Coke, Open Happiness: Christmas Blowout

I saw this earlier and I realised: It's Christmas time!

('tis the season to be jolly, Tralalalala-lala-la-la)

The season of carols and gift giving is upon us!

If there's one thing I love about Christmas time, it's all the food! And, if there's one thing that's constant as each year passes, it would be the Filipino tradition of the handaan.

Year after year friends and loved ones prepare feasts fit for the whole baranggay. The love and effort put in each spread shows how much we value the holidays. But more than the festivities, this shows how we value each and every person and how thankful we are for  having each other in this season.

May favourite from last year's spread, Christmas cupcakes 

we baked and custom designed for each friend:

(more on these Christmas cupcakes here)

Aside from the fun, festivities, and celebrations, another thing I've found to be a constant with family and friends, year after year would be having Coke on the table with each meal-- no handaan is ever complete without Coke!

See Exhibits A, B, and C. Can you spot the Coke?

Eww, I look so gross here.

#CokeHappyKainan

(These are actual photos, from years past, of me with my 

lovely friends and the unwitting Coca Cola cameos.)

So having proved my point about Coke (and how we Filipinos are undoubtedly addicted to it and the holidays), I give you the COCA-COLA MILYUN-MILYONG PAMASKONG PA-BLOW OUT promo.  Coke celebrates the Christmas season and the Filipino community through this campaign.

In Coca Cola's 100th Christmas in the Philippines, they are giving one lucky winner the chance to take home  PHP 100,000 and a Christmas handaan for the baranggay! It's so easy to be part of this promo: In your next meal, look under the Coke's cap for a code and text this to ( COKE ) 2653 then wait to win!

Now, this is definitely reason to be happy. Share the happiness!

Connect with Coke here on the Coca Cola Website or the Coke Facebook Page. You can also follow them on the Coke Twitter.

Kalilangan Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities | General Santos City

Gensan's rich cultural heritage and traditions will be showcased once again in this year's edition of Kalilangan Festival which also coincides with the 75th founding anniversary of General Santos City.

Activities of Kalilangan Festival 2014 will give focus on the "Diamond Anniversary" of the city with the theme "Gensan @ 75: Living the Culture".

Below is Kalilangan Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities.

Kalilangan Festival 2014 is scheduled from February 3- 27 

Kalilangan Festival 2014

City of General Santos

Schedule of Activities

February 3

Food Galore and Trade Bazaar Operation

Oval Plaza

February 14

Kalilangan Festival 2014 Soft Opening

Oval Plaza

Red and White Zumba Party

Oval Plaza, 5 PM

February 16

Concert (Sam Milby & Sam Pinto)

Lagao Gym, 3 PM

February 21

Agri Fair Opening & Barangayan sa Kalilangan

Oval Plaza, 2 PM

KINANG: Kalilangan Festival 2014 Grand Opening Ceremony

Oval Plaza, 6 PM

February 21- 27

Barangayan sa Kalilangan

Oval Plaza | 26 kubo ng mga barangay

Historical Exhibit

Various Gensan Malls

February 22

2nd Kalilangan Fitness Fever 2014

SM City Gensan, 4 PM

Kalilangan 2014 Amateur Boxing Tournament

Oval Gymnasium, whole day

Kalilangan Bully Party: Kalilangan Sunset Pitbull and American Bully Showdown

Gensan Sports Center, 4 PM

February 23

Bombo Radyo Doble Kara 2014

Oval Stage

February 22-23

Dog Show

MSU-CETD Covered Court

5th National Mountain Bike Downhill Challenge

Brgy. Olympog, whole day

2014 Rapid Chess Tournament

Robinsons Mall Gensan, whole day

February 24

RMN Run sa Kalilangan 2014

Robinson's Mall Gensan, 5 AM

TADAMAN: Gabi ng Parangal - A Night of Remembrance

venue to be announced

Tri People Cultural Day

Pakaradjan

Kanduli Kadadatuan

Kulintangan

Kambuyang (Fan) Dance Competition

(Pangalay sa Buyang)

Sagayan-Unta Unta Dance Competition

Oval Plaza, whole day

Sing for Peace in Mindanao

Oval Stage, 6 PM

Farmer's Night

Oval Plaza, 26 kubo ng mga barangay

February 25

PYESTA SA BARYO

Drum and Lyre exhibition

Tagisan sa "Lutong piyesta" Inter-barangay Challenge

Laro ng Lahi

Gabi ng Rondalya

Haranahan

Katutubong Sayawan

Baylehan sa Kalilangan

Oval Plaza

February 26

Kastifun/ IP Day

Oval Plaza

Cultural Dance Presentation

Veranza Mall

Farm Technology Showcase

Oval Plaza, whole day

First Mindanao-wide Invitational Battle of the Bands

Oval stage, 6 PM

February 27

Parada ng lahi: Kadena de Amor

Acharon Blvd - Pioneer Avenue, 5 AM

February 26- 27

Culture of Peace through Futsal Games

Holy Trinity College Football Field

February 27

Kadsagayan sa Buyang (Street Dancing Parade & Competition)

