The 14th Tuna Festival which coincides with the 44th Charter Anniversary of General Santos City on September 5, 2012 was launched via a simple programme last week.

Hosting it and at the same time spearheading this year’s festivity is Festival Director Carlos Hagosojos, the dashing no-nonsense Manager of the Phil. Fisheries Development Authority – GenSan.

This year’s theme rides on the 2012 Department of Tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines“.

Thus, according to Mr. Hagosojos,  with “Tuna Fest, Tuna Fun in Magandang Gensan“, as the theme, not only does it convey an invitation for visitors and locals alike to get their “fulfillment of fun and quality entertainment” during the festival.  It also focuses on General Santos City as the “prime destination for culinary and ocean adventures.. locally and globally“.

Festival Director Caloy Hagosojos, Vice Mayor Shirlyn Nograles, City Administrator Jong Gonzales, Councilor Virgie Llido waits as Assistant City Admin & Event Emcee Glennville Gonzales gestures to a member of the media at the launch of the 14th Tuna Festival on July 5, 2012.

A major change this year was moving the culminating week of the Festival from September 1 – 5 to September 5 to 9, 2012, which means that its official opening will be on the Charter Anniversary Day itself (September 5th).  Check out the first release of the 14th Tuna Festival official activities below.   Check back for updates.

The 14th Tuna Festival Schedule of Activities

(as of August 22, 2012).

CONTINUING ACTIVITIES:

  • Aug 18-Sept 15   Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (Flea Market Display)
  • Aug 18-Sept 15   Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (Carnival)
  • Aug 18-Sept 15   Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (Tuna Products Display)
  • Aug 18-Sept 15   Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (SMB Party Zone)
  • Aug 18-Sept 15   Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (Coke Pasaya Food Court SuTuKil)
  • Aug18-Sept 15   Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (Tuna Art Camp)
  • Sept 5 – 9             Oval Plaza        Tuna Village (Everyday, Everynite Sashimi Night)
  • July 7-Sept 8       Oval Gym          Tuna Fest Inter-Fishing Basketball Tournament
  • Sept 5-Sept 9      Queen Tuna Park  Tuna Fest Aqua Sports
  •                                SM City             Tuna Fest Photo Contest
  •                               Bula Coral Reef to QTP  Tuna Fest Coastal Clean-up Drive with Photo Contest
  • July 7-Sept 5      Fish Port             Game Fishing

Saturday, Aug 25, 2012

  • 3:00 PM          Gaisano Atrium                 Mr. & Miss GenSan 2012 – Talent Presentation & Fashion Show

Friday, Aug 31, 2012

  • 2:00 PM         Gaisano Atrium                Mr. & Ms. GenSan – Preliminary Show w/ Fishdance Semi-Finals

Saturday, Sept 1, 2012

  • 2:00 PM       Gaisano Atrium                Fishdance Hip-Hop Dance Crew Competition Grand Finals

Sunday, Sept 2, 2012

  • 5:00 PM       SM City Events Center    Mr. & Ms. GenSan 2012 Pageant Finals

Wednesday, Sept 5, 2012

  • 6:00 AM          Fish Port to City Hall           Fiscarade (Parade of Fishcars)
  • 8:00 AM          City Hall                                Flag Raising Ceremony
  • 9:00 AM          City Hall                                Tuna Fest Alay sa Kapwa
  • 10:00 AM       SM City GenSan                  Tuna Fest Photoo Exhibit
  • 4:00-6:00 PM Oval Grand Stand              Tuna Float Parade
  • 7:00 PM          Oval Grand Stand              Grand Opening
  •                           Oval Plaza                          All about Tuna Pavilion

Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012

  • 7:00 am-12:00 NN   GSC Fish Port Complex   Fishtahan sa Fishport
    • Kiddie Game Fishing
    • Karga Tuna
    • Tuna Relay
    • Linis, Bilis Tuna
    • Swimming Competition
    • Jetski Competition
  • 7:00 PM     Fish Port Market 2             Street Party sa Fishport
    • Biggest Tuna
    • Atras Bugsay
    • Huli Lipat Hito
  • 9:00 AM-5:00 PM   Fish Port Market 4    Tuna Congress (Opening)
  • 7:00 PM                                                        Tuna Congress (Welcome Dinner)
  •                                  GSC Tennis Court     Lawn Tennis Natl. Open Tournament
  •                                                                        Lakbay Tuna
  • 7:00 PM               Oval Plaza Gym           Brigada Teen-Guwang
  • 7:00 PM               Oval Grand Stand        Concert (SMART)

Friday, Sept. 7, 2012

  • 9:00 AM-5:00 PM     Oval Gym              Hilig Extreme BMX Street
  •                                                                     Hilig Extreme Push Race Long Board
  •                                                                      Hilig Extreme Skate Boarding
  •                                    Oval Plaza              Mountain Bike
  • 7:00 PM                                                      Badminton Tournament
  •                                   Oval Grand Stand   Concert (GLOBE)

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012

  •                                  Queen Tuna Park   Kite Flying
  • 3:00 PM                                                     Sarangani Bay Cruise
  • 7:00 AM-12NN     GSC Fish Port          Fishtahan Game Fishing
  • 7:00 PM                 Oval Grand Stand   Talent Show Case of Generals:
    • GenSan Pop Idol
    • Dance Competition
  • 7:00 PM          SM City Al Fresco         TUNOG TUNA, TUNOG GENSAN Song-writing Competition

Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012

  • 6:00 AM          Queen Tuna Park          Bombo Radyo Bankarera
  • 1:00 PM          Oval Grand stand          Street Dancing Competition
  • 7:00 PM                                                    Karagatan Awards
  • 6:00 AM          Oval Grand Stand         Closing Ceremonies

For more information, visit the Tuna Festival 2012 Coordinating Center, Matalam Street, corner Pendatun Avenue, Gen. Santos City.  Contact #s are 0917-3026 or 0933-720-1476.  Like TunaFest on Facebook by Clicking Here.  Email them at tunafest14@yahoo.com.ph.