Manny Osmeña, owner of Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, is one Cebuano who simply can’t hide his elation over the recently concluded Summit. At times, as he recalls his experience of the ASEAN Summit over our French dinner recently in a restaurant in Makati, he becomes both animated and emotional in his retelling of what transpired during the momentous event in the Queen City of the South.
"The holding of the Summit in our country proves that as long as we all put our hearts together, we, the Filipinos, can do it," Osmeña enthusiastically says of the ASEAN Summit held from Jan. 10 to 15.
He adds, "In fact, during the days of the Summit, I felt like I was in Singapore seeing the beautifully paved roads, new lamp posts, colorful landscaping, as well as the world-class Cebu International Convention Center."
Read on to find out more about Osmeña’s thoughts on the Summit. Let’s drink to that!
Please describe the recently concluded ASEAN Summit in Cebu. Please describe, too, the preparation undertaken prior to the event.
The recently concluded ASEAN Summit held in Cebu was a big success. It also tells us three things: one, it proves that as long as we all put our hearts together, we, the Filipinos, can do it. Two, it gave us the opportunity to show the world what the Philippines can do as well as it also gave us the chance to showcase to the world our country and our people. Three, with the success of the peaceful Summit, the amount of interest in investments and interest to visit the Philippines is unquantifiable. Businessmen and tourists, who would not normally consider Cebu or the Philippines as a destination, will now have us in their minds as a choice. With this exposure, Cebu will now be in their map.
You mean to tell me that no stone was left unturned for the Summit?
In my personal view, it was very well organized. No detail was spared during the preparation, and with the concerted efforts of Ambassador Jun Paynor (secretary general of the Summit and head of the National Organizing Committee), Gov. Gwen Garcia and Mayors Tommy Osmeña (Cebu City), Boy Radaza (Lapu-Lapu) and Teddy Ouano (Mandaue) with their respective team, they were all working with the same objective and with one heart  the love for the country  even if they may not be exactly admirers of each other. This proves that if we truly love our country, we will put that love ahead of everything.
Please tell me about your thoughts while the Summit was being held there; your thoughts after the Summit.
I felt so proud that at times I was emotional. Even during the gala dinner on Jan. 14, the entire program was so organized. It was seamless. When Pitoy Moreno paraded our beauty queens wearing the national gowns of the 16 different countries, I concluded and said to the ones who were in the same table as myself: "There’s no argument now, the Philippines has the most beautiful women in the world!"
Right after the Summit, I already received numerous calls from friends of different countries sending their congratulations on the success of the Asean.
What was the extent of your participation in the Summit? How well did you accomplish your task?
We at the Hilton hosted the entire Japanese delegation including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe, senior ministers as well as over a hundred Japanese media members. In fact, the Japanese media even converted our ballroom and all our function rooms into their international media center for over a week. We also hosted top officials from Asian Development Bank, United Nations and other Philippine delegation.
As to how well I accomplished my task, I can say: "Praise God!" We receive compliments in all areas  foods, rooms and suites, ambiance as well as service. I cannot remember any complaint.
In your own words, how beneficial is the Summit to Cebu? To the whole Philippines?
Investors and tourists from different parts of the world who use to never consider the Philippines and Cebu as a destination will now have us in their minds. As I said, this is unquantifiable for the years to come.
You were mentioning that Cebu was literally under the weather on the days the Summit was being held. On the day of the gala which was the highlight of the Summit, however, there came sunshine. What can you say about this?
After more than a week of rain and thunderstorms, God gave us a beautiful sunny day right on the day of the gala (Jan. 14) in spite of the forecast of local and international weather stations that the rain would continue until Jan.16. It is clear that God’s ways and thoughts are indeed higher than ours. We truly cannot rely just on our own understanding, because the Bible says in 1 Corinthian 1:19: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; and the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."
I sincerely believe that God is giving us this golden opportunity. It is clear that He is saying it is now our time. Therefore, I appeal to the Filipino people, let us work with "one heart" and let us not waste this chance.
(For your new beginnings, please e-mail me at bumbaki@yahoo.com or my.new.beginnings@gmail.com.
Have a blessed Sunday!)