Ang Garbo sa Sugbo

The weeklong celebration of the 437th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Cebu culminated with a formal Governor's Night hosted by Cebu's First Lady Governor Gwen Garcia at the majestic Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol.

The program began with a series of festive cultural songs and dances followed by the Governor's straight to the point impressive speech that defined the province's achievements, as well as its future goals.

Clearly, the highlight of the affair was the presentation of the Garbo sa Sugbo Awards for 2006. Judge Simeon Dumdum was cited for winning the Award for Best Written Decisions from the Institute of Judicial Excellence.

Proudly, two columnists of The Freeman were recipients of the prestigious awards. Leo Lastimosa for his outstanding contributions in the field of Broadcast Journalism and for garnering the Best TV News Program of 2005 from the Catholic Mass Media Awards and the Best TV Newscaster 2005 by the KBP Golden Dove Awards. Valeriano "Bobit" Avila, for being recognized as the Best Talk Show Host by the Cebu Archdiocese Mass Media Awards last year.

Other awardees include Ms. Fe Sala Villarica for founding the Ballet Center and for her tireless efforts and outstanding contributions in the promotion of Ballet and Classical Dance in Cebu. Apostolic Nuncio to Costa Rica Osbaldo Padilla and Apostolic Nuncio to New Guinea Francisco Padilla were cited for their exemplary contributions in the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See.

Their sisters lawyer Merle Cunanan and Marietta Malinao accepted the plaques on their behalf. Accomplished Cebuano pianist Aima Labra Makk was honored for her outstanding performance as an internationally acclaimed solo concert pianist, chamber musician and music educator. She was represented by her sister Aida Labra.

The youngest awardee Ray Rubin Chan was cited for his remarkable performance during the 9th World Arnis championship in Orlando, Florida held in July where he brought home two gold medals and a silver medal.

Special citations were also given to Cyril de Callar of National Power Corp., Dr. Allan Ortiz of Transco, Lee Gil-Gu of Kepco and Dennis Villaruel of Salcon Power Corp., for their vital roles in fostering and spearheading the pioneering Power Supply Agreement for an additional 200 megawatt of power in Cebu.