Acharon- Pioneer- Oval Plaza, 1 PM

Karetela/ Cowboys/ Float Parade

Acharon- Pioneer- Oval Plaza, 1 PM

Tagbuan sa Kasadyaan: Grand Culminating Activity

Oval Stage 6 PM

Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013 Schedule of Activities

Preparation for Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013, which will take place starting December 6, 2013 is in full swing.

The city government of General Santos through the City Tourism Council headed by the city's First Lady Ms. Jane Gollon-Rivera, in cooperation with DepEd Gensan and with the support of Department of Tourism Region 12 and Philbest Canning Corporation,  have lined up a number of activities for the month-long celebration with the theme, "Pasko ng Pagkakaisa, Hudyat ng Pag-asa."

Most of Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013 events will be held at the Oval Plaza these include variety shows, flea market, inter-church band competition, Ginoo at Binibining Gensan pageant, lantern parade, hiphop dance competition, singing competitions and many more. Below is the Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013 Schedule of Activities.

Paskuhan sa Gensan 2013 Schedule of Activities

December 6 - 31, 2013

DECEMBER 6 (FRI) 

OPENING : FLEA MARKET 

GATE 2 MATALAM STREET, OVAL PLAZA, GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

5:00 PM 

OPENING: KARNABAL NG PASKO 

CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL, OVAL PLAZA, GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

6:00 PM 

DEC 7 

VARIETY SHOW -JOJIE ILAGAN –BIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 8 

VARIETY SHOW 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 9 

HUDYAT NG PASKUHAN SA BARANGAY 

26 BARANGAY OF GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

8:00 AM 

VARIETY SHOW 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 10 

VARIETY SHOW - NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS UNIVERSITY 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 11 

VARIETY SHOW- MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 12 

BORN IS THE KING (INTER –CHURCH BATTLE OF THE BAND) ELIMINATION 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 13 

BORN IS THE KING (INTER –CHURCH BATTLE OF THE BAND) FINALS 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 14 

VARIETY SHOW -STI COLLEGE 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

DEC 15 (SUN) 

MOVIE AT THE PARK 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 16 (MON) 

GSCTVETSAI C/O NORMA SOMIDO 

OVAL GRAND STAGE 

6:00 PM 

DEC 17 (TUE) 

GRAND CEREMONIAL OPENING 

OVAL GRAND STAGE, GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

6:00 PM 

1ST ROUND OF JUDGING FOR PASKUHAN SA BARANGAY 

26 BARANGGAYS, GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

8:00 AM 

DEC 18 (WED) 

DRUMS & BUGLE COMPETITION 

DEPED/ OVAL GRAND STAGE 

5:00 PM 

DEC 19 (THURS) 

GENSAN CAMPUS IDOLS 

ACLC/ OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 20 (FRI) 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS ( HIMIG HANDOG- GROUP COMPETITION) 

DEPED/ OVAL ACTIVITY STAGE 

6:00 PM 

GINOO AT BINIBINING HENERAL SANTOS 

MDC/ SM CITY 

DEC 21 (SAT) 

ANG PASKO NG BATANG PINOY 

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, OVAL PLAZA, GENERAL SANTO CITY 

3:00 PM 

LANTERN PARADE 

OVAL GRAND STAND 

5:30 PM 

DEC 22 (SUN) 

MAYOR’S NIGHT 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

6:00 PM 

2ND ROUND OF JUDGING FOR PASKUHAN SA BARANGAY 

26 BARANGGAYS, GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

8:00 AM 

DEC 23 (MON) 

DEPED NIGHT 

DEPED/ OVAL GRAND STAND AREA 

6:00 PM 

DEC 24 (TUE) 

MOVIE SHOWING AT THE PARK 

DEC 25 ( WED) 

MOVIE SHOWING AT THE PARK 

DEC 26 (THUR) 

MOVIE SHOWING AT THE PARK 

DEC 27 (FRI) 

HIP HOP DANCE COMPETITION 

OVAL ACTIVITY AREA 

7:00 PM 

DEC 28 (SAT) 

C/O SMB 

DEC 29 (SUN) 

C/O SMB 

DEC 30 (MON) 

C/O SMB 

DEC 31 (TUE) 

CULMINATION NIGHT/ COUNTDOWN 

OVAL GRAND STAGE, GENERAL SANTOS CITY 

8:00 PM

SM Hypermarket General Santos as of Nov. 24, 2013

Work on the first branch of SM Hypermarket in General Santos City located in Purok Malakas, Brgy. San Isidro has sped up and its rumored opening this coming weekend is not far-fetched.

