in Lagao to service that part of town.

When the original Municipal Hospital ceased to operate because of property ownership problems, a need for better medical facilities surfaced. In 1962, responding to the growing health care needs of the municipality, Dr. Jesus Veneracion put up the St. Elizabeth Hospital, a primary hospital that later evolved into a full-service Hospital.

When General Santos became a chartered

city in 1968, two hospitals were planned and built. Dr. Venancio Yap, Dr. Sergio Demontaño, Dr. Mariano Chu, and Dr. Genaro Valencia established the General Santos Doctor’s Hospital. The local government, through the vision of Vice Mayor Rosa Bernabe for poor people to be born free, a plan for a public hospital was drawn. The original site of the municipal hospital was bought and reverted back to the city, and this vision became a reality. In 1975, by the virtue of Resolution No. 19, the General Santos District Hospital and Tuberculosis Pavillion was inaugurated.

In 1980 a clinic (now the Auguis Clinic) was established by Dr. Lourdes Auguis, and in 1987 the clinic established by Dr. Rosendo Diagan became a cooperative hospital. In 1992 the Mt. Matutum Medical Center/ Socsargen Country Hospital opened its doors to the cummunity. Today there are four big full-service hospitals and dozens of clinics that look after the health and wellness of the Gensan’s people. The General Santos Doctors’ Hospital established a school that, along with the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, offers courses in the allied medical profession. This extends the Gensan health care and medical industry portfolio to include research and training of future industry workers.

Today there are eight hospitals, close to a hundred clinics, and about two hundred medical practitioners of various specializations, and a pharmacy and health center in almost every major barangay. The quality of life in the economic system now known as General Santos City is in the pink of health.

T

he early years of Gensan saw one physician and two nurses taking care of the health and wellness of the community. Today, as the 298-strong General Santos City Medical Society (an organization of doctors founded in 1963) celebrates its 49th founding anniversary, to get sick and be healed is never a problem in General Santos.

(This article is based on the author’s conversations with Mr. Bing Santos and Ms. Paz Salazar, members of the Sons and Daughters of General Santos, and Dr. Helena Veneracion-Garcia of the General Santos City Medical Society.) GG GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

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Travel Tales & Trivia

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y girlfriend and I found it odd that despite being the center of Palawan, the Philippines’ famed last frontier, there were no decent beaches within the city proper.

In fact, we didn’t see any that peaked our dipping urge until we were hours away from downtown Puerto (the city’s short name as

Precious used by locals) and set foot on Sabang, where the equally famous subterranean river can be found. (Incidentally, in January 2012, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, already a UNESCO World Heritage site, was confirmed as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature based on a global poll, so we were glad to have visited it months ahead of the announcement, before all the renewed media attention and tourist surge.)

Back at the heart of Palawan in the city of Puerto Princesa, a bustling urban center surges with life both calming and beguiling to visitors keen for business and/or pleasure. Puerto, whose first settlers arrived 4 March 1872, the date remembered as foundation day, was established as a full-fledged city only in 1970.

Puerto Princesa (2,381 square kilometers by land area), the country’s second largest after Davao City (2,444 km²), has 66 barangays, mostly rural settlements with over 200,000 inhabitants engaged primarily in agriculture and fishery. A third of that resides within city limits,

an urban center by the Puerto Princesa Bay. With its clean, fresh air, and natural greenery, Puerto has preserved its frontier feel in spite of persistent modernization. Apart from Puerto’s main draws, the UNESCO jewels Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the Tubbataha Reef, visitors can easily scour the city to see: • Plaza Cuartel -- The restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American WWII POWs inside a tunnel • Rizal Park and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, home of the Apostolic Vicariate, a diocese headed by Bishop Pedro D. Arigo • Rizal Avenue -- Main commercial strip replete with shops, banks, restaurants, and inns • Puerto Princesa Baywalk -- Waterfront strip providing a scenic view of the bay and the sunset, with food shops and restaurants, as well as biking area • Museums -- Palawan Museum (Mendoza Park), PSU Museum (Palawan State University), Special Battalion WWII Memorial Museum (Bancao-Bancao), Heritage Center (Legislature), Ethnographic Museum (Sabang)

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ur first visit to Puerto was short and sweet, and though we haven’t covered half of the city’s, much less the province’s wealth of wondrous destinations, we will always remember that boat ride into the underground river -- a glimpse of snakes and bats here and there, dark as night, eerie as a tomb, mystifying as the unchartered parts of Palawan themselves. (Mandi Nicolas PJ)

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GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

GG in Greece

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ensan Gazer recently visited Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos in Greece not so much as entourage in official capacity as a tag-along in a holiday foursome of lovers and friends. There were no redcarpet arrivals or evening fireworks or headline splashes in the local dailies -- just an easy and spontaneous immersion in the daily goings-on of life in the Greek Isles as an observer and passer-by.

