38 Cebuano leaders, achievers in ‘Cebu’ magazine

If you enjoyed the past issues of Cebu magazine, the must-read glossy publication on the people of the island and everything that goes with it, you will certainly take more pleasure in the much-anticipated, recently re-launched copy showcasing a new look both in presentation and in its choice of featured articles, write-ups and columns. That’s only for starters. And you have the young and dynamic publisher Jay Aldeguer to thank for.

Take the latest issue, now available in better department stores, leading bookstores and exclusive gift shops. It focuses on 38 prominent and successful Cebuanos, all respected and admired, who excel in their chosen profession in the arts and the academe, design and sports, government and socio-civic service, business and politics. The list includes achievers and leaders in the community – front runners, trail-blazers and trend-setters, such as Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide, entrepreneurs Joseph Gaisano and Bernie Liu, educators Augusto Go and Felisa Etemadi, philanthropist Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung, public servants Edgardo Labella, Paul Villarete and Ruben Carraza, restaurateurs Earl Kokseng, Winglip Chang and Efrain Pelaez, Cebu City First Lady Margot Osmeña, historian Resil Mojares, newscaster Bobby Nalzaro, architects Maxwell Espina and Manuel Guanzon, artists Tito Cuevas and Raymund Fernandez and furniture maker Josephine Booth.

Take a bow. A proud city salutes you!

Then there’s former Cebu City Governor and one-time presidential aspirant Lito Osmeña sharing his vision and thoughts on Cebu, the challenges it faces and talking candidly about his devotion and support for federalism.

And there’s more, lots more on exciting Cebu and its interesting people and the engaging lives they live.

Get your copy now.

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Speaking of Cebuano achievers, the sought-after architect Jose Mari Cañizares was the deserving recipient of the Outstanding Profession of the Year 2003 award in the field of architecture, the first winner outside of Manila to be given such distinction at ceremonies, held at the Philippine International Convention Center with Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo as the guest of honor.

Bestowed upon by the Professional Regulation Commission, the coveted prize gives recognition to Cañizares’ exemplary performance, his achievements as a professional and his invaluable contribution to the nation.

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Talented and accomplished Manila-based director Bart Guingona flew into town not too long ago to direct the new production of New Yorker in Tondo, his first play in Cebu with Cebuano artists at the CAP Art Center.

The classic comedy by Marcelino Agana, Jr. evolves around a local lass named Kikay who goes to New York and returns home very American in her ways. Set in the ’50s, it highlights colonial mentality which some claim is still very evident today.

Produced by Concon Margallo and Hendri Go of Little Boy Productions, the brilliant cast was headed by seasoned stage actress Marlinda Angbetic Tan. Theater debutante Carissa Garcia Codilla and marketing executive Joanna Fajardo alternated as Kikay, while Randolph Libres and Robert Sardual shared the role of Tony, her love interest. Bong Cabrera, Alden Reambonanza and Chiqui Cartagena complete the distinguished line up.

Fashion designer Salvador Malto did the fabulous ’50s inspired costumes, while make-up artist Oscar Peralta astonishingly captured the look of the era.