Living in the South PH

Planning of moving to the Southern Philippines or owning properties here? Among the many options of real estate developments and housing projects in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, which is the best for you? We will try to answer these questions in this post. Southern Mindanao is not only a cultural and economic hub, but it’s also fast becoming one of the Philippines’ most exciting regions for real estate development. From the bustling streets of General Santos to the growing municipalities of Sarangani, Koronadal, and South Cotabato, housing projects are sprouting that cater to a wide range of Filipino families. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or looking to settle down, these projects offer lifestyle, accessibility, and long-term value. Here’s a curated list of some of the most promising housing developments and real estate projects in the region, complete with locations and links to their official websites or social media pages so you can explore further.   General S...

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 ...

On July 4, the grand launch of Futura Bay Gensan By Filinvest took place at the prestigious Greenleaf Hotel, attracting a large number of attendees.  This master-planned condominium community offers a contemporary lifestyle in the heart of the city, providing residents with the perfect blend of modern living spaces, lush greenery, and a range of amenities.  With the first batch of inventories already sold out, (Yes, already sold out! Let's wait for the next batch of inventories) now is the time to explore why living in General Santos City, investing in a condominium, and choosing Filinvest are the best decisions you can make. Why Live in General Santos City General Santos City, known as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for its residents. It could be said that in General Santos City, modernity meets convenience and comfort.   Located on Honorio Arriola Street, just across KCC Mall, Futura Bay provides easy access to educa...

I can't help but feel a burst of hometown pride as Camella unveils its latest project, Camella Trails Gensan, in the vibrant Tuna Capital of the Philippines. The recent launch event, named "Infinity," gathered locals, officials, and investors to witness the exciting addition to our growing house and lot investment portfolio. I am glad to have been invited to the unveiling of Camella Trails GenSan at the Grand Summit Hotel, General Santos City. Vista Land’s Chief Operating Officer, Jerylle Luz Quismundo, set the tone for the evening, sharing valuable investment insights and shedding light on the future plans for our beloved city. The event was graced by local officials, including Vice Mayor Rosalita Nunez and Chief of City Investment Ellorence Cruz, alongside the enthusiastic presence of local business partners, bank officers, and eager property seekers. The night came alive with dazzling performances from Step One Creative Arts and the Legendary Fire Artists, setting the ...