General Santos

Philippines

General Santos City or "GenSan" is in the province of South Cotabato in the Philippines. It is a highly urbanized city located at the southern portion of South Cotabato, but perhaps its biggest claim to fame is that boxer Manny Pacquiao is a native. It is known as "The Tuna Capital of the Philippines". General Santos is also home to a lot of media practitioners and media companies.

The average temperature in the city is 28° Celsius with a maximum of 36°C. There are only two seasons: the wet season starts in June and continues to October, the dry season then carries on to May. General Santos is outside the typhoon belt.

People from GenSan are mostly Roman Catholics. There are also a large number of Protestants and Muslims in the city. Every February, the city celebrates the Kalilangan Festival. And every September as also the celebration of the city chartered anniversary the Gensan Tuna Festival.

Cebuano is the main language spoken in General Santos City and the surrounding communities. Tagalog and English are spoken as the National Language.

  • Mount Matutum. An active volcano, approximately 5.7 km from Acmonan, Tupi, South Cotabato. Adjacent volcanic edifices are Landayao, Tampad, and Albulhek to the west of the volcano, and Magolo to the north. There is a well-preserved 320-m wide crater at the volcano's summit. The crater is breached by three gorges and has a 120-m deep, densely forested floor. The great view of Matutum is seen in Barangay Pagalungan, Polomolok, with some plantation of pineapples and Barangay Mabuhay and San Isidro in General Santos City.
  • Klaja Ecopark. An ecological preservation park 15 km (9.3 mi) off the central business district on the north-east side of city in Barangay Conel. Klaja Karsts Land derived its name from “Kalaha” ("frying pot") as it looked like one due to the surrounding towers of karsts formation naturally formed millions of years ago. It produced natural waterfalls and caves. Opposite is the ranch and camping ground of Nopol Hills, which borders Barangays Conel and Mabuhay. Nopol Hills offers visitors a wide scenic overview of the entire city, as well as the Sarangani Bay and parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.
  • Gen. Paulino Santos Museum, Marist Ave., +63 83 552-4351. In the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, it is the first formal museum in the city. It showcases the memorabilia of General Paulino Santos and the first settlers of the city who flocked to the area now known as General Santos City. It also features cultural artifacts of South Cotabato province.
  • Several festivals are also celebrated in General Santos. Among these festivals are:
  • Kalilangan Festival. General Santos City celebrates the Kalilangan every month of February. "Kalilangan" means festival, festivity or jubilation. It is a social gathering marked by exchanging of amenities among traditional leaders, elders, allies and subordinates in varying tones. In a broader perspective, Kalilangan projects a positive and dynamic meaning for it engulfs the artistic, humane and altruistic aspects of social interaction that takes place in any occasion or celebration. Kalilangan is a noble tradition. It is a complete work of art nourished and nurtured by rich cultural heritage that has withstand the test of time from generation to generation. The festival is being Spearheaded by the Mindanao State University upon which have garnered awards as the countries best native or local festival three years in succession.
  • Tuna Festival. Thanksgiving and festivities are being celebrated annually through its Tuna Festival during the Last week of August and the first week of September highlighting on its main industry which is the Tuna fishing. This is also in line with the celebration of the city's charter anniversary which falls every 5 September and is also being set as the culmination day for the Tuna Festival. Aside from parades and showcases, numerous culinary competitions are being held to promote sumptuous tuna-based cuisines and other delectable meals made from fresh sea food.
  • Yaman Gensan. Yaman Gensan is an annual event in Gensan that celebrates and promotes local entrepreneurs. It is celebrated in July. Tuna products, T'nalak, Malong and other tribal objects are shown and sold.
  • Paskuhan sa Gensan. The city celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, in this event. It is celebrates from December 17 to the countdown of New Year, Colorful lanterns, giant Christmas tree and Gensan Barangay Christmas House competition are in the event as are Paskuhan sa Gensan Street Dancing, choir group and Christmas Dance.
  • Sto. Nino Patronal Fiesta. This one-day celebration in the city is celebrated every 15th of January. It is the same as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City. Colorful amphibians, Sr. Santo Nino's Grotto and street dancing. This annual and patronal festival is celebrating in Barangay Bula.

