Coral Carnival
Visit the Coral Carnival and have a fabulous time with rides that will leave you catching your breaths. Watch the novelty shows and be amazed. And simply have fun with the games and other attractions only seen and experienced in carnivals. Coral Carnival is open from Aug. 18 to Sept. 6 at the Oval Plaza.

Tinda-Tinda Sa Baybayon
Shop-o-holics, this is the place to be! Bargain galore awaits you at the Tinda-tinda sa Baybayon. Choose from a wide array of goods for everybody. Clothes for Mommy and Ate, working tools and cool gadgets to tinker with for Daddy and Kuya and toys for baby. Find your way to household stuff and what-have-yous. They're all here. So smash your piggybanks and enjoy great bargains! Shop till you drop from Aug. 18 to Sept. 10

Plantuna Garden Show
Nope, this garden show will not have plants from under the sea where the celebrated Tuna is from, just your exotic and fantastic garden favorites. Pick one or two for a loved one, a friend or just place them in your living room or add them to your garden collection. Amaze your guests with a truly nice find at the Plantuna Garden Show that runs from Aug. 25 till Sept 7 near the Oval Plaza.

National Tuna Men's Tennis Tournament
See the best of Gensan tennis with this exciting tournament to be participated in by local and National tennis players since the tournament this year is sanctioned by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA). National celebrities will be also invited to commemorate with the festival. See them hit and run on Aug. 27 to 31.

Coca-Cola Hottah-hottah sa Tuna City
Witness the hottest street party celebration that induces thirst, sweat, and maximum excitements. Coca-cola tend to satisfy these urges with its unique features of partying. The thrill of the heat starts on Sept. 1 to 6.

Tuna Festival Fair 2003/TAGA The Venue
The wide array of tuna food products in its distinctive taste and aroma confined to merge with the lifestyle of gimikeroes and party bum people. The setting itself is also advantageous to prospective buyers, sellers, producers and businessmen. The Tuna festival fair serves as the venue to convene the said people where they themselves get acquainted to and do business. With the featured activities of the organizers, socialization and fine dining is not impossible. Go out get nasty and have fun. This is from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, organized by Clintuna.

Search for Miss GenSan 2003
Let's talk. This time, not merely about beauty, but of brains as well. Gensan is looking for a true quintessence of woman who represents a discovery of the wealth of waters of General Santos City. She will also represent the city in any of the three prestigious national beauty competitions: Binibining Pilipinas, Mutya ng Pilipinas and Miss Earth Philippines, aside from reigning as Miss GenSan of 2003. Watch and discover GenSan's women compete for the title, showcase of talents (Talent Nite) on Aug. 29 and the Pageant night proper set on Sept.r 1.

Lutuna Culinary Competition
Pamper your palates even by just ogling at mouth-watering Tuna dishes. Gensan's Chefs are in for battle for the most nicely prepared and most delectable Tuna menus. If you have not been to expensive restaurants around town lately, this is the time to see (and smell) what they have got, never mind if you don't have your credit cards. They won't charge you anything if keep your fingers to yourself. By the way, if you're an aspiring cook or chef, you can learn a thing or two here. Lutuna Culinary Competition is on Aug. 30 at Gaisano Mall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This facilitated by The GSC Tourism Association.

Pasiklaban Cheer Dancing Competition
Rah! Rah! Rah! Siz Bumba! Watch the energy and excitement of a cheer dancing competition like no other. The showdown of cheering artistry and choreography will be on Aug. 30 at the Lagao Gymnasium. This is organized by RPN DXDX-Radyo Ronda.

TunaFest Bakbakan sa Gensan
It's a battle of brawn and brawl as young boxing hopefuls slug it out to be the next Manny Pacquiao, the World Boxing Champ who happens to hail from General Santos City. These boys have trained hard and long. They're rarin' to show what they've got. Come and witness history unfold like those who have seen Manny Pacquiao when he was still a promising slugger years back. Are you reeady to rrrumble?! Bakbakan is from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 at the Boxing Park near the Oval Plaza. Sponsored by GSC Boxing Association.

