by Kenneth K. Ong
It was a typical crazy day at work when my phone rang. On the other line was mister H2Zero himself, Ed Herrera. With a voice like that of a proud father he said “Clear July 22, 23 and 24, me and my friends are opening the Suncity Suites in General Santos City on the 23rd and I want you to be there to experience it.” And who was I to refuse such an opportunity to go on a road trip?
So there I was in the Van with Zee Magazines Liloh Evangelista on the roughly three-hour ride to General Santos City. Riding along Gensan’s highway, where bare land or run-down establishments used to be, I was surprised to find many new glistening new establishments and the Suncity Stuites was truly a sight to see. The modern contemporary structure stands out from the crowd thanks to the design prowess of Architect Marvin Kwan and company.
Upon entering the lobby I was greeted by Suncity Suites energetic operations manager Philip Pabelic who immediately gave me and Liloh a quick tour of the glistening new 42-room business hotel. Each room has the all the standard room amenities expected of an upscale boutique business hotel plus a 32” LCD TV and my favorite, free hi-speed internet access in all rooms!
Suncity is located in an upscale commercial complex with a wide array of shopping, dining and leisure establishments. Among them are Caffe Firenzo, Deli Firenzo, Gusteau’s Crabs and Seafood, Razon’s, Leeyonga Mongolian and Seafood, Ocean Cave Seafood Restaurant, Digital Interface, Jill’s Specialty Shop, Quality Appliance Plaza, Davao Central Convenience Store, Q Bar, Music City Family KTV, Lime Light Photo Studio, Macho Mucho Barber Shop, Page7 Salon and Spa and Escapes Unlimited Travel and Tours. For visiting golfers, Suncity Suites is located just beside the 18th Hole Driving Range and is the ideal take-off point as it is just along the National Highway and a quick drive to Dole’s picturesque Kalasangi Golf Course.
The hotel was officially opened amid much fanfare with the presence of the energetic General Santos City Mayor Darlene Custodio, the dashing Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez and Sarangani Vice Governor Steve Solon along with the guys of Firenzo Development Corporation, the developer of the Suncity Complex and friends. The opening was followed by a street party with Manila’s Alamid and capped off with a spectacular fireworks display that shouts out to the urbanites of General Santos that living in style has finally arrived.
