5 Cebuanos, institutions honored with 2006 Perlas Awards

The Philippine Foundation Inc. recently bestowed the prestigious Perlas Awards on the Valuable Filipino 2006 to three well-respected individuals and two praiseworthy institutions who possess admirable values and traits and who have through the years made a difference in the lives of others.

This year’s honorees include Fr. Herman Van Engelen, SVD, Virginia Romoff, Juan "Dodong" Aquino (posthumous), the St. Joseph Foundation, and the Mandaue City School for the Arts Children’s Choir.

Fr. Herman Van Engelen, SVD, Valuable Filipino in the Field of Research and Development in Water Conservation, was commended for his extensive research and study on drainage, flood control, drinking water systems, wastewater disposal, installation of water laboratory, hydrometric networks, and the Water Data Bank in Cebu, Leyte and Palawan, the comprehensive development of the Master Cebu Drainage Plan, and for his leadership in channeling the Dutch support for the REMIND water project in Cebu.

Virginia Romoff, fashion designer, was cited for her passion for excellence that set the trend in Cebu’s fashion industry and lifestyle. Romoff has preserved the classic and traditional essence of the Filipino terno that has since become the chosen attire worn by many women to formal occasions. Her own innovations on this masterpiece of Filipiniana have inspired designers to enhance their craft.

Juan "Dodong" Aquino, Jr. (posthumous) was honored for his competence and exemplary management of numerous cultural and sports-related events, specifically the Sinulog Festival, the biggest religious celebration in the island, which has drawn millions of devotees and spectators through the years. For over 12 years, Aquino tirelessly shared his time and service and was committed to the Cebuano people.

The St. Joseph Foundation, Valuable Institution for Community Projects and Services, is an organization of dedicated ladies who selflessly surrender their time, skills, and resources to projects geared at helping the underprivileged earn a decent living, granting scholarships to deserving high school students, supporting the volunteer nuns assigned in hospitals, and extending vocational training to unemployed youth.

The Mandaue City School for the Arts Children’s Choir, Valuable Institution for Arts and Culture, is bound by a passion to sing. United with a goal to enhance Cebu’s culture through music, the children’s choir, as singing ambassadors of goodwill, continues to enthrall music enthusiasts, heartwarmingly touching the hearts of ordinary men and women. Under the tutelage of Dennis Gregory Sugarol, choir master and director, the Mandaue City School for the Arts Children’s Choir won first place in the 2004 National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA), the most prestigious musical competition in the Philippines.

The annual ceremony was held at SM Theater One, SM Cebu. The dedicated officers include Rev. Fr. Ernesto Javier, SJ, president; Dr. Efren Valiente, executive vice president; Marissa Fernan, vice president; Dr. Lourdes Jereza, corporate secretary; Michael Go, treasurer; Elvira Luym, assistant treasurer; Consul John Domingo, auditor; Atty. Merle Cunanan, legal counsel; and Nelia Neri, public relations officer. Cardinal Ricardo Vidal is the club’s spiritual adviser, and Ambassador Francisco Benedicto is its honorary chairman.