Operation smile starts June 6

Operation Smile Medical Mission will be back in Cebu, June 6-13, 2014 for its annual mission sponsored by the Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung Charitable Foundation, Inc. (MSYCFI). Venue is the Adventist Hospital Cebu (formerly HW Miller Hospital and Sanitarium) at Tres de Abril St., Cebu City. This free reconstructive surgery on cleft lips/ palate often lasting only 45 minutes, will transform the lives of cleft children forever. Since 1998, almost 4,000 children have benefited from Operation Smile Medical Mission Cebu, in partnership with MSY Foundation.

Screening of patients is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the 5th floor of the Adventist Hospital from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Surgery - Monday to Friday, June 9 to 13.

Cleft patients who register will get a transportation allowance of P250.00. For inquiries, call 2311 - 829, Mariella or Monette of MSY Foundation.

By the way, on June 6, at 6 p.m., Radisson Blu Hotel will host cocktails to welcome the international and local volunteers at the Radisson's Lobby. Of course, the new General Manager, Nishan Silva will be on hand to welcome the Operation Smile team. The foreign volunteers and those from the Big City will be billeted at the hotel for the duration of the medical mission, courtesy of Radisson Blu Hotel. Thanks a million!

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Members of the Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation, Inc. and Elegant Circle headed by Mariquita S. Yeung, had a trek to Busay Hills one day as we were invited by Archt. Tessie Javier to visit her two-hectare property. Situated beautifully, the hilltop property overlooks the city some thousand degrees above sea level. An architect, Tessie or Tekay, built a three-storey house (going down) where the 1st floor is the living area; the 2nd floor -the bedrooms; and the 3rd floor is the ground floor where the kitchen and dining are located as well as the entertainment area. The lot spans wide that Tessie's orchids are blooming wildly, vegetables are all over and coconut trees abound.

The property that Tessie owns is such a lovely hideaway, far from the maddening crowd. And for the girls, they just love the place. But time flew so fast that before we knew it… the sun was setting marvelously with its orangey color hiding almost behind the gray clouds. For us, we enjoyed our short-lived stay there but we had a wonderful time. We will be back there soon before we know it. Thanks, Tekay!

"Santacruzan sa Sugbo" on May 24

The traditional summer parade of local beauties known as "santacruzan" has been set for May 24 at SM City Cebu. The event is dubbed as "Santacruzan sa Sugbo," a joint project of the mall with Clothes for Life. It features lovely Cebuana personalities and beauty queens.

 The event begins with a procession at 4 p.m. from Cebu Trade Hall at the 3rd level, going to the Northwing Atrium. The presentation of zagalas happens at 5:30 p.m. Topping the list is florist and businesswoman Pinky Chang as Reina Emperatriz. The personalities will wear the creations of Cebu's fashion designers - Albert Arriba, Alejandro Godinez, Axel Que, Babes Garzo, Barbie Alvez, Bernardo Flores, Cyrus Velasco, Danny Booc, Dexter Alazas, Dino Lloren,  Ditas Rodriguez, Edwin Alba, Edwin Ao, Elmer de Venancio, Harley Ruedas, Irvin Lisin, Jonas Navarro, Kenneth Harion, Marichu Tan Geson, Mark So, Mel Maria, Ren Manabat, Peewee Sinening,  Philip Rodriguez, Philipp Tampus, Protacio Empacis, and Wendell Quisido.

 Also, an exhibit featuring photos of the 30 beautiful zagalas runs from May 20 to 24, at the Northwing Atrium.

Santacruzan is a religious parade held in many towns and cities throughout the Philippines as the highlight of the month-long celebration of Flores de Mayo during the month of May. The parade usually features decorated floats and elaborately dressed women, representing various aspects of the Virgin Mary and other religious figures. The practice dates back to the Spanish times in the country.