GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — The city was in a festive mood for its annual Tuna Festival coinciding with the city’s 45th foundation anniversary.
Aside from being one of the most progressive cities, General Santos City (GenSan), which is dubbed as the Boom Town City of the South, is also earning a reputation as one of the main tourist destinations in Mindanao.
The Kapuso Network brought its talents — led by real-life sweethearts Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera — here to provide cheers and laughter to thousands who trooped to the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention Center.
Because it’s a rare treat nowadays to find Dingdong and Marian (DongYan to fans) sharing the stage as they work on separate projects, the couple made sure to show some love onstage to the thrill and delight of the audience at the Kapuso Fans Day last Sept 5. The couple, who have been hounded by marriage rumors, recently marked their birth month (August) with celebrations in and out of the country.
The two also performed a song-and-dance number before a record-breaking crowd attendance in the mall’s history, according to GMA’s AVP for Regional TV Oliver Amoroso.
“I am happy and delighted na mabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na magsama kami ulit ni Marian sa stage at isa ang GenSan sa aming napili. I was very touched by the warm welcome extended to us,†shared Dingdong, lead actor of GMA’s forthcoming primetime offering Genesis. The event was hosted by Boobay.
The following day, more Kapuso stars joined in the celebration like Chynna Ortaleza who participated in the Fish Fest held in the city’s Fish Port, while Joyce Ching, Krystal Reyes, Julian Trono, Hiro Magalona, Rodjun Cruz and Bettina Carlos headlined the Kapuso Mall Show.
The Tuna Festival is a yearly week-long celebration highlighting the significant role of the tuna industry in the development and progress of this southern metropolis. The festival started out as a spontaneous event organized by the city’s tourism association back in 1988. The roster of events this year also included product exhibits, culinary competitions and activities promoting the city’s natural marine resources. photos by Ver Paulino