Blondie in Wonderland: magandang gensan

IMAGINE THE JOY OF MY CUTICLES ONCE THEY FINALLY GOT A POLISHING THEY DESERVED, AFTER A HECTIC SCHEDULE DID A NUMBER ON MY DEAR DELICATE NAILS.

Exactly a year after their first branch opened, Impulse Nail Bar & Salon had another branch opened just this December 18 2013 at the 3rd floor of Veranza.

I cant get over how incredibly chic their interior is, hot pink with wood finished furniture, the lighting, plus their very neat relaxing ambiance, on the right their mani-pedi station, further in from the right, their VIP area, for those who want to get their nails done in private, just add Php50 to your mani-pedi, very affordable! You could lounge on their comfy couch, even with your own TV. On the left it’s their salon area, where you could relax and enjoy the wide array of lavish salon services from hair treatments, styling, color and make-up as well. Impulse is very confident and proud, they only use trusted and imported brands for their services to assure their customers get the best results.

“Classy, fancy but not pricey” is how owner and beauty fairy godmother, Pinky Mihara would describe Impulse. Growing up, she’s always been fond of glamming stuff up and making things pretty which made her take up cosmetology in Japan. Being born and raised in Gensan she decided to put up a nail bar and salon here. With her aim of providing fellow Generals, comfort and satisfaction with very affordable prices, I could say they didn’t fail to comply.

For only Php310 I was able to get my mani-pedi, with a fiery red Sally Hansen’s complete salon manicure, All Fired Up polish. Got a bit confused while I was trying to pick a shade of polish, because of the vast collection of imported nail polish I was presented with. I was as seated at the end of this long, pink, super kawaii/cute couch, I saw their autoclave/sterilizer placed on my right, what a big plus, customers could get the comfort of knowing the tools they’re using are clean.

The manicurist did an awesome job of filing, buffing and painting my ragged claw like nails. Their employees are definitely experienced and hospitable, people that you could build a customer friendship with, I had a nice chat with her, where in which I learned that they could finish an exceptionally clean and polished manicure within 15mins, and a mani-pedi under 30 mins, how awesome is that?

Overall the price is fair and very affordable especially when you consider the cleanliness & the products that they use. One could see that cleanliness is of the utmost importance to this nail bar and salon, followed by a close second of customer satisfaction, that definitely makes you want to back again and again.

For appointments, info and updates visit www.facebook.com/ImpulseNailBarAndSalon

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @mskyriemoon for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

chill - 1/30/2015

Impulse Nail Bar & Salon

IMAGINE THE JOY OF MY CUTICLES ONCE THEY FINALLY GOT A POLISHING THEY DESERVED, AFTER A HECTIC SCHEDULE DID A NUMBER ON MY DEAR DELICAT...

Photos by Fra Jamir

From the team that brought us last years G-DayX Mindanao, Google Business Group (GBG) Gensan brings us an even more googlier, G-Day GenSan! The event took place at SM City Gensans Trade Hall 1, last May 3, 2014. 250 participants stormed the trade hall, and were pumped up by a flash zumba session to the tune of Pharells 'Happy', by Donna Mae Congson, from Gensans own Legendz, along with GBG Gensan members.

G-Day Gensans highlights were of course were the talks, participants were dazzled by speakers who bring out the awesomeness of various Google tech available. The Googly event was hosted by quirky Orman Manansala, GBG Gensans Co-Manager. Among those speakers were Gensans own Avel Manansala (Manager of GBG Gensan) Ariel Lalisan (Lead of Google Educators Group-Sarangani), and in place of Mayor Ronnel, Couns. Hon. Dominador Lagare III, Chiclet Rillio (lead GBG Women Gensan) Belida Canlas (Exec. director of GSC Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Job Oberio (System Sales Admin, GenSanSales.com/GBG Trainer), Rap Gregorio (GBG Trainer), Alexis Chua (Cash Mngmt. Specialist, AUB/GBG Trainer), Leizl Oberio and Cindy Bascon (Entreprenours), Rain Ramas (Hotel San Marco Consultant), Gwyn Ann Ebol-Palima (Communications Officer, Dole Phils., Corp.).

Keynote speakers, Ms. Gail Tan,Google Business Community Manager and Ms. Chelle Gray,Google Developer Community Manager, who flew to Gensan to share their thoughts, experiences and GDG and GBG's aims.

In between talks, prizes were given away, served lunch, Q&A floor was opened in order for the participants quires to the speakers. All in all it was a fun filled, inspirational and informative day. Some might argue that technology has its downsides, can't say that its untrue, but its how we use those information available at our fingertips, that define us. It is how we act toward this galaxy of limitless possibilities, whether we use it for our destruction or for our victory.

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

blondie in wonderland - 5/14/2014

GDAY GenSan 2014

Photos by Fra Jamir From the team that brought us last years G-DayX Mindanao, Google Business Group (GBG) Gensan brings us an ev...