 

As shown, works on the main entrance located at one side of J&G Propeidad Building is still on going. A huge tarpaulin with "opening soon" announcement was also installed. According to a source, the interiors of SM Hypermarket is also nearing completion and dry goods for this SM Hypermarket branch are said to be delivered within the week.

The Main Entrance. We may soon see a huge SM Hypermarket signage in this part of J&G Propeidad Building.

- See more at: http://www.southcotabato.org/2013/11/sm-hypermarket-general-santos-as-of-nov.html#sthash.VUBFvhQ2.dpuf

What Participants Say About GDayX Mindanao Held in Gensan

Dubbed as the BIGGEST Google event in Southern Philippines this year, GDayX Mindanao held yesterday November 16, 2013 at SM City General Santos was a whopping success!

More than 400 individuals coming from different parts of Mindanao joined the event with guests, speakers and Googlers based in Singapore and from different Google communities as far Pangasinan, Baguio, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao City.

Students learned something new from GDayX Mindanao

Educators attended GDayX Mindanao

Entrepreneurs/business owners participated in the biggest Google event in Mindanao

The one day activity spearheaded by GBG-General Santos ( Philippines's #1 Google Business Group chapter) was filled with interesting activities and inspiring talks from different speakers that surely provided the participants with information and new learnings about web technologies that they may use in their professions, businesses or inside the classrooms. 

Here are some of what GDayX Mindanao participants have to say about the event shared on social media.

Gensan's Mobile Hospital on it's way to typhoon-affected areas in the Visayas

The General Santos City Mobile Hospital will be deployed to typhoon-affected areas in the Visayas.

According to reports, the mobile hospital will be sent this weekend along with a medical team and social workers from the City Social Welfare and Development Office to help in ongoing medical missions and relief operations.

General Santos City Mobile Hospital

Acquired by the previous administration for P13.9 million, the General Santos City Mobile Hospital has a laboratory section, dental area, operating and diagnostic rooms and is equipped with X-Ray Machine, medicines and other medical equipments.

The city government has also approved some P10 million worth of relief and financial assistance for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

GenSan Cares! 

omplete with laboratory section, dental area, operating and diagnostics rooms. - See more at: http://r12.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1671369362782#sthash.Ygi5eUrK.dpuf

Tuna Festival Carnivale 2013 Photo Contest & Exhibit

In celebration of the 14th Tuna Festival in General Santos City, the Gensan Camera Club has organized a photo contest for all interested photographers. Check out the photo contest mechanics and other details below.

AGL Organic Soap | Handmade in Kidapawan City

Last week, I  received a package of AGL Organic Soap from it's owner and manufacturer all the way from Kidapawan City. I was surprised with the different varieties of AGL Organic Soap they have sent me like the Beer Soap,  Chocolate Soap, Turmeric Soap and the Choco-Mangosteen Soap. It was my first time to see these different kind of soap and also my first time to try an organic soap.

I did a little research and I found out that organic soap does not contain parabens, unnatural preservatives or petroleum products and are usually made from natural ingredients and plant-based oils. I will definitely try each AGL Organic Soap I got.

BEER SOAP

Made from pure beer (San Miguel and or Red Horse). Good for all skin types. Can also be used as a shampoo bar.

Coffee Soap

Ground coffee is a natural exfoliate and helps move away dead skin cells it also makes a great exfoliator. Using the coffee soap on your face  can help get rid of small lines and wrinkles.

Chocolate Soap

Cocoa polyphenols are thought to offer the skin protection from free-radical damage caused by sun, pollution, stress, alcohol consumption and an antioxidant too.

Turmeric Soap

It has been used for centuries in medicine for treating skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, cuts scrapes, bruises and to also even out the tone of the skin. 

I first tried the Choco- Mangosteen Soap and been using it for a week now. I love the smell of it and it's creamy lather which is said to be anti-pimple and has anti-bacterial properties. It is also very easy to rinse off. 

The best thing was it does not irritate my skin. My skin also seemed smoother and soft after a week of using the Choco -Mangosteen Soap. 

I am truly amazed and excited to try out other products of AGL Organic Soap.

In General Santos City, AGL Organic Soap products are available at:

The Fairtrade Shop "Pasalubong Center" Gensan

Elan 3 Bldg, Roxas East Avenue, Dadiangas East, 

9500 General Santos City