Farewell to Butch… Greetings to Perla!

“S o brief, so fleeting a meeting” best describes our very recent encounter with the late Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 director Catalino Chan III.

It was an intimate dinner at the Cebu Country Club that the prominent and humongous Chan clan of Mambajao, Camiguin (Mindanao) organized for media and friends to meetand- greet their favorite son.

We broke bread with dear friends from way back, doctors Cesar and Mila Chan, doctor Maria Chan, doctor Baba Panopio, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Lava, and old friends from California, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Lao.

Ever the humble and hardworking personality that he was, director Chan introduced himself thus “I started right here in Cebu as a mere tourist guide.” He gradually worked his way up the career ladder till he became DOT director for Northern Mindanao. He proudly said, “I was even able to sell Lanao!”

Butch, as he wanted to be called, had grandiose plans for Cebu, which he loved. He wanted to transform it into something like Sentosa Island in Singapore.

No matter how fleeting the meeting, Butch, our memories of you and your dream for Cebu will stay for all time.

Farewell and Vaya con Dios.

If you’ve never been to Sirao Flower Farm in the hills of Cebu, it’s time to drop by. The flower paradise has attracted thousands, and its proprietress/host Elena SyChua, has opened her Gazebo for coffee and light snacks.

Visitors can now avail of a heavy snack or afternoon tea, while being surrounded by a carpet of selosias of fiery red orange, or sunny yellow, as shown in a photo.

First to celebrate her birthday in this unique venue was Perla Agudo, who gathered friends and neighbors on this special occasion. Clad in a diaphanous blue gown, with a crown of flowers on her head, Perla posed beside a floral wall, designed by Elena, before she joined guests, numbering about 30. Camaraderie was the order of the day on this delightful feast.

Incidentally, we would like to salute and admire Elena for her compassionate concern for the victims of the Outreach Feeding Program she initiated some months back.

The incident was reported by media, but honestly, there was no intention whatsoever of letting that happen. In the end, even the good mayor congratulated her for a deed well done. Elena, the Sto. Niño has truly blessed you!

MEAL. Preparing for a feast (seated, from left) Rosebud Sala, Mila Frias, Jaime Picornell. Standing are Cheereekee Garcia, CVU, Terry Manguerra, Elena Sy-Chua, the celebrant and Berdynne Garcia.

BIRTHDAY. Celebrant Perla Agudo, poses in front of a huge heart completely traced in flowers, with the birthday sign, designed by Sirao Flower Farm proprietress Elena Sy-Chua (right).

FLOWERS. Lovelies pose among the fiery red and sunny yellow selosias at Sirao Flower Farm.

MEDIA. The late Department of Tourism Region 7 director Catalino Chan III (third from left) with friends (second from left) Nelia Neri, Flor Ynclino, Cookie Newman and CVU. At left is Mila A. Chan.

GUESTS. Some from Camiguin, some now Cebu-based; guests (seated) Jayjay and Lotlot Neri, Boboi Costas, a guest, and (standing) Dr. and Mrs. George Chan, Justin Neri and a guest.

LUNCHEON. Guests with the celebrant, Annie Neri, Jane Llaban, the celebrant, Coling Garcia and May Tan.

GOODBYE. The late Department of Tourism Region 7 director Catalino Chan III addressing guests.