Mount Matutum. An active volcano, approximately 5.7 km from Acmonan, Tupi, South Cotabato. Adjacent volcanic edifices are Landayao, Tampad, and Albulhek to the west of the volcano, and Magolo to the north. There is a well-preserved 320-m wide crater at the volcano's summit. The crater is breached by three gorges and has a 120-m deep, densely forested floor. The great view of Matutum is seen in Barangay Pagalungan, Polomolok, with some plantation of pineapples and Barangay Mabuhay and San Isidro in General Santos City.

Klaja Ecopark. An ecological preservation park 15 km (9.3 mi) off the central business district on the north-east side of city in Barangay Conel. Klaja Karsts Land derived its name from “Kalaha” ("frying pot") as it looked like one due to the surrounding towers of karsts formation naturally formed millions of years ago. It produced natural waterfalls and caves. Opposite is the ranch and camping ground of Nopol Hills, which borders Barangays Conel and Mabuhay. Nopol Hills offers visitors a wide scenic overview of the entire city, as well as the Sarangani Bay and parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.

Gen. Paulino Santos Museum, Marist Ave., +63 83 552-4351. In the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, it is the first formal museum in the city. It showcases the memorabilia of General Paulino Santos and the first settlers of the city who flocked to the area now known as General Santos City. It also features cultural artifacts of South Cotabato province.

Kalilangan Festival. General Santos City celebrates the Kalilangan every month of February. "Kalilangan" means festival, festivity or jubilation. It is a social gathering marked by exchanging of amenities among traditional leaders, elders, allies and subordinates in varying tones. In a broader perspective, Kalilangan projects a positive and dynamic meaning for it engulfs the artistic, humane and altruistic aspects of social interaction that takes place in any occasion or celebration. Kalilangan is a noble tradition. It is a complete work of art nourished and nurtured by rich cultural heritage that has withstand the test of time from generation to generation. The festival is being Spearheaded by the Mindanao State University upon which have garnered awards as the countries best native or local festival three years in succession.

Tuna Festival. Thanksgiving and festivities are being celebrated annually through its Tuna Festival during the Last week of August and the first week of September highlighting on its main industry which is the Tuna fishing. This is also in line with the celebration of the city's charter anniversary which falls every 5 September and is also being set as the culmination day for the Tuna Festival. Aside from parades and showcases, numerous culinary competitions are being held to promote sumptuous tuna-based cuisines and other delectable meals made from fresh sea food.

Yaman Gensan. Yaman Gensan is an annual event in Gensan that celebrates and promotes local entrepreneurs. It is celebrated in July. Tuna products, T'nalak, Malong and other tribal objects are shown and sold.

Paskuhan sa Gensan. The city celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, in this event. It is celebrates from December 17 to the countdown of New Year, Colorful lanterns, giant Christmas tree and Gensan Barangay Christmas House competition are in the event as are Paskuhan sa Gensan Street Dancing, choir group and Christmas Dance.

Sto. Nino Patronal Fiesta. This one-day celebration in the city is celebrated every 15th of January. It is the same as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City. Colorful amphibians, Sr. Santo Nino's Grotto and street dancing. This annual and patronal festival is celebrating in Barangay Bula.

  • Diving at south divers point
  • Beach at Gumasa, 120 minutes away from General Santos
  • Golf
    • Sarangani Golf Club.
    • Kalasangi Golf Club.

Diving at south divers point

Beach at Gumasa, 120 minutes away from General Santos

Golf

  • Sarangani Golf Club.
  • Kalasangi Golf Club.

Golf

  • Sarangani Golf Club.
  • Kalasangi Golf Club.

Fitmart Gensan Supermarket, Downtown Proper, Roxas West.

Gaisano Mall & Gaisano Supermarket., J. Catolico St., Lagao beside SOCOTECO II-Gensan. 9AM-8PM.

KCC Mall of Gensan, J. Catolico St., Lagao GSC. 9AM-8PM. Has a KCC supermarket.

Robinsons Place Gensan & Robinsons Supermarket, Bula - Lagao Road, Lagao GSC. 9am-8pm.