Only Goodfellas has been known to be a hub for Yuppies, ever since their opening last, May 2013. But don’t let the classic with a side of retro interiors fool you into thinking it’s a pricey place to chill. Once you step inside the resto, owned and managed by Vincent and Janet Zammit, you already left the Philippines, it’s as if the door is a portal to Europe.

The resto specializes in authentic Italian cuisine, with recipes that have been passed from the Sicilian Zammit family for generations. Only Goodfellas is dedicated to give the real traditional home made Italian taste, without compromising the ingredients, ingredients that are by the way from all over Europe. Plus the quantity of the meals are large and their prices are not too high, you could have yourself a reasonably priced meal within a Php140.

One of the edge Goodfellas has over their competitions, besides their imported ingredients, is the fact that they cook their meals in real time, right after they’re ordered. Goodfellas is famous for their pasta meals like my personal favorite the Spaghetti Di Avola which is a mouth watering deep fried pasta that’s crispy on the outside but remains soft on the inside, their Ravioli, Bolognese and Tortellini pastas are some of their best sellers, and meals like their Peppered Beef Fillet, Panini’s’ and their famous Swiss, French, German and smoked sausage meals, make their clients coming back for more.

Its no wonder why tourists from the Philippines and from all over the globe, especially those tourists that check-in the neighboring Microtel, have a huge appreciation for the place, not just because of the ambiance and taste, but also the quality service their crew give.

Goodfellas also has a wide collection wines that the owners collected from all over Europe, D’Avola Sicilia & Cabernet and Sauvignon being the couples favorites. They also have a number of classic cocktails, made from top quality liquors,with their own European twists, twists that can only be defined after you try one. If you ask me, their cocktails are rich in flavor but after you have one you’ll feel the effect of the alcohol without the strong alcohol taste.

If you’re looking for a place to dine that serves good food, provides good service, on a good location, or chill and hangout with good company, Only Goodfellas is where you have to go.

Located at Valley High, Microtel Arcade, National Highway, General Santos City

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

eats - 5/02/2014

ONLY GOODFELLAS; European Cuisine in the heart of Gensan

Only Goodfellas has been known to be a hub for Yuppies, ever since their opening last, May 2013. But don’t let the classic with a s...

Medical spa, two simple words, a union between medicine and spas is relatively new to Gensan, March 18, 2013, the Gwapaha Medical Spa, Gwapaha meaning “beautiful” in the dialect, opened their doors to give us a full experience of the marriage of those two words, in the field of international dermatology, cosmetic, spa and aesthetic services, set in their clean facilities and tasteful ambiance made up of soothing modern Filipino interiors.

According to Dr. Teresita Ferrariz, FPDS, FPSCS, the word “medical” is the key. Speaking as a board certified, internationally trained dermatologic/cosmetic surgeon and owner of Gwapaha Medical Spa,

“It’s something we Generals could be proud of”

she said, with their soothing ambiance, high end facilities, and an establishment that has the President and Vice President of the Spa Association of the Philippines as consultants, assures exceptional service to their clients. When asked why she chose Gensan for her next professional venture, she answered,

"As I have been so blessed to have been given so much opportunities I now want to give to my fellow Generals the opportunity to enjoy world class medical spa services at a very reasonable price."

Gwapaha is the only center in GenSan with high-end medical equipments such as the Pelleve, an RF machine for skin tightening and fine wrinkles, Intraceutical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Melasma and skin rejuvenation ( Hollywood's Top Secret). The first to do Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) , a procedure that stimulates stem cell production , making your skin look younger, smoother and free of stubborn blemishes. It also helps in the treatment of Alopecia, atrophic scars and stretch-marks. State-of-the-art Laser machines for acne scars, tattoo and hair removal, alongside their highly trained and reliable staff. Gwapaha provides excellent services that range from different kinds of dermatology procedures to cosmetic and dermatologic surgeries .

Gwapaha is the first to do Liposuction here in Gensan. And if you prefer a non invasive procedure for body contouring and slimming, their center have Lipocavitation , a special device that uses ultrasound in melting fats together with a special diet plan to ensure that you get your desired body beautiful! Varicose and spider veins? No worries, Dr. Ferrariz prides herself as one of the best in the country in doing Sclerotherapy and Ambulatory Phlebectomy as proven by her satisfied patients and invitations to do lectures and workshops here and abroad.

Also labeled as a destination spa, Gwapaha draws in clients from locals to tourists from neighboring cities, and abroad, even world famous boxer and Sarangani Congressman Hon. Manny Pacquiao and his Coach Freddie Roach lists as some of their regulars, where all come from near and far just to venture into this one of a kind experience on wellness. I for one, could understand why most of their clients become such avid fans of the spa, speaking from personal experience, they provide top of the notch services, built upon expertise you can trust.

