The Chamber Awards 2006

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry once again recognized and honored individuals and establishments that have significantly contributed to the development and growth of the regional economy during its annual Grand Chamber Awards.

The event held at the Pacific Ballroom of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel capped the successful month-long celebration of the Cebu Business Month.

The following Cebuanos were named 2006 Chamber awardees after careful study by a panel of reviewers composed of past presidents such as Hernan Streegan, Geronimo Sta. Ana and Anastacio Muntuerto.

Frederick Ong, of Ong King King and Co. was the recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for establishing multi-million corporations, which started from a retail store selling agricultural products and baking supplies. After 45 years, the business has diversified and expanded that now include shipping, chemical trading, paper making and real estate.

Derek Dytian, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York is this year's Young Entrepreneur awardee. At 33, he has successfully established two restaurants, the Big Mao that specializes in Chinese cuisine and Chikaan, which is home to excellent Filipino cooking.

Dytian also personally manages and oversees the family owned Creative Cuisine, which is without a doubt the island's best in catering services.

The Chamber's Emerging Entrepreneur Award went to Johnie Lim of Body and Sole Spa. With over 30 branches in the Visayas and Mindanao, Lim is a firm believer that health is wealth, offering wellness and total relaxation at truly affordable prices.

Lacto Bacillus, PAFI Techno Resources, a company that promotes the utilization of probiotic products and likewise provides extensive support mechanism that serve as its outreach program, was this years Socially Responsible Corporation.

Eighty seven year old Victoria Congmon is the recipient of the much-coveted Small Business Entrepreneur Award. Driven by the need to support her eight growing siblings, she started a small family business thirty-five years ago cooking chicken simply called Sunburst. Today Sunburst Restaurant has 10 franchised outlets nationwide.

Special citations were given to the following:The Academy for Creating Enterprise for developing and training micro-entrepreneurs from among poor but deserving Filipinos, the Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort,the pioneer internationally renowned resort in Cebu for its excellent service and facilities; the Sykes Asia for being the pioneer Call Center locator in Cebu providing Global customer support solutions as well as the best technical product support experts for many of the worlds leading brand names; NEC Telecom Software Philippines for being the pioneer Offshore software Developer in Cebu serving people through technological innovation and Dash Engineering Philippines Inc.for its continued commitment to create and provide high quality engineering product designs that bring out and showcase the best local talents.

The highlight of the evening was the traditional waltz performed by the club's active members led by its president Francis Monera, CBM Chair Wilson Ng, Awards chair Tess Chan ably assisted by Melanie Ng and with the participation of special guests.