"He even called me 'Termite Tommy,'" Osmeña recalled of the article written by Soliven, who was an adopted son of the city.
Although they were not "close," Osmeña was appreciative of Soliven because he always defended Cebu against "Imperial Manila" in his write-ups.
The mayor even described Soliven as a "truly credible journalist" who chronicled significant events both here and abroad. "I have many hours of listening to his storytelling."
Soliven was acknowledged as one of the pillars of Philippine journalism, having led a colorful career in the industry that spanned almost six decades.
Soliven's outstanding work also earned him the distinction of being perhaps the only Filipino conferred with the highest decorations by both France and Spain.
He was given with the rank of officer in the French Legion of Honor. It was the second award he received from Paris, the first being the National Order of Merit with the rank of chevalier by late French President Francois Mitterand in 1991.
Soliven was also awarded with the rank of Encomendero de la Orden Isabel la Catolica, one of Spain's highest decorations, from King Juan Carlos I. He landed on the list of 60 senatoriables based on Pulse Asia's latest quarterly survey. - Garry B. Lao/LPM