Governor's Lunch for US Ambassador Thomas

H.E. Henry S. Thomas Jr., United

States Ambassador to the Philippines was in Cebu for two days to promote his campaign against human trafficking.

While in Cebu, Ambassador Thomas and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia led the signing of commitment during the launching of the Movement of Anti-Trafficking Advocates (MATA) at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The next day, Ambassador Thomas, together with Governor Gwen Garcia, motored to Minglanilla where they presented the keys to the new homeowners of Gawad Kalinga in that southern town which was inaugurated and has named the village Sugbo. After which, Governor Gwen honored Ambassador Thomas with a lunch reception at the Capitol Social Hall of the Province of Capitol. He lauded the governor for her cooperation and support in putting a stop to human trafficking in Cebu.

Before lunch, there was a lavish presentation of dances replete with beautiful native costumes – like The Isda Festival of Madridejos, The Kabkaban of Carcar, The La Torta of Argao and The Festival of Mandaue’s Mantawi. So, after the festive gathering attended by the Consular Corps, businessmen and mayors of the different towns and cities, the Ambassador invited everyone to the “America in 3D” campaign held at SM’s North Wing. For us, it was the second time we met and shook hands with the ambassador, and it was nice and pleasant to see him again

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The Bank of the Philippine Islands is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. To mark this significant milestone, BPI has lined up several activities. One major event was the inauguration of BPI’s Museum in Cebu. The BPI Cebu Museum is housed at the Cebu Branch at the corner of Magallanes St. and P. Burgos St. Designed by Juan Marcos Arellano whose neo-classic architecture made him famous in the 1920s to 1940s, the building is now a National Historical Landmark.

During the launch last September 5, guests of honor were Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama. The affair was also graced by BPI President Aurelio R. Montinola, as well as BPI clients, BSP Cebu officers and heads of the Cebu Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.