Amigotel (now Anchor Hotel) & Wet Market in General Santos

One of the least expensive lodging options in General Santos City is Amigotel, now renovated and named Anchor Hotel. Located at Cagampang Extension, it provides easy access to public transport and malls. The hotel photos here are outdated, so please visit their website to see their new features.

Room rates are very affordable, while amenities include only bath soap. On our first night, we took the bigger matrimonial room at Php 610/night. The building and fixtures are old but clean.

Bumming at Gumasa Beach in Sarangani

Right after dropping our luggage in Amigotel at General Santos City last month, we asked a tricycle to drop us at the van terminal beside KCC Mall, to get a ride to Glan, Sarangani. We like to see their white sand beach in barangay Gumasa, where resorts dot the coastline.

Past 8:00 am when we arrived at the van terminal, and waited for at least 30 minutes for our van to get full with passengers. 

Orient Buko Pie of Los Banos, Laguna

Orient Buko Pie in Los Banos, Laguna is the number one buko (coconut) pie for me. It has the right sweetness to it, and full of coconut meat, unlike other brands with lots of flour and extenders. Even after 2 days, the pie does not dry out, and still delicious. 

Price as of last month on their store is at Php 150/whole pie. Usually there is a long queue on their store along the national road, but its worth it. I bought 2 pies one Saturday afternoon, and they are all finished at home before Sunday lunch time.

See my previous personal ratings of buko pie brands here.

Getting Fishy in GenSan's Tuna Fish Port

During our second day at General Santos City last month, I made sure to include a visit to their fish port, to see their booming tuna industry. This 32-hectare complex contains ice-making plant, various freezers, water pumps, market centers, bank, even a small food court with barber shop for workers.

From Amigotel, I boarded a trike from the market across, for less than 30 minutes of travel. Fare is Php 20/person at a trike that could fit 6 passengers, like a can of sardines. I was seated with 5 fishport workers who are already wearing white rubber boots. The guards at the fishport complex asks for an identification card of visitors, who won't be allowed to enter if they are wearing sandals or short pants.

Opposing RA # 10175, the Cybercrime Law

Tomorrow may be the end of absolute internet freedom in the Philippines, specifically the freedom to express one's opinions, whether through blogs, forum sites, social networks, etc. This is because RA # 10175, otherwise known as Cybercrime Prevention Act, takes into effect on 03 October 2012.

I was trying to get a soft copy of this new law, and found one here. From what I've read from the web, these are the highlights of the law as follows: