Living in the South PH

The holiday season in Alabel, Sarangani Province, just hit a festive high note with the opening of Paskuhan sa Avia at the newly developed Avia Estate . More than just twinkling lights and carols, this celebration is a milestone for Alabel as it steps confidently toward a brighter future. The event marks the start of weekend festivities running throughout December and into the first weekend of January 2025, with the promise of holiday cheer, entertainment, and culinary delights. But Paskuhan sa Avia isn’t just about spreading Christmas joy—it’s about showcasing what Avia Estate and Alabel have to offer. Why Alabel? The Vision Behind Avia Estate During the program, Alsons Development President and CEO Miguel Rene A. Dominguez gave a heartfelt opening speech addressing a question many may have been pondering: Why Alabel for such a project? His answer was simple but profound: “Alabel is a place where you can breathe fresh air, where you can live in nature, and we want to share it with ...

Would you believe it? Condo living is no longer just a distant dream for the people of General Santos City! With Futura Bay Gensan 's showroom now open at SM City General Santos, this modern way of living is closer to becoming your reality. The showroom is not just a display; it’s an immersive experience. I recently visited and was blown away by the thoughtfulness of the furnished units. From smart layouts to cozy interiors, every detail speaks to the promise of a comfortable and contemporary lifestyle. The showroom offers a glimpse into what living in a Futura Bay condominium could be like—a home that’s not just functional but also elegant and efficient. Sold Like Hotcake: Futura Bay Gensan's Grand Launch Let’s rewind to July 4, 2023, when the excitement around Futura Bay Gensan first began. The grand launch at Greenleaf Hotel drew a crowd eager to witness the unveiling of the city’s first-ever condominium community. Fast forward to today, and Futura Bay has gone from an ambit...

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 k...

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...