Living in the South PH

27/01/2025

Got treated like a boss last night by Elysia Wellness Spa after our oath-taking at the Grand Summit Hotels !

12/01/2025

There's a new coffee shop to check out in GenSan!

If you are looking for a quiet and homey coffee shop, try Southside Coffee at Purok 15 Road, Lagao, General Santos City.

I have tried their pour over coffee using choice beans and matcha latte using ceremonial grade matcha.

They are open from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

You can them on Google Maps through this link:
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/wPJ13DG8cu7Uvytb6

09/01/2025

𝟒𝟖-𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐤, 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝

Kung hindi ka pa nakakapag-decide kung saan ka magbabakasyon ngayong taon at kung budget travel ang trip mo sa buhay, bakit hindi mo subukang pumunta sa Bangkok, Thailand? I have a 48-hour itinerary that will let you experience Bangkok without breaking the bank.

Isa ang Bangkok sa top tourist destinations sa Southeast Asia. It has the right mix kasi of accessibility, variety of cultural and gastronomic experiences, at affordability.

But wait, there’s more! Abot-kamay na nating mga taga-Southern Mindanao ang Bangkok with the opening of Cebu Pacific flights between Davao International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. With a two-day gap between flights, I made a 48-hour itinerary para libutin ang siyudad.

This is very doable since most of the important tourist attractions in Bangkok are very accessible through their major means of transportation. Sa Day 1, I used the Chao Phraya river cruise at sa Day 2, lahat naman ng attractions along the MRT Blue Line and sinuyod ko.

Ang Chao Phraya unlimited river cruise and pinaka-tourist friendly option para sa akin. Sa halagang 150 baht, buong araw ka nang pwedeng sumakay sa ferry at pwede mo nang puntahan lahat ng places of interests around its 13 stations. Pero, siyempre, limitado lang oras ko, pinili ko ang mga must-visit places.

I took the BTS Sky Train, which is just a walking distance from my hotel papuntang Central Pier sa Sathorn. Sobrang worry-free ang pagasakay sa BTS Sky Train kasi tinatanggap dito ang GCash Debit card. Pagbaba sa station, konting lakad lang, nasa Central Pier ka na. Maraming turista ang nag-a-avail ng unlimited river cruise. Every 30 minutes and dating at alis ng mga ferry sa bawat station.
Taking the river cruise is an experience in itself. First stop ang Icon Siam. Tamang selfie lang muna ako sa façade nito.

Una akong bumaba sa Wat Arun na ang entrance ay nasa pier mismo. Isa ito sa pinaka-binibisitang Buddhist temples sa siyudad. I spent about an hour dito. Sa 200 baht na entrance fee, sulit na sulit na para sa mga aesthetic poses na gusto kong gawin. Maraming nag-rerent dito ng traditional Thai clothing at nag-ha-hire ng photographers for the complete experience. Do it kung pasok naman sa budget mo.

After Wat Arun, must-visit din ang China Town, especially kung gusto mong mag-food trip o mag-shopping. I took another ferry pabalik ng Ratchawongse Pier. Paglabas ng Pier ay ang China Town area na. Ang aroma ng mga fried food would tempt you to eat. Na-curious lang ako sa pomegranate juice at medyo nakakauhaw rin ang init sa Bangkok, kaya I tried it. 50 baht lang ang isang maliit na bote. Sobrang daming pwedeng bilhin sa China Town at sobrang mura lalo na kug wholesale price.

Matapos mag-ikot2x sa Chinatown, balik ulit ako sa pier to take another ferry papunta sa Pak Klong Talat, which is Bangkok’s famous flower market. Booming ang flower industry dito because of their traditions na rin to offer flowers sa mga temple. Late in the afternoon hanggang early evening ang best time to visit this place. Kakaibang energy ang naramdaman ko while observing flower vendors setting up their displays on the roadside.

I discovered a quite hidden café dito. Nasa main road lang ito pero interesting kasi kailangan mong pumasok sa isang flower shop at umakyat sa isang tagong hagdan para makapasok sa coffee shop na ito. Medyo nagutom na rin ako kaya ordered their best-selling coffee and pastry. Sobrang aesthetic ng café and I got the best seat to watch the activities sa flower market.

Check out the Part II of my 48-hour Bangkok Itinerary.

09/01/2025

Finally, got the chance to watch Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Hospital Killer at KCC Mall of Gensan Cinema with my fellow SoxBees!

What's more? You get FREE bottled water and FREE popcorn for every ticket you buy!

