Ever since GenSan’s pride and World Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao became famous, two of the most requested and must-see venues in the city among Lakbay-Aral groups from other areas are his Pacman Convenience Store along Santiago Boulevard (which has since closed shop) and his house (referred to by local residents as the “Pacquiao Mansion“) at the NLSA Road in Barangay Lagao.

Now, there’s another up and coming landmark courtesy of Pacman and this time, it’s a two-storey commercial building which is nearing completion at the corner of South Osmeña and Sampaguita Streets.

Located at a lot formerly owned by a certain Dr. Romero, it  reportedly set back Manny about P12million.   He then invested another P20million++ in the construction of the mixed-use building which has a total floor space of 1,345 sq.meters. It’s designer is Architect Rex Acdal,  one of the most sought after architects in Soccsksargen.  In fact, my brother’s house is one of his very first projects here. 😉

Other Rex Acdal‘s works are Plaza Nova (Santiago Blvd.), Chicken House (Magsaysay Avenue), Socsargen Hospital Expansion, Dumaran Shell Station (Mabuhay Road), Johnston Building (Magsaysay Avenue), Emily’s Pension House (Surallah, SoCot), Galaxy Galleria (Koronadal), and Patio Eloisa (Hicban Subdivision), among others.

Anyway, back to the champ, this new business venture of the Champ will be housing his convenience store, a restaurant, and offices including his own (about time).

Located right at the heart of the city, I am most certain that this will again turn out to be another famous TOURIST LANDMARK of Gen. Santos.

Now, I would like to post a question to everyone:

If you were to help Manny decide on what to do with his building, what do you think should it be?

Three commenters/responders with the best suggestions will each receive a BARILES REPUBLIC MUG.   Deadline of entries will be on August 31, 2008.

GO FOR IT GUYS!  🙂

Pacquiao Building @ Corner South Osmeña & Sampaguita Streets

Pacquiao Building, seen from Sampaguita Street

Three of the 5 rentable spaces at the Ground Floor

Corner rentable space at the ground floor (Future restaurant cum coffee shop?)

2nd floor of the reserved space for a restaurant cum coffee shop

Alley at the 2nd floor leading to the rentable spaces

Rentable space at the 2nd floor facing Osmena Street

Proposed Pacman Convenience Store at the leftmost space at the ground floor. The door behind leads to a private mini-pad upstairs with kitchen & bedroom.

View of Osmena Street from the balcony facing that same road