Rock – RockAn in GENSAN: ROCK ON MANILA BY MANILA BEER

Six (6) rock bands to perform for all music lovers in Rock on Manila (http://www.gensantos.com/2010/11/15/free-tickets-to-the-rock-on-manila-biggest-rock-concert-ever/) concert in the Tuna Land - General Santos City.  This is a chance for all the fans in SOCCSKSARGEN area to witness this spectacular one time event this year.

K101FM LOVE RADIO and MANILA BEER  is behind this one’s in a lifetime chance of bringing GLOC-9, KaMikazEe, SanDwiCh BanD, FrAnco Band, CaRat BaNd and PaRokyA ni EdgaR together for the biggest live concert.

This BIGGEST ROCK CONCERT EVER is going to happen in  GenSan City's Oval Plaza this coming Friday, November 19, 2010 at exactly 5 in the afternoon.

I was a Parokya ni Edgar fan ever since and will forever be one.  The band goes beyond the musical genres from alternative rock to pop rock and funk to rapcore. Their albums have unique in titles like KHANGKHUNGKHERRNITZ and BURUGUDUYSTUNSTUGUDUNSTUY. Songs like buluy, don’t touch my birdie, halaga, harana, chikinini and to many to mention are most rave about for its original rock novelty songs.

Got the information from General Santos Online Mag (http://www.gensantos.com), thank you Bariles and hopes to see  my readers and followers in this one night of rock party...

ReViSiTiNg oUr lAdY of LoUrDes gRotto

Revisiting one of my childhood and my family’s weekend getaway was just by chance.  The place known to many Christians as a sanctuary of faith for three congregations under the patronage of Mary, the largest portion of the Marian Hills in Tamontaka  becomes one of the most famous destinations where you can enjoy nature and renew ones faith.

The Lourdes Grotto where a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France, a seven foot image of Mary Queen of Saints situated in Marian Hills. The image looks over a fan shaped fountain onto the green rotunda of thick Bermuda grass and cypress trees encircled by nine statues of the country’s popular saints.

A Small World children’s park was incorporated here several years ago.  It was designed for joy and pleasure of the young and even adults who comes and visits the park.

The compound is equipped with a retreat house for recollection and seminars known as the Grotto Convento.  Landscaped and surrounded with flowers as well as palm trees, it is also the residence of the Grotto director.

Station of the cross known as the Via Crusis and Resurrection was hand-carved in a Yakal wood measuring five feet tall.  Donated by Filipino benefactors, the carvings are well protected with elegant cement shelters, flowers and night lighting.

Other amenities like the mini zoo, creation and the guest house were situated in the area where visitors can enjoy.  Many part of the place became a picnic ground to most of the families who comes and enjoy the pleasure of being in this serene place.

 

mAnNy pAcQuiAo tO tHe 8tH pOwEr

Manny Pacquiao fever shoots to the top in PACMAN land, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines . . . . Gensan.  It was a good timing, during this visit here in General Santos City because I had the time to relax and most especially feel the heat of Pacquiao versus Margarito encounter.

Dubbed as the World Light Middleweight Championship, the day here was solely dedicated to support Pacman’s encounter with Antonio Margarito.  This is the 8th title for the Pambansang Kamao and another world record as well.

As usual, the tremendous support to the Filipino’s boxing champ was everywhere around the city.  Every establishment or even residences which availed of the “Pay per View” services, you can see flocks of generals witnessing the fight of Manny Pacquiao.

Not to mention the cinemas from the malls where an entrance fee was required, what caught my heart the most was the thousands of Pacquiao fans who came to the General Santos Gymnasium to witness for free and cheer for their boxing idol.

Manny has again proven his worth as an icon for boxing. His success was the victory of all Filipinos and that makes us all proud.  He is a true legend who put the country  in the map of boxing.

when a bLoGeR takes A bReAk!!!

A very different Saturday it was . . . . . got an invite from a friend’s friend who eventually became my friends to join a birthday celebration of their son.  Though my day started earlier than the invitation, most of the day was unexpectedly turned into a day off.

Earlier today I had to visit dad’s tomb at Uhaw cemetery in Gensan and lighted candles for I didn’t have the chance to do it in the time of the all soul’s day.  To my surprise, the exhumation has started that took me a while to find my dad but I was thankful because I know he was there to help me find him.

Right after picking up the things we will be needing for the invite, we ( me and my friend bellybalyena) took a 15 minute ride to Gensan View resort where the Bayani ( Dad & Mom) and Amable (Vince & Micha) family hold the birthday of Gian.

Though swimming is a usual thing to do as weekend get away and in any celebration it was a happy day for I had a chance to unwind while enjoyably taking pictures of the resort’s natural scenery.  But my day didn’t end without plunging into the tempting blue pool and got the chance to see the impressive amenities of the resort.

 

iNauL tHe pRiDe oF cOtAbAtO

 Inaul...the art of weaving

 
Inaul... is the famous Maguindanao handwoven fabric. It is used by the Maguinadanaons as a "malong", a tubular skirt or "sarong" that wraps around the lower part of the body and worn as traditional dress by both men and women.

Inaul, is a treasured cultural tradition as it captures the Maguindanao symbol as distinction and royalty.

A source of pride and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the people of Cotabato City.

Color Symbolism

Colors of yellow and orange represent royalty while red means bravery. Green signified peace and tranquility. White, the color of purity spoke of sadness and mourning. Black means dignity. At present, the colors and lines are matter of choice. New designs incorporate pastel to dark shades are very commonly used.

Weaving Design

The intricate art of weaving introduced various designs. The most popular is the plain weave such as binaludto (rainbow), makabimban (stripes), or panigabi (taro).A weft weave includes sinodengan, matampuhay-seko, kawang and sinupikan designs. The practice of tie-dying is another rare method locally called binaludan (ikat).

Uses

Inaul is one of the most versatile handwoven textile ever conceived. Women wear it as a malong skirt and as garments for formal or royal events suchs as weddings. Men can wear it as a trouser for formal wear. Wound around man's head it becomes a turban. Folded malongs can be use as a basket, baby cradle or bag. Others use it as blanket, mat, curtain or pillow cases. Nowadays its uses includes gowns and dresses for women and tuxedos or polo barongs for men.

Source: Cotabato City Tourism Council and Inaul Foundation, Inc.

"bArBeCuE cOrNeR a pLacE tO diNe iN cOtAbATo"

 

Travelers and tourists who come or drops by  the city often seen here, the city's barbecue stands where you can enjoy a distinct taste of  affordable meal.  For those who have tight budget I suggest that you take a walk at this stands and feast your eyes with authentic Filipino delicacy prepared by a true blooded Cotabate ño only here at the Barbecue Corner of the City.

 

Enjoy variety of grilled foods like native chicken, hito, chicken liver, gizzard, head and skin paired with puso' a steamed rice wrapped with banana leaves.  The pastil a rice and viand in one wrapped with banana leaves. The famous hot and spicy arroscaldo here fits for a hungry stomach  .

So if you happen to visit Cotabato City and take a glimpse of its beauty at night do not hesitate to drop by along Sinsuat avenue near the city plaza and taste it for yourself.

evERyONe Smiles to the wOnDers of Tawa tAWa

A mother can’t just sit and look at her child suffer from illness.  She will find cure for them in any way she can.  Funny yet true but mothers find alternatives around the corners of the garden, along streets and anywhere only to find the best medicine to cure.

Few months ago almost all of the regions in the country were alarmed about Dengue and Cotabato City is not exempted.  Again the scenario of this incident came back to my mind when rain starts to fall regularly and the vivid pictures came to my mind that mothers flocked at the back of our home to look for a cure.

You may find it funny but this generation still believes in alternative medicines.  One good example of this is herbal medicines.  Many herbal plants are everywhere and some even grew it at home.

Though it has not scientifically proven yet, this special weed that grows anywhere has become a solution to those who suffered from Dengue a disease caused by a virus carried via mosquito bites . . . .  the TAWA TAWA or GATAS GATAS with the scientific name  Euphorbia Hirta.

Tawa tawa is washed thoroughly with clean water to remove the dirt from its leaves down to its roots.  Boil a small quantity just enough for a reasonable amount of water.  It should not be too concentrated to avoid negative effects on the patient.

Just recently, rain constantly visits Cotabato and I had a feeling that sharing this will help us all be aware the even if no scientific studies yet about this weed I am sure many mothers out there would agree that there is cure with TAWA TAWA for Dengue.

Moreover , it is also used for sore eyes.  It is crushed and the juice will be dropped to the infected yes.  My neighbor shared this testimony to me in a short chit chat. I hope that the agency who takes charge of doing studies with medicinal plant will soon find the truth behind Tawa tawa’s capability to cure.

A ShoRT toUR in our PeOpLes PaLaCE

People's Palace. . . .  this is how the new City Hall of Cotabato City was tagged.  This rare structure which has become another landmark in the city came from the taxes paid by Cotabate ños or what they call  peoples money.

The structures design represents the tri-people.  Malay was the inpiration for the roof, it's pillars is of christian's touch while the interior is of moorish design which shows Islamic Art and architecture.

Five of the highest taxpayers of the city were given the honor to cut the ribbon during its opening.  Now, the four year old city government building  is a home of the different departments of the local government.

This post will take you to some parts of this architectural milestone for Cotabateños.  

The grand stairs and the hallways of the City Hall.

The  front view and  facade of Cotabato City Hall