Tuesday, August 05, 2008 Espina: Celebrations! By Mila C. Espina In my diary
CEBU'S 439th anniversary showcase:
All systems go for the launching of One Cebu Expo on Aug. 8-15 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).
Young businessman Enrison Benedicto, the chairperson for the event, blends with Cebu’s leading stakeholders in trade and tourism , to translate the “Vision of Unity of the Province of Cebu” channeled through Obra Negosyo Expo 2008, in coordination with the celebration of the 439th anniversary of the Province of Cebu. This is the rare opportunity to test the climate of a much bigger “International Trade Expo” in Cebu envisioned in 2009.Plans are already underway. This dream-come-true project of Gov. Gwen Garcia augurs well with the constant clamor to maximize the mileage of the resources of Cebu. Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation Armi Garcia, Department of Tourism (DOT 7) Director Dawnie Roa, Board Member Agnes Magpale, Nelia Navarro of Department of Trade and Industry, and the various presidents and catalysts of the public and private sectors are working on this mega project.
We invite all sectors to view the One Cebu Expo. It’s free admission because we want to have as many people learn more and be proud of Cebu. To assist those who wish to see the exhibits from Aug. 8-15, the DOT 7 and the travel groups may be able to provide shuttle buses to and from CICC. The Commission on Higher Education (Ched 7) had been requested to issue a circular encouraging schools to participate and make the event a source of learning. The various chambers will be involved in drumming up a large attendance, not only on the first day of the expo, but throughout its weeklong duration.
CENEWOF’S VICTORY LUNCHEON
The Cebu Newspaper Workers Foundation (Cenewof) had all the reasons to celebrate with the recent UP Gawad Plaridel Award conferred on the esteemed Cebuano journalist Atty. Pachico “Cheking” A. Seares, whom Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar described as “hardworking, humble and incomparable in his craft!” Raul and Cheking were together in the pioneering years of Sun.Star Cebu. The Cenewof and SM City co-sponsored a victory luncheon at the Casino Espanol.
Trustees Dr. Pureza Onate, Flor Ynclino, Bobit Avila, Marisa Fernan, Eileen Mangubat, Raul del Mar and Tom Alonzo recalled how Cheking, the first Cebuano and first male to bag the award, touched their lives. I have been a silent fan of Cheking and his contributions to community and campus journalism had extended opportunities to students and young journalists to grow. I had glimpses of him as a family man when he took time to watch his daughter graduate from Speechcom many summers ago. Eileen acknowledged how Cheking harnessed her skills while Bobit believed that the latter’s objectivity and credibility have been his winning aces. Cheking thanked Sun.Star for its unwavering faith in him.
From Cenewolf and Cebu, kudos to you, Atty. Seares!
MILESTONES
The 85th birthday celebrations of Ramon L. Chiu was indeed one of the grandest this year. The children, Henry and Rosan Chiu, Elizabeth Chiu Yvonne and Wen Foo Chern, Antonio and Janette Nellie Chiu, Grace and Edwin Mercado, Kristine Tiu, and their beloved mother Tew Chen Ng Chiu, prepared for this glorious affair for all the blessings Ramon had shared with them. (Will write more about this event.)
The National Day of Belgium was well-attended — “more than what we expected and an indication of the long-time friendship of Cebu and Belgium,” said Belgian Consul Enrique Benedicto who, along with Helen, saw to it that the reception-cocktails went on smoothly. And it did. The brief thanksgiving message was delivered by the Ambassador of Belgium Gregoire Vardakis, who came with his lovely wife, then immediately followed by the ceremonial toast of friendship with special guests Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Tomas and his wife Margot Osmena and Vice Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama. The rest of the evening was the chance to renew acquaintances and enjoy the cocktails served in the Caspian Room, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.
THE ADORA LUNCHEON
Emmanuel Tantoco-Pineda hosted lunch at the Pino for editors from the publications all over the world, namely, the International Herald Tribune, Financial Times,Vogue Italy,Vogue Japan, who were in Cebu to visit leading malls, beaches and hotels for Adora. It is the latest high-end department store in our country today, housing not only the brands of excellent quality but also artisan products using Philippine materials to its highest and finest form. The journalists were joined by Honorary Consul Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Margot Osmena, Vice Mayor Rama and this writer.