Sobrang sulit ng Php 160.00 pesos na ticket sa KCC Cinema!

05/01/2025

Highly recommended medical diagnostics laboratory that is open on Sunday: MIRA LAB Tambler, General Santos City (corner MSU road).

I did two tests - CBC and Urinalysis for only Php 200. Results came out in an hour. For other chemistry tests, it might take 3-4 hours.

Their maternity clinic and aesthetic center are also open even on a Sunday.

31/12/2024

Happy New Year, everyone! 2024 had been a great for us. Looking forward to a more exciting 2025!

29/12/2024

27/12/2024

PUBLIC SERVICE: FLOODING IN ALABEL

Due to the heavy rainfall brought about by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone on December 26, affecting the southern parts of Mindanao, flooding was experienced in some areas in Alabel, Sarangani Province.

As per reports from the Alabel Information Office, the affected areas are Barangays Maribulan, Baluntay, Barangay Pag-asa, and Sitio Nop in Barangay Spring.

The Municipal DRRM team immediately confucted rescue operations since last night and families have been evacuated to the municipal gymnasium.

There are no reports of casualties, except for damages in properties and loss of livestock.

Photos are from Alabel Information Office

24/12/2024

It's the time of the year again when we look back at how blessed we had been and be thankful for everything that came our way.

We are thankful for all the events we have been invited to witness, places that had us at their opening, and partners who have been with us and trusted all through the years. Wishing for more to come in the future.

Sharing the Christmas cheer with you from us here at Living in the South PH !

22/12/2024

𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐊𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐆 𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐌 𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐃𝐎, 𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐔𝐖𝐀 𝐒𝐀 𝐌𝐆𝐀 𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐀 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐍

Punong-puno ang Event Center ng SM City General Santos para sa Pamaskong Handog ng SM at BDO.

Si Piolo Pascual lang naman ang humarana sa mga OFW at kanilang pamilya.

Bilang pagpapakita ng pagpapahalaga sa mga makabagong bayani isang araw na puno ng saya at papremyo ang inihanda ng SM at BDO.

May on-site registration para sa BDO Kabayan account. Isa itong serbisyo na mas pinapadali ang pag-iipon at pagpapadala ng remittances ng mga OFW sa kanilang mga pamilya.

Kasamang nakisaya ang viral content creator na si Small Laude. Sandamakmak na halakhak naman ang dala nina Donita Nose, MC, at Lassy.

Isa sa mga paborito kong parte ay ang pagkilala para sa isang natatanging OFW mula rito sa atin na si Karl Japeth Rosal, isang seafarer na may adbokasiya para sa mga kabaro niya.

Maraming salamat, SM at BDO sa inyong Pamaskong Handog para sa mga OFW at kanilang mga pamilya.

21/12/2024

These snack items have witnessed our memories with family and friends. They are always present in gatherings, picnics, travels, movie nights, and other activities. Thank you, Universal Robina Corporation for being our partner every year! Merry Christmas!

21/12/2024

As part of the Pamaskong Handog 2024 ng SM at BDO a press conference was held where the local media personalities and content creators in General Santos had the chance to ask their questions to BDO and SM.

BDO Unibank Senior Vice President & Head of Remittance Genie T. Gloria talked about the advocacy of BDO and how they take care of OFWs and their families by streamlining the process of application for a BDO Kabayan account and making it easier for them to send their remittances and keeping their savings by partnering with institutions here and abroad.

SM City General Santos Mall Manager Hermon L. Hernandez explained that through the Pamaskong Handog, they are giving opportunities for OFWs to spend quality time with their families while they are in the mall.

They also highlighted the collaboration between BDO and SM to provide quality service to OFWs and their families. One of which is the Kabayan Tuesday Sale, where OFWs and their families can enjoy up to 10% off at SM affiliates every first Tuesday of the month by showing their Kabayan ATM card, passbook or remittance slip.

Thank you, BDO and SM for taking care of OFWs and their families.

21/12/2024

Skip the lines and the traffic this holiday season! Order your food via Grab and avail of discounts when you use the promo code POTLUCK.

*Minimum spend varies per city

20/12/2024

May Pamaskong Handog ang SM at BDO para sa inyo!

Makisaya kasama si Piolo Pascual, Small Laude, MC, Lassy, at Donita Nose sa third & final leg ng Pamaskong Handog 2023 bukas, December 21 sa SM City General Santos!




BDO is regulated by the BSP (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P500,000 per depositor. Please visit the About section of the BDO Kabayan page for more details.