Rave Party at Driving Range
Hang-out and party the night away under the stars! RDHotels rolls out the green carpet for you in a dance extravaganza that's sure to rev you up. Bring the gang and join the throng of revelers till the wee hours of the morning on Aug. 30 at the Anchor Driving Range. Brought to you by the RD Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Dog show Competition
Devila, that cruel lady in the movie 102 Dalmatians (yup, sequel to 101) will have less of her dogs. Some of these spotty canines will be in Gensan's dog show. Dalmatians, Poodles, Dobermans, German shepherds. Name it they have it. So come and bring everyone. If you want to lick your fear of dogs goodbye, this is the place. Have a nice time watching cute and smart dogs do their tricks. They're simply unbelievable! Aug. 30 to 31, whole day at the Oval Plaza. Sponsored by Kennel Club

"Honorable Darlene Magnolia Antonino Custudio Cup-Lumba Langoy"
You've watched Tuna squish as they pass by, not when you're out scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean but even when they crossed from the once tuna landing facility across the City public market to the waiting lab-aseros (fish traders). Now you'll see Gensan men emulate the majestic Tuna as they splash and outswim one another in the Lumba Langoy (swiming contest). Bring your flippers and bikinis. You might get so excited you'll decide to take a dip too! Aug. 30, whole day at the Sports Complex and August 31 at the Tropicana Beach Resort for the finals. Spearheaded by Skipjack Swim Team

The Great Tuna Treasure Hunt
Have you experienced egg hunting during Easter Sunday? Or orienteering, scavenger race, adventure race? What you seen on TV, cable or read in the news about Amazing Race, Eco-challenge, Carrera Habagat. This is a must activity to monitor and quest for the answer. Organized by the Honda Cars in exploration of the great tuna treasure on the whole day of Aug. 30.

Lakad Tuna and Hataw Tuna
Get rid of that fats, burn calories and outcast stress! Grab your running shoes and wear that sport attire, join the hataw exercises facilitated by the City Hall Employees on Aug. 31, alarm the clock at 5am!

Opening Ceremonies/ Unveiling of Festival Billboard
Witness and experience the opening ceremonies of the 5th Tuna Festival in Celebration of the 35th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City. Take part! Be there on Aug. 31 7:30 a.m.

2nd Mototrail Competition
If speed thrills you, the 2nd Mototrail Competition is a must-see event. The best bikers in the area will gather and outroar each other for this spectacular partnership of man and machine. Only the bravest of hearts shall endure. Only the sturdiest of arms shall make it to the finish. Be there and see the action. Aug. 31, whole day at the Espina Estate. Organized by the Mountain Trailers Association Husky Riders

INTER-school Academics and Dance Competition
Diligence in building steady study and work habits certainly pays. When you get to hone your chosen disciplines, you are sent to competitions for the brainy and the artistic. Cool, huh? So who's lined up in the event for chosen few? Find out in the Inter-School Academics and Dance Competition. For all we know, Gensan could just be sitting under a mine of talents waiting to be discovered, unearthed. So what are you waiting for, let's cheer 'em up! (oops, can't make noise; no distractions please, they are concentrating). Sept. 1, whole day at the GSC Gym. Facilitated by Youth Affairs and Development Office

Kalayang-layang sa Gensan:Kite Flying Competition
The word "kalayang-layang" is the Maguindanao word for kite flying flying. Kite flying has become a form of leisure. It is a one way of temporarily letting go of the pressure and negatives of daily contemporary life in order to rejuvenate and lighten one's mental as well as emotional loads by exerting effort at building a functional kite and delving into one's innate creativity in order to produce one that is ultimately original and eyecathing.

RGMA's Singing for fish Di Ba!!??
Step aside Regine Velasquez, Pops Fernandez, Sharon Cuneta, the search for Fish Di Ba!? Si here to unearth the talents of the local Gay community in singing. Watch and be entertained with their unique presentation on Sept. 1, at the Oval Plaza stage 7 p.m. This event is organized by the RGMA.

FishFest sa Fishport
If you're in the mood for watching real, whole Tuna, you should go to the fish port on Sept. 2. Exciting things are happening there. There's the search for the biggest Tuna, the contest for fastest Tuna handling/preparation, boat race, Karga-tuna and many more. This event promises to be lots of fun and education too! Action starts at 8 am. Sponsored by PFDA

Celebrity Dive: Walk our Waters
See various artist as they dip in the waters of GenSan's Wealth Of Waters on Sept. 2, at the coastal areas of Sarangani Bay. The guest and participants will explore the best dive spots of General Santos City an d will offer discover diving lesson for non-divers. This activity is under the supervision of the TunaFest in cooperation of the Dive Gensan Club.

