Initiated by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the project rationale was to search for exemplary and noteworthy students and young professionals to disseminate relevant information about Cebu’s economic and tourism potentials and resources and to eventually assist in the promotion of trade and tourism, both in the domestic and international arenas.
Prior to the formal presentation and final evaluation, the board of judges, which included members of the Cebu diplomatic corps, such as Honorary Consul General of Great Britain Moya Jackson, US Consular Agent John Domingo, Belgian Honorary Consul Enrique Benedicto, and joined by concerned socialite with a generous heart Amparito Lhuillier, lifestyle editor and social chronicler Nelia Neri, world traveler and Tourism Attaché to London Edu Jarque and civic and business leader Gerry Santa Ana had a fitting opportunity for a more-than-just-a-get-to-know-you dinner with the candidates.
One by one, dressed in jusi barongs by designer Joy Bernaldez, the spotlight focused on the aspirants.
Jujimay Awit, of the University of the Philippines, with special skills in the literary world, aired her concerns that business in Cebu is, to a certain extent, simply franchises of enterprises that operate in Manila, and must therefore stand by itself and endeavor to improvise and improve local industries.
Ryan Ebuna, a computer whiz and a budding artist from the University of San Carlos, believes that tourism will certainly put Cebu in the travelers’ world map, while he campaigns to double the initiative to produce and patronize local products.
Cebu Normal University coed Marie Shantylle Ducayag, who is dedicated to community service and active in religious affairs, has faith that Cebu will rise above the present economic crisis.
Arthur Aliazon of the University of San Jose Recoletos, named as one of the Outstanding Cebuano Youth Leaders and one of the 10 Most Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, considers Cebu as the best city in the country with its rich culture and traditions, unparalleled balance of booming industry and well-preserved ecology and a peace loving people.
Eva Gulosino, a consistent winner of oratorical and declamation competitions and an accountancy student of the University of San Carlos, is hopeful that traffic can be improved with a good road network and balance progress with environment care. She takes pride of Cebu’s beautiful beach resorts and hospitable people.
Paul Francisco, who attends the University of the Visayas and strives to be an excellent nurse, is a perennial leadership and achievement awardee and once served as the Youth Cebu City Mayor. He claims that youth empowerment will help the islands economy and what we truly need are leaders who are development oriented.
Jamna Gicole, a University of Southern Philippines graduating music student and the organizer of the Repertory of Young Professionals in theater, actively does inspiring performances in music through sign language, singing and playing several musical instruments. Despite the slight downfall of the economy, she declares that Ceboom is still existent.
Michael Florentino, a soon-to-be-engineer from the University of Cebu, who enjoys a good debate and is interested in current issues and community development, clamors that there is a need for the government to assist small scale industries – the newsboys, the barbecue vendors and the many little traders – who in turn will, in their own way, support trade and tourism.
Tito Aldecoa III is the outstanding business graduate of Siliman University and is the only young professional in the group. He is the champion of the 2002 Centennial Quiz Ball and several comprehensive reading contests. He says that as long as entrepreneurship remain the priority of society, then it would lead to progressive communities and eventually will bring about national progress.
Nina Mae Villegas, a consistent dean’s lister at the University of San Carlos and dabbles in drama and news writing, insists Cebu is not conducive to any form of unpleasant and unwanted attacks since it is in the center of the Visayan group of islands with compact geographical and topographical features with infrastructures that extend to the mountainous areas.
J. Dan Garing, an engineering senior from the Cebu Institute of Technology, has been chosen as the best speaker, best debater and best rebuttalist in various inter-school debates. He is proud of Cebu’s schools meeting the challenges of the new economic technology and the islands’ pool of skilled and talented labor.
Daffodil Pastor attends the University of the Philippines, Cebu campus and is an excellent communicator, who likes to plant trees every chance she gets. She defines progress as seeing every Filipino eating three meals a day, having a home and a secure job.
To give everyone present a better understanding on the insights of the finalists on relevant issues of the day and to further assist the judges on their noble task, popular TV host Bunny Pages introduced the panel of interactors, namely Honorary Consul of Belgium Ben Dapat, Dr. Jose Tan, businessman Lito Maderazo, PR practitioner Marlinda Tan, writer Manuel Satorre and art enthusiast Cherry Muntuerto.
In case of a tie – and there was a tie, indeed – the judges had to be consulted. After much much deliberation, the winners were proclaimed.
Hail to Ambassador Arthur James Aliazon and a bow to Ambasadress Jamna Gicole. The deserving runners-up were Michael Florentino and Daffodil Pastor.
Once again, our congratulations to the search and awards chairperson, the enduring and workaholic Mila Espina, a woman full of great ideas who does not seem to stop till all the goals are all achieved.