Anyeong Skal Cebu!

CEBU, Philippines - Skal International Cebu members came in strong at the 38th SKAL Asia Congress in Incheon, South Korea recently, as they invited and campaigned for participation in next year’s congress, which they will host.

Cebu’s 12 participants, joined by Skal Makati and Skal Davao members, cheered on as five flags of the Philippine chapters (Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Makati and Manila) were paraded during the opening ceremony.

It was surely a favorable impression to 300 delegates from all over Asia as the members joined the Business-to-business Travel Mart and did business among friends. Skal International Cebu president Charles Lim also presented a Department of Tourism Cebu video during the gala dinner.

Skal International World President Hulya Azlantis and newly elected Asian President Gerry Perez all voiced out hearty support to the congress next year in the Queen City of the South, dubbed, “Fun! Fun! Fun! In the tropical Cebu sun!”

Lim said of the congress next year, “We are very fortunate to have the support of the Department of Tourism, our fellow Skal clubs in the Philippines, and our member hotels, resorts, travel agencies, travel media and schools. Let’s all make 2010 a Visit Cebu year!”

Apart from Lim, other Skal members who attended the Incheon Congress were Agnes Gupalor (Cebu Pacific), Cenelyn Manguilimotan (Cebu Parklane International Hotel), Hembler Mendoza (Waterfront Mactan Airport Hotel and Casino), Carlo Suarez (Cebu Grand Hotel), Michelle de Guzman (Selrahco Management and Consultancy), Dr. Cecil Gantalao (University of San Carlos), Jed Arricivita (Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa), Lara Constantino (Marco Polo Plaza Cebu), Richard Gold (Plantation Bay Resort and Spa), Hartwig Scholz and Elna Valparaiso (Badian Island Resort and Spa).

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Skal International is the world’s only and largest professional organization of tourism and travel leaders around the world.