Along the way we met Adrianna, Bernice, and Carina (not their real names), fellow visitors from Seville, Spain; Stefan, architecture student from Belgrade, Serbia; Vasilis, hotelier and professional free-diver; and Vasso, part-time student and hospitality practitioner, among many others. Of course, we didn’t pass up the chance to have them

pose with our magazine, if they so did want, that is.

It turned out that they were all game for the photo opportunity, with las tres Marias discreetly asking for our website address, short of asking where their pic was going to end up at. No harm done, ladies--this is your page! (Wait, our Greek-Spanish friend Yannis wanted in on this pictorial spread as well, so here’s your picture inset, amigo mio!) All in all the recent visit was a

real blast

despite our time constraints.

Greece, with all its past glory and present economic woes, is a great place to visit--still a beautiful country to explore, and a wonderful nation to root for. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said, “Tomorrow a new era starts for Greece.” We’re eagerly waiting for that day! GG

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

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Vintage Vantage: A Glimpse into 1920s Fashion 8

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

Photography by Apple Greatson Photography

Makeup by Jacque Kate Duguil

ab

ab

Additional Text

by Armand Nicolas PJ

Clothing & Styling

by Nicole San Mateo

T

he distinctive motif of the 1920s, especially in America, are as real in film as in actual cultural history. Movies fed materialism no end, and emphasized pleasure and leisure like law. Entertainment verged on the mindleslly lavish and extravagant, the media aggressively sold consumerism, and mass culture was inevitably born.

Fashion-wise the 1920s entered the modern age. Women left behind the more restrictive clothing of yesteryears and started to wear more comfortable clothes, including short skirts and trousers. Men also abandoned highly formal daily attire and began to wear athletic clothes. Today’s men’s suits, however, are still based mostly on those worn in the late 1920s, a period characterized by two distinct fashion waves -- the first being typified by slow change as many were reluctant to take on new styles, and the second (1925 onward) where the public en masse passionately embraced the styles associated with the so-called Roaring ‘20s, styles that persisted until 1932.

After the first World War, America enjoyed growing wealth and prosperity.

Social norms eased off in the optimism brought on by the war’s end and the stock market boom’s beginning. Women joined the workforce in droves. Revolution throbbed in almost every form of human concern, fashion included.

Around this decade, natural fabrics such as cotton and wool were most abundant and popular. Silk was highly sought after for its luxurious qualities, but the limited supply made it impractically expensive. Rayon stockings then became well-known during the decade as a substitute for silk stockings; rayon was also used in some undergarments.

Many garments used to be fastened with buttons and lacing, but during the 1920s the use of metal hooks and eyes meant easier means of fastening clothing shut.

Hooks and eyes, buttons, zippers, and snaps were utilized to fasten clothes.

Clothing fashions inevitably changed with women’s changing roles in society.

Although society matrons of a certain age continued to wear conservative dresses, the sportswear worn by forward-looking and younger women became the greatest change in post-war fashion. The tubular dresses of teens had evolved into a similar silhouette

that had since sported shorter skirts with pleats, gathers, or slits to allow movement.

The pictorial in this spread, an impressionistic reinterpretation of the 1920s look using an eclectic mix of accessories and accents both old and new, features local beauty Nicole. (Read her story on the next page.)

Source readings: Patterns of Fashion 2-Englishwomen’s Dresses and Their Construction 1860– 1940 by Janet Arnold (Macmillan 1972); A History of Fashion by Black, J. Anderson, and Madge Garland (Morrow 1975); 20,000 Years of Fashion by François Boucher (Abrams 1966); The Concise History of Costume and Fashion by James Laver (Abrams 1979) GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

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Fearless Nicole M

aria Isabelle Nicole San Mateo, or simply Nicole, first appeared on the Tribal Warfare-themed cover of our GG V3N2 issue this year. A mother to two wonderful kids -- Juan Carlos Sebastian, 6, and Miguel Luis Nicolas, 2 -- she regularly models and writes for her own fashion blog, and manages a cake and pastry business with her sister Franchesca.

“Three things I am most passionate about are fashion/art, writing, and cooking,” Nicole reveals. “Hence, the birth of my fashion blog, and my cake and pastry business.”

“I believe that writing and fashion separately are a form of self-expression, and are in themselves an art.”

