It wasn’t actually Day 1 of the Kalilangan Festival in General Santos City. But it was our first day here.

Kalilangan is General Santos City’s annual foundation day headed by the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This year’s celebration is directed by the Orman Manansala and celebrated with the theme, “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future.”

Orman and his brother, Avel Manansala, with the support of Mayor Jun Acharon, invited Davao Bloggers to join in their festivities. So yesterday, at 7 am, me, Lyle Santos, Chattee Lara, Brendel Balaga, and Angel Abella boarded a van and, with so much chatter and excitement, headed to General Santos City.

Upon arrival, we immediately settled in our rooms at the Family Country Hotel. Shameful but I took up most of the closet space. 😛

After resting, we ate lunch at Giacomino’s Pizza at Robinson’s Place. I had their lasagna and their chicken wings combo meal which was more than enough for me.

Then, we prepared for our judging duties and a night out.

Brendel and Angel had their hair and make up done at Envy Me Salon at Robinson’s Mall while Chattee and I prettified ourselves with accessories which we bought while shopping at Robinson’s Place.

Then, we went to the Gaisano Mall for the Lakan and Lakambini ng Kalilangan Festival. This was where I met other fab Generals such as Donna Congson of Envy Me!, beauty queen Romarie Cunanan, photographer Leonard Pe, and multi-talented Mandy. Brendel, Angel, and Lyle served as judges. Got the shock of the night when #10 went onstage.

Ria Jose: “OMG! I know that guy! I used to date that guy!”
Chattee Lara: “SAY WHUT?!”
Brendel Balaga: “Pag-sure uy!”

The pageant was fun to watch and fab, fab, FAAAB! Smart guy slash blogger Gevic Romero, and pretty and poised Caroline Lim, were crowned as Lakan at Lakambini ng Kalilangan. 🙂

After the pageant, we tried to drop by the Havaianas event at Robinson’s Mall. We were late. FAIL! So we proceeded to the Oval and got really insecure watching the Binibining Gandanghari payjunt. Ang kikinis ng mga bading!!! It gave us girls a bouts of insecurity.

After the pageant, we picked up Dulce Lada who had arrived and waiting at the hotel. Then, we had yummy dinner at Donna Congson’s PiYESta! KTv and Restobar at the Robinson’s Place. The pinakbet was my favorite. And, take note Mr. Fitness Instructor, it was served with brown rice. YUUUUUUUUMY! Nom, nom, nom, NOM!!!

I was introduced to the Lakan guys. RAWRRR! (evilsmirk) Also with us in the group are the past Lakan and Lambini, Ryan Reyes and Hermany Shaine Lara, who are not only attractive youngsters, but also very graceful and kind. These kids are so pleasant to be with.

Aaand… they badgered #10, who was at home, to go to PiYESta! He doesn’t usually go out with the group but we came coz of errr… me. LULS! Lakan 2009 and #10 were both challenged by the peoples to sing the videoke. They both did. Can I just say… BONGGA SILANG DALAWA. 😛

We went back to the hotel past 1 am, with smiles on our faces and excitement for the next 4 days here in General Santos City! Thank you to Orman, Avel, Donna, the other Gen San peoples we met, and the Lakan and Lakambini boys and girls! 🙂