Utzurrum: Zonta 2 Pearls celebrate

IN ZONTA parlance, 'Pearl' means participation (P) and integration; education and empowerment (E); advocacy and active support (A); raising awareness (R); and livelihood training (L). This in essence is the theme Zonta Club of Cebu 2 adopted for its pearl anniversary celebration this year, with adequate pomp and performance, as well as “Moving Toward Gender Equality” through these advocacies.

MANILA. Guest Manila Zontians (front row seated) and the entire Zonta 2 membership pose for posterity.
More photos here:

The venue was the Cebu Country Club, all decked with pearly hues befitting the occasion, with its members equally elegant in Filipiniana attire.

A solemn thanksgiving Mass started the event with Msgr. Ting Ancajas officiating after which the usual meeting rituals followed. Dame Odette Jereza as event host. Ultra-regal in her gown was Zonta 2 president Myrna Cruz Tan as she welcomed all to the affair.

A fitting tribute to the club’s past presidents for the last 30 years (1982 to 2010) was made by a royal march by some of theme: Josie M. Sala, Jessica Avila, Margarita Larrañaga, Elena Young, Lourdes Jereza, Mariter Klepp, Filna Espina, Flor Miel, Betty Young, Elsa Basubas, and Jane Llaban.

What’s an anniversary without a guest speaker? Zonta 2 was visibly honored with the presence of past international Zonta president, Olivia Aguinaldo-Ferry (also the first Filipina president of Zonta International ever!), who was accompanied by fellow-Manila Zontians Imelda Gomez and Primitiva Sison.

As the sumptuous dinner was served, a video delineated the last 30 years of Zonta’s active community involvement, that is at Day Care Centers (Casuntingan and Tipolo); the Pink Center at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (for battered women and children); the Zonta Children’s Reading Center at the Cebu City Public Library and more.

"Surprise, surprise!," announced president Myrna, who singled out two outstanding Zonta 2 members who were honored nationally for their various professional achievements. Take a bow, Cynthia Y. Dagus, Outstanding National Librarian of the Year, and Dame Lourdes D. Jereza, one of a few Dames of the Order St. Sylvester, for exemplary services to the Catholic Church. We are proud of you, Cyntha and Odette!

Dance? It’s always a part of any Zonta affair, so 18 “dancerous” Zontians took to the floor to perform the lively Miligoy de Cebu, in their colorful costumes and got applauded for it too! This was followed by that universal song for all seasons, I Am Woman. By now, it was time for the dance instructors to ask the old familiar question, “Shall we dance?”

Dancing queen and past president Jane Llaban didn’t need a second invite. She was on cue! Happy pearl anniversary, Zontians! Many more precious years!