Cebu toasts South Africa
South Africa is a multi-ethnic society with a wide variety of cultures, religions and languages. After years of unrest and uncertainty, a new South Africa has emerged offering hope and inspiration to people around the world.
With a spirit of optimism, South African Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines Martin Slabber, and his amiable wife Sumarie, visited Cebu and made courtesy calls to government officials, Hilario Davide III, governor of Cebu Province and Edgardo Labella, vice mayor of Cebu, to further strengthen relations and establish investment cooperation between both countries.
He also met with civic and tourism oriented organizations such as the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by its president Jerual Roa, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, by president Tess Chan, former chairman of the club’s South African Business Council, Carmel de Pio Salvador and tour specialist Aida Uy of Cebu fortune Travel and discussed possible visits to South Africa and experience African culture that has blended harmoniously with European and Asian influences creating a new society of greater variety and interest.
During the Ambassador’s visit, Bobby Lim Joseph, adopted son of Cebu, Consul of Latvia and a staunch mover in the travel and tourism industry, hosted an intimate casual dinner at the Casino Español de Cebu to meet up with some members of the different sectors of the community.
In attendance were members of the Diplomatic Corp, US Consular Agent John Domingo, Honorary Consuls Jose Sala of Sweden, Armi Garcia of Russia and Ed Gonzalez of Mexico. They were joined by former tourism director Dawnie Roa, South African-born and now resident of Cebu Mike Sasnovski and his Cebuana wife Cristina, socialite Rosebud Sala, wine connoisseur Margaret Taylor, art enthusiast Marlinda Tan, STAR’s Bobit Avila and his wife, consultant for Cebuano cuisine, Jessica, and tour coordinator Ricky Tio.
To the delight of the Ambassador and guests, Consul Joseph who is also chairman of the family-owned corporation, Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, specifically served South African wines from the many award-winning wineries of the vine- carpeted valleys.
