I don't remember exactly when I first heard about Orman Manansala, but I think I met him for the first time during the Avatar Media Practical Photojournalism Workshop. We didn't talk much but I remember him to be a jolly person, very personable. The second time I met him was during his visit to Davao last December 2009 which coincided with Mica Rodriguez's visit to Davao. It was during this visit that Orman invited me and the other Avatar Media members to cover and participate during the General Santos City Kalilangan Festival 2010. It was during this five day trip to General Santos City that I experienced how much of a great person Orman is. For one, he is a damn good host. Even if he was very busy as Festival Director, he managed to take very good care of us and even accompanied us to most of our trips and stops during the five day trip. Going above and beyond his duty as Festival Director and host, Orman fed us, gave us shelter, and entertained us to the hilt during those five days. He even managed to introduce us to some *ehem* boys to keep me company during my…
Tag: general santos city
MFAT: Soccsksargen Summer Safari Day 2
This is a very late post. I know. I'm sorry. :P But better late than never, right? May 30 was Day 2 of the first ever Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour: Soccsksargen Summer Safari. The day began early for the participants as we woke up from our comfy beds at the Ice Castle Experience. Our gracious hosts Avel and Orman Manansala together with Donna Congson fetched us very early. Why? To have our breakfast at Dolores Farm Resort en route to Lake Sebu. Most of us lacked sleep, but nobody complained after seeing the very beautiful Dolores Farm Resort and the yummy breakfast they have prepared. Aside from the bangus, sinangag, and itlog combo meal, they served deep fried tilapia and hot native chocolate. I love Tilapia. Bow. And I was overly (AS IN OA!) excited to see the very pretty deep fried tilapia. And the hot native chocolate was a the perfect drink to complement the meal. Aside from breakfast, we toured the Dolores Farm Zoo. It freaked me out by most of the participants enjoyed it. Sorry na, I'm not an animal lover. Our next stop? The Seven Falls of Lake Sebu. It was breath-taking. Literally and figuratively. We…
Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour Day 1
It's already May 30, 1 am, Day 2 of the epic Mindanao Food Appreciation Tour / Soccsksargen Summer Safari (MFAT). Yesterday (a few hours ago) marked a first, Day 1 of the first ever MFAT. The day started with the arrival of Cagayan de Oro Bloggers in Davao City, led by President Chiq Montes. CDO Bloggers and Davao Bloggers ate a sumptuous feast at Ranchero's Grill and Restaurant in Davao City. All thanks to the generosity of Paolo Sunglao and his family. Everybody enjoyed the cornucopia of seafoods and the very tasty and tender baby back ribs, among other dishes. It was a very filling lunch. After lunch the group traveled to General Santos City led by Davao Bloggers Project Lead Brendel Balaga. Upon their arrival they checked in at the official hotel of the event, the Ice Castle Experience where I am currently blogging from right now. It is a soon to open hotel which has really nice amenities. Aside from the free WiFi, have beautiful rooms with flat screen tv, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. SUPER NICE! After settling down and freshening up, the participants went to the Pacman Sports Bar owned by Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao where…
Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City Day 5
A day after the Kalilangan Festival 2010 closed, we celebrated it's success with a farewell beach shindig at Maasin, Saranggani. We hied off to the beach with Orman, Avel, Marell, Direk Dino, and Marz. We camwhored, chatted, and aaate. There was ice buko, lechon baboy, pansit, lechon manok, bopis, and many other food. I binged since it was going to be my last day before the no rice month of March. And I enjoyed eating. If only everybody else didn't eat so fast, I wouldn't have stopped. After the delicious lunch by the beach, we bid our goodbyes to our gracious General Santos City hosts. And with the promise of more adventures and festivals together, our group rode the van on our way home to Davao. Before going home, we dropped by Robinson's Place to buy pasalubong and some coffee to wake up our spirits. But our tired bodies and minds gave up and most of us slept on the way home. We were tired... but still looking forward to our next visit to General Santos City.
Kalilangan 2010 Street Dancing Competition
I managed to video snippets of the colorful and beautiful Street Dancing Competition of the Kalilangan Festival 2010: The Kalilangan Festival is the celebration of the foundation of General Santos City. The celebration is spearheaded by the City Government led by Mayor Jun Acharon and the GSC Chamber of Commerce led by its President Pilar Afuang. The Kalilangan 2010 is spearheaded by Festival Director, Orman Manansala. One of the highlights is the Street Dancing Competition in two categories: Kadsagayan for the General Santos contingents and Open Category for contingents representing other festivals in Mindanao. This was held on February 27, 2010. Congratulations to all the winners! :)
Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City Day 4
Wearing our Kalilangan shirts and our best mainit sa labas outfits, we headed to Marasa Grill for a sumptuous Filipino lunch. I had a hearty hearty hearty lunch as I ate kinilaw, ensaladang talong, grilled tuna, and mango float. :) Many thanks to Ms. Kring Macion for that wonderful lunch! And oh, we met some new friends... the Manila travel bloggers Dong Ho, Norman, Chidmark, and another one whose name escapes me right now. Sorry na po. We agreed to meet up in Davao after the Kalilangan. Ate Jinky, Kyaw, and Sheng also ate lunch with us. Siyempre, fab sisters Orman and Avel with Marz were there. After we headed to Pioneer Street to witness the Kadsagayan and Open Category Street Dancing Competition. I was deeply overwhelmed. The celebration of the rich culture of Mindanao was really, really fun to watch. And I admire the hardwork and determination of all the participants. And under the piercing heat of the sun, too. BRAVO! But wait... we proceeded to the Oval for the Street Dancing Showdown and Closing Ceremonies. And oh my goodness... what I saw amazed me even more. The contingents really gave all their best. Not just in performing, but…