Utzurrum: Diplomatic affairs

THE Koreans have arrived and conquered Cebu, tourism-cum-business-wise! This was observed by newly assigned Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines, Lee Hyuk, who was presented to the media by Honorary Consul of Korea in Cebu, lawyer Augusto W. Go at
the Cebu Country Club.

LUNCH DATE. Former ambassador to Canada Francisco Benedicto (third from right, standing) at the lunch he hosted for his media friends. All smiles are (seated, from left) Cookie Newman, Mila Espina, Nelia Neri, Flor Ynclino and Kathy Oyson. Standing are (from left) Sam Costanilla, Roger Serna, Bobit Avila, Jerry Tundag and Jaime Picornell.

Happily, Ambassador Lee Hyuk has heard so much about the city that his countrymen frequent and want to touch base with the locals, as he himself has said, "I'm a new kid on the block.”
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With such huge investments, Koreans must feel that the business climate here is most conducive to expansion.

We love your hills and beaches too, he said. And this could lead to great friendship between out two peoples. Pinoys have learned to love Korean food and the ever-popular Korean telenovela and dance, Gangnam Style.

Statistics show that Korean tourist arrivals in the country have exceeded one million and of this number, 350,000 have visited Cebu! And guess what? Between 20,000 and 30,000 are actually living here!

That means that the ambassador will have to drop by our Queen City more often, right, Atty. Go? Maayong pag-abot, Your Excellency!

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Speaking of diplomats, former ambassador Francisco Benedicto has indeed earned the title “Diplomat for all Seasons!” what with his professionalism, expertise, and winning ways. You just don’t get to be appointed Ambassador to more than five countries by three past presidents of the land.

Every year, we in the media have the honor of being hosted by the good ambassador for lunch or dinner, coordinated by our good friend and colleague, Sam Costanilla, at the gourmet Chinese dining place, Majestic Restaurant.

Now that he is retired. Frank (as he’s fondly called), has not ceased to be a gracious consultant/adviser to diplomatic wannabes. This we can truly say, “Once a diplomat, always a diplomat.” That’s Frank!

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We’d like to commend the members of the Quota International Club of Mandaue for their recent fund-raising activity for the malnourished, hearing-impaired kids of the Mandaue City Central Integrated Sped School.

With a variety of items solicited by members and friends, the club organized an auction sale of ladies’ shoes and bags (branded), household items, kitchen utensils, fashion accessories, decors, wines and what have you. It goes without saying that sale was brisk and the members accumulated quite a pile for the feeding program. Hats off to you, Quotarians!