CHANCELLOR Candice Gotianuy of the University of Cebu was one of the receipients of the Asean Women Entrepreneurs award from Her Royal Highness, Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, during the awards night in Bangkok. She was among the 10 Filipinas cited for having made an impact in their particular fields and in their respective communities. In attendance during the ceremony were Candice’s proud parents, UC president Augusto and Elizabeth Go. Awardees from the other Asean member countries were also present.
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Cecilia Manguerra Brainard was on centerstage at Ayala Center Cebu during the the Cebu LitFest organized by Hendri Go. She presided over the launch of the Philippine edition of her war novel “When the Rainbow Goddess Wept.” A “Conversation with Cecilia Brainard and Giovanni Jose” followed.
Another recent book launch was Laurence Ypil’s book of poems entitled “Experiment of the Tropics” at Circa 1900. Laurence, a multi-awarded poet, is the son of doctor Gerry and Chita Ypil. He used to write for SunStar Weekend.
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There was a festive air at the Narra Room of Cebu Country Club a few weeks ago when the members of Zonta Club 1 feted the birthday ladies for the month of June. Striking in their red getups were club president Minnie Yuvienco and past presidents Rufina Tanchan and Mathea Baguia. Oh yes, bouquets of red roses were very much part of the festivities.
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Another June birthday lady was newshen Flor Ynclino who was invited—along with her favorite group of Lifestyle writers—by the Radisson Blu Cebu team for lunch at Feria. It was a get-together of catching up and interacting with the Blu team: hotel manager Miriam Wolber, director of business development Ruby Nepomuceno and communications manager Lara Naomi Verdan.
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It was a day at the North Sandbar for sea-loving doctor couple Rico and Judith Gandiongco and their family and friends when Judith celebrated her birthday. A convoy of yachts and outrigger boats made their way to the sandbar near Bohol for a day of fun and food, dancing and diving, singing and swimming. Everyone had a great time!
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The International Travel Festival at Ayala Center Cebu brought to town Conrad Hotel general manager Laurent Boisdron and commercial director Michael Albaña, who took time out to see old friends. They hosted dinner for a group of media friends at The Pig and Palm, sharing the good news that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the first Hilton Hotel, the mother hotel of Conrad. Both are no strangers to Cebu, Laurent having been general manager of Radisson Blu Cebu sometime ago, while Mike was with a Mactan resort
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There were many reasons for the monthlong vacation in Cebu of George and Kathy (Banquisio) Palanas and their children Kianah, Griffin and Kelwyn who live in Brisbane. First of all, it was a wedding anniversary celebration for their 20 years of a fruitful life together. Secondly, it was for Kathy’s class reunion at Cebu Normal University. It was also a chance for them to hop off to Davao for a visit to the Palanas family.