The business, called La Bella Cupcakes and Cakes, “is doing very good.” A home-based business and an on-line shop in one, it first started out with cupcakes of all sorts of flavors (12 flavors at last count), she recounted, and then she got orders for cakes so she started doing that as well.

“I learned fondant and cake decorating on my own and through research.

No formal training for me whatsoever.

Then, after Chesca finished her culinary studies, we expanded the menu to selling pastries like French macarons.”

(A macaron -- ganache, buttercream, or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies -- is characterized by a smooth, domed top, ruffled circumference, and flat base, is mildly moist, and easily melts in the mouth. This confection is not to be confused with the coconut macaroon.)

“So this business is actually a partnership between my sister Chesca and I. It’s just something we enjoy doing in our spare time.”

When asked about her young life’s greatest hurdle so far, she went on to 10

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

describe her whole life to something “like a telenovela.”

“I really can’t pinpoint one specific great hurdle because each hurdle I’ve gone through was in extremes of great pain and happiness. I just know that I’m stronger and wiser than before.”

“Some people ask, like, how was it that I could have gone through such challenges... It’s quite simple really: Never fear.

“When a storm comes your way, take control of the ship, face the storm bravely, and never be disheartened. I believe in What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and I live by What you think you become.

“We are all gifted with free will, and it is up to us to justify what we want in life. If I want something, I go for it. If I feel something isn’t worth it, I can just choose to move on. I never dwell on problems, and I can easily forgive.” GG

The combination Gothic romance represents a union of two of the major influences in the development of European culture, the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes that invaded it. The Roman origins of romance must be sought in the etymology of that word, but we can see clearly that Gothic is related to the name Goth used for one of those invading Germanic tribes.

The word Gothic, first recorded in 1611 in a reference to the language of the Goths, was extended in sense in several ways, meaning “Germanic,” “medieval, not classical,” “barbarous,” and also an architectural style that was not Greek or Roman. Horace Walpole applied the word Gothic to his novel The Castle of Otranto, a Gothic Story (1765) in the \sense “medieval, not classical.” From this novel, filled with scenes of terror and gloom in a medieval setting, descended a literary genre still popular today; from its subtitle descended the name for it.

(Source: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition, published by Houghton Mifflin Company.)

Going Gothic

t Reprinted from “Of Vampires and Werewolves” by Apple Greatson Francisco featuring Dallen Baldonado, Gensan Gazer NovDec 2010

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Hazel Franchesca Isubal Photographed by Noel Nacion

Adeline Escobia Opina Jalagpas Photographed by James Capisinio Avieghuel Farrah Ticho Photographed by Bhemel A. Lim

Mikka Anthoniette Lopez Photographed by Noel Nacion

Going

Gothic

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ocal photographers

and aspiring models gathered one fine Sunday in October and took on a Gothic-themed pictorial, with styling and makeup by Joy Bugas and Alexandra Burgos. Here is their best-of gallery.

Mikka Anthoniette Lopez Photographed by Johnny Dee Landero

Adeline Escobia Opina Jalagpas Photographed by Joemar Cabasan

Adeline Escobia Opina Jalagpas Photographed by Herger Gervy Agustin Hazel Franchesca Isubal Photographed by Joemar Cabasan

Mary Rose Arroyo Photographed by Jed Reyes

Mary Rose Arroyo Photographed by Noel Nacion

Adeline Escobia Opina Jalagpas Photographed

by Johann Ni単o Mari Abiabi

Paul Llanos photographed some of the main events in the 14th Tuna Festival in General Santos City. For more of the festival, visit facebook.com/tunafest14.

The Country’s Premium-Grade Tuna Sashimi

Authentic Japanese-Style Ebi Tempura Experience the perfect blendblend of Experience theelegant perfect culinary delight, ambience, ofcasual culinary elegant and diningdelight, in just one setting... ambience, and casual dining C Bistro now open Tiongson Arcade inisjust oneatsetting... along Tiongson Street. For inquiries and reservations, call us at +63-83-5523780 Visit us now at Tiongson Arcade or text+63-905-3979955. along Tiongson Street. For inquiries and reservations, call us at +63-83-5523780 or text +63-905-3979955.

Gensan’s Best Baby Back Ribs

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Gensan’s Best Grilled Big-Eye Tuna

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under-Eye: Concealer for Gals (and Yes, Guys)

GGList

First, let’s start with what women say about Bye Bye: It’s a phenomenal concealer, a full-coverage cover up that lasts all day, doesn’t crease, and gives you a lot for your money. You only need a tiny amount to produce full effects, and it really hides dark circles and blemishes.