Tunog Tuna sa Plaza - Battle of the Bands
Time for some head bangs (not the hair, duh). Groove to the beat of Gensan's hottest amateur bands as they dish out original compositions and own versions of today's hits. Find out who really sounds like Parokya ni Edgar or Rivermaya or Eraserheads or Salbakuta. Sept. 2 at the Oval stage. Brought to you by Coca-cola

Kulay Dagat On-the-Spot Painting Competition
Painting enthusiasts will have their day as participants will get down to work and show their masterful strokes using brush and paint for the Kulay Dagat On the Spot Painting Competition on Sept. 3, starting at 9 a.m. at the CP Garcia Park. You can watch them while at work or watch in awe their finished products after you've checked out the other attractions of the TunaFest.
Bring the kids, it could be a quick start on their interest in the arts.

Eros Band in Concert
The Eros Band is a byword in Gensan's entertainment scene. Whenever people gathered, Eros Band was there to enliven the affair. There's never a dull moment whenever you party with these guys from Coca-cola. Watch them as they perform live on Sept. 3, 7 p.m. Sponsored by Coca-cola.

Radyo Bombo's Bangkarera
The quest for speed and trill in boat racing will be in reality this coming Sept. 4, witness how small boats race their way to the finish line in the shore of Lion's beach. The affair is facilitated by BomBo Radyo Phils.

5th Tuna Congress
The Tuna Industry will convene to plan the sustainability of the resources in which we are now known to be the, Tuna Capital of the Philippines. The business sector will also update the new policy in the tuna industry and its other opportunities here and abroad. Opening the windows for both local and international market and enhancing the quality of production without diminishing the resources. Be updated, the opening of the Tuna Congress will be on Sept. 4 at the Family Convention Center.

Tuna Trade Exhibits for Tuna Industry
The local Tuna investors is given the chance to showcase their products and quality production through this event. This is also one way of uplifting the economy of General Santos City. Join them in this endeavor at the Family Convention Center on Sept. 4.

Coca-cola Hottah-Hottah Concert
Enjoy this refreshing treat from Coca-cola, an evening of performances by local and invited guests to add color and dazzle to the festivities, the Coca-cola Hottah-Hottah Concert. Don't miss this once in a long while event on Sept. 4, 7 p.m. at the Oval Plaza. Feel The Heat and Experience It with The sweat from The Hottah-Hottah.

Sashimi Night
TunaFest will not be complete without the fabulous Sashimi Night. It's going to be a gastronomic evening for you and your wasabe. Take out your chopsticks and let the party begin (burp! oops!). Sashimi night will be at the Anchor Driving Range on Sept. 4, 6 p.m. Sponsored by GSC Tourism Association

Thanksgiving Mass and Ecumenical Service and Floral Offering
A thanksgiving mass will be offered by the leaders and the people for surviving the problems that beset the City this year. It is also a symbol of dependence on God for all its needs- peace, progress and stability. Sept. 5, 6 a.m. at the Garcia Park.

Pamahaw at Pasalamat Para sa Bayan
Join the crowd as free breakfast is served at the Garcia Park and Pioneer Avenue by the Fishing Federation as a gesture of thanksgiving for a good year for the Fishing Industry and the over-all thriving of business in Gensan. Happening on Sept. 5 at 7:30 a.m.

Drum and Lyre Competition
Witness how different school and institution compete with drum and lyre as they marched along J. Catolico Avenue to Oval Plaza on Sept. 5 at 7 a.m. Organized by the Department of Education.

Radyop Agong's Live Drama sa Oval
Soap operas sometimes make you cry, sometimes make you smile. You're glued daily to your radio or TV sets not missing a single episode as if your life depended on them. But a live drama can be more captivating. No cuts. No commercials. Come and see the live dramatization of the famous radio opera Sutukil (acronym for sugba, tula, kilaw) as it performs in Gensan on Sept. 5, 7 p.m. at the Oval Plaza. This brought to you by Radyo Agong

Tuna Revolution Float Parade Competition
People from all barangays of the City and nearby municipalities are either joining the competition or merely amusing themselves with the gigantic Tuna floats presentation with a Tuna motif. This will be a sure treat because big fish companies in the City are shelling huge amounts to produce boats and Tunas made to roll on the streets. Come one, come all to the event that everyone, young and old, will talk about, the Tuna Float Parade competition. Sept. 5, 9:30 a.m..

HIGANTE Ng DAGAT Competition / Street Dancing Competition
Every one is invited as the pinnacle of the festivities kicks off - the Parade cum Street Dancing Competition. People from all barangays of the City and nearby municipalities are either joining the competition or merely amusing themselves with the gigantic features and amazing creatures of the sea the Higante Ng Dagat competition, and various street dance presentations with a Tuna motif. Come one, come all to the event that everyone, young and old, will talk about, the Higante ng Dagat and Street Dancing competition. Sept. 5, 1 p.m. at the P. Acharon Complex.

