After an absence of 15 years, the SKAL regional meeting returned to the City of Cebu for its 39th SKAL Asian Congress. Over 200 participants from neighboring countries experienced the best of what our islands and our people have to offer.
Charles Lim, SKAL International Cebu president and Hembler Mendoza, chairman of the host committee and general manager of Waterfront Cebu Hotel Airport, were assisted by club secretary Agnes Gupalor of Cebu Pacific and Cenelyn Manguilimotan, general manager, Parklane International Hotel. The four-day convention was truly memorable.
Gerry Perez, president of SKAL Asia, welcomed the delegates at the opening plenary session at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa.
Guest speakers included Oscar Palabyab, former Tourism Undersecretary and Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Airways vice president, marketing
and distribution.
Palabyab urged the attendees to discover the many wonders of Cebu — its natural and man-made sites, historical and heritage districts, cultural and art centers, beaches and more beaches, shopping and more shopping. He also urged participants learn why Cebu is a leading destination in the country.
Iyog expounded on Cebu Pacific’s continuing expansion program, while providing the lowest year- round all-inclusive fares for its domestic sectors and international destinations.
One of the highlights of the assembly was the annual presentation of the Tourism Personality Awards spearheaded by Robert Lim Joseph, SKAL Makati president and Consul of Latvia.
The event was held at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, the city’s only five-star property. The awardees included Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr. for local government, Edward Hagedorn for the environment; Domingo Duerme for the airlines; Romeo Jalosjos for the resorts and Maria Soledad Barria for travel and tours. Manila Bulletin lifestyle editor Isabel de Leon was chosen as media personality of the year for print, Johannes Rudolf Hauri, general manger of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel as hotel personality of the year and Rosvi Gaetos as government personality of the year.
Waterfront Hotel was the host for the gala dinner with its meticulously prepared program that included sumptuous food, excellent wine and entertainment beyond compare, successfully creating an ambiance that left all attendees utterly impressed and absolutely awed.