IT HAS been 30 years since a young man with big dreams set up the foundation of what is now the multi-awarded Cokaliong Shipping Lines. Chester Cokaliong was in his late 20s when he, with the full support of his loving parents Edgar and Gregoria, established the shipping company on Dec. 8, 1989. Unfortunately, his father died three days after the maiden voyage of their first ship so Chester was left on his own.

Determined and driven, Chester worked hard and, in time, steered Cokaliong Shipping Lines to the success that it has become today. After 30 years, the Cokaliong fleet has expanded to 15 with one more to be launched this year. All its ships are known for their safety and cleanliness.

Three decades of trailblazing expansion and serving the sea-riding public with no marine accident called for a grand celebration. And so the Cokaliong family marked the 30th founding anniversary with a formal cocktail/dinner affair at Radisson Blu last Dec. 8, 2019. Frontliners were matriarch Gregoria who sits as chairperson and president, and founder Chester, who is chief executive officer/chief operating officer of Cokaliong Shipping Lines. Guests of honor were Sen. Grace Poe and Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella.