TRIVIA Aside from being the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” and home to world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, General Santos City was originally known as Dadiangas and used to be a municipality of Maguindanao

TOUCHDOWN Hire a taxi at the airport for a flat rate (PHP300–350). If you don’t have much luggage, a habalhabal motorbike for PHP100 will suffice. In the city, it’s tricycles!

BY DAY The tuna harvest at the world class Gen Santos Fish Port is amazing. Secure a permit from the city government to enter the port. Or go to Holiday Spa and just relax!

BY NIGHT Visit the Sarangani Highland Resort in Barangay Tambler and enjoy a quiet night in this beautiful garden resort overlooking Sarangani Bay

SLEEP Sydney Hotel is a decent hotel that you can stay in, at an affordable price. It’s on Pioneer Avenue just across the General Santos City Hall. Tel: (83) 552 5479 to 81

LOCAL LIFE

Jeff Ching
freelance chef consultant

Best breakfast
Top Plaza offers continental, American and Filipino breakfasts

Best night out
Go to the Boulevard, a mind-blowing venue of this clean city

Best dinner
Street food at McDo, a Cebuano term that means to bend and order from the grills

Best buys
Shop for local products like coin purses, hats and bags

Best souvenirs
Check out Subanen native products which are always good value for money

Must-do experience
Visit the Cogon Ecotourism Complex, Dipolog’s premier ecological destination

Must learn…
“Araguy” means kilig, a Tagalog term. You can use it to tease your friends

Insider’s tip
Dipolog has a laid-back lifestyle, ideal for those who want a respite from the traffic