Inter-Island Tourism Policy (Itop) Forum

The Inter-Island Tourism Policy (Itop) Forum will be hosted by Cebu in October 2017. Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale met with the Itop officers, secretariat and delegates from Phuket, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Jeju, Korea and Cebu’s Itop team composed of Grace Paulino, Alice Queblatin and MCE to prepare for the event. Boboi Costas heads the stakeholders group while MCE handles the academe. Alice Queblatin, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators (Cato), gave an overview of Cebu as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (Mice) destination. Theme for Itop is “Synergizing MICE with Culture and Heritage.” Papers will be presented by delegates from the travel and tourism sectors, and the academe. There are about 10 members of Itop, with new members coming up.

Cebu-Israel Friendship Dinner

Congratulations to Honorary Consul Emily Benedicto Chioson for a well-attended Cebu-Israel Friendship dinner held recently at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu. In her welcome message, she thanked Israel and Cebu for the enduring friendship which opened up opportunities for meaningful cultural ties.

His Excellency, Amb. Effie Ben Matityao traced the historical trails of the sojourn of Israel in the Philippines. He cited how Israel came to the rescue of the Yolanda survivors and recalled and thanked the Filipinos who sheltered the Israelite refugees through the efforts of the late President Manuel Quezon.

The Ambassador further commended Consul Emily Benedicto for sustaining the educational, economic and cultural ties of Israel and Cebu.

On the other hand, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña hoped for more viable challenges to sustain Israel’s presence in Cebu and hopes to visit the place. After the cocktails, the guests were treated to a cultural show of songs and dances.

The Grand Chamber Awards

One memorable event in June 2017 was the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cebu Business Month Grand Chamber Awards. The photos on this page capture the gaiety of the event.

PREPARATION

for the InterIsland Tourism Policy (Itop) Forum. Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale welcomes the delegates and gives an overview of Cebu’s readiness to host the next Itop Forum. With her are MCE and Grace Paulino, who moderated the meeting. Vice Governor Magpale is also shown here with the Itop director and staff.

THE CEBU Chamber of Commerce and Industry Grand Chamber Awardees. Dr. Milagros C. Espina of Speechcom Inc. and University of San Jose-Recoletos, for special citation as chairman and director of Grand Chamber Awards; Amb. Francisco Benedicto for Don...

MESSAGE AND A TOAST. Amb. Effie Ben Matityou delivers his message. At right, the ceremonial toast led by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Amb. Matitiyou and his Lady, Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Rep. Raul del Mar, Consul Emily Benedicto Chioson and...

THE ZONTIANS at the Israel-Cebu Friendship cocktails. Letty Canoy, Consul Emily Benedicto, Beverly Dayanan, Letty Binghay, Nellie Chiu, Tess Chan, Barbara Gothong and MCE.

HAPPY TOGETHER. Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) first lady president Tess Chan, who earmarked many enduring projects in CCCI, MCE, guest Tetta Baad, past presidents and long-time friends Carlos Co, Francis Monera and Amb. Francisco...

SMILE. Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) past presidents Raul del Mar, Efren Valiente, Jun Muntuerto, MCE, director Nonoy Espeleta, and CCCI president Melanie Ng. I thank them for sharing my joy that evening.

FAMILY. Consul Sam Chioson, children Bernard and Charmaine, and Consul Emily Benedicto. They serve as model of a supportive family for worthy projects.