iArea code: (83)
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP1 = US$0.02)

TRIVIA General Santos is the center of education for the three neighboring provinces, South Cotobato, Sarangani Province, and Sultan Kudarat. The Mindanao State University-GenSan Campus was the first university in the city

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

BY DAY Visit Sarangani Highlands for a spectacular view of the sea and downtown GenSan. Enjoy the lush landscaping of the garden — and don’t pass up the food!

BY NIGHT Check out Grab-a-Crab for Filipino and Chinese favorites. You will need to call for reservations. Laurel East Ave, tel: (83) 553 5430 / 553 4878

SLEEP Sydney Hotel is a clean 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
Jowena A Nocos
housewife

Best breakfast
Kinilaw na dilis with plain rice really hits the spot, and is a nice change of pace

Best night out
Enjoy the atmosphere at the Sunset Café where you can just chill

Best dinner
Sud-an serves up hearty dinner fare that’s price-friendly

Best buys
M3 pineapples at PHP15/kilo — they’re fresh, sweet and you can’t beat the price

Best souvenirs
Sarangani Bay smoked bangus that you can take home to family

Must-do experience
Make your way to Gumasa Beach and spend the day. It’s good for an outing

Must-learn…
“Gigutom na ako” (I am hungry) and “Guihaw ko” (I am thirsty)

Insider tip
Wear socks because they will make you take off your shoes in airport security