Just before sundown three weeks ago, relatives, friends and neighbors of the late American businessman Eddie Woolbright gathered at the Corner of Woolbright Drive and Third Street in Beverly Hills to honor the man who created Beverly Hills in Cebu City. The site where the first Eddie’s Café was built 40 years or so ago is now where Eddie’s bust is located. The site was the most beautiful place in town at the time since it has the panoramic view of the city.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña, a friend of Eddie Woolbright (no beso beso please when he arrived!) was the honored guest who led in unveiling the bust of Eddie. All the women who attended the affair commented, “Oy pagka gwapo ni Eddie!” Also present was Vice Mayor Mike Rama and the original surveyor of Beverly Hills, Paul Tuastumban.
Going back to Eddie Woolbright, the first time he set foot in Cebu after his stint with the US Coast Guard in Leyte, he went to see the Sudlon hills. With his incredible foresight and seeing the potentials of the hills, he bought the property formerly owned by the Arlington couple and developed the forest into a high-end subdivision, imitating the Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California.
Eddie’s circle of friends and children who attended the unveiling of his bust felt nostalgic of course. Yes, to them, Eddie was the guy with the smiling eyes and, even though he had hectic business schedules, he found time to socialize with his friends and his people in his business establishments.
Because of what he has done for the city, Mayor Tom Osmeña mentioned that in 1999, he honored Eddie Woolbright by naming him “Adopted Son of Cebu!”