Living in the South PH

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...

Part of Filipino Homes: URC products are among the top picks of Filipino households, according to the 2025 Brand Footprint Report of global consulting firm Worldpanel by Numerator . Five flagship brands from food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) have landed in an exclusive list of products consistently chosen by millions of Filipino households. Great Taste , C2 , Piattos , Nissin and Payless were all among the most chosen FMCG brands in the Philippines according to the 2025 Brand Footprint Report of global consulting firm Worldpanel by Numerator. “The results of this study show that our brands continue to earn the trust and loyalty of Filipino consumers,” said URC Chief Marketing Officer Karen Ong. “We’re proud that our products remain staples in homes across the country,” she added. The Brand Footprint report is Worldpanel’s annual ranking of the most chosen FMCG brands worldwide. It uses a metric called “ consumer reach points ” (CRP) to measure a brand’s strength ba...

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...

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...

If you're still undecided about where to spend your next vacation and enjoy budget-friendly trips, why not explore Bangkok, Thailand ? I've crafted a 48-hour itinerary to help you experience this vibrant city without breaking the bank. Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's top tourist destinations, offering the perfect mix of accessibility, cultural and culinary adventures, and affordability. Taking the direct flight to Bangkok from Davao via Cebu Pacific And here’s the great news: Cebu Pacific now offers direct flights from Davao International Airport to Don Mueang International Airport , making it easier than ever for us in Southern Mindanao to visit Bangkok. With a two-day gap between flights, I mapped out an itinerary to explore the city efficiently. Arriving at Don Mueang International Airport Thanks to its extensive transport system, getting around Bangkok is a breeze. On Day 1 , I explored attractions along the Chao Phraya River , and on Day 2 , I focused on spots al...