39th Skal Asian Congress

CEBU, Philippines – A successful 39th Skal Asian Congress was recently held in Cebu where over 200 hundred participants were one in their praise for the organizers of the much anticipated event.

Skal international Cebu president Charles Lim together with Hembler Mendoza - Chairman Host Committee, ably assisted by club secretary Agnes Gupalor and Cenelyn Manguilimotan managed to organize an unforgettable congress which was diverse, casual and more importantly enjoyable.

The formal assembly at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa began with the warm welcome speech by Gerry Perez, President of Skal Asia .

Guest speakers were Oscar Palabyab former Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism and Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Airways Vice President Marketing and Distribution. Palabyab urged the attendees to discover the many wonders of Cebu - natural and man-made sites, historical and heritage districts, cultural and art centers, beaches and more beaches, shopping and more shopping - a leading destination among the sundry chain of 7,107 islands for all kinds of visitors. Candice Iyog, expounded on the airlines' continuing expansion program while providing the lowest year-round all inclusive fares for its domestic sectors and international destinations

The four-day meeting of club members and foreign stakeholders in the international tourism industry and their local counterparts discussed ways and means of promoting cooperation and understanding among tourism and travel oriented clubs. While the days were filled with presentations, workshops   and discussions by respected congress speakers, the evenings were set for fellowships. The Plantation Bay Resort and Spa hosted a welcome beach party for the distinguished delegates.

One of the highlights of the event was the annual presentation of Tourism Personality awards spearheaded by Skal Makati president, Consul of Latvia Robert Lim Joseph.

Held at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, the awardees were Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr, for Local Government, Edward Hagedorn for Environment, Domingo Duerme for   Airline industry, Romeo Jalosjos for Resort, Maria Soledad Barria for Travel and Tours, Isabel de Leon as Media Personality of the Year for Print, Johannes Rudolf Hauri - General Manager of Marco Polo Plaza as Hotel Personality of the Year and Rosvi Gaetos as Government Personality of the Year.

The culmination of the three-day congress was the Gala dinner at the Pacific Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel. The meticulously prepared program that included sumptuous food, excellent wine and world class entertainment created an ambiance that left invitees utterly awed and impressed.

Reluctantly the evening drew to a close. Farewells were made with guests bringing home wonderful memories of an island called Cebu that offers the colors and excitement of urban life at its best. (FREEMAN)