SM City General Santos & Savemore supermarket, Santiago Blvd., Lagao GSC. 10AM-8PM.

Unitop Department Store, Magsaysay Avenue. 9AM-8PM.

Tuna is widely available in the city and is a part of the local cuisine along with a lot of other fresh seafood. Popular dishes include grilled tuna belly dipped in soy sauce with onions and chili, and Sinuglaw that comprises grilled meat mixed with Kinilaw (Filipino vinegar-based ceviche), while fried banana and turón is made from fresh local bananas. A wide range of dining establishments have popped up elsewhere in the city offering local and foreign cuisine.

  • Pahayahay Restobar, +63 83-5520187. 24 hours. Good music, great food, reggae feel.
  • Bee Stop Restaurant, Santiago Boulevard GSC (In front of Gillamacs Building. A place where the best garlic, buttered and fried chicken can be found.
  • Sarangani Highlands, Tambler, General Santos City.
  • Fagioli, Petron Gasoline Station, Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao. if you just want to relax & have coffee. ideal time to visit will be during mid-afternoons when it isn't crowded. nice ambiance. bring along your laptop as the whole place is WI-FI enabled.
  • Chicken Hauz, South Osmeña. Very casual atmosphere but if you try out their famous "garlic chicken", you will crave more.
  • Mang Gorio's Bahay Kainan, National Highway.
  • Paseo del Sol, National Highway.
  • Ranchero, National Highway.
  • La Veranda, National Highway.
  • Grab-A-Crab, Laurel East Ave..
  • Orange Bistro, Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao.
  • Casa Goatan, Bulaong Subdivision, +63 83 5524199.
  • KCC Mall of Gensan Merienda Buffet, Kcc Mall. J Catolico Street (lower ground floor fronting kcc supermarket. 2PM-6PM. All you can eat. .
  • Containeryard Foodtrip Plaza, National Highway, Brgy. Lagao. More than 25 stalls serving varied local and international menus.
  • Lanai1687, Km 1687 on Glan highway from GSC (GSC - Buayan - Malapatan - Kapatan --> Glan. 10AM-9PM, closed Monday. A beautifully landscaped place in Barangay Kapatan. Looks out over Sarangani Bay, Mt. Matutum & GenSan in the distance. Steaks, prawns & other seafoods, Filipino dishes are on the menu. ₱100 entry, deductible from food bill.

Pahayahay Restobar, +63 83-5520187. 24 hours. Good music, great food, reggae feel.

Bee Stop Restaurant, Santiago Boulevard GSC (In front of Gillamacs Building. A place where the best garlic, buttered and fried chicken can be found.

Sarangani Highlands, Tambler, General Santos City.

Fagioli, Petron Gasoline Station, Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao. if you just want to relax & have coffee. ideal time to visit will be during mid-afternoons when it isn't crowded. nice ambiance. bring along your laptop as the whole place is WI-FI enabled.

Chicken Hauz, South Osmeña. Very casual atmosphere but if you try out their famous "garlic chicken", you will crave more.

Mang Gorio's Bahay Kainan, National Highway.

Paseo del Sol, National Highway.

Ranchero, National Highway.

La Veranda, National Highway.

Grab-A-Crab, Laurel East Ave..

Orange Bistro, Jose Catolico Ave., Lagao.

Casa Goatan, Bulaong Subdivision, +63 83 5524199.

KCC Mall of Gensan Merienda Buffet, Kcc Mall. J Catolico Street (lower ground floor fronting kcc supermarket. 2PM-6PM. All you can eat. .

Containeryard Foodtrip Plaza, National Highway, Brgy. Lagao. More than 25 stalls serving varied local and international menus.

Lanai1687, Km 1687 on Glan highway from GSC (GSC - Buayan - Malapatan - Kapatan --> Glan. 10AM-9PM, closed Monday. A beautifully landscaped place in Barangay Kapatan. Looks out over Sarangani Bay, Mt. Matutum & GenSan in the distance. Steaks, prawns & other seafoods, Filipino dishes are on the menu. ₱100 entry, deductible from food bill.

