The Grand Opening of Robinsons Place GenSan on October 5, 2009 should be one of the most anticipated events in the history of the Tuna Capital.  This is judging from the countless comments that we got here in every blog post that we published about the mall and from the various forums, news articles, blog write-ups which tackled the issue prior to its inauguration.

Being his biggest mall project in Mindanao, JG Summit‘s Chairman of the Board John Gokongwei‘s children, Lance (President of JG Summit Holdings) and Robina Pe, were present for the Opening Program, together with what must have been all their board officers and members. [quote1]

When asked by ABS-CBN news reporter Jay Dayupay on their reasons for putting up a mall here, Mr. Lance Gokongwei specified three things:  GenSan’s population, its being the “crossroads and trading center of Soccsksargen“, and “a very enlightened political leadership“.

These were corroborated by Robinsons Land Corporations COO and General Manager Frederick Go and Commercial Center Division President Cornelio Mapa, who revealed that the property on which the mall stands was bought 15 years ago.

Of course, GenSan City local officials headed by Mayor Jun Acharon and Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio were there to personally welcome and thank the city’s biggest investors.  They were joined by GenSan celebrities like Dionisia Paccquiao and daughter-in-law Jinkee who were most sought after for photo ops among guests from Manila.

The Pacquiaos opened a franchise of BluGre Coffee in the mall plus their very own Team Pacquiao Novelty Shop.

Ably emceeing the program was ABS-CBN host Donita Rose while Christian Bautista provided the kilig factor with his rendition of a couple of songs.  Congressional spouse Ms. Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, image model of Robinsons Department Store was also there with her son, adding glamour to the event.

Here then are the Robinsons GenSan Grand Opening exclusive photos shot by Bariles himself.

Robinsons Land Corp Group Property Manager for Mindanao Dan Camat; his boss, Roberto Go, President & COO; Dionisia Pacquiao; Press Secretary Jess Dureza; Jinkee Pacquiao; Congresswoman Darlene Custodio; GenSan First Lady Rose and Mayor Jun Acharon, moments before the program started.
"Robinsons Land Corp Group Property Manager for Mindanao Dan Camat; his boss, Frederick Go, President & COO; Dionisia Pacquiao; Press Secretary Jess Dureza; Jinkee Pacquiao; Congresswoman Darlene Custodio; GenSan First Lady Rose and Mayor Jun Acharon, moments before the program started."

The simply elegant Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Rolees Bakeshops power couple Armi Magtoto and Bing Royeca, Hotelier and Giacominos debonaire owner Romeo Bartolome are all smiles for Bariles camera.
"The simply elegant Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Rolee's Bakeshop's power couple Armi Magtoto and Bing Royeca, Hotelier and Giacomino's debonaire owner Romeo Bartolome are all smiles for Bariles' camera."

The pretty and perky emcee Donita Rose with GenSan Mayor JUn Acharon.
"The pretty and perky emcee Donita Rose with GenSan Mayor JUn Acharon."

Champion Balladeer Christian Bautista pose with lovely generals, Ms. GenSan Tourism 2008 Alex Ho and Ms. GenSan 2008 Romarie Cunanan.
"Champion Balladeer Christian Bautista pose with lovely generals, Ms. GenSan Tourism 2008 Alex Ho and Ms. GenSan 2008 Romarie Cunanan."

GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon in a huddle with JG Summit Holdings Lance Gokongwei and Press Sec Jess Dureza
"GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon in a huddle with JG Summit Holdings President Lance Gokongwei and Press Sec Jess Dureza"

Robinsons Department Store Endorser and Congressional Spouse Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo with Takuyaki and Senior Chitos Tortillas owner Junit Bugayong and daughter Eliza.
"Robinsons Department Store Endorser and Congressional Spouse Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo with Takuyaki and Senior Chito's Tortillas' owner Junit Bugayong and daughter Eliza."

Dancers perform a muslim dance minutes before the official cutting of the ribbon signalling the opening of the mall at the Main Entrance.
"Dancers perform a muslim dance minutes before the official cutting of the ribbon signalling the opening of the mall at the Main Entrance."

Two famous lady generals, side by side: Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao and Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio.
"Two famous and feisty GenSan beauties, side by side: Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao and Representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio."
Mayor Acharon raises the ribbon after its ceremonius cutting with other special guests.
"Mayor Acharon holds the ribbon after its ceremonial cutting with other special guests."
RLC Pres Frederick Go, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Mayor Acharon, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo,Jinkee Pacquiao, Representative Darlene Custodio, Dionisia Pacquiao, JG Summit Pres Lance Gokongwei, Commercial Center Division Pres Cornelio Mapa, and host Donita Rose raise and drink their toasts for Robinsons while balloons fall down from the ceiling.
"RLC Pres Frederick Go, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Mayor Acharon, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo,Jinkee Pacquiao, Representative Darlene Custodio, Dionisia Pacquiao, JG Summit Pres Lance Gokongwei, Commercial Center Division Pres Cornelio Mapa, and host Donita Rose raise and drink their toasts for Robinsons while balloons fall down from the ceiling."

Finally, here is the video of the ABS-CBN Socsksargen news report on the Robinsons GenSan Grand Opening which contains interviews of Mr. Lance Gokongwei, Mr. Frederick Go, Mr. Cornelio Mapa and Mayor Acharon.  Thanks to Rammyboi for uploading it to YouTube.