20/12/2024

Visited the eye-catching Pink Mosque (Masjid Dimaukom) in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. Open to the public, this vibrant mosque, with its striking pink hues symbolizing love and peace, is a cultural and architectural treasure.

Around the vicinity of the mosque, there were friendly locals selling snacks and souvenirs. A little girl offered to take my photo, while selling a small photo of the mosque framed in acrylic.

It makes me wonder: could this gem—among others—one day gain the same iconic status as the temples in Bangkok or the mosques in Singapore, like the one near Haji Lane?

17/12/2024

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻?

With the many Christmas parties and exchanges of gifts happening, we sometimes run out of ideas for gifts to give away.

Look ni further, catch the biggest mall-based bazaar in Gensan this Holiday Season. The Paskong Heneral Bazaar 2024 runs until December 22, 2024 at the Atrium of SM City General Santos.

Regular Booths:
🎁 Fragrance by Niv
🎁 PANINDA NI TOTEP
🎁 Key of Charms
🎁 PULCERAS ILOILO
🎁 Icey's Food Products
🎁 MELTS
🎁 FLORISE SCENTS
🎁 Made in Moriah
🎁 Dyeversion Prints
🎁 FroYo 365
🎁 DARBY'S Homebakes
🎁 Christy Handmade x KuKuni Crochet
🎁 The House of Feels
🎁 Imprimeré
🎁 Lustrousdvo
🎁 Mommy Mel's Food Products
🎁 Bean There
🎁 PopKrafts x fine artisan GSC
🎁 Mr. Snow Affordelicious Pizza
🎁 The color blue print studio/ metro plaz food packaging supplies
🎁 MC Events by Michael Carbon ETC | Starlyte

Special Open Booths:
🎁 XCL Novelties
🎁 Weave and Dream
🎁 P1 Collectibles
🎁 Hobby Tat
🎁 Ava crafts and prints
🎁 Satty Alley
🎁 DTI Region 12 & CFIDP
🎁 Pop Finds
🎁 Maskinahoodie
🎁 RVT Merch

Prime Booths:
🎁 Futura Bay Gensan
🎁 Futura Homes Koronadal
🎁 Altafina by Vista Estates
🎁 Trexies Pasalubong
🎁 Her Events and Party Supplies by Trexies
🎁 What I Wear
🎁 MLKY Cafe & Bake Bar

This event is brought to you by MC Events by Michael Carbon

16/12/2024

Spotted: During the VIP/Media Day of Max's Robinsons General Santos

15/12/2024

A new era for the Sox Bloggers begins! Proud to be a part of the region's OG digital media!

𝗔 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸, 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘇𝘇!

Nearly 17 years ago, in 2008, Avel Manansala of GenSan News Online brought together a group of passionate, like-minded creators in General Santos City to form what is now SOCCSKSARGEN Bloggers—also known as Sox Bloggers . Back then, we set out with a clear mission: to connect, create, and inspire, while showcasing the real image of Mindanao to the world—a region often overshadowed by negative news that discouraged visitors.

Since then, we have grown, adapted, and thrived as a community, united by the same passion that started it all.

Today, we take a bold step into the future with the unveiling of our new identity, starting with a new logo! This marks the beginning of our rebranding journey as Sox Bloggers Society—a dynamic and inclusive community for bloggers and digital media creators. Designed by Dao Rosales, our new logo symbolizes our evolution and ongoing commitment to staying relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape.

SoxBees, as we call ourselves, continue to build our influence and make a difference in the community. Taking the lead in this transition are the following SoxBees (Follow our pages to get to know us more:

Ariel Centineo Lalisan of Living in the South PH
Chiclet E. Moscoso-Rillo of Chix and Tell
Michael Andrew Carbon of Michael "Manay" Carbon
Daryl Rosales of The Kuripot Guide
Kenneth Diendo-Ang of Kenn SOX
Marz Fernandez Bendol of Planet Marz
Poppy Poppy Poppy of PoppyRazzi

Here’s what’s buzzing for us:
✅ A New Platform is in the works to showcase our creators, projects, and collaborative work.
✅ We’re opening our doors to new members—bloggers, vloggers, and all digital media creators—to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the hive.
✅ We’re focused on strengthening partnerships with existing collaborators while building new connections to grow and thrive.

Thank you for being part of this journey! We would love to have you with us as we press on to a more exciting future. Here’s to creating more buzz, building stronger connections, and soaring higher together!