Living in the South PH

It’s official—our local film scene is heating up, and if you haven't noticed, you might want to adjust your focus. While the blockbusters hog all the screens, there’s some serious filmmaking magic happening closer to home. Two films— Banjo by Bryan Wong and Amor Propio by Rain Ramas—are cranking up the volume, and trust me, you’re going to want a front-row seat for this. Banjo : Bryan Wong’s No-Budget, High-Octane Masterpiece Imagine directing, writing, starring in your own movie, and doing it on a budget that mainly covers snacks and rides. That’s Bryan Wong for you. His action-packed film Banjo made its premiere at the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2024, which wrapped up just last September. And honestly, this one hit like a classic FPJ film on steroids. Inspired by the tragic loss of a friend on set, Wong isn’t just playing around here—he’s going full throttle. Filmed in Sarangani and Iligan, Banjo doesn’t skimp on the action. We're talking intense stunts, seri

Financial Wellness Coach Lyqa Maravilla In line with its dedication to spreading financial know-how across the country, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) recently hosted a Financial Wellness Session for over 40 employees from the General Santos City Local Government Unit (LGU). Social Media Personality, Lyqa Maravilla, who is also a Financial Wellness Coach, led the session, arming public servants with practical tips on managing personal finances—covering the essentials like saving smart, budgeting better, and making investment decisions that pay off.  Financial Wellness Coach Lyqa Maravilla Meanwhile, Rhea Lorrain Tecson from BPI’s Agency Banking team dove into the world of digital financial literacy and cybersecurity, guiding participants on safe online banking practices and how to keep their personal data secure. “This initiative shows just how committed we are to financial education,” said Elena Torrijos, BPI’s Head of Public Affairs. “By teaming up with LGUs and other key o

GenSan, get ready because the Big Bad Wolf is coming for some tuna! The Big Bad Wolf Books is making its way to the tuna capital of the Philippines for the first time ever. From October 11 to October 26, you can catch them at the Veranza Activity Center, KCC Mall of GenSan, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. After the successful Bacolod Book Sale in Visayas, Big Bad Wolf is heading to Mindanao to complete its tour of the three major islands of the Philippines. This is Big Bad Wolf’s first partnership with Veranza Malls, part of Koronadal Commercial Corporation or KCC, and everyone’s super excited to see the Big Bad Wolf take over! They’re bringing over two million books with amazing discounts and promos. Plus, if you’re a Metrobank credit cardholder, you can get a 0% 3-month installment plan for single-receipt purchases of at least P3,000. So, mga taga-GenSan, keep an eye on Big Bad Wolf’s social media pages for updates! Committed to its goal of welcoming 1 million readers into the pack,

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines and the pioneer in adopting QR Ph, has launched the PalengQR initiative in General Santos City, leading the digital transformation of local markets. Cashless convenience using the Maya app during the PalengQR launch in General Santos City (L-R): Councilor Maria Lourdes F. Casabuena; General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao; Dir. Jason P. Capocao, Acting Regional Director BSP Mindanao Office. Supported by the General Santos City Government, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), this "digi-palengke" program aims to modernize transactions in public markets and local transportation. Vendors can now accept digital payments from any e-wallet provider or bank using the standardized QR Ph system. Maya’s support of QR Ph and Paleng-QR is part of its integrated ecosystem approach and underscores its commitment to reshaping the financial

Aside from real estate developments, one more rising industry in SOCSSKSARGEN is transient accommodation. A lot of people are putting their properties up for rent online. A quick search on Google would lead you to hundreds of short-term stays. As of this writing, there 327 properties for rent on Airbnb. A friend of mine also rents his house on Airbnb. He designed his house with his own aesthetics, spruced it up with useful amenities like an outdoor kitchen and grill space. He made it perfect for staycation or for large groups, such as a big family, on the lookout for cheap accommodation. You can check out his page on Facebook: KZ 2 Bedroom House in GenSan There are plenty of hotels in General Santos City and nearby towns already. Resort hotels also abound in nearby Sarangani Province. But for the more practical travelers and those who want more freedom, Airbnbs are a perfect choice. This could be an investment path you might want to venture into. In the era of shared economies and wand

In the heart of my beloved hometown, Alabel, Sarangani Province, a dream is taking shape—one that promises to redefine our community's way of life. Avia Estate, the first township project in SOCCSKSARGEN, is not just a development; it's a testament to the vibrant spirit and potential of the place we call home. At the heart of this transformative project lies Narra Park Residences, a community that not only epitomizes quality living but also resonates with the unique charm of Alabel. Avia Estate: A Master-Planned Marvel Avia Estate, a major mixed-use, master-planned development, is not just a project—it's a promise of a brighter future for Alabel. Developed by Alsons Dev, a name that resonates with trust and reliability, Avia Estate is more than just bricks and mortar; it's a vision of a live-work-play environment that will enable our community to embrace their best lives. Facilities and Offerings In the heart of Alabel, Avia Estate is set to become the centerpiece of ou

It's 2024! As the year begins it is a good time to start thinking about and acting on your dream. In the past, I have been featuring new tourism destinations, food places, and real estate development here in the Southern part of the Philippines. It is clear to see that economic activities are alive and flourishing in this part of the country. Now, let me give you a picture of why SOCCSKSARGEN is a suitable place for you to invest in and build your dreams. (C) LivingInTheSouthPH Nestled in the southern part of the Philippines, SOCCSKSARGEN has emerged as a hidden gem for real estate investors seeking untapped opportunities in a region poised for significant growth. Let us explore the reasons behind SOCCSKSARGEN's appeal, delve into the current real estate landscape, and provide valuable insights for investors looking to make the most of the burgeoning property market. The Appeal of SOCCSKSARGEN SOCCSKSARGEN, comprising South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Gen