Mindanao New Media Bloggers' 1st Summer Safari and Food Appreciation Tour (Part 1)

(First for two Parts…)

I just brought home a memorable time of my two-day ultimate experience and “been-there-done-that-feeling” to be talked about again and again. I always dream of something “big” and by “big”, I mean, something on THE list. I am referring to last weekend’s 1st Mindanao New Media Bloggers SoCCSKSarGEN Summer Safari and Food Trip spearheaded by SoCCSKSarGen Bloggers having Avel and Orman Manansala as the official brains of the said event. Attended by Cagayan de Oro, Davao and SoCCSKSargen Bloggers, it was a big bang! Indeed, one perfect way to end the year.

Jump-off Time. Roads from North, Central and South Mindanao led to the Tuna Capital of the Philippines after sun down on Saturday. From Yellow Bus Line Terminal, CDO and Davao Bloggers (including me, a sole blogger from Kidapawan) gathered and headed to the group’s official hotel at Ice Castle. We fell into the lap of class for free. I stayed on the Executive Suite with Davao’s Migs, Jun and Faust.

We were lucky enough to own the room for two nights and two days- a sampling of the city’s new growing hotel. The newly constructed hotel is a proof of the owner’s success from ice cream business where the hotel is now situated. Guests who would rather have a quiet- but not necessarily lonesome- might opt to get him wired to the World Wide Web with his own laptop as the hotel offered internet access for free via wifi.

GenSan after Sunset. After a short break and freshening up, the group dashed to the nearest JMP2 Building in Aparente Street. We visited Pacman’s Sports Bar where one can play indoor games such as billiard and dart. We had sumptuous foods coupled with drinks while enjoying the place. We also visited Jmix Resto Bar to get City’s spirited groove, a popular bar owned by the worlds pound for pound boxer, Manny Pacman Pacquaio, frequented mostly by the younger set. If you are kind of person who needs some foodie to munch on just night before bed time, worry not — Pacman Convenience Store is open 24 hours. Jinkees Fashion World is also situated inside the building catering young girls and women of all ages fashion wants. Then we went to Le Jarden Arnevel for a dinner — one of the famous catering services. For fine dining and formal occasions, Arnevel’s is a sure place to hit.

Bloggers’ Eyeball followed afterward at Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar at Robinsons Place. Piyesta Bar is a popular entertainment enclave where nocturnal watering holes can be found. The restaurant owner- Donna Mae Congson served us with Crispy Tuna Buntot and Kura Sticks. KTV is also available where talented Generals sing their hearts out. An additional feature of the Resto Bar are the drinks contained in syringe and tube. One gets the feeling of ‘octoberfest’ everyday as beers and cocktails come in overflowing forms. Sure enough, GenSan also considered one of the well springs of musical talents in the country.

GenSan night life is not only a merry mix of fun and never ending excitement. It is also diverse as the peace-loving Generals themselves. It has proven enough to a non-native General like me that there is more to GenSan aside from the usual image our local media create. The people, the spots, the foods, the fun… surely, GenSan will always be a part of my summer destinations.

And oh, before I forgot. I would like to say thank you to Mayor Pedro “Jun” Acharon of General Santos City who sponsored the Crispylicious and Juicy Lechon.

to be continued..

Brazil Butt Lift

Turbo Fire Workout

–

Photos above courtesy of Lyle Santos of www.LyleSantos.com