Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Espina: International nights By Mila C. Espina In my Diary
The Diplomatic Corps-Cebu, led by Portuguese Consul Samuel Chioson is one of the most active in the country. Just recently, Armi Lopez Garcia, wife of Jesus Garcia, Jr., president of Sun.Star Publishing, was installed Honorary Consul of Russian Federation by no less than Ambassador Vitaly Vorobiev during a glittering affair at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, July 5, 2007. Consul Armi Garcia is known for her wide experience in the fashion accessories industry, civic duties and leadership in business groups, like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The day after, July 6, the diplomatic circle held a dinner-fashion show of international costumes at the Casino- Español de Cebu for the benefit of the crippled children of Cebu and the Women Rehabilitation Center, a project of Zonta 1 and 2. This event was chaired by Spanish Consul Jaime Picornell and British Consul Moya Jackson Zonta I president Betty Young and event director Petite Garcia did a splendid job.
Consul Sam Chioson successfully chaired the Cebu Business Month 2007 of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Consul Jaime Picornell and Moya Jackson were the prominent speakers during the CBM International Media Forum. Belgian Consul Enrique Benedicto, Canadian Consul Robert Lee and former Ambassador and USEC of Department of Foreign Affairs received special citations for Belgium and Canada and the Grand Award of Distinction, respectively, from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their zealous participation in the cultural and economic growth of Cebu. US Consul John Domingo has always been the moving spirit of the American Chamber of Commerce Cebu. Consul Robert Aboitiz, chair of RAFI, Inc has been the proponent of many educational and civic projects. Cebu is indeed fortunate to have an active diplomatic group.
On July 21, the Ambassador of Belgium and Mrs. Gregoire Vardakis and Consul of Belgium and Mrs. Enrique Benedicto will host a reception-cocktails on Saturday, July 21 at the Artic Ballroom Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
