888 News Forum awardees

Six years ago, over coffee, three active ladies, Eileen Mangubat, Jenny Franco and Malou Apalisok, each one successful in their chosen field, got together to consider the possibility of hosting a program that would discuss and possibly deliberate on domestic issues as well as national concerns.

Further talks with Consul General of Latvia, Bobby Joseph, a passionate and committed tourism advocate, resulted in the organization of the 888 News Forum. Founding members included Ricky Poca, Dawnie Roa, Rey Fuentes and this writer.

As in years past, individuals who have contributed in the promotion of tourism and establishments who have given exemplary service to the community were recognized and awarded with plaques of appreciation. This year they include the following. 

Michael Rama — Cebu City Mayor

For his remarkable support to the tourism industry through his long chairmanship of the Sinulog foundation and the Cebu Tourism Commission, the concreting and repair of major streets and the preservation of historical and heritage structures in the city.

Congressman Pablo John Garcia

For concreting   over 100 kilometers of provincial, municipal and barangay roads in his district and his generous fund assistance in the development of the Bojo River Nature Park in Alonguinsan which has become a community-based tourist destination in Cebu, giving alternative livelihood to the people.

Mayor Valdemar Chiong

For transforming Naga City   from a sleepy town to a bustling industrial city through his remarkable efforts of attracting investors thereby generating employment for the people of Cebu.

Valeriano Avila

For his achievements in journalism and remarkable contribution to the tourism industry through his insightful columns in the Philippine Star and The FREEMAN, for his interviews of important personalities in his "Straight from the Sky" talk show and "My TV" television production, thus promoting Cebu and the Philippines in general as a premier tourist destination.

Elias Baquero

For his exemplary achievements in journalism and as an outstanding over-all coordinator of 888 New Forum, in charge of inviting guests that include tourism personalities, businessmen, political and civil society leaders and leaders of the marginal sector.

Rotary Club of Cebu Port Center

For its charitable contribution to Cebu and its neighboring provinces through the Rota Plus International Medical Mission, giving free operation of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate to under privileged children.

Mila Espina

For her outstanding leadership and contribution to tourism as primemover of the annual Tourism congress of The Cebu Chamber of Commerce & Industry, as an educator and perennial presenter for Cebu province to the East Asia tourism forum.

Cebu News Workers Cooperative

As the leading media cooperative in the Philippines, benefitting numerous families of TV, Radio and Newspaper media members through assistance in times of need.

Jessica Avila

For elevating the Philippine Culinary delights to global standard through her creative and innovative presentation of the Cebuano Cuisine to the domestic and international market.

Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation Inc.

For its remarkable contribution to tourism by undertaking a comprehensive and sustainable beautification, rehabilitation and revitalization of the streets of Cebu in coordination with the Cebu City Government.