An art contest and a heartwarming poetry reading

Malipayong Pagpanaygon sa Pasko (Happy Christmas Caroling) was this year’s theme for the Cebu City Marriott Hotel annual on-the-spot painting competition.

Participated in by 36 students representing the various high schools in the city, this once-a-year contest which began in1998 and is fast becoming a tradition, is part of the property’s continuing commitment to promote and enhance Philippine arts and culture among today’s young generation.

Jeziel Romero Berido, a 13-year-old student from the University of the Philippines high school was declared the grand prize winner. Her entry will be the featured illustration of the hotel’s 2002 Christmas card.

The second prize went to Rosario Jurado Ugang from the University of Southern Philippines high school, while a 16-year-old senior from St. Theresa’s College, Marianelle Montejo Lapingcao, was third placer.

The members of the board of judges were award-winning painter Adiste Deguilme, professor-artist Christine Manguerra and this writer.

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The new corporate logo of the Standard Chartered Bank, the first foreign bank established in the country in 1872, was recently unveiled at their branch in uptown Banilad, an upscale section of the city.

Done in varying hues of green and blue, the trust mark replaced the former one used for 33 years by over 500 offices worldwide. According to the Cebu manager the good-natured Michael Go, "It conveys the five values that the bank is committed to: courageous, responsive, international, creative and trustworthy (CRICT)."

Chief executive officer Annemarie Durbin together with vice president head corporate Zeny Iglesias and head sales-credit card and personal loans Gerry Timpson flew in from Manila for the event.

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Eleven years ago, a dedicated group of talented ladies, all lovers of the arts, got together and the Women in Literary Arts (WILA) was born. Today, it is the only women’s group of creative writers in the country.

To celebrate their recent anniversary they held a heartwarming poetry reading session at the Sarrosa Hotel.

Poets Annabel Tan Amor and Milagros Dumdum rendered a dramatic narrative reading that brought to life the historical night when Elizabeth I, Queen of England made a final plea to Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots to renounce her legitimate claim to the English throne. The words, packed with meaning, expressed ideas that expand in the listeners’ minds. Both readers created a unified form that was very moving, making it all a memorable experience.

Among guest participants were hotel public relations director Aissa dela Cruz, full-time mom Tisha Lloren, marketing whiz Lisa Jarque and international trainor Pet Escaño Misa.

Providing musical entertainment in between the readings were Kaira Alburo, president of the University of San Carlos Supreme Student Council and Rochelle Vega, the latest addition to the cast of the Lion King musical in Singapore. Violin virtuosos Rodell Flores and Marc Mercado did the accompaniment.

Founding president, poet and essayist Erma Cuizon inducted the new members, namely Haidee Palapar, Arlaine Obenieta, Cherry Lee de Guzman and Jeneen Garcia.

To current chairperson Mayen Angbetic Tan and its officers and members, congratulations and more power!