Guys, get over the un-macho squirming and do as most Hollywood actors do: pull it off with concealers. After washing your skin, apply a light layer of face moisturizer, then pat a small amount of eye cream around the eyes, leaving it to settle for a while. After about 10 minutes, twist a small amount of concearler onto your hand to use as a palette, and using your finger, apply to the corner of the eye, and pat down toward the cheek bone; blend right around the side and on top so it covers the eyelid. If the concealer looks at all cakey, apply a smidgen of eye cream to dilute the effect. GG

F

inally here’s a smart watch, an android phone helper, that saves a bit of the social etiquette we’ve come to ignore. (Is it just us, or do people really think it’s acceptable to tinker with their phone/tablet PC while, say, dining with friends?)

This watch -- paired with a Sony Xperia S (or with other Android phones, at your own risk) -shows up emails/texts/tweets/weather updates via touchscreen apps, and uses the vibrate function so you can screen calls. It does not exactly win you bonus points with your date, but it’s far better than yelling Hello? Can I call you back? to your phone or touching your tablet’s screen.

It’s a smart watch, a tiny computer that runs on your wrist, so it’s cool to bring to a bar and won’t make everyone squirm in their seats at the dinner table. Once charged, snap it into a companion band, press the button, and there’s the time!

The facade is pure Sony classicism -- a silver bezel, deep black screen, and that emblematic

Pringles Multi Grain Chips--Yum!

(New) Sounds Check out R&B prodigy Frank Ocean ‘s Channel Orange and pop-rock trio The Script‘s Scars & Stories (reviews on page 18). GG

Cut us some slack, we’re not nutrition junkies, and like it or not, we’re all for Pringles Multigrain simply for its texture/flavor. Nope, multigrain and whole grain are not the same: whole grains include all of the grain kernel’s bran/germ/endosperm and contain good nutrients/fiber, whereas multigrain simply means having more than one kind of grain, which may be whole (healthy), refined (unhealthy), or a mix of both. This one has rice/ corn/barley flour, wheat bran, dried potatoes, salt, oils, and other ingredients -- in quantities/combinations not much better than their regular crisps.

There’s no magic here, and we don’t begrudge the health masquerading one least bit. Guilty pleasures such as these, like everything else, should be enjoyed moderately. GG

Sony SmartWatch: Love It or Hate It Sony logo. The watch is unadorned and inconspicuous, but anyone who catches you using it or comes within close gawking distance will demand an explanation. What is that thing? It has a screen? That’s so cool.

The pulse of vibration that alerts you to a new email is useful—buzz, tap, scroll, read, tap, walk. The panoply of less useful pulses that let you know when tweets arrive, without any strict pattern, don’t have much utility, but give you a sensory awareness of your internet life that’s oddly satisfying. Feel the tweets flow through you. It’s gimmicky, sure, but it adds to a hazy illusion that you’re wearing the Internet under that silver face.

The hitch? The SmartWatch needs a constant Bluetooth connection with your Android, otherwise it’ll just blink errors and show you the time. You’ll need the Android to load any app onto it, too. Worse, a slow Bluetooth connection can be an altogether aggravating issue. And

you’d wonder why helpful apps aren’t pre-loaded on the SmartWatch, or that it has no settings options of its own, but rather has to be managed with a phone.

Consider this again: to do anything smart with your SmartWatch, you have to: • Pair your Android phone with the watch via Bluetooth. Keep it paired.

• Install a proprietary Sony app that manages settings for the watch.

• Download every single individual feature for the watch -- calendar, email, Facebook, Twitter, weather, it goes on and on -- as a separate app. Each needs to be downloaded and installed separately.

S

ony SmartWatch stats -- OS: Android | Screen: 1.3 OLED, 128x128 | Storage: None | Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0 | Weight: 15.5 g (26 g watchband) | Battery: Lasts a few days with normal usage | Price: US$150. GG GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

17

bookPICKINGS

Fifty Shades of Grey, Unbroken Fifty Shades of Gray by E.L. James

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too -- but on his own terms. Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success -- his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family -- Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

(For mature readers only.)

musicREVIEWS Channel Orange (2012) êêêêê -- While Frank Ocean’s previous tracks and mashups prove that he can write and produce great music, Channel Orange makes that claim solid.

The R&B/neo-soul album -- idiosyncratically styled, unconventionally embodied, cinematically inspired, and influenced by electro-funk/ pop-soul/jazz/gospel/psychedelia -- boasts of an eclectic mix of tracks: Thinkin Bout You, Fertilizer, Sierra Leone, Sweet Life, Super Rich Kids, Pilot Jones, Crack Rock, Lost, White, Monks, Bad Religion, Pink Matter, and Forrest Gump. If the album’s showpiece is the 600-second Pyramids, consisting of two 5-minute segments quite distinct from each other but bound by the same vibe, then its catharsis is Bad Religion (Taxi driver/Be my shrink for the hour/Leave the meter running/It’s rush hour/So take the streets if you wanna/Just outrun the demons, could you?) -- an odd ode to unrequited love. The album’s extreme themes, experimental tone, and pop/soul/funk/disco/hip hop hues can only be described as seamless and bold and beautiful.