For more info and a list of services about Gwapaha Medical Spa visit; www.gwapahamedicalspa.com

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines

chill - 5/01/2014

Finding Wellness and Beauty at Gwapaha Medical Spa

Medical spa, two simple words, a union between medicine and spas is relatively new to Gensan, March 18, 2013, the Gwapaha Medic...

Craving for some seafood? Then make no excuses to indulge, head over to the spacious, relaxed and homey, Red Trellis Seafood Garden ,located at the heart of General Santos, Valley High Street, which is the second branch of the resto, the original branch is located at Tiongson Extension, in Lagao.

From what started out as a hobby by owner George Sandoval, who enjoys cooking for his friends and family. After sampling his scrumptious dishes, was encouraged by the same group of people to open up a restaurant. Then soon after, he did.

Red Trellis, Valley High branch opened March 15 2013. They present a good variety on their menu, but specialists more on fresh flavorful seafood dishes at an attractive price point. Red Trellis serves them as fresh as they could ever be. Dinning here would really be a haven for seafood lovers. Treat yourself to the likes of delightful crabs, lobster and pompano sourced mostly from Surigao and Sarangani, will undoubtedly fulfill anyone’s seafood cravings.

When you’d have visitors from other cities or even countries, you might want to bring them over to Red Trellis, the food is indeed a good break from the generic restaurants that almost have the same menu. Each meal that Red Trellis serves has been well thought off, from countless experimentation of the owner, and from various food trips in and out of the country.

Their bestsellers are their special mouthwatering Crab and Coco Milk, Jumbo Prawns and Eight Treasures Soup, which is made out of 8 kinds of seafood and a century egg.

I've never tasted century egg before, as I have always been repelled by its smell but when I tasted it in the soup,I immediately fell in love with the taste.

Red Trellis also serves the best Conch Meat in town. The latest addition to their menu which is the Spring Chicken, it’s a deep fried 2 week old organic chicken which is crispy on the outside and yet very tender and flavorful on the inside. After a satisfying belly busting fresh meal you might want to try their sub-zero chilled beer.

This elegant oriental garden themed restaurant is also available for private dinner parties. After your meal you also might want to try their sub-zero chilled beer.

For inquiries and reservations contact Tel. Nos. :302-2722/ 554-0256 / 301-6798, Cell No. 0922-2886999 or e-mail them at redtrellis@yahoo.com

Follow me on Twitter or Instagram, @kyriekoutre for more adventures in and around my wonderland that is Gensan, Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

crabs - 5/01/2014

Red Trellis; Seafood Garden

Craving for some seafood? Then make no excuses to indulge, head over to the spacious, relaxed and homey, Red Trellis Seafood Garden ,...

events - 5/01/2014

KINANG; THE GRAND OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 75TH KALILANGAN FESTIVAL

KINANG, the opening ceremony of the 75 th Kalilangan Festival was healed at the oval plaza on Feb. 21, 2014. The program feature...

It was a warm day on April 2, 2014 when I was fortunate that I was able to have a cup of coffee with GenSans First lady and Chairperson of the GSC Tourism Council (GSC-TC), Jane Rivera. I was charmed by her presence, she’s warm, gracious, completely natural, and down-to-earth. She talked to me about her family, her children and she also asked about mine, we shared a laugh for a moment there on how it seemed that the interviewer, even just for a second became the interviewee.

We were totally at ease in each others presence, then I mentioned on how astonished I was with her role as the Chairperson of GSC –TC. When I wrote about Paskuhan sa Gensan, I was inspired by the actions she took that made the event a success. And also on how she carries herself in style but also manages to roll up her sleeves and take part on their projects first-hand, from attending various events, here and there, everywhere in between charity work and promoting Gensan. As chairperson, she spearheads numerous efforts and projects that amplifies the different sounds, flavors, scenery and everything else that Gensan has to offer. When asked what motivates her in doing what she does, she answered “The Generals, members and officers of the Tourism Council”, Ms. Jane is determined to work as twice as much for them.

Just last March 21, she was in Iloilo for the travel exhibit and selling mission of the Department of Tourism Region XII, dubbed as “Luring Iloilo the 12^th Paradise” where they brought 2 tunas on their Savor in Paradise booth where Illongos lined up to grab a bite.

When I asked her, “What do you think the future of Gensan would be like? What gives you a sense of hope? Are you excited? Concerned or worried for what it might be?” , she replied, “I’m excited!” she also mentioned that great things take time, we can’t do everything overnight, that there are certain steps towards development that we should take, slowly but surely.

As for those steps to be taken, the council is currently working on various projects, just to name a few, the GenSan Summerfest which opened last March 31 and will culminate on May 31, is GenSans 1^st youth festival , where young Generals could compete Inter-Barangay, Inter-school and open category in various sports and performing arts competitions. Project Modelo, where barangays would be up against each other competing for the award for Cleanest Barangay. The renovation of, General Paulino Santos landing site. Construction plans for the City Museum. And the Official City Map and brochure that is soon to be released. The map/brochure aims to assist visitors on everything they need to know about Magandang Gensan.