Several people have already guessed it… I got several e-mails from people over the weekend asking if I was out of town, because I did not reply to comments on Friday and Saturday as quickly as I normally do. Well, indeed, I was out of town over the weekend. On Friday morning, Feyma, the kids and I all headed south to General Santos City.
It’s that time of the year again, and we needed to go for our annual check-in at the Bureau of Immigration office in GenSan. For a number of reasons, we still maintain our residency in GenSan, rather than Davao, so we go there to do our check-in, which is an annual requirement for foreigners here on a Resident Visa. We arrived at the Bureau of Immigration Office in GenSan at about 9:15 am on Friday morning, and by 9:30 we had finished up everything. They are fast and efficient there, and we always appreciate that very much.
Over the last couple of years, when we have visited GenSan we usually go down there early in the morning, and return to Davao the same day. This time, though, we decided to make a weekend of it, and we had a nice time during our visit there.
One of the things we did on the trip was to take the maid home, as I wrote about last week. After only a short time of being employed, she was homesick and decided to quit. She was from Kiamba, Sarangani Province, which is south of GenSan, so we took her home.
Of course, we also visited with Feyma’s family there, and also visited with a number of friends in the City, which we always enjoy. We never seem to have time to meet all of our friends in the City, but I guess that is normal.
On Friday night, Feyma and I went out for dinner at a place that has become pretty popular in the City, called “Grab a Crab.” It was our first time to eat at Grab a Crab, and the food was excellent. I had fun at Grab a Crab, because we had a friendly young waiter. I started ordering our meal, speaking Bisaya. The guy’s eyes got real big and he interrupted me – “Sir, you can speak Bisaya?” “Oo,” I replied, and kept ordering. The guy was so amazed, and treated us very well as we dined, so I enjoyed that a lot. We ate a variety of food at Grab a Crab – seems we always over-order – we had enough food for 4 people, instead of just the two of us. The food was great, though, and our meal was still only P800, so we can’t complain about that. Grab a Crab is certainly an upscale place! I guess that these days, Grab a Crab is probably the best restaurant in the City, and there are couple great places just outside the City too. Grab a Crab is right next door to the BayanTel Building, in the location where Orient Seas Restaurant used to be (although it is a totally new look, much more upscale). If you are in GenSan, be sure to visit the place, and tell them that Mindanao Bob sent you!
We stayed overnight in a new hotel in Barangay Bula called Jovinaj Traveler’s Inn. The room was just P800 per night, and quite comfortable. Nothing fancy, but I would definitely stay there again if I am in GenSan.
One thing I really noticed in GenSan on this trip is that the City is growing a lot, and traffic is becoming terrible there. The biggest reasons for the traffic problems are the huge number of tricycles and motorcycles. When we lived in GenSan in 2000-2002, the tricycles were not allowed on the Highway, but now they are everywhere, and they basically slow the traffic flow to almost a standstill. Honestly, I could not be comfortable living in GenSan anymore, and mostly because of the terrible traffic there.
Another nice highlight of the trip was that we went and visited our Ninang, Beth Bagonoc. Ninang Beth was one of our primary sponsors at our wedding in 1990, and we had not seen her for 7 or 8 years. At the time when we got married, Ninang Beth was a City Councilor in GenSan, and quite a powerful lady. These days, she has a number of businesses of her own, and is also a radio announcer on a local AM station there. She invited me to be a guest on her show on Saturday morning. She told me, though, that her topic of discussion is always about local GenSan Politics, and I politely declined the invitation, as I don’t get involved in Philippine Politics. It was very nice to see Ninang Beth, though.
We had an enjoyable trip to GenSan, and it was nice to see our friends and family there again. We’ll be heading back soon enough…
Maayo pa mo Bob, bisag asa nalang mo adto sa imo pamilya… (Wow, it’s really nice to say that in my native tongue) . I’m jealous. 🙂
Hi Bob
Welcome back from your weekend escape…
Pardon me for mentioning it BUT in the picture with your Binata it looks like you have lost some weight. Good for you!!!!!
How long does it take you to drive to Gen San from Davao????
Thanks for the tip about the traffic. I have a serious mental issue about traffic especially those caused by tricycles. I'd probably end up in jail from trying to run them off the road. Funny comment about your weight. Did your head get smaller or something? I don't get it? Anyway, nice that you travel around lots. Did you ever think about putting together a roro trip around the country with a bunch of site friends in multiple vehicles. We always hear about Davao but it would be really cool if you did a trip where we could all see and learn about the rest of the country.
Hi Tyleen Reynders – Yes, indeed, I have been losing weight pretty consistently. I still have a lot to lose, but I feel better and don't worry too much, as long as I can keep losing. If it takes a couple years, I have no problem with that.
It takes about 2 1/2 hours to drive from Davao to GenSan. I've done it in 2 hours if traffic is light, though.
Hi Steven – I don't understand why my weight always has to be an issue? Did my head get smaller? What a strange question. When you lose weight, of course you lose it all over, including in your face.
I have made trips with readers in the past, including LiP readers and Mindanao Magazine readers. I don't just stay in Davao, but I travel Mindanao extensively. I am planning a Cebu trip in the near future too. During the Cebu trip, I will indeed have a get together for readers there.
I think it's pretty normal that I write about Davao regularly, since this is where I live.
