While its claim to fame is being the “Tuna Capital of The Philippines”, which it is, General Santos City, down South, has quite a few surprises up its sleeve for travelers who make their way over.
Oftentimes, when one thinks of going on a vacation somewhere local, it is the usual suspects that come to mind. Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, La Union, and Cebu. But further down South is a city that welcomes you with its colorful culture, delicious food, and some of the best tuna you’ll find anywhere.
Here are the reasons why we think General Santos City, or GenSan as most people call it, deserves a spot on your list of local travel destinations.
Catch of the day!
General Santos more than deserves their moniker as the “Tuna Capital of The Philippines.” A visit to the fish port at the break of dawn (which can be arranged through the local government or travel agencies) gives you a firsthand look at the huge volume of tuna that passes through there on any given day. Straight off the boats! A walk further down takes you to another part of the fish port, where all other kinds of fish land before being sent off.
According to one of the fishermen there, who was weighing a rather hefty one, they average about 50,000 tons of tuna a day, but it was a slow one, expecting only half that by morning’s end. Around 80% of the day’s catch will be exported to different parts of the world, including Japan. The rest already been bought by restaurants and shops around city, and even all the way to Metro Manila.
Of course, a visit to GenSan means you wanna bring some tuna home with you. You can drop by any of the specialty stores — they’re everywhere— to shop for poke, panga, sashimi, or belly. And then some. When you’re done, they can pack and store your packages until your flight. Fresh, frozen, and ready to bring home.
Related story: A guide for adventure seekers: Best dive spots in PH to swim with marine life, explore shipwrecks, and more
Related story: These Boracay resorts are redefining luxury
Fun local festivals
All Filipinos love a good fiesta, and GenSan is no exception. People come from all over to experience the city’s traditions, which oftentimes comes with a side of delicious food.
In February, the city celebrates the Kalilangan Festival. The name comes from the Maguindanaoan word, “kalilang,” which means “celebration” or “festival.” This year’s theme was “Kampeon sa Kultura: Mas Pinakulay, Mas Pinasaya”, and featured a plethora of colorful booths offering all kinds of food and drink, even some lechon to go with the tuna! At the back of the park was a flea market selling all kinds of things, from knickknacks to shoes and clothes!
Perhaps the province’s biggest event of the year is the annual Tuna Festival – which is happening this September. Now on its 27th year, the event attracts foodies, tourists, and industry folk who are drawn to the pageantry of it all. Not to mention the rows upon rows of tuna — in all its cuts and iterations — being served up grilled or fresh on site! Delish!
Feasting For Days
One of the best things about GenSan is the food. It was a pleasant surprise to find so many different places to try, although the Filipino joints were the best of the lot. As expected, tuna (and even salmon) are the star items on their menu. For cheap! Imagine getting six slices of sashimi for P50, or a whole plate for just over 200! Seafood is also about as fresh as it gets, from grilled squid to whole fish like bangus.
A local favorite it Nadie’s Chicken House, known for its juicy and flavorful chicken inasal. When you walk in, the place looks a lot like your regular neighborhood place around the corner, except its packed with diners. It looked like the usual order were freshly-grilled (to order!) pieces of chicken, bowls of dinengdeng, and steamed rice. Suffice to say, with a sawsawan of spicy vinegar, sili, and soy sauce, the meal sure hits home.
Related story: Eating my way through Baguio—again
Related story: Grafik Hotel Collection is a cultural adventure set to unfold in 4 destinations
Nature Calling
GenSan is one of those places where a short drive out of the city can take you to the mountains where you can find a nature reserve or two. One of them is the Matutum Blooms Agri Tourism Park, located at the foot of Mt. Matutum. The place is ideal for those who like to go on short hikes and just hang out in nature, but with a touch of kitsch. The place hops on to the IG-friendly trend with little corners for the perfect photo op! The place also has some small cottages you can rent, should you want to turn your visit into a short vacay. Although, the bathroom is a few steps away, outside.
On the drive over, be sure to make a quick photo stop at the pineapple fields that line the highway headed to Mt. Matututum.
Sari-sari shopping
Aside from the famed tuna from Gensan, there is one other thing that will make for a great pasalubong to bring home —a colorful sari or malong. Available almost everywhere – in malls or any of the sprinkling of flea markets —they come in a myriad of colors, patterns, and even sizes. These beautiful fabrics can be used, and worn, in many ways, depending on their size. Just remember to pick one out for yourself too!
There really are so many reasons to explore the rest of the 7,107 islands that make up this beautiful country. Despite its faults, of which there are a number, there is so much more to love. That list includes places that may not be top of mind when planning a local vacay. Like GenSan. For the most part, it is very urban, but in between all the gray are pockets to discover good food, fun festivals, and something new about being Filipino. However way you spin it, it really is more fun in the Philippines.
Related story: Glamping getaways: Where to find the best campsites for a sanity break
Related story: All glowed up! Here’s what’s new and timeless in Bacolod
