A Virgin Joins S3X Tour Tres – Day 04
It's the last day of the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3 and we still had a lot more to experience and explore. Wake up call was still before sunrise but it was an exciting day, for me, at least. It was the day we will visit the fish port in General Santos (Gensan) and I was looking forward to it. It was actually our first pitstop. We had to be there before breakfast since the port becomes really busy as early as 6am and it would be a worthy experience to catch just that.
 |
| Group photo at General Santos Fish Port |
Gensan is the Philippine's tuna capital as the city houses the largest processing and landings of tuna in the country. Thanks to tuna abundant bodies of water that surrounds the city. For further details, please refer to my post entitled The Tuna Capital.
Breakfast was next on our list. The group were ushered by Avel Manansala, our host for the Soccsksargen Experience Tour to Gamay Eatery. It is located at Lanoy, Calumpang in General Santos City and is well-known for its Balbacua.
 |
| Balbacua at Gamay Eatery |
Thank you to owners Cesar "Gamay" Garaygay and Mary Jane Garaygay for our interesting breakfast.
The group proceeded to Big Glory Bay Salmon & Seafood Company, Inc. in Purok Saydala, Barangay Tambler, General Santos City after breakfast. As of this posting, it is the Asia's most modern salmon processing plant. It is also the first in the Philippines. We had the privilege of sampling various salmon goods courtesy of Assistant Plant Manager Salvador Magbanua, Jr.
 |
| We had to wear lab gowns and boots during our tour inside the Salmon Processing Plant |
It was particularly cold inside the plant. We were literally inside a giant freezer. My very petite frame was useless to the chill. But everyone were amazed on how clean the facilities are. We were fortunate to have been given a chance to see another first for the country. I bought a few salmons for my family and my father particularly enjoyed it. Will have to buy more on my next visit.
Lunch was calling when we got out of Big Glory and chicken was in the menu. My favorite! We went to Beestop, located at RD Building, Santiago Boulevard, Gensan. No, they don't serve bees. Instead, they offer very affordable chicken meals!
 |
| Beestop Restaurant |
Their garlic fried chicken is a must-try. Single meals cost Php50 and includes a cup of rice! They also serve snacks like spaghetti and sandwiches. Pancit is also available. Choose from canton, sotanghon, or bihon. Order fruit shakes and ice cream to complete your meal.
Lunch was courtesy of Beestop owner, Charlene Enriquez. For further details, you may visit the Beestop Facebook.
We had a few hours to spare before dinner so the group went to relax at Robinson's Place while we wait for the tuna float parade. Some explored the mall, others took a nap, and the rest chatted away over drinks. We also got the chance to take photos of the floats that were parked in the mall's parking area before the start of the parade.
 |
| A few tuna floats waiting for the street parade to start. |
The parade didn't start on time and we couldn't wait longer so we decided to catch it later and proceeded to our two-part dinner. Yes, we ate dinner twice and no one complained! Delicious food is always welcome. Our first dinner stop was at Asian Tongue, that serves Asian cuisines.
 |
| Asian Tongue |
Visit Asian Tongue at Roxas East Avenue, General Santos City. It is right across DSWD, Oval. Dinner was courtesy of restaurant manager, Vince Blanco. Here's an important reminder: Their sisig is a bestseller. Make sure you order one on your next visit. We had one on the table where I was sitting. When picture taking ended, I stood up for a few minutes to get some vegetables on the other table. When I returned, the sisig plate was literally empty! I, and a fellow blogger who was sitting beside me had 1/4 of a spoon filled sisig to taste!
We decided to walk to our next dinner destination to give our tummies a chance to digest that delicious courses we just ate. Sydney Hotel was our last pitstop for the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3 ... and our 2nd dinner stop. Thank you to hotel manager, Elmar Fabiala for our dinner.
The group dined on the rooftop and was lucky at that because we had a good view of the tuna float parade when it reached the area. Too bad for my camera that has a poor zooming power. The floats looked magnificent with all the lights decorations.
The day after, I went back home and brought with me all the good memories, experiences, and new friendships I gained during the Soccsksargen Experience Tour 3. From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to say thank you to brothers Orman Manansala and Avel Manansala, in cooperation with the Sox Bloggers, for giving me the chance to participate in this 4-day event.