101 things are happening in Cebu

The low-key yet ever active Sisters of the Siervas de la Nuestra Señora de la Paz, an endearing congregation founded by Bro. Exequiel Barangan, a man with a vision, and presently headed by the very mobile and energetic Superior General Sister Ma. Epifania Annie Rodrigo plan to undertake several praiseworthy projects that include – are you ready for this? – the construction of an all-purpose building for pre-school indigent children of the mountain barangay of Dam, Carcar, the setting up of a caring home for the sick, the aged and the dying, and the total renovation of the chapel that lifts the spirit.

People of little faith be warned for the good sisters are simply unstoppable workers achieving their goals in their own time.

So, in order to bring to fruition this bigger-than-life commendable endeavor, together with a group of admirable ladies, such as Beatriz Calderon, Gloria Ngo, Grace Rosal, Nancy Cuenco and Fe Magale, who have all opened their hearts and offered their time sharing unconditional support to such worthy series of programs, a benefit show, Moonlight and Love Songs, has been put together. The show features no less than the balladeer for all seasons Jose Mari Chan, whose voice has entertained millions of music lovers. Talented singer Ayen Munji-Laurel will be the guest performer.

What promises to be a memorable evening of beautiful serenades and unforgettable love songs will be held on Friday, Nov. 28, at the grand ballroom of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel, a major sponsor of the event.

Prior to the concert proper. Msgr. Oscar Villamor will lead the invocation. Warfe Engracia, Cebu’s singing doctor will interpret the Lord’s Prayer, while Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who has been a source of support for this project, will give a brief inspirational remark.

Among the prizes to be raffled off to lucky concert goers is a round-trip ticket to Bangkok, courtesy of Lufthansa Airlines, a weekend stay for two at the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila, and two Skygo motorcycles from Gillamac Marketing.

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F & B World, the Philippines’ only trade publication on food service, was recently launched at the cozy Del Sol Lounge of the Waterfront Cebu Hotel.

Published bi-monthly by Angels Publishing House, Inc., owned and headed by editor-in-chief Gia Herrera, the magazine, which is full of relevant news and useful information on restaurants and bars, food services and its allied industries, aims to reach connoisseurs and gourmands, hoteliers and restaurateurs.

Two of the country’s most distinguished culinary experts, Glenda Barretto, vice president and CEO of the long-established chain of Via Mare Restaurants, and Penk Ching, founder of Pastry Bin, of the most sought-after cakes, were the special guests.

Barretto gave an interesting talk on the island’s local produce and its abundant fresh seafood, and masterfully explained how it can be fully integrated into different delicious innovative menus. Ching performed a step-by-step demonstration of her exquisite cake assemblies and the basic know-how of baking to the delight of the invited guests.

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Steve Alfafara of Wings Travel and Tours, a consistent top producer for Qantas Airways for years, was given due recognition for his outstanding performance for 2003 during an appreciation luncheon hosted by the airlines’ country manager Honeybee Hubahib at the City Sports Club, where Leanne Blackley, the First Secretary, responsible for immigration matters at the Australian Embassy gave a destination update and a well-received seminar on visas.

Our sincerest congratulations to Steve!

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DHL are seemingly three simple letters, but they definitely spell the leader in their field marked the expansion of its Philippine network with the inauguration of its new customs bonded warehouse in Cebu .

The facility, called CBW No. 87, allows direct routing, thus faster clearance of in-bound international shipments. It likewise gives the customers the benefit of higher package security, cost-effective clearance processing and shipments delivered more rapidly than ever before.

Charles Brewer, country manager of DHL Philippines, in his welcome statement said "The company would like to be a key factor in ensuring the global competitive advantage of our Cebu Customs. The expansion signifies DHL’s commitment to serve our Filipino customers better as we strive to establish facilities that will increase our efficiencies, reliability and enhance ability to offer even faster delivery service."