(For mature listeners only.) GG 18

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand In May 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific and disappeared. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant Louis Zamperini, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of World War II. He’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent boy, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight. In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand tells of an unforgettable story of a man’s journey into extremity, a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.

Channel Orange, Scars & Stories Scars & Stories (2012) êêêêê -- The Fray’s success has been characterized by ups and downs since their 2006 debut, which shot them to worldwide fame with the release of How to Save a Life. They hope to match/surpass this success with Heartbeat, a song that was inspired by lead singer Isaac Slade’s travels through South Africa and Rwanda. Much like most of their other music, the 11 other tracks (The Fighter, Turn Me On, Run for Your Life, The Wind, 1961, I Can Barely Say, Munich, Here We Are, 48 to Go,

Rainy Zurich, Be Still) here resound inspirations from bands like U2 and Coldplay. Sure, we hear catchy tunes here and there, tracks on par or inferior to previous releases, although on the whole the same old style prevails without a doubt. Chris Martin’s soothing vocal style creeps all throughout, seemingly to tell stories where scars can only be conjured, not felt, sad to say.

No, there are no scars here at all, let alone frays, just stories you’re bound to hum for a little while and then forget sooner. GG

g n i S SettinetgtiSnettinSgett g uitayQliutyal y t i uQ ity al QuPalQ Print t n d r i r i r n a P t d t S t n a n n d Pri nSdtaarndSdtaarly dard l a taoball b SGl lly a o b o l l G y G y l l a b o Gl

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PRINTING CORPORATION

If you are the popular type and everyone is dying to know you, why don’t you send a good example to your fans? Sleep in curlers and wear them overnight, and when you wake up, wavy and gorgeous hair will appear.

Text and photos by Alyana Marie D. Aguja till don’t know what to do with your hair?

Well, here are some tips for you, girls. If you’re active and like to do messy stuff but still want to look good, then I have the perfect style for you: a simple ponytail and a great smile will make your face shine beautifully.

If you’re the smart/shy type, don’t be ashamed of it. how your inner most self, a cute braid will do it.

I’m quite sure that sooner or later you will become more outgoing and earn more friends.

When you just want to hang out with your friends and live a non-complicated life, well, I’ve got the simplest hairstyle we can possibly think... straight hair! I mean, seriously, what could possibly be simpler and easier? Just buy a good-quality brush and brush your hair gently to your heart’s content. f all this doesn’t work, why not be creative and invent your own hairdo? What’s important is really not how you look or carry yourself, but how comfortable and confident you are under your skin. Just be who you truly are. And don’t forget -- enjoy!

Gensan Gazer eZines now have 62 reader nations worldwide As of 20 October 2012, 361 cities across 62 countries and territories in six continents worldwide have been listed as reader nations of Gensan Gazer eZines (gensangazer.com) -- with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria figuring as the newest members on the list.

The complete roster, as tallied by Google Analytics in the order of readership volume, includes home base Philippines, United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Japan, Portugal, Russia, Morocco, Netherlands, France, Thailand, South Korea, Brazil, Qatar, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Turkey, Denmark, Serbia, Sweden, Colombia, Maldives, Mexico, South Africa, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Brunei, Chile, China, Algeria, Spain, Micronesia, Georgia, Guam, Croatia, Italy, Jamaica, Kuwait, Cayman Islands, Latvia, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Taiwan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam, and, Bosnia and Herzegovina. GG Arts & Culture ● Health & Environment ● Lifestyle & Entertainment ● People & Places ● Travel & Leisure

Gensan Gazer

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

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

GG r Summe l Specia 2012

GG Travel The Tales & Travel Trivia Special

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE WWW.GENSANGAZER.COM VOLUME III NUMBER 2

Photography by Apple Greatson Francisco

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE VOLUME III NUMBER 1

GENERAL SANTOS CITY’S MAGAZINE WWW.GENSANGAZER.COM VOLUME III NUMBER 3

MOVIE ADDICTS, RAISE YOUR HAND!

BORACAY/GENSAN/GLAN/ MAASIM (PHILIPPINES) MEKNÈS (MOROCCO) RIO DE JANEIRO (BRAZIL)

GEN. SANTOS CITY’S MAYORS

SAKURA IN MY EYES (JAPAN SPECIAL)

SUMMER PART TWO

TOOTING YOUR OWN HORN

MORE STORIES!