Maayong buntag sa imo Bob,
The way Josey taught me to say good morning to you. I am glad you had a chance to get away for a couple of days. You seem a very hard working man. I am looking forward to having you explain those reason for keeping you residency in Gen Sen when I finally get to live there. But that can wait. Now this can not. I read your post about being a ninang and really surprised Josey when I used the term. hehe But I noticed in this one you referred to the mother as ninang and the god daughter as binata. Should I wait until I get there and hire Bebe to teach me bisaya or can you explain so I can Surprise Josey again. I have been up since 5:00 AM my time and notice you are also an early riser. Have a nice day. It is Super Bowl Sunday here and I am looking forward to the commercials. hehe
Maayong buntag sa imo pud, Andy – You mis-understood my writing. My Ninang is not the mother of the child in the picture. The mother of Cedric is Cathy, she is my friend (edit – Since I am the Ninong of her child, Cathy is also my Kumare, and her husband Milper is my Kumpare). My Ninang is Beth, she is a different person, not related to Cathy or Cedric in any way.
Also, a little clarification – I am not a Ninang… that is a lady! 😆 I am a Ninong. Also, that is my GodSON. In Bisaya it is Binata. In Tagalog he would be my Inaanak, but I prefer to use the Bisaya.
Enjoy the super bowl! Who are you rooting for? Personally, I don't have any preference.
hehehe Bob I said it right to Josey and did not write it down and just saw the picture of you with that beautiful baby and maybe I have been up too long. I guess I will wait for Bebe. hehe Hey you did not read right either, It is the commercials I watch for. I have not had time to watch a game this season and don't really care either. Steelers are at least a team that in the league when I was young and addicted though. Thank you for the reply and the link to your magazine. Now another good read.
Hi Andy Woodridge – Ha ha… I didn't read it wrong! When I said "who are you rooting for" I meant, which commercial are you rooting for? 😀 Just joking…. enjoy the game… err…. commercials!
Now now Bob there you go getting all defensive again. Why do you take everything people say as an attack against you. Maybe I don't know that a person can lose weight in the face. Maybe I am just stupid and you are just so smart. Can you try and not be so sensitve about everything anyone might say about you please. This seems to be a pattern that anyone that may critizize you has to go to war with you. Frankly in all the blog and forums I participate in no one seems to get so bent out of shape about themselves as you . How about laughing at your self once in awhile. You could have said hmmmm Steven don't you know I have a big head no pun intended. Or Steven my head could never get small, no pun intended instead you get all defensive. I rest my case. I like your site Bob and try to be a positive contributor you lighten the heck up a little if you can.
HI Bob! We enjoyed seeing you and Feyma last week. I'm going to put this blog post on Cedric's baby book. Good thing you enjoyed Grab a Crab. I also think that Gensan is looking up fast! and we are excited!
Hi Steven – I was not upset, nor do I think I was defensive. I guess when you (anybody) read the written word, it is nearly impossible to know the feelings that the person who wrote it has. All I did was ask you a question… why does my weight always have to enter into the discussion? I didn't write about weight, so I just didn't understand why it even came up. Anyway, please don't misinterpret what I wrote, because I am not mad at all, just wondering why we need to talk about that? Also, I never said you are stupid, I never even thought such a thing.
Actually, I post a lot of stuff that can be interpreted as laughing at myself, not only on this blog but on others too.
Anyway, enough… this is quite off topic, but I'm just replying to what you said.
Hi Cathy – We had a really nice time with you and Milper too! And Cedric, of course. Don't forget to drop in whenever you are in Davao!
Hi, Bob!
Maayong buntag sa inyong tanan! 🙂
It's good to know that there are new good restaurants that keep coming up these days, especially those that specialize in seafood! Oh my, I think I must have 'ginataang alimango' this weekend!
I'm glad you enjoyed your last trip to GenSan, which you know is also the Tuna capital of the Philippines! But just like you, I'm quite disappointed with the traffic condition these days especially with the influx of more tricycles and motorcycles. It's happening in my hometown in Laguna, too! Cheers!
Hi Bob. I am watching the Super Bowl and they just had a commercial for something we have discussed in the past-televison shows on the computer. Check out http://www.hulu.com I went to the site and navigated around a little. You and others there might like it. Ron
It is so nice to be able to get away with the family sometimes ..have fun …Phil n Jess
Hi Bob,
Bisag or Bisan Asa is “wherever….Lol
I am glad that you & family had a chance to get away from busy city life.
Me too. 🙂 I don't know what 'bisag means".., I’ve been saying that for years… Its time to learn appropriate Bisayan dialect …. Hahahaha
Thanks Bob!
Hi Bob – I can see a little bit of resemblence between you and your Binata – right around the chubby cheeks! 😀
Hi Bob,
"Bisag" is a combination of "Bisan" and "ug". Usually this happens only when talking fast that "Bisan ug asa/unsa.." you'd hear it like "Bisag" as the "n" becomes silent sometimes.
Maayong hapon diha.
-Rey
Bob, pardon me buddy but I have always been meaning to ask you! How do you do it, maintain your weight that is? I have lost nearly 30 kilos since I been here. I can't seem to maintain the mass i had.
I think I'm shrinking……..any suggestions?
Hi Bob, Thanks for the Dadiangas update. I agree, the tricycles in the highway is really a safety hazard and causes delay. The local government should not allow these vehicles in the main road or at least should stay in the shoulder. Last year, on our way from Tacurong to Davao, some of the tricycles don't have night lights! They can only be visible when they are a few feet away from you.
Regarding GenSan, I heard that tuna being brought in from the fishport are really from outside the Phil – international and Indonesia. I think that they are overfishing the waters around there.
Gerry
Hi Bob, Thats a great picture of you and Binata. To Milper and Cathy …. Cedric is one cute little guy !