Cebuano achievers honored at 26th SKAL awards

Five Cebuanos — three born and bred in Cebu, one island-based, and the fifth one a Cebuano-at-heart — were among the honorees during the recent 26th SKAL International Tourism and Personality Awards. The awardess were chosed from those who have continuously exemplified the vision and mission of SKAL, one of the oldest global tourism organizations that foster friendship and travel promotion worldwide.

Headed by SKAL International Makati and SKAL national committee president Robert Lim Joseph Jr., the celebration of achievements and recognition was held recently at the grand ballroom of the New World Makati Hotel.

Miguel Belmonte, president and CEO of The Philippine STAR, president of the Freeman, president of Banat News and vice chairman of Stargate Media Corporation was inducted into the hall of fame.

Emmanuel Gonzalez, owner of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, who played a vital role for the liberalization of the Philippine airline industry, was also inducted into the hall of fame.

The Cebuano awardees are:

Michael Cosiquen, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Megawide Construction Corporation, a leading Filipino engineering and infrastructure firm for the development of the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

Hans Hauri, president of Bonifacio Landmark Realty and Development Corporation, former general manager of the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu and officer of various associations for the Tourism Association Category.

Valenciano “Bobit” Avila Jr., columnist for both STAR and The Freeman, and the weekly talk show Straight from the Sky, for the Media Advocacy Category.

Eduardo Jarque Jr., a tourism veteran for over four decades, a regular contributor to the STAR and  The Starweek, and a consultant for the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, for the Newspaper Lifestyle, Travel and Tourism Personality.

Other awardess are:

Jaime Bautista, president and chief operating officer of Asia’s pioneer airline, Philippine Airlines, whose financial management style and customer relations skills are greatly admired, as Skalleague of the Year.

Dr. Andrew Tan, one of the most admired entrepreneurs in the nation with business interests that cover key sectors of the economy such as property development, consumer, tourism, and entertainment, is this year’s awardee for Leader in Integrated Tourism Enterprises.

Enrique Razon, chairman and president of a Philippine-based company involved in the management and operation of over 30 ports and terminals in 21 countries, is a developer of multi-billion resort and entertainment complex, for the Integrated Resort and Casino of the Year.

Dr. James Dy, one of the islands’ respected businessmen in recording, real estate, hotel, travel and tourism, and manufacturing of heavy and light industries is noted for his outstanding service and noble contributions to several communities, for Inbound and Outbound Travel Agency Category.

Cory Vidanes, chief operating officer for broadcasting of leading tri-media conglomerate ABS-CBN, as Media Personality of the Year.

Lourdes “Deedee” Siytangco, co-founder and moderator of a popular weekly media forum for over 30 years and a firm believer of tourism being a cornerstone of development, for the Media Group Category, Bulong Pulungan Forum.

Ethan Balaran, general manager for the Philippines of Turkish Airlines is this year’s choice in the Foreign Airline field.