Thursday, February 23, 2006 (Philippines)

P2.8M dress rehearsal highlight of the Cebu City Charter Day celebration was the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals (top awardees, top) and a “dress rehearsal” for the Asean Summit that cost P2.8 million. The impressive show apparently clinched Cebu’s hosting of the gathering of world leaders in December.(Sun.star photo/Amper Campaña) Even before she saw what the Cebu City Government has prepared for the Asean summit, President Arroyo confirmed and announced with finality that Cebu will host the meeting of Asian leaders in December. Impressed with last night’s show, which was likened to the “Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans mardi gras,” Asean organizing committee officials lauded the City Government for its preparations. Arroyo announced that three key cities in the province will host Southeast Asian leaders and their dialogue partners later this year, shortly before seeing what Cebu has prepared for the 5,000 delegates expected here. [full story]