Shangri-La's Mactan holds Go Green Cebu Fair 2010

CEBU, Philippines – With the success of the first Go Green Cebu Fair in March 2009, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu sealed its commitment to continue efforts to advocate programs for sustainable living and environmental conservation in Cebu and its surrounding communities.

On October 8 and 9, 2010, Go Green Cebu Fair 2010, a two-day comprehensive conference and exhibit on the subject of going green will take place at Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu, the only resort in Cebu to be awarded with two ASEAN Green Hotel Awards. The conference aims to convene corporate executives, government agencies, various non-government organizations, private institutions and students to learn through interactive discussions and forums, how businesses and individuals affect the environment.

To set the tone for the two-day conference, Gregory Burns, an award-winning Paralympic and world-renowned motivational speaker, will share with participants his colorful life experiences and motivational techniques with the aim of developing catalysts of change that will nurture a culture of caring for the environment. Khoo Swee Chiow, a Singaporean extreme adventure enthusiast and motivational speaker who recently traversed the length of the Philippine archipelago in a kayak, will share with participants his personal experience of the natural beauty of the coastal communities of the Philippines.

Other noteworthy lectures will be delivered by Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year 2009, founder and head of Dynamic Teen Company, Lisa Christensen, founding and managing editor of Ecovision Asia, an organization advocating climate change issues, sustainability and ocean conservation issues, and Roberto Aboitiz of Ocean Care Advocates and the Aboitiz Foundation.       

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will be represented by Pat Gallardo, director of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, who will be talking about the environmental efforts and best practices of various Shangri-La hotels and resorts throughout the world and the effects they have on the business of hospitality. Representatives of the Philippine government will also attend, including Mayor Ed Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa, who will share with participants how he managed to create a thorough and effective greening program for a local government unit, while Senator Miguel Zubiri will discuss how appropriate legislation such as the Renewable Energy Bill can help address the country's environmental issues.

Day one of the conference will include lectures, forums and an exhibition, while day two will include an underwater clean-up dive, a beach clean-up and plenary sessions on coastal preservation and marine biodiversity. Breakout sessions will give participants the chance to learn simple steps and practical skills that they can use to live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. Topics for the breakout sessions include vermicomposting, bag making from recycled materials with Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera and Barangay Luz Women's Group, recycled jewelry making, permaculture and green cooking.

To participate in Go Green Cebu Fair 2010, guests may choose from a two-day pass for P3,000, which includes buffet lunch at Tides for two days, snacks and round-trip city shuttle transfers, a one-day pass for P2,000, which includes lunch buffet at Tides, snacks and round-trip city shuttle transfers or a one-day conference pass for P500 that includes snacks and round-trip city shuttle transfers. Government employees, teachers and students enjoy a special rate of P300 for the one-day conference pass.

Go Green Cebu Fair 2010 is presented by Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu in partnership with Banco De Oro and Cebu Pacific Air. Silver sponsors include Dedon Manufacturing, Inc., Pilipinas Shell and Primewater Tech Systems. Bronze sponsors include Limtong Press, Purcia, Italian Food Specialists, Laundry Supplies and Equipment, Tri-Star Paints Center and Avis Philippines.

For inquiries and ticket sales, please call Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu at (63 32) 2310288 or e-mail

. (FREEMAN)