The first quarter issue of Gensan Gazer Quarterly (GGQ) has long been one of the most challenging releases of the year, often delayed by the extended holiday season that blurs the transition between years. This recurring difficulty previously resulted in the absence of a Q1 issue in 2013, when travel and limited preparation time made production impractical. The same circumstances resurfaced in early 2014, once again placing the editorial team under tight constraints.
Rather than forgoing the issue entirely, GGQ approached the challenge with a streamlined and timely solution. The Q1 2014 release focuses primarily on Kalilangan 2014 and General Santos City's 75th Foundation Anniversary, offering a fitting tribute to the city's diamond jubilee. By dedicating the bulk of the issue to these landmark celebrations, the magazine was able to produce a cohesive and meaningful installment while adapting to logistical realities.
To further expedite production, GGQ made the strategic decision to bypass print and release this edition as a special eZine issue, marking an important step toward its eventual evolution into a fully digital publication. This shift also signals a broader vision for the magazine's future, one that embraces online platforms and a more dynamic, non-linear reading experience inspired by leading international publications.
Despite being produced from afar, the issue maintains a strong sense of place. Reflections from New York provide glimpses of winter in the Big Apple, a recurring backdrop to GGQ's first-quarter delays, while reinforcing the publication's global perspective. At its core, however, the issue remains deeply rooted in General Santos City, celebrating Kalilangan's cultural significance and its recognition by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines Hall of Fame.
This Q1 2014 edition stands as both a tribute and a transition—honoring Gensan's past, celebrating its present, and signaling GGQ's continued evolution in the digital age.
