Marites Khanser’s “The Lost Disk” launched at Fully Booked

CEBU, Philippines - On a rainy Monday evening, writer Michelle Varron and I converged at the Bo’s Coffee Club inside Fully Booked to discuss a bunch of books on signs, symbols, and the ancient world, two of which were her birthday gifts for me. A believer of premonitions and omens, multi-awarded Carolinian youth leader and dear friend Edward Co would often call me a “sign-seeker,” so Michelle’s gifts were most apt, like she read my mind.

Whilst immersed in our impassioned discourse on the ancient world and our shared interest in the study of symbols, cyphers and archaeology (I worshipped Indiana Jones growing up), particularly Egyptology, I noticed another group in the coffee shop equally immersed in spirited conversation. I immediately made eye contact with one of them, discernibly the leader of their group, and right away she begged our indulgence if they had caused us any disturbance. Of course they didn’t, but I’m always extra sensitive (in a good way) for when fervor and enthusiasm is in the air, so I couldn’t help but take note. 

The lady was Marites A. Khanser, DBA and she was the author of a book to be launched the following Sunday. This same novel was the subject of their group’s discussion that caught my attention. What was more curious is the sheer and unmistakable connection of the topics that marked the happenstance. A professor at the University of San Carlos, as well as author of the commercially successful biography “John L. Gokongwei: The Path to Entrepreneurship,” Khanser now delves into the historical fiction genre with her new novel, The Lost Disk.

Belonging to the same genus as Dan Brown’s bestselling novels, The Lost Disk promises a unique take on deciphering Crete’s historical treasure “the Phaistos Disk”—a disk of fired clay possibly dating to the middle or late Minoan Bronze Age (2nd millennium B.C.), covered on each side with a spiral of stamped symbols. “Its purpose and meaning, and even its original geographical place of manufacture, remain disputed, making it one of the most famous mysteries of archaeology,” it says in an entry on Wikipedia.

Mystery, dead pharaohs, lost treasures and the curse of the mummy, Michelle and I were gobsmacked to learn that they were talking about virtually the same topics. It was nothing short of cosmic! Suffice it to say, Dr. Khanser invited us to the launch of her new book the following Sunday, July 21, still at Fully Booked.

We couldn’t snub the serendipity (and as if not enough, I found out from the author and academic’s Facebook page that we share the same birthday, July 2, so we trooped to her launch that filled Fully Booked to the brim with bookworms of all ages.

Artful sculptures await Ironman champions

The victory of being the strongest and fastest among the Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines contenders shall come with an exceptional trophy envisioned by internationally renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, and crafted by the metal artisans of Suarez and Son.

The trophies feature flowing metal figures, which showcase the three categories in triathlon. These perfectly represent the movement involved in the sport, and each is plated with gold, silver, and bronze. The figures rest on a wooden base for the female division and on a metal base for the male division.

And since this year’s ironman shall be held in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa on August 4, it is fitting to showcase the artistry of these world-class Cebuanos through these commemorative prizes.

“When Kenneth was tapped to design the trophies, his obvious choice as the manufacturer of the trophies was us, since are known not just in Cebu but nationwide to be the leader in the metal crafts industry,” says Sales & Marketing Director Gia Suarez.

It is interesting to note that Suarez and Son also made the trophies for the Ironman competition last year as well.

A Legacy as Strong as Iron

Stronger than the physique of these Ironman athletes is the legacy behind Suarez and Son. The superior metal craftsmanship of the company has a long history dating back to 1953.

“Our father started this engraving and stamping business 60 years ago.  He made the Suarez name synonymous nationwide with quality emblematic jewelry and metal crafts because of his passion for perfection, a keen eye for detail, good taste and entrepreneurial spirit.  He has inspired us to continue his legacy for many more generations to come,” says Rafael Suarez.

Today, after the evolution of technology in the field of metal crafts, Suarez and Son continue to stay true to its tradition of excellence in quality and artistry. This dedication has upheld their reputation as the top supplier of commemorative school and corporate rings, trophies, emblems, plaques, and other metal crafts all over the country. Students from all over the Philippines treasure their college memorabilia created by Suarez and Son.

Included in their long list of projects are Coca-cola’s commemorative pins and bottle markers for its 100th anniversary, Avon’s brass miniature liberty bells to mark its centennial anniversary, a pure gold medallion for the King of Thailand, the medals for the 1995 and 2005 Southeast Asian Games, and the commemorative Pedro Calungsod coins, which were brought to the pope for the saint’s canonization.

According to Suarez, the secret behind their continued success is the passion for outstanding workmanship that drives all stakeholders of the company.

“It is important to have workers who are not just highly trained but who also enjoy what they are doing and take pride in being part of a team that manufactures world class metal products. Once you have workers with this training and mindset, it is easy for us make sure that quality is maintained through quality control procedures in every department,” says Gia Suarez.

Now on its 60th year, Suarez and Son has placed its commitment and legacy of metal craftsmanship in the making of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 trophies. And just as how each of their clients still hold their Suarez-made memorabilia in their respective homes, the winners of this triathlon shall surely have these trophies to always remember this significant victory. (FREEMAN)