Mila C. Espina
In my diary

THE Zontians have always drawn out the best of their peers and friends especially in participating in worthy causes.

In 1987, we had our first big fund raising project, Glamour and Glitz chaired by Felisa Chiongbian for the construction of our first Day Care Center in Ermita. Then, more projects came, like the micro-financing in Budlaan to assist small players in livelihood business; the Pink Center with Zonta 2; adopt-a-school program at Gothong Elementary School; the scholarship, cultural and educational projects, free-clinic, among others.

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The phenomenal Women Legends during the incumbency of past president Minnie Yuvienco gave us substantial logistics to sustain long-term commitments. Then, the Glamour and Glitz 2 this year was masterfully handled by president Rufina Tanchan and all Zontians.

What an excellent team work! If Loyzaga was the “big difference” of San Beda in the 60s, Zonta 1 has its counterpart in past president Anita Sanchez, the budget management guru. I couldn’t forget the late Amparo Rodil whose tandem with Anita was unbeatable. Added to these have been the zealous leaderships of past presidents Tina Ebrada, Flor Streegan Tess Chan and Merle Cunanan.

On top of all will always be the durable commitment of our charter president, Dr. Suga Sotto-Yuvienco who was conferred the Medal of Honor last Sunday, Nov. 8 by Rufina and Margot Osmeña, one of the advisers of Zonta 2 and previous consultant of Zonta 1. Silent workers—like all-time treasurer Pauleen Deduque and pioneers Zelia Borromeo, Lucy Segura and Anita Cabinan, plus the late Fely Agudo and past presidents Minnie Yuvienco, Fe Necesario, Matt Baguia, Gloria Escano, Rose Alfafara, Inday Avila, Tina Bonifacio, Inday Avila and Baby Schaap—road-mapped the 40 years of Zonta’s humanitarian involvement.

We see the younger Zontians Melanie Ng, Chabeng Garcia, Nellie Chiu, Janice Minor and others carrying Zonta’s torch of success.

The success of the projects of Zonta 1 is largely due to the community’s respect for the integrity of its members who are also active in other civic groups. We owe it likewise to friends who share our enthusiasm to volunteer for a worthy cause.

Every project has some values to instill in the young. In Glamour and Glitz 2, we focused on the family because we believe that nurturing children with healthy attitudes begins at home—so badly needed today. In fact, Zonta 1 is a family for us. Thus, the choreographed fun fashion (since Zontians and friends are not real models except for a few) had glimpses of romantic couples, sibling bonding, happy grandparents and grandchildren and friends.

As the director, I couldn’t help commend the professionalism of guests Amparito Lhuillier, Ms. Cebu 2009 Kris Tiffany Janson, Binibining Pilipinas 2006 Anna Maris Igpit, Lani Osmeña and her disciplined daughters, Bo and Hans Hauri, Manny and Gina Osmeña, Queenie Ammann; always on time Edgar Chiongbian and Vince Colina; the gracious children of Melanie, Tess and Chabeng (oh, Andrea was a hit!), June Alegrado and Izarra; Alice’s daughter Erika as well as Greg Huettel; the patience of Julie Gandionco; the decorum of the Benedicto children, especially my inaanak, Enrison.

Hats off to the splendid performance of Yntel Beltran, Wilson Ng and the Asian Troubadors and the University of San Jose-Recoletos Dramatics and Cultural Ensemble-Amparito scholars.

Equally great was host William Sienes; Dennis Wong and the technical staff of IPI, Pacific Video and Soundtraxx of Gani and Glo Villarojo; NG Khai and Speechcom International.

The Marco Polo staff was so efficient. We likewise thank major sponsors GSIS, Pagcor, IPI, Hyundai, Sun.Star Cebu, Go Large, Kia Motors, Cebu Champion Motors, Novartis, Bioderm, Omega, Efficascent Oil and Ethyl Alcohol, Cebu Champion Hardware, Bee Pinoy TV 14, Manny O, Benedicto College, Rodrigo and Julia Gandionco. Other benefactors: Nilda Martinez, Congressman and Mrs. Eduardo Gullas, Atty. and Mrs. Augusto Go, Primary Structures, AXA, Phils.; Pisces International Agency, Int’l Personnel and Mgt. Services, Island Souvenirs and Macy’s Pawnshop.

Special thanks to Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Sally Dy, Cebu Parklane International Hotel and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa; Manila Standard, The Freeman, Cebu Daily News and media friends.

We were so honored with the presence of Gov. Gwen Garcia, First Lady Margot Osmeña and Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president Samuel Chioson. To all of the close to 600 viewers who came on time and stayed for the entire celebration—cheers!

The ruby celebration included the hosting of People Enhancing Opportunities Propelling Leadership Excellence (People) Success Story, a project of CCCI Tourism and Philippines Foundation Perlas Awards. Arden Siarot, proprietor of Arden Classic International, and Claudio Rafada Jr., defined poverty as their motivation to succeed.

From being a mere carpenter, to a small player in the construction business, Rafada, through hard work, is now an established construction entrepreneur. Siarot, now an international exporter of furniture and decors, with branches in USA, told the youth to practice self-reliance and determination to succeed. Come, Nov. 18, St. Theresa’s College will host People Success Story.