Astounding. Flabbergasting. Eyeful. These words are the best ones I could use to describe this year's celebration of Tuna Festival 2019.  

We all know that General Santos City or GenSan is the Philippines’ premier producer of fresh tuna. Because of this, GenSan was hailed as the country's tuna capital. Thus, the Tuna Festival was created to celebrate the abundance of tuna and other marine life, which has greatly contributed to the local economy. GenSan has been holding the annual Tuna Festival on the first week of September, every year, since 1998.

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TL;DR: watch the sights and sounds here:

The Generals (what we call people of General Santos City) welcomed the heartwarming and stunning Grand Opening of the most-awaited festival here in GenSan with smiles on their lips. Excitement filled the air and everyone in attendance were visibly amused. 

It started by showcasing the enormous, eye-catching, sea-inspired tuna floats from different groups and sectors here in GenSan. These floats made the festival more exciting, making spectators take the mandatory selfies with the floats as their backdrop.

After the Tuna Float Parade, the grand opening of this year's tuna festival took place. A lot of performances and talents were showcased, leaving the audience starstruck and in awe. 

The grand opening was ended with an extravagant fireworks display. Various activities were likewise launched within the week to help the Generals enhance their talents and skills, and also, to boost their self-confidence. Some of the said activities included the Pictuna Photowalk, Gensan Fun Tuna Festival Skimboarding Competition, the Fish Fest sa Fish Port, the Gabi ng Mandaragat, and many more. 

Another noteworthy activity is the Sugbahan sa Dalan, wherein gigantic, savory tuna are grilled – just like lechon – and were displayed on Pioneer Street. These activities can enhance amateur and professional photographers’ skills wherein they can cover these events and post their captured photos on social media. 

And while some enrich their talents, some just laid back and to listen and see their favorite bands.

September 4 is the night for 90’s people because their big-time favorite band visited and played lots of their music for them. Sponsored and hosted by Globe and Republika ng TM – this band is no one else but: Parokya ni Edgar.

It was said that almost 25,000 people attended and waited for to witness their music that can make you feel a wave of nostalgia. Saying that it was truly a great night for everyone was an understatement.

And just like the grand opening of the Tuna Festival, its closing was as great, extravagant, and dumbfounding, laced by a fireworks display. It was that moment when the spectators, like families and Generals of all ages left Oval Plaza with priceless smiles and recollections in their hearts.

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Abut our ICONtributor

Bernard Jayson Aungon is a peripatetic. Graduating with Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Systems Design & Programming at Mindanao State University and ACLC, he loves to play multiple musical instruments in his spare time.

Jay is part of CMG Retail Operations handling Midsayap Store as Retail Manager.