A NOISY WORLD LEVI’S ETC.

It’s More Fun in Kalilangan!

Wonders of the Wild: General Santos City’s Last Frontier The Swedish Family Pettersson Marrakech on My Mind From Settlement District to Metropolis ... And many more stories!

20

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

Kalilangan 2012 does it again!

Tribal Warfare: The Colors of Summer Summer Hues across the Oceans: Boracay, Copacabana, Jardim Botanico Gourmet Chef premieres Sahara Forest Project and many more stories!

Marc Nelson and GG in Boracay

Horse Carriage in Meknès, Morocco

Ana Marie for Summer Part Two

2nd Floor, Meetrovi Building, South Osme単a Street, General Santos City, Philippines 9500 +63-83-553 3377 | www.camella.com.ph | camellageneralsantos@gmail.com | facebook.com/camellageneralsantos

Mr Gensan 2nd Runner-up

Garry Gallarde

Lailane Bayadog Miss Gensan 2nd Runner-up

Mary Elizabeth Eastes Miss Gensan 2012

Mr Gensan 2012

Nasser Dyle Malaguiok

Mr Gensan 1st Runner-up

Arjay Arado Miss Gensan 1st Runner-up

Daisy Jane Deslate

From left: Daisy, First Congressional Spouse Dr. Rose Acharon, Mary Elizabeth, Tuna Festival 2012 Director Carlos Hagosojos, and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio

Mr Gensan Nasser Dyle & Miss Gensan Mary Elizabeth

Project O! Consultants and Orman Ortega Manansala present

Mr&Miss Gensan 2012 Photography by Omar Gallinero

Learning the Beauty Trends

E

very year I organize an updating seminar for our salon staff, as it is imperative that our hairstylists learn the latest trends in hair technology, hairstyles, and salon services. Our salons’ edge over the others is our drive to seek and find new services that are at par with those of salons in Manila and all over Asia.

By conducting this seminar, we also share the knowledge to all salon owners, hairstylists, and makeup artists all over the region. This year our main focus was Hi-lites, Haircolor and Hair Rebonding (in one process). A revolutionary new product allows us to do these separate hair processes in one procedure. We flew in three

24

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

technicians, who are also TESDA assesors, from Botanique Spa International (a premier brand in professional beauty products) to conduct the seminar.

Seminars are a very good venue to socialize with estabished and upcoming players in our local beauty industry. Cosmetology students benefit more from such seminars because

Back2Back

by Donna Mae Congson and Romarie Ivy Cunanan

they learn and see theories taught in classrooms come to play, plus they get a certificate of attendance that they can add to their portfolio.

This year was extra special because we got Natasha Beauty as one of our major sponsors. Natasha Beauty gave free registration to all attendees as well as product giveaways. Their senior makeup artist also shared very informative makeup tips.

After the seminar we conducted a competition for two categories: Cut, Color and Style, and Bridal Makeup. For the first category the judges sought uniqueness and creative hair color placing. In the second category most of the competitors took the task impromptu: simply by joining they each took home P3,000 worth of Natasha Beauty makeup, the same one they were to use in the competition.

In the end the judges were surprised by the raw talent presented by the competitors, and by how well they performed even though they weren’t prepared.

It was a great day for the local beauty industry. We learned, we discovered, and we were updated -- and as a result we were empowered to bring quality beauty services to our loyal clients. It really pays to be educated and updated especially in the beauty industry.

So now it’s your turn: head down to your favorite salons and ask for hi-lites, hair color and rebonding. Now you can get all three separate services in just one process! GG

Photo

by Apple Greatson Francisco | Hair by Envy Me Salon | Makeup by Donna Mae Congson

Holidaying in Hong Kong

I

told myself that I needed to relax, unwind, and enjoy.

So much for work and the daily grind, so finally after a long time I decided to pack up my things, head to the airport, and fly to Hong Kong! (Of course, I booked my plane ticket and hotel room earlier -- I was all set for a holiday for four days and three nights. It was so exciting!)

I brought mostly dresses and jumpsuits. They’re very comfortable to wear and light to carry. I decided to wear flats as there would be a lot of walking.

I used a medium shoulder bag to put in my passport, wallet, map, and lipstick.

Staying at a hotel near Nathan Road, Hong Kong’s shopping capital, I just wished to shop till I drop. At Isquare I found a shop where I got clothes, bag, shoes, and accesories for just HK$50. Speaking a few Chinese terms, I was able to ask for discounts and get good deals. I made sure to shop at K11 Mall for signature bags and kikay stuff. I bought some makeup since Hong Kong is known for organic cosmetics that are healthy for the skin.

