Various distinguished speakers including President Benigno Aquino took their turns at the podium during the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), led by its president, Miguel Varela and chairman Alfredo Yao, presented its resolutions on agriculture, energy, environment, housing and construction, and other matters, to the guest of honor President Aquino at the conference’s concluding session. Trade and Industry Secretary Greg Domingo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Cebu governor Gwen Garcia, and Philtrust Bank chairman and president Jaime Laya are among the noted personalities who graced the event. Congratulations on a successful undertaking! Till the next conference!
The two ‘Babys’ of Pangasinan
When it comes to hosting social events, Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas is second to none. Even her cultural productions like the first ever Manila concert of world-famous tenors, the late Luciano Pavarotti and the amazing Andrea Bocelli, are nonpareil. And for Congresswoman Rachel Arenas (who also goes by the nickname Baby), Baby Arenas pulled all the stops to make an unforgettable birthday party cum thanksgiving for her only daughter. The lovely, unassuming legislator belongs to that rare breed of politicos. Rachel is noted for her vision and performance in her bailiwick, the third district of Pangasinan, putting to school over 7,000 scholars, building more irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads thus more than doubling the harvest capabilities of farmers, and expanding health services to the most marginalized constituents. The birthday celebrator was given a moving tribute by the district’s scholars and educators after which Rachel thanked everyone, most especially her mother who has been her inspiration and her rock. Local officials, supporters, friends and other guests coming from all walks of life trooped to the Arenas Farms in Malasiqui to greet Rachel on her special day. Happy Birthday, Rachel!