Chamber awards laud global entrepreneurs

This year's Chamber Awards has given full recognition to individuals and institutions who have contributed in putting Cebu to the international map as well as establishments that showcased an example of brave entrepreneurship that fears no giants.

The recent Grand Chamber Awards held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, conferred on businesses and individuals that primarily pull up Cebu's prestige in entrepreneurship, especially in the worldwide market.

A special distinction award was given to International Couturier Cebuana Monique Lhuillier, in fashion and design entrepreneurship.

Lhuillier placed Cebu in the prestigious International designing scene. She also heralded the rise of the Filipino in the global fashion feats through her flourishing boutique collections carried in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Cebu business community lauded Lhuillier's impeccable talent in fashioncraft and entrepreneurship, and become the model of the creative sensibility and fortitude of the Filipina, which captured media mileage and patronage.

Another special citation award on Ecology-Friendly Tourism Establishment conferred on Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Plantation Bay, has pioneered the offering of wellness services including its famous Spa to its guest, thus slowly making Cebu as the wellness or Spa center in Visayas region.

"Plantation Bay is a benchmark for promoting Cebu as the Wellness and Spa destination and achieved international recognition as one of the premier resorts in the Philippines," said CCCI vice president Clarito P. Fruelda, who presented the award.

Also, Plantation Bay which is 100 percent Cebuano-owned five-star resort, is praised by the business community, for having built and maintained its world class facilities and resources with concerns on ecology and the protection of the environment, demonstrated in clean and beautiful landscape, fishponds and marine life, a sewage system and natural beaches.

Meanwhile, Budding entrepreneur Steve Benitez, the brains behind the successful Bo's Coffee Club, has further put the foundation of Cebuano brave entrepreneurs who is able to compete with international players in the local scene, that despite the entry of Coffee chain giants, Bo's Coffee Club continues to grow profitable.

Benitez, is this year's Entrepreneur Success Story in Cebu, his utilization of the best local beans and milk from the Cebu Dairy Fresh has boosted the self-sufficiency and industry of dairy producers and farmers.

"He inspires the youth to create business perspectives and translate them to productive entrepreneurship to help accelerate economy and employment," said award presentor Carlos Co.

Benitez' passion and entrepreneurial energy as well as youthful dynamism gave birth to Bo's Coffee Club, a chain of specialty coffee shops, with 22 outlets all over the country.

Another special citation was given to the first private-sector led tourism marketing arm, the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau (CVCB).

CVCB, founded by tourism leader Patrick C. Gregorio, has been able to effectively brand Cebu as a Convention and Events Destination Hub. IT develops international linkages that take spotlight and attention in the international market.

Other awardees included Bigfoot Global Solutions Inc., for its long term investments in Cebu to promote IT-related projects; the International Academy of Film and Television to encourage foreign film producers to come to Cebu; Tourism Entrepreneur of the year award conferred on Arcadio C. Alegrado of Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort; Anos Fonacier having pioneered the establishment of the Cebu Plaza Hotel, the first premiere hotel in Cebu, and the chain of resort hotels; like Tambuli East and West Beach Club, Cebu Beach Club, Argao and Bohol Beach Clubs, among others.

Two large conglomerates Aboitiz Group of Companies, and Ayala Group of Companies were recognized with Special Distinction Awards.