Balikbayans Galore!

Balikbayans Galore!

It's always a cinch that when Cebuano "balikbayans" come home to visit relatives and friends -without a shadow of doubt, they are definitely lavished with all sorts of welcome parties.

First to come was Elvessa Gandionco de Jesus from Vancouver who actually visited only sister Manolita Hipolito. Without batting an eyelash, Betty Pinat Young, after knowing Bess was in town, hosted "merienda cena" for her at Laguna Garden Café with former White Collarities in attendance. A tete-a-tete ensued for four hours!

From Toronto, Canada, came Lilet Raffiñan and hubby Gerry with friends Jun and Malou Clarito in tow. They just stayed for five days in Cebu but stayed longer in the Big City for another week for reasons… they just had to escape from the cold Canadian weather.

And… breezing into town was our very own Felicia Y. who has not seen her Dad Fer after he had undergone surgery two years ago. Tata, as she is fondly called by kith and kin, stayed practically in five hotels and also at the Radisson Blu, courtesy of Ann Olalo, Director of Sales and Marketing and May Jimena, Assistant Communications manager. Tata is now a resident of Orange Country, Califronia, USA.

Last January, Big Daddy was born! Don't get me wrong but Big Daddy is a large open truck replete with a kitchen parked at the Chikaan restaurant grounds. Conceived by Chef Derek Dytian, son of Chikaan owners Alex and Loreta Dytian, this latest-found travelling resto serves burgers,

 pasta, porkchops (so yummy especially when served hot), hot dogs and many others. The new addition to the Chikaan chain is under the supervision of another son, John Dytian.