Living in the South PH

As Sarangans, when it's the last week of November, we know the drill. It's MunaTo Festival! And yes, the festive spirit is rising once again in— and you can already feel the energy building up across Sarangani Province! As Sarangani celebrates its 33rd Founding Anniversary alongside the 23rd MunaTo Festival, the province pays tribute to its roots, its people, and its thriving cultural identity. “MunaTo,” meaning “First People,” is more than just a name — it's a reminder that Sarangani’s story is deeply grounded in its heritage and in the communities that have shaped its vibrant character. This year’s theme, “ Kultura Natin, Lakas Natin, ” captures the soul of the celebration — a powerful declaration that culture is at the heart of Sarangani’s strength and unity. From November 28 to 30, 2025, the Sarangani Capitol Grounds will once again come alive with music, color, and culture. But a personal favorite of mine? The festivities start even before the main program — and they’r...

If you or someone you love has ever been told to get an MRI or a nuclear medicine scan here in SOCCSKSARGEN, you probably know the drill—pack your bags, set aside extra cash, and prepare for a long, exhausting trip to Davao, Cebu, or even Metro Manila. For years, patients in our region had no choice but to endure not only the stress of their medical condition, but also the hassle, cost, and anxiety of traveling just to access life-saving diagnostic procedures. But here’s the game-changer: General Santos Doctors Hospital, Inc. (GSDH) has just inaugurated its brand-new nuclear medicine equipment, and it’s about to make a world of difference for patients in Southern Mindanao. The Big Upgrade: 1.5 Tesla Helium-Free MRI An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is one of the most advanced tools doctors use to look inside the body without surgery. It works by using strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your organs, tissues, and bones. Dr. Daniel G. Yap leads the ribbon ...

Globe marks the 10th anniversary of its annual GDay celebration this September with a bold promise to bring joy, rewards, and meaningful experiences closer to customers. What started as a simple thank-you a decade ago has grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together digital innovation, real-world experiences, and heartfelt surprises that celebrate the Filipino spirit. Globe Vice President and Head of Feel Valued Tribe Bianca Wong opens the G Day 2025 Media Launch, marking the 10th year of Globe’s annual celebration of customer loyalty and connection. “At Globe, we believe the most meaningful rewards are the ones that feel personal, those that are made just for you,” said Bianca Wong, Vice President and Head of Feel Valued Tribe at Globe. “This GDay, we’re celebrating in a way that recognizes our customers’ diverse passions and everyday wins. Whether it’s a surprise gift or a chance to win larger than life prizes on the app, or a fan experience you’ve been wishing for, there’s so...

Koronadal City, Philippines – All systems are go for the 10th Mindanao ICT Conference (MindaCon 2025), the largest information and communications technology event in Mindanao. For the first time, the vibrant City of Koronadal will host this landmark gathering from June 19–21, 2025, at The Farm at Carpenter Hill. Under the forward-thinking theme, “Innovating Mindanao’s Workforce for a Sustainable Industry 5.0,” the conference is poised to be a pivotal moment for the region's digital transformation. It’s more than just a tech event; it's a movement aimed at building a digital future that is inclusive, deeply rooted in Mindanao's rich culture, and driven by collaborative innovation. The recent press conference at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center highlighted the immense local and national support for the event. Leaders from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the provincia...

Get ready, SarBay Seatizens! The biggest, boldest beach festival in Mindanao is back — and it's coming in hot. SarBay Fest 2025 is set to explode onto the shores of Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province from May 23 to 25. If you've been dreaming of white sand, live music, watersports, wild foam parties, and sunsets that look straight out of a postcard — this is your sign to clear your calendar. Whether you're a first-timer or a SarBay veteran, this guide has everything you need to survive and thrive at the most anticipated event in SOX. From what to pack to how to get there, from the full event lineup to the little details that will make your experience smoother — we’ve got you covered. What Exactly Is SarBay Fest? Short for Sarangani Bay Festival , SarBay Fest is more than just a beach party. Since 2006, it’s been the region’s biggest annual gathering celebrating marine conservation, local culture, and pure, unfiltered fun. It started as a way to raise awareness for the Sarang...

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 ...

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, ...