When Zontians Unite for a Cause

CEBU, Philippines - One of the most widespread violations of human rights is violence against women. It affects every race, culture, class, age and country. Women are potential victims at every stage of their lives.

One such organization that addresses issues which are considered basic human rights for women’s development is the Zonta Club Cebu l.

Continuously, the club undertakes various fund-raising events in its effort to sustain the many laudable projects it pursues.

With more than enough reason to rejoice in their countless blessings and successes, the organization celebrated their 4oth anniversary with an evening of Glamour and Glitz at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

Past president Mila Espina, unrelenting in her task and driven by her passion to serve, conceptualized and directed the much anticipated family-oriented fashion show musicale where Zontians and friends graciously shared their time, talent and support to raise much needed funds for the Adopt-A-School-Program and other projects.

Prior to the show, club president Rufina Tanchan presented the Commemorative Medallion to charter president Suga Sotto Yuvienco amidst applause and more applause. She was assisted by Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña.

The program began with an upbeat dance number by the USJ-R Amparito Lhuillier Scholars. Shortly after, some club members with their respective families appeared on stage donning elegant outfits by Cebu’s foremost fashion designers.

The three generations of the Gandioncos was led by Julie with daughter Patricia and grand daughters Dianne, Sophia and Liana. Proud mom Isabel Garcia was with charming daughter Andrea and adorable grand-daughter Ella. Lani Osmeña danced her way with stunning daughters Illeana and Annette Louise. Statuesque Zontians Alice Woolbright and June Alegrado did a dance number with their respective daughters Erika and Izarra. Civic leader Melanie Ng was escorted by sons Myles Wilhelmson, Earl Christianson and Dale Johannse while Tess Chan had her well-groomed son Mark by her side. The sibling bonding featured the Benedicto’s Joy, Mylene   Enrison and Bendy.

After the fantastic musical interlude by Yntel Beltran, lovely couples such as Gregg and Agnes Huettel, Edgar and Cely Chiongbian, hoteliers Hans Hauri and Bo and Manny and Gina Osmeña, and Vince and Lucille Colina in fabulous gowns and suits obliged with a waltz.

Ms. Cebu beauty queens Kris Tiffany Janson and Janice Minor together with Anna Maris Igpit, Binibining Pilipinas World 2006, and former model Quennie Ammann exemplified ultimate beauty and grace.

Not to be outdone were the Zontian lady golfers in the persons of Cristina Ebrada and Teresita Schaap.

The finale featured the much-respected and admired ladies, Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and philanthropist Amparito Lhuillier.

The event’s success was shared by the island’s renowned individuals who have given generously of their time and grasped the opportunity to give back to the community.