General Santos City

Welcome to General Santos City, or GenSan to locals, a bustling southern metropolis where the ocean meets opportunity, and raw culture collides with raw fish. It’s the hometown of boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, a city known for its world-class tuna, dynamic food scene, and a surprising blend of laid-back coastal charm and urban energy.

If you’re into fresh seafood, lively festivals, celebrity roots, and undiscovered destinations, GenSan is your kind of city.

• There’s more to GenSan than just fish and fists! Explore these awesome attractions:
• General Santos Fish Port Complex
• The heart of the tuna trade! Watch massive yellowfin tuna being unloaded fresh off the boat, an eye-opener for first-timers.
• Pacman Mansion and Wildcard Gym
• Take a peek at the humble beginnings and grand success of the People’s Champ. A selfie with the boxing gloves is a must!
• Plaza Heneral Santos
• A central park honoring the city’s namesake with scenic spaces, fountains, and cultural installations.
• Sarangani Highlands Garden
• A mountaintop restaurant with panoramic views, beautifully landscaped gardens, and Instagram-perfect sunsets.
• Tuna Festival Park and Oval Plaza
• The beating heart of the city during festivals, concerts, and night markets.

• GenSan is a melting pot of Ilonggos, Cebuanos, Blaan tribes, Tagalogs, and Maguindanaons, creating a truly diverse culture that thrives in harmony.
• Languages spoken: Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Cebuano, Tagalog, English, Blaan, Maguindanaon
• It’s a place where modern life blends with tribal heritage, where weaving, beadwork, and traditional music live on in the middle of malls and motorbikes.

• Held every September, the Tuna Festival is GenSan’s grandest celebration, a tribute to the city’s biggest industry and its unbeatable energy.
• Festival Highlights:
• Sugbahan sa Dalan (Grill Fest), endless street-side grilling of fresh seafood
• Float parades shaped like giant tuna
• Dance competitions fusing tribal, contemporary, and marine themes
• Tuna culinary contests with celebrity chefs
• Music fests featuring big names and homegrown talents
• You haven’t truly been to GenSan until you’ve danced with a giant tuna.

• Seafood lovers, rejoice! GenSan’s food scene is a flavor bomb waiting to explode. Here’s what you must try:
• Grilled Tuna Belly and Panga
• The juiciest part of the tuna, grilled to perfection with native spices.
• Kinilaw na Tuna
• Raw tuna cubes marinated in vinegar, calamansi, ginger, and chili, the ultimate tropical ceviche.
• Sinuglaw
• A fusion of grilled pork and tuna ceviche. Sounds strange, tastes amazing.
• Tuna Sisig and Tuna Kilawin
• Bold and zesty street food versions of the GenSan favorite.
• Durian Ice Cream and Native Coffee
• A Mindanaoan twist to your usual desserts and café experience.

• GenSan loves music almost as much as it loves tuna:
• OPM concerts during the Tuna Festival and Pasko sa GenSan
• Kulintang and tribal performances at cultural events
• Buskers and acoustic nights at cafés and open parks
• Dance battles and hip-hop showcases led by local youth groups
• And yes, there’s always a karaoke machine nearby, GenSan people can sing their hearts out.

• Being the Tuna Capital of the Philippines
• Birthplace of Manny Pacquiao, global boxing icon
• Host of the colorful and flavorful Tuna Festival
• Export-quality seafood and tuna products
• Fast-growing economy and modern infrastructure in SOCCSKSARGEN
• A unique blend of tribal culture and urban innovation
• Whether you’re here for business, boxing, or just good food, GenSan is undeniably unforgettable.

• Best time to visit: September for the Tuna Festival, or December for cooler nights and lights
• How to get there: Fly directly into General Santos International Airport, or take a bus from Davao or Cotabato
• What to bring: Sunglasses, sunblock, a big appetite, and space for pasalubong (souvenirs)