Hong Kong’s fashion style didn’t differ much from South Korea’s.

They love bright, colorful fabrics.

Yes, I went to Disneyland!

When I saw Mickey I couldn’t stop myself from hugging him. I was ecstatic and felt like a kid again. I also bumped into Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, and lots more. Disneyland is too big to visit just for one day, so it helped that I took the train ride to see the whole place.

One evening I went to Victoria Harbour, fascinated by the spectacular waterfront view.

Tall buildings, colorful lights, and boats crowd the bay. It was a sight to behold.

Even late at night, I felt so safe walking around. Everyone seemed to think only of food, partying, or shopping, or all three.

I HAD A GREAT TIME. I was able to relax, had a shop-therapy, see new places, and enjoy Hong Kong hands down. I’d definitely go back again! GG

Pinoy Says D

Mandi

Tisay Says My boss hit on of a joint bu sin esm e at th e sta rt for di nn er with s trip. We went made a pa ss at amfrien d, an d he e afte rward on ou r wa y to e hote l. I ‘m in a ha ppy re latioth neve r sta rt a nship an d would , m uch le ss with my boss. fliAng awkward en ou ghs if thin gs aren’t gi nnin g a 3-w we’re ju st bean d will spen deemk bu sin ess trip togeth er. How sh ost of th e tim e with th e sit uation?ou ld I be st deal --Su sa n

It’s not unusual for guys to think that, on account of your not making a big fuss about going on a business trip alone with a male superior, you’re probably open to a little out-of-town hanky panky. Sadly, most guys are just hard-wired to think that way, and I myself am not going to come clean on this one either. Granted, your boss is a sexual harrassment lawsuit waiting to happen, but I doubt you’d let it go that far. I’m curious, though: if your boss thought differently and did what he did, could it be that unconsciously or unwittingly you’ve allowed yourself to have led him on somehow? No, I’m not saying it’s your fault, but most of the time the male of this species needs to hear, feel and see NO before he can even begin to consider backing down or backing off.

You may not be encouraging him to begin with, but the real issue here is for you to discourage him right from the start. It’s not too late -- let him know you’re off limits, and whatever ties you two will ever have can only be strictly professional. GG

C

Nusha

The fact that your boss is trying to take advantage of the situation reveals a lot about his personality, which does not seem very lovable. Hence, I would not be too hesitant to tell him off. But let’s face it -- you got the short end of the stick. So let’s try the polite way before bringing in heavy artillery. Tell him that he is a great guy and that you like him in a professional way (to stroke his ego a little bit), but that you are already in a happy relationship. Distance yourself and if possible, avoid being alone with him.

By all means keep record of your conversations, in case he does not come to his senses. If this is all to no avail you have to shoulder arms by, say, informing his boss or Human Resources.

Some companies have a tell-us hotline where you can ask for help anonymously at first. Do not be shy or scared. You are most probably not the first and only one, and the days of such issues being considered as plain peccadillo are long gone. GG

R STRICTLY OFO BUSINESS NLY

countrysideQUIRKS

Home delivery takes a new turn!

Here a nipa and bamboo hut, fully built and ready to use, practically a mini home, is being carried on the back of a small truck to be delivered to its new owner. At least seven men helped to put the hut onto the vehicle, the same ones who will place it down to its new grounds -- probably a backyard lot in a farm or a seafront lawn by a beach house. GG 26

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

dueDISCOURSE

Big Tobacco Targets the Poor and the Young

By William A. Collins

The industry is now marketing nicotine-laced candy.

H

apless smokers, Still remain; For villains they Are just fair game.

Toward the end of the Richard Nixon era, there was a popular four-panel political cartoon. It showed the three familiar monkeys with their hands placed to depict “See no evil,” “Hear no evil,” and “Speak no evil.” The fourth panel was simply a picture of Nixon with the caption, “Evil.”

Of course “Tricky Dick” left us long ago, but many in the public health game consider him reincarnated in the tobacco industry. It’s hard to conjure up a business with less redeeming social value.

Before dismissing that assertion as biased or unfair, please consider the following: The industry is now marketing nicotine-laced candy to get children started on the habit.

These products are sold as Camel Orbs, Sticks, or Strips.

They come flavored with cinnamon or mint and are supposedly meant only for adult consumption. But kids are less resistant to this kind of marketing because they, more so than adults, aren’t so sure tobacco is dangerous.

Taking further aim at the young, Big Tobacco also runs a remarkably successful campaign to promote smoking in movies, especially those targeting youth. There’s no law against it.

