Chinggay V. Utzurrum
The scene

AFTER all the season’s eatings, greetings and goings-on, its time to welcome with open arms the Year of the Ox (in our islands, that’s the hard-working carabao!). Here are some activities to start off a hearty January 2009.

Jan. 8, Thursday, at 6 p.m., artist in residence, Paulina Constancia, will present her umpteenth art exhibit, Ninos-Alang Sa Mga Bata at the 856 G Gallery on A. S. Fortuna St., Banilad, Mandaue City, from Jan. 8 to 31.

A collection of mixed media art, this exhibit is dedicated to children, cherishing their presence and promoting their rights.
Paulina has chosen to bring this exhibit during the Sinulog month when Cebuano visitors around the world gather to celebrate the Feast of the Santo Niño.

Exhibition sales will benefit the Enfants du Mekong, better known locally as “Batang Mekong.” The organization is located near the Inayawan dump site. This project provides education, better nutrition and health support for kids of the dump site scavengers.

Abellana National School Batch 1959, headed by Gen. Leo Alvez, is calling one and all, Class ’59 graduates, to celebrate a glorious Golden Jubilee at the Cebu Country Club Banilad, Cebu City, on Wednesday, Jan. 14. For inquiries, please call Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, at cell no. 0917-626-6337; or Ruth Sarmiento-Cabunilas at Tel. No. 273-6243;

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Every year, a few days after Christmas, dedicated members and volunteers of the Cebu City Medical Indigency Foundation (CCMIF), gather their talents, time and treasures to bring holiday cheer to the indigent patients at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

As is traditional annually, the CCMIF chairman Cebu Archibishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal visits all the wards at the CCMC, preceded by a choir of carolers, and closely followed by members and volunteers of the foundation, distributing bundles of joy.

Although the good Cardinal was unable to make the rounds, this year, his stewards carried out the task beautifully.

Headed by president Nenita Go, they cheerfully consoled patients who were unfortunately, in the hospital during this joyous season.

Very close to their hearts were the kids at the Malnutrition Ward, some miraculously healed, and even posed at the Duyan Sa Paglaum Center.

Msgr. Rommel Kintanar officiated at the Mass before the event. He was assisted by Hospital chaplain Fr. Noli Lim.

The ward visits were truly scenes to tug at your heartstrings, and reminded all that God has specially blessed the children at this time of caring and sharing.

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Meanwhile, philantrophic couple, Go ChingHai, and indefatigable better-half, Beling, hosted a pre-Christmas lunch at the family-owned Beverly View Clubhouse, whose location, far above Beverly hills, evokes memories of romantic affairs what with a panoramic view of the city below, and its environs.

Here, members of the Golden Center of Cebu Inc., partook of a sumptuous lunch prepared by Port Seafood restaurant.

This organization is composed of doctors and nurses, who commit their time for the elderly in the community, who are needy physically and financially. Although some are now retired, they still contribute their expertise to the cause.

After lunch, a terpsichorean performance was held by award-winning pairs of Dancesport Team Cebu City, founded by the zealous Edward Go Hayco, son of Beling.

What a stunningly perfect show that was, and what followed was a dancing class, among the oldies but goodies, who have still, retained their innate grace. Congrats to all.

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When Angel Society of Cebu president Merlie Zamora announced that the yearly Christmas party of the foundation would be at the usual Franciscan orphanage in Guadalupe, diligent members immediately "adopted" two kids each to grant them their Yuletide wish list.

And so on a bright afternoon, the “angels” gathered at the center, with their Christmas loot bags in tow.

Gifts ranging from dresses to footwear to toys gave immeasurable joy to the kids, whose ages were from seven to 20.

So appreciative were they, an instant choreographed caroling stint was presented, followed by a simple merienda cena.

We hope your yuletide season was as fulfilling as ours! God bless us all!

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(January 8, 2009 issue)
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