Visayan divas Pilita Corales and Dulce perform at "CEBU, CEBU"

CEBU, Philippines - SM City Cebu launched the exhibit "Cebu, Cebu" last Jan. 8 at the Northwing Atrium. The ongoing exhibit showcases Cebu's finest in fashion, jewelry, furniture, and art.

The opening of the exhibit was highlighted with performances from Visayan divas Dulce and Pilita Corales, and fittingly so, having brought pride to Cebu with their exploits here and abroad.

Dulce, whose real name is Maria Theresa Llamedo, always knew that she was born to sing.

Among her recognitions were winning the Grand Prize in the 4th Asian Singing Competition in 1979 Hongkong; being included in the National Press Club's Tinig Award's Top 10 Supersingers of the Phils. of 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1991; being named First Runner-up at the 3rd ABU Popular Song Festival, Putra World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur; taking home the Grand Prize in the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest in 1988 Hongkong; representing the Philippines to the 1995 Fringe Festival in Edinburgh Scotland; and placing 1st Runner-up at the 2002 Australia Open Entertainment Competition in Sydney.

These accolades earned her the Special Award of Recognition during the 2003 Aliw Awards Night, and a star in the Walk of Fame, Eastwood City in 2008.

Meanwhile, Pilita Corales, named as Asia's Queen of Songs, serenaded the guests with songs from yesteryears. Corrales holds the distinction of being the first female artist to top the Australian pop music charts. After receiving a 1965 Philippine Citizen's Award as Best TV Female Performer, Pilita went on to receive the Cecil, Aliw, Tinig awards, plus several others for her performances and lifetime achievement.

For one in 1990, she received a Merit Award from the FAMAS Awards. In 1991, she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) for bringing Filipino musical artistry to international audiences. Her very own single, "A Million Thanks To You" was translated into seven languages.

"Cebu, Cebu" features the world-class creative works of Cebuano furniture designer Vito Selma, fashion accessory designer extraordinaire Noreen Tseng, three of the most sought-after visual artists, namely, Sio Montera, J. Karl Roque, Jr., and Tito Cuevas, fashion designers Philip Rodriguez, Felix Yu, Cary Santiago and Sal Malto. A wide array of Cafe Laguna delicacies is also served.

The exhibit runs until January 30, 2011 at the Northwing Atrium. (FREEMAN)