Canada, bless its heart, has taken more direct action

to defend its kids. Parliament outlawed the sale of flavored cigarettes, either foreign or domestic, that might appeal to children. Uh-oh.

That restriction on “foreign” smokes aroused the ire of 14 cigarette-selling countries, including the United States.

“You can’t do that!” they said.

“The law violates World Trade Organization rules.” Apparently, trade is more important than human health.

Half a century ago, 45 percent of Americans said they were smokers. After a steep decline, only one out of five

Americans smoke today, but tobacco remains the top cause of preventable deaths in this country. The national antismoking movement, despite its

...the rest of the world were as tuned in to the risks of smoking. Obviously many countries are not... many victories, hasn’t let up its pressure. As a result, the government has mandated that cigarette packs soon display disgusting photos of various body parts consumed by smoking-related cancers. No one is sure how effective these not-so-genteel pictures will be in this country, but at the least they should encourage users not to let friends get a look at their containers.

Would that the rest of the world were as tuned in to the risks of smoking. Obviously many countries are not, and

the industry sees great hope for continued growth in Asia, Africa, and the rest of the developing world.

And it’s not just China, the world’s leading tobacco market with 350 million smokers. New studies have found swelling hordes of customers in Thailand and Bangladesh.

A large percentage of these smokers are women, lured by flavored cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and feminine packaging. How sweet. Tellingly, the results of this research were published in a “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report” from the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/mmwr).

S

o don’t get the idea that the tobacco industry has been vanquished. It has merely regrouped, spending billions on specialized advertising, lawyers, new products, scientists, lobbyists, and bribes.

Where there’s an evil buck to be made, mankind will relentlessly track it down. GG OtherWords columnist William A. Collins is a former US state representative and a former mayor of Norwalk, Connecticut. (www.OtherWords.org)

+ GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

27

commDEV

O

Mahintana Foundation, Inc.

nce again, the Alay Gabay para sa Maginhawang Buhay: Wheelchair Project has brought smiles and tears of joy to PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) and their families with the WheelChair Turn-over Caravan. The initiative was started by Dole Philippines, Inc. in 2008, implemented through Mahintana, in partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation, NYK Line, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Finance, and local and international stakeholders.

Forming part of Dolefil’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities in communities where it operates, the project aims to provide mobility support and alleviate the condition of indigent PWDs in SocSarGen. As the project increased its coverage to serve more PWDs, the endeavour is supported by business partners and local and international stakeholders through sponsorships during the Alay Gabay para sa Maginhawang Buhay Invitational Golf Tournaments.

Since its implementation, 985 indigent PWDs of SocSarGen had received wheelchair. In 2012, the wheelchair distribution, in partnership with Dole Foundation, Inc. and Bureau of Customs, has included the provinces of North Cotabato, Bukidnon, and Sultan Kudarat, providing a total of 1,800 wheelchairs to PWDs, identified in partnership with their respective Rural Health Units and Municipal Social Welfare Development Offices.

postSCRIPT

F

or mine is a generation that circles the globe in search of something we haven’t tried before.

So never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite, and never outstay the welcome.

Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, you know what? It’s probably worth it. (Leonardo DiCaprio as Richard in The Beach, 2000) Here we’re definitely not talking about the group tours type of travel where everything is pre-arranged, and all you have to do is fly, check in, hop on buses, follow the guide around, and take snapshots when told.

Richard’s mantra, albeit verging on reckless abandon in 28

GG V3N5 • SEP-NOV 2012

Dolefil/Mahintana’s Wheelchair Project Brings Smiles and Tears to PWDs

Project implementers hope to sustain the endeavour in the coming years through the continued support and collaboration of partners in the public and private sectors.

by Mandi Nicolas some parts, epitomizes the soul of a true traveler -- mindful of locales and the locals, adventurous to a fault, open to any or all possibilities, and hungry for that experience of a lifetime.

Daredevils we’re not, and the few we know are either lucky or have passed on. So on your next trip, my advise is to laugh with the locals, eat/drink what you haven’t tried before, learn a new language, swim, fly -- live a little more! GG

T

he quiet expressions of gratitude from PWDs through their priceless smiles and tears of joy are all worthy of this meaningful endeavour. GG

Travel to Live

by Apple Greatson Francisco

acuteEYE THE

This is my take on the ubiquitous Gangnam Style craze going around the world right now. For the shoot I used a tarpaulin background, two lights, and real water. Model: Marthin Millado

Photography

Destination

Without Rules,

Weddings

Without Limits,

and Portraits

Without Bounds.

Photographer

+63.923.7114695 | +63.83.5522485