  • bee stop chicken house, santiago boulevard (general santos city. Bee Stop is serving a delicious garlic chicken. Also available: buttered and fried chicken.
  • Goldenstate College Cafeteria, Bakeshoppe and Catering Service, Pioneer Ave corner Acharon Boulevard, +63 83 554 5545. Food center, bakery, and catering service.
  • Rolands Steak House, Jose Catolico Ave. Lagao. Rolands serve the very best steak in the whole of GenSan city. Well worth a visit. Casual atmosphere but the service is good.
  • Nelsons Market, General Santos City. Good seafood and tuna
  • Janna's Inasal de Cebu, National Highway, General Santos City. Excellent lechon.
  • Tatay Pepe's Restobar, along Laurel East Street (in front of Bayantel Office, +63 83 3022555. 7pm-1am. Enjoy live entertainment nightly, rain or shine- beginning 9:30PM to 1AM with acoustic modern, alternative and contemporary music and a little bit of love songs.
  • Marasa Grill, * 41 Kadulasan St. (near Lea's Pension, +63 83 552-4628. 7AM-3PM. Marasa Grill serves lutong bahay and grilled meat and seafood. It also accepts catering for all occasions. It is open for breakfast and lunch. .
  • Blugre Coffee, JMP Bldg, S. Osmena Street (2 blocks East of Municipal Hall. 8:30AM-midnight. The atmosphere is very comfortable with jazz music. Good desserts and light meals to go with espresso coffees, teas, iced-blended drinks, and excellent fresh-squeezed lemonade.
  • Big Ben's, Robinson's Mall. Known for delicious steak, there are also many local options of good Filipino food. A very nice atmosphere with warm service.

bee stop chicken house, santiago boulevard (general santos city. Bee Stop is serving a delicious garlic chicken. Also available: buttered and fried chicken.

Goldenstate College Cafeteria, Bakeshoppe and Catering Service, Pioneer Ave corner Acharon Boulevard, +63 83 554 5545. Food center, bakery, and catering service.

Rolands Steak House, Jose Catolico Ave. Lagao. Rolands serve the very best steak in the whole of GenSan city. Well worth a visit. Casual atmosphere but the service is good.

Nelsons Market, General Santos City. Good seafood and tuna

Janna's Inasal de Cebu, National Highway, General Santos City. Excellent lechon.

Tatay Pepe's Restobar, along Laurel East Street (in front of Bayantel Office, +63 83 3022555. 7pm-1am. Enjoy live entertainment nightly, rain or shine- beginning 9:30PM to 1AM with acoustic modern, alternative and contemporary music and a little bit of love songs.

Marasa Grill, * 41 Kadulasan St. (near Lea's Pension, +63 83 552-4628. 7AM-3PM. Marasa Grill serves lutong bahay and grilled meat and seafood. It also accepts catering for all occasions. It is open for breakfast and lunch. .

Blugre Coffee, JMP Bldg, S. Osmena Street (2 blocks East of Municipal Hall. 8:30AM-midnight. The atmosphere is very comfortable with jazz music. Good desserts and light meals to go with espresso coffees, teas, iced-blended drinks, and excellent fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Big Ben's, Robinson's Mall. Known for delicious steak, there are also many local options of good Filipino food. A very nice atmosphere with warm service.

  • Bureau of Immigration General Santos Office Ground floor Robinsons Mall. J Catolico Sr Avenue.
  • General Santos District Hospital. Fernandez Street. +63 83-3020759. Government Hospital.
  • General Santos Social Hygiene Clinic City Health office. Fernandez Street. +63 83-3020759. Free STD-HIV testing.
  • Generika Drug Store Nunez Street.

Bureau of Immigration General Santos Office Ground floor Robinsons Mall. J Catolico Sr Avenue.

General Santos District Hospital. Fernandez Street. +63 83-3020759. Government Hospital.

General Santos Social Hygiene Clinic City Health office. Fernandez Street. +63 83-3020759. Free STD-HIV testing.

Generika Drug Store Nunez Street.

  • Davao city is a 3-hour bus ride.
  • Koronadal is a 1-hour bus ride.
  • Glan can be visited as a day trip from Gensan (57 km).

Glan can be visited as a day trip from Gensan (57 km).