AWARDING. We were in Makati last week to see three individuals who received awards for their contribution to environmental protection and the promotion of the publishing industry. They were recognized by the Publishers’ Association of the Philippines Inc. (Papi), led by national president Louie Arriola. He organized a small band to provide the entertainment during and after the awarding, held at Cafe Astana, which he owns.
Those who received awards from Papi were Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who is also the United Nations Green Fund co-chairman; Manila Bulletin publisher Emilio Yap; and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Alfonso Siy.
Music. After the awarding ceremony, it was time for some music and fellowship. Arriola invited some of his friends and media colleagues to entertain the crowd but it was his own participation that really impressed us. He rendered a number of immortal pieces to the accompaniment of the small band and we really liked the way he performed his songs. After him, more of his friends and guests took the center stage and did their own numbers. We saw actor Dennis Roldan and Rep. Emil Ong. Both also sang. The Cebu Papi delegation was led by vice president for the Visayas Andy Manatad, chapter president Engr. Greg Senining and treasurer Loy Jurado.
Speakers. Once again, Senining’s GSS Promotions is producing this year’s Siete Palabras On the Air to be heard on Good Friday, April 18, on dyHP 612 Khz, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. He told us that the program intends to extensively dissect the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ from the layman’s point of view. The speakers are Andy Manatad for the introduction; former Cebu City councilor Ernesto Elizondo, First Word; this writer, Second Word; businesswoman Virgie Baruffols, Third Word; Senining, Fourth Word; Toledo City Councilor Nick Pepito, Fifth Word; Pajo Barangay Captain Ahong Chan, Sixth Word; and Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, Seventh Word. Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy will deliver the conclusion.
Bogo. We were also in Bogo City last week together with singers Lani Gomez-Kaya, Dina Abellanosa and Boyet Lim and fellow columnist Roger Serna to witness the dedication of 10 newly built houses at Yolanda Village. Kaya, who is now based in Bahrain, also turned over certificates of purchase representing five hollow block- making machines that the residents of Bogo and Daanbantayan can utilize for their money-making venture.
Entertainment. After the simple turn-over ceremony, Kaya, Abellanosa and Lim entertained the residents with their song numbers. It was actually an impromptu entertainment treat for the Yolanda typhoon survivors who were so visibly happy. We should also thank Kaya, her Turkish husband and their friends for doing a concert in Bahrain, the aim of which was to raise funds to buy the five hollow block-making machines. Kaya promised to hold a concert here in Cebu next year.