Concert Sa Junction
The San Miguel Corporation will sponsor a pre-celebration of parody of OctoberFest on Sept.r 5 with a musical burlesque the whole nite long at the junction of Pendatun and Roxas Avenue.

Tampisaw Sa Baybayon:Disco Kalye
Unshackle that dancing feet, unleash the power within, and dance the nite away at the Pendatun and Roxas Avenue on Sept. 5 - 8 p.m. Street dancing Gensan style. Groove to the beat, swing and sway. FM Radio Stations will provide the music and the boom boxes (and your favorite deejays too!). Bring your friends or meet new ones. This is where the young, free and single will converge and have a good time. We will occupy the whole stretch of Pioneer avenue for you to fill and enjoy. Shake it baby.

Fireworks Display
See the skies of GenSan burst in colorful fires as we close the 5th Tuna Festival. The Tuna Festival Council 2003 will spearhead the event this coming Sept. 5 in front of the City Hall.

East Asia Royal Hotel's Street Party
Still got some energy left for a final street party? Want to end the weeklong Tuna Festival with a bang? Don't kick your dancing shoes under the bed just yet. Come to the Post Festival Street Party at the EARH parking on Sept. 5, 8 p.m. Brought to you by East Asia Royale Hotel

For more information, contact the Tuna Festival secretariar at telephone numbers 554-6018, 301-778 PR

August 28, 2003
Wow Gensan: Discover Gensan's Wealth of Waters
Edgar D. Cadiente

THE 5th Tuna Festival is a feat of many revelations in the history of General Santos City. It is a rediscovery and an affirmation; it is a test, and a proof; it is a challenge and a triumph.

We rediscovered and affirmed that Gensan has actually a very rich material from which a trademark can be woven. We tested and have actually proven that the Gensan spirit of resiliency and courage prevails. After the security crises that hit the neighboring cities, risk was still high but then we did not remain in the recessed section of our rooms and cowered in fear. We went out and celebrated. And so it came to pass, we emerged triumphant in taking in the challenge of conquering the anxiety.

Indeed, the Tuna Festival will usher General Santos City into a significant plane of commemoration. Not only do we celebrate the city's 35th Charter Anniversary - we also take pride in recognizing our Wealth of Waters.

Thus, our theme: WOW Gensan - Discover Gensan's Wealth of Waters.

Placing the Fishing industry on center stage during the city's Charter Anniversary via the Tuna Festival is a sincere gesture of homage. For what the city has become in the economic arena can be primordially attributed to the fishing enterprise.

Beyond the play of words, this year's theme will hopefully bring home the message. That Gensan is not only a Wellspring of Winners - we have what it takes to showcase the beauty and bounty of our seas. Discover Gensan's Wealth of Waters: Swim, referring to our breathtaking dive sites; Sand, referring to our pristine beaches and Sashimi, referring to our world-renowned product, the Tuna.

But the challenge remains in the hands of Gensan residents. The time has come for us to realize that the trademark we dream for our city is now gradually unfolding. Lest we let it vanish, we better embed in our minds and heart its true value and use it to our advantage. The quintessence of a trademark is living and breathing it.

One day soon, all roads will lead to Gensan every September of every year.

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY: The Philippines' Tuna Capital
Edgar D. Cadiente

Fishing is the fastest growing industry in the city. It is in fact largely responsible for the economic boost enjoyed by the city today. Coming a close second to Navotas' daily fish landing volume, the city's fish port ranks first in terms of high value fish. The city proudly ships sahimi-grade tuna to Japan, Canada, United States, Hong Kong and leading hotels in Metro Manila. It is also home to seven of the biggest tuna processing firms in the Philippines with a combined canning capacity of 570 metric tons a day. The city has now over 50 commercial fishing companies landing a collective volume of 8,000 metric tons of sashimi grade tuna per month.

All these statistics and more add to the fore of the concept, that of building a trademark for General Santos City. The Tuna Festival is not merely a spectacle but a venue to showcase the city's pride and meaning. In its entirety, it is a celebration of the ocean's bounty. Moreover, it is fortifying the tangible strength of the city, wherein collective spirit is the inspiration that underscores the leadership of the city's affairs.

September 5 marks the inauguration of General Santos, 35 years ago, from a municipality into a bustling city without changing its name. From then until 1986, General Santos City moved up from a third class to a first class city. During those times until today, the agriculture and most especially the fishing industry flourished dramatically. What better way to remember our charter anniversary than celebrating it with the very foundation that has led to where it stands now.

Come celebrate with us and discover Gensan's Wealth of Waters.

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