Cebu revs up as Ford gets a new home
January 8, 2003 | 12:00am
Cebuanos were again reassured of the United States’ firm commitment to the community with the expansion and relocation of two great symbols of America – the US Consular Office and car manufacturer Ford Cebu.
During the recent late morning inauguration at its new location at the ground level of the Waterfront Hotel Lahug, Cebu-based US Consular Agent John Domingo sounded very pleased on the new development.
Guests of honor, led by US Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Mandaue City Mayor Teddy Ouano, cut the ceremonial ribbon.
In his brief yet well-received speech, which many considered highly profound and significant, Ricciardone assured guests that despite continuous negative reports about security and political instability in the Philippines, the US government remains optimistic and "will be more obvious and stay in close touch" with the Visayas, particularly with Cebu.
US Consul Donald Donahue revealed that the consulate in Cebu will not accept or process visa applications.This will still be accomplished only at the Embassy in Manila. However, a toll-free number is available to facilitate the setting up of appointments with the Embassy’s visa section.
The well-wishers from the diplomatic corps included Consul Wu Lianqui of the People’s Republic of China, Honorary British Consul Moya Jackson, Honorary Consuls of Switzerland and Sweden Markus Stern and Jose Sala, respectively, Honorary Consul of Canada Robert Lee and his supportive wife Tina, Mexico’s Luisito Ugarte and Spain’s Jaime Picornell.
Ambassador Ricciardone’s visit to Cebu was also to promote high-end eco-tourism in the islands. Together with Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, they visited the bird and wetland sanctuary at Olango Island, as well as the Gilutungan marine sanctuary located in an island off the town of Cordova. Both areas are recipients of technical assistance from the US Agency of International Development through the Coastal Resource Management.
Following a meeting with Filipino and American businessmen, Ricciardone expressed his satisfaction over the increased number of American entities that have indicated interest to invest or form business partnerships with Cebu-based companies.
Meanwhile, leading hotelier Patrick Gregorio, who also serves as chairman of the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau, echoed his hopes that the inauguration of the US consular office in Cebu would improve foreign business confidence and eventually increase the influx of tourists.
The invitation simply read, "Come in your favorite western get-up." And indeed the invitees trooped to Nivel Hills in their jeans and plaid shirts for the opening of Ford Cebu’s new home.
A contingent of modern-day traveling adventurers, known as the Easy Riders, rolled in on their Harley-Davidsons. Spotted were US Consular Agent John Domingo, Honorary Consul of Sweden Cheling Sala, shipper Ed Gonzalez, contractor Tony Lozada, and implantologist Rogie Borromeo.
Cebu City’s First Lady Margot Osmeña struck the final blow to the symbolic log that opened the vast, sprawling, showroom which showcased a line of models who are fast becoming popular with Cebuanos.
The energetic and ambitious Borromeo brothers – general manager Jose Daniel, and sales manager Paolo – eagerly demonstrated the latest features of the two most sought-after vehicles, the Ford Escape and Expedition.
Young executives Jacob Pimentel, David Ugarte and Raci Franco and the young-at-heart Rene Sarmiento, Michel Lhuillier and Alberto Rotaeche were easily convinced of the vehicles’ high-driving power with their latest features.
I overheard an on-the-spot convert claim that "the Ford Escape is perfect for those who shuttle between the jungle of the city and the great outdoors. It’s the ultimate getaway vehicle that provides pure driving harmony in motion."
Anyone ready for a trial spin on the Expedition?
During the recent late morning inauguration at its new location at the ground level of the Waterfront Hotel Lahug, Cebu-based US Consular Agent John Domingo sounded very pleased on the new development.
Guests of honor, led by US Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Mandaue City Mayor Teddy Ouano, cut the ceremonial ribbon.
In his brief yet well-received speech, which many considered highly profound and significant, Ricciardone assured guests that despite continuous negative reports about security and political instability in the Philippines, the US government remains optimistic and "will be more obvious and stay in close touch" with the Visayas, particularly with Cebu.
US Consul Donald Donahue revealed that the consulate in Cebu will not accept or process visa applications.This will still be accomplished only at the Embassy in Manila. However, a toll-free number is available to facilitate the setting up of appointments with the Embassy’s visa section.
The well-wishers from the diplomatic corps included Consul Wu Lianqui of the People’s Republic of China, Honorary British Consul Moya Jackson, Honorary Consuls of Switzerland and Sweden Markus Stern and Jose Sala, respectively, Honorary Consul of Canada Robert Lee and his supportive wife Tina, Mexico’s Luisito Ugarte and Spain’s Jaime Picornell.
Ambassador Ricciardone’s visit to Cebu was also to promote high-end eco-tourism in the islands. Together with Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, they visited the bird and wetland sanctuary at Olango Island, as well as the Gilutungan marine sanctuary located in an island off the town of Cordova. Both areas are recipients of technical assistance from the US Agency of International Development through the Coastal Resource Management.
Following a meeting with Filipino and American businessmen, Ricciardone expressed his satisfaction over the increased number of American entities that have indicated interest to invest or form business partnerships with Cebu-based companies.
Meanwhile, leading hotelier Patrick Gregorio, who also serves as chairman of the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau, echoed his hopes that the inauguration of the US consular office in Cebu would improve foreign business confidence and eventually increase the influx of tourists.
A contingent of modern-day traveling adventurers, known as the Easy Riders, rolled in on their Harley-Davidsons. Spotted were US Consular Agent John Domingo, Honorary Consul of Sweden Cheling Sala, shipper Ed Gonzalez, contractor Tony Lozada, and implantologist Rogie Borromeo.
Cebu City’s First Lady Margot Osmeña struck the final blow to the symbolic log that opened the vast, sprawling, showroom which showcased a line of models who are fast becoming popular with Cebuanos.
The energetic and ambitious Borromeo brothers – general manager Jose Daniel, and sales manager Paolo – eagerly demonstrated the latest features of the two most sought-after vehicles, the Ford Escape and Expedition.
Young executives Jacob Pimentel, David Ugarte and Raci Franco and the young-at-heart Rene Sarmiento, Michel Lhuillier and Alberto Rotaeche were easily convinced of the vehicles’ high-driving power with their latest features.
I overheard an on-the-spot convert claim that "the Ford Escape is perfect for those who shuttle between the jungle of the city and the great outdoors. It’s the ultimate getaway vehicle that provides pure driving harmony in motion."
Anyone ready for a trial spin on the Expedition?
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