It has been a year since I left General Santos City for Cebu City. Although I am originally from Cebu (Lapu-lapu City specifically), I have considered General Santos (GenSan) as my second hometown. There is really something about GenSan other than its tuna that attracted me the most. There is so much more to explore and discover in this Southernmost part of the Philippines.
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| "General Santos' Plaza is a place to be when you want to relax and chill-out." Strolling on its City Streets General Santos has a humid weather. Unlike Cebu City, its temperature can shoot up until 36 degree Celsius. Its highest heat index was 44 degree Celsius on October, 2015 which made GenSan as the hottest place in the country. But the weather in GenSan did not discourage me, I have accustomed and lived with it. One thing that I really appreciated the most of their city structure is how everything seems to be so near. I must applaud their city engineer/planner for making everything a walking distance, and near from each other especially their government offices. That is one of the reasons why I am in love with GenSan, I could walk five or so blocks away without feeling tired and afraid of getting lost. The Tuna Capital of the Philippines  "How much do you think this tuna costs?" Since I am pesco-vegetarian, living in General Santos City is a true heaven for me. Not only that I can eat fresh and quality tuna whenever I want to but also I got the chance to eat different kinds of fresh, world-class, and affordable fish. Imagine wanting a Sushi Salmon in an instant or a Malasugi (Swordfish) or even Pompano for a meal in a very reasonable price! Plus they are super fresh! Always a Glimpse of Mt. Matutum  "A high-ridge overlooking Mt. Matutum" What enchanted me the moment the plane landed on General Santos City airport was the majestic shape of a mountain. I couldn't contain my excitement to myself that I asked the airport personnel about the mountain. They were kind enough to give me the information I needed. I found out that the almost cone-shaped mountain is an active volcano in General Santos City. Even though it is considered as an active volcano, it is still possible to climb it. This is the very mountain that holds my motivation in tact to go back in GenSan the moment everything is easy-breezy for travelers. She is so tempting and mighty looking. People Matter  "A Meeting of Medical Personnel - Nurse, Anesthesiologist, Surgeon, and Dentist" The greatest thing that truly mattered to me when I was in GenSan were the people who valued my profession and my person. I found a family despite of me being alone. I admit that at first I was aloof but then I later on realized that these people cared for me even if I was not their blood-relative. I won't fail to mention how Dr. Diagan and his wife considered me as part of their family. I appreciated how he arranged a birthday getaway together with my students and colleagues in his private beach resort. How he considered me to come in Bislig together with other medical teams. Most of all, how he entrusted him his life when he became sick in Bislig and instructed me to perform a medical procedure under his instructions. I felt so honored to having helped him as I practice my profession. He became a father to me when I was in GenSan. Truly, GenSan served as my home and its people a part of my life. P.S.: With my RH Project in Cebu coming to an end, I am considering going back to GenSan, and continue what I started - engaging with the different lumad tribes and practicing my nursing profession. |
Hi, Angel, I envy people like you who seem to effortlessly bond with people. I can feel your warmth and sincerity even just by reading your post. I on the other hand and despite my efforts still come out cold to most people. According to one acquaintance, I am as warm and amiable as a robot.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maam Josil. As for me, I want to talk to the locals especially the IP's because it reminds me to appreciate our culture and never to lose contact with our ancestry and our roots. Hope we have a chance to talk with each other.
DeleteDefinitely would like to go to General Santos City since I love tuna sashimi! Aside from the savory food, GenSan is also a fascinating place. Thank you for featuring this city.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more, Margaux. GenSan is, indeed, a fascinating place not only because of its tuna but this is a venue where potpourri of culture is witnessed.
DeleteI cannot sa 44 degrees! I can't imagine how I can see myself on that situation. Anyway, it's hard to transition from one location to another. I am glad you were able to cope and make friends with different personality, culture and traditions. Although, we are bisaya rman pd but you know it's different when you are not in your hometown. I can relate to this right now because I will be leaving Cebu for good. I will also be going back to my hometown and I will surely miss this place for sure.
ReplyDeleteWe have been there and yes, it's hot! I would still like to go back and visit there!
ReplyDelete-MJ
I wish I can visit General Santos one day. The place has a lot to offer and I am very excited to explore. Thank you sharing wonderful thoughts about your second home!
ReplyDeleteWant to travel in Gensan . My aunt lived there and she used there are lots of Big Tuna in Gensan. And want to try the Beach of Pacquiao
ReplyDeleteWe've never been to GenSan but it was definitely on our list when we visited Mindanao 3years ago. Damn I miss going on long trips.
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