Cheap thrills in General Santos City

Last March, Cebu Pacific had another round of Seat Sale for its domestic destination without hesitations I booked a flight to Cebu and Dumaguete. Instead of Davao, I chose General Santos (Gensan) as the start of my trip because I really want to see their airport and the fish port to see Tuna’s live in flesh. Around 12midnight, I went to Ecoland terminal to catch a bus to Gensan and hopefully arrive in Gensan at mid-dawn. I like night travel because there is no traffic and its not hot since I’m riding a non-airconditioned bus which is a little cheaper compared to aircon buses. I got to the terminal and the bus was almost full mostly are passengers bound for Digos taking the last trip.

Arriving in GenSan around 2:30am, I stayed at Citifront Lodge located at Pioneer St probably GenSan’s Central business district because of the strip of banks and commercial establishments. The room has a fan and basic amenities like bed and toilet, perfect for a quick nap. 

GENERAL SANTOS FISHPPORT

The highlight of my trip was General Santos’ Fishport. I’ve always wanted to see tuna’s live in flesh or dead as long as its not yet sliced like in our supermarket but right from the source. Gen San is the tuna capital of the Philippines and this is also their primary export. Thanks to my friend, he gladly toured me around Gensan and the fishport. It is quite far from the city though. They have dress code at the port, no wearing of slippers, sandos and shorts. Best of all, its entrance is free. If you are lucky, I got also a free habal habal (motorcycle) from a worker to the Sanitary unit.

Before you can enter the port, you will be asked to register. Its not allowed to take pictures inside unless you have permission from the sanitary unit. No problem getting this, they love tourists. They will give you boots to wear. You will be asked to step on the chlorinated water before you can enter the marketplace. 

I have never seen a marketplace with lots of tuna but here in General Santos. Tuna’s that comes with different sizes and weight. Be careful because workers work fast and tuna blood might drip on your shirt if it touches you. 

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