Where to Stay, Eat and Swim in General Santos City
8:03 AM
If you can recall, we've listed General Santos and Davao cities among our dream destinations for 2015 (Read: My 2015 Travel Wish List). That may sound a conservative dream especially to you who come from Mindanao. It is kind of a big step in my travelling plans actually as I have not been to the country's southern-most provinces. At least, not until three weeks ago.
Thanks to my blogger friend Morgan of www.supermorgy.com, I have finally seen the country's tuna capital. And we were not there on a backpacking vacation. We were in GenSan on a travel spree, serviced by a first-class accommodation at the newly opened Suites 88.
Suites 88 started as Venue 88 when they only provided events places for weddings and corporate activities in this rapidly booming city. Catering to weddings and birthday parties of GenSan's elites appeared to be lucrative that Suites 88 was born in July 2015, or just a month ago. Just like other startup businesses, the hotel became busy with impressing its first batch of guests and with its breathtaking interiors, it surely did.
I didn't really have an idea that flights from Manila to General Santos City takes 2 hours. That's almost the same flying time when you leave Manila for Hong Kong. And after spending an additional 20 minutes floating over the city because it was raining hard and the runway wasn't visible, I was secretly wishing for a great bed as soon as we land. Thankfully, we landed safe and I a few minutes later, my back landed on a relaxing bed inside my humble but sparkling clean room.
Suites 88 is 20- 25 minutes away from the airport. It is located not far from the center of Gen San, in Mabuhay Road, San Isidro. It may be near the downtown area but the place is a peaceful refuge for a tired traveler.
I will post here some photos that I got from my 3-day adventure together with some notes that you should read before hopping on that first flight to GenSan.

At the receiving area on the second floor, you'll see these hanging seats. You can sing "Wrecking Ball" while sitting here but the place is too sophisticated for that though. Just in case you want a new view outside your room, grab your book and spend the day here.



A portion of the receiving area on the ground floor as seen from the second floor balcony.






A bigger pool is still under construction. This is the kiddie pool which is 2-feet deep. There's a bar at the side of the pool where parents and friends can also have a good time while the kids go for a swim.


The best halo-halo I've tasted, no kidding! Try this at the Sarangani Highlands which is so close to the airport.





I kind of underestimated GenSan's beaches. This southern city has its fair share of white sand beaches too!


I know that GenSan is the tuna capital but I am in the mood for some lechon while missing my hometown Cebu. Ledwina's Lechon House didn't disappoint!

This was taken inside the plane when I flew back to Manila aboard Cebu Pacific. I am guilty of pre-judging GenSan unpleasantly but my three days in the city went on as one of the best local trips I had. We will definitely be back!
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