Media forum 888 celebrates 8th year
Cebu’s only media forum recently celebrated its 8th anniversary at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel with members of the business and civic sectors and tri-media in attendance.
Conceptualized by three driven ladies over cups of coffee — Eileen Mangubat, publisher; Malou Apalisok, broadcast executive; and Jenny Franco, then president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in Cebu — got together to discuss the possibility of hosting a weekly program that would keep the Cebuanos abreast of the latest happenings around town by tackling domestic issues as well as national interests.
Further consultation with tourism advocate Consul Bobby Joseph resulted in the creation of 888 patterned after the 777 News Forum that Joseph founded in Manila.
Other personalities were tapped to join the core group, namely former DOT regional director Dawnie Roa, hotelier Rey Fuentes, columnist Ricky Poca and this writer.
Through the years the 888 News Forum has recognized individuals and institutions who have shown leadership and provided exemplary service to the community. This year’s awardees include two motivated individuals, a service oriented-company and a local newspaper.
Honorary Consul of Russian Federation Armi Lopez Garcia was recognized for her dynamic efforts in facilitating sisterhood agreements between the province of Cebu and the Vladimir region of Russia and St. Petersburg, promoting cultural exchange between the two countries, resulting in increase in tourist arrivals and investors from Russia.
Gordon Alan Joseph was cited for his remarkable performance as president of the Cebu Business Club. He was responsible for establishing a coalition of 14 major business organizations to identify and lobby for infrastructure, development requirements and opportunities primarily related to tourism which include airports, road networks, power, water, flood control and other relevant areas.
The Visayan Electric company (VECO) was awarded for its exemplary performance in preventing power outage in Cebu by buying power generated by big business establishments when supply is low against demand and for promoting solar energy, a clean renewable energy.
Local publication Cebu Daily News was recognized for its outstanding investigative news stories in relation to being a consistent advocate for the protection of the environment and keeping its readers up to date on key issues regarding climate change and global warming, which affect our country’s economy and development.
Plaques of appreciation were likewise given to Marco Polo Plaza Hotel for its unwavering and generous support by graciously hosting the weekly tri-media forum and toAntonio Oposa Jr., creative litigator, organizer and activist of environmental legislation of the Philippines for honoring the 8th anniversary celebration as guest speaker.
