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BECAUSE
it’s the second-biggest magnet for business and growth,
next to Metro Manila. Because it’s the most exciting,
but also the most relaxing place for foreign and local
tourists. Because it has history, is rich in culture and
is an exciting mélange of lifestyles and people. Because
its local media circuit is alive and kicking. Because.
There
are many factors behind the decision of BusinessMirror
to open a bureau in Cebu on February 1, including the
imperative to live out its motto of providing a “broader
look at today’s business.” But all the reasons for going
to Cebu were validated on that exciting weekend in early
February, when the BusinessMirror office, located on a
historic part of the city’s downtown area, was opened
and blessed, with two leaders graciously lending their
presence: dynamic Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Ricardo
Cardinal Vidal,
Cebu archbishop.
 “This
only means better things for
Cebu,” said Governor Garcia. “Now people will know what great
things are happening here.”
The
cardinal said it was rare that he and the governor got
together on occasions, and he was happy to join her in
this auspicious event. He took time to chat with guests
after blessing the office, located at the Fortune Life
building on Osmeña Boulevard, and good-naturedly helping
the governor scatter some coins for good luck.
After
the brief rites at the downtown, office, everyone
repaired to the Cebu Parklane International Hotel, just
a stone’s throw from the Ayala Mall, for the cocktails
that lasted all of five hours, in a garden setting by
the poolside on the hotel’s fourth floor.
There
was a slight breeze all throughout, the food and wine
overflowed, and laughter and music mixed perfectly with
the company—representatives from the Cebu provincial
government, line agencies, business group and community
leaders, and captains of industry present to welcome the
paper.
 They
were welcomed by BusinessMirror officers, publisher T.
Anthony C. Cabangon, president Benjie Ramos, and vice
presidents Ricky Alegre and Santy Cabangon, among
others.
Cebu
Business Club president Dondi Joseph was at hand, along
with Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials,
like treasurer Samson Tiu, and trustees Virgilio Crystal
and Ed Limtingco.
Cebu
Business Month executive director Irene Ngosiok was also
on hand, along with chamber external affairs officer
Robby Alugar.
Officers
and trustees from the European Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, led by trustee Lilu Aliño, were also present,
along with several members of the Rotary Club of Cebu.
 The
Cebu provincial government was represented by board
member Agnes Magpale and information officer Sam
Costanilla, along with socioeconomic planning regional
director Marlene Rodriguez and tourism regional director
Patria Aurora Roa.
Cebu’s
biggest companies were also represented, as officers
from Aboitiz Equity Ventures joined the affair, led by
assistant vice president for finance Caroline
Ballesteros and Theresa Saderiosa.
Visayan
Electric Co.’s Ethel Natera was also present, along with
representatives from Ayala Land subsidiary Cebu Holdings
Inc. and Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa. |
