Espina: ‘Dear’ Agnes in my mind

Monday, February 6, 2012

MY DEAR friend, Agnes Magpale, was given a surprise birthday party by her children--Ina, Miguel and Paulo, siblings, grandchildren and relatives (the Almendras and Duranos) to mark her 70th birthday. Some close friends and former classmates were there and a few gave some spontaneous greetings, like Dawnie Roa, who spoke about Agnes’ sterling leadership in governance and tourism. I chose to speak about Agnes ‘sincerity and fortitude as a person, a friend.

These rare qualities make her stand out as a leader, whether in public service as vice-governor; an advocate for women and children; a conscientious trustee of “Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko;” or, a well-versed purveyor of tourism in the East Asia Inter- Regional Tourism Forum. Very approachable and down to earth, Agnes, is only a text away, always willing to listen and help.

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As Agnes said, “Our parents imbued in us the values of integrity and industry and I lived all these to the fullest!” Agnes and I shared common visions and the challenges of tasks assigned to us. Happy birthday, dear friend!

Hello, Water Dragon!

We welcome 2012 with optimism. The Chinese New Year rituals , exhibits ,sales and foodfests at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Imperial Hotel, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Marco Polo Plaza and Radisson Blu; at SM and Ayala; Metro Gaisano and White Gold Club, all the more added colors to the Chinese customs , to include the horoscope pathings to trace your lucky charm. “Kung Hei Fat Choi!”

In the Academe, the EFCOM and the Dynamic Organization Communication of the University of San Jose-Recoletos master’s and doctoral classes, respectively, had a public speaking forum on timely topics like Social Networking ( master’s); Motivation, Colors of Life, The Expression, Why Walk When You can Run and the Iranian Traditional Celebrations (doctoral), all synergized with the various channels of persuasive communication.