We finally have the august presence of Finland in our midst.
With the appointment of local top executive, Jose Franco Soberano, as first honorary consul of Finland in Cebu, we can aggressively focus on Finland’s partnerships in government and business as well as Finnish technology, specifically in sustainable practices.
It was the distinguished presence of Hon. Juha Pyykko, Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines, that gave that added sense of prestige to the formal dinner affair at the Citadines ballroom recently.
With the ambassador being the guest of honor, the new Consul Soberano was granted the Exequatur, prompting a gracious toast from his proud father, Cebu Landmasters Inc. chairman and chief executive officer Jose Soberano III.
Also sharing the historic moment were more than a dozen official and honorary consuls in our Queen City, not to mention our local government top guns, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia. Hail!
Proudest of all were members of the new consul’s family: parents Jose and Marose, wife Alana May, brothers and sisters. And of course, the entire Landmasters troupe!
In parting, Ambassador Pyykko added that aside from sharing smart city solutions and sustainability, another point is tourism. Remember, Finland was voted as one of the happiest countries in the world!
When is the next flight?