Around town
Coming up on March 11, is the 40th Charter Anniversary celebration of Quota International of Cebu. Venue is the Eugenia Hall of Parklane International Hotel on Escario St., Cebu City. Quota is an international all-women volunteer service organization (based in Washington DC, USA) dedicated to helping disadvantaged women and children. It had its beginnings in Cebu when the late Ms. Lydia Ibañez (founder of St. Benedict's Learning Center) accepted the invitation to organize the third Quota Club in the country following that of Manila and Iloilo. The Charter Ceremony was held on Jan. 12, 1977, at Casino Español de Cebu with Ms. Ibañez as charter president.
○○○ To officially welcome Department Of Tourism (DOT) Region 7 director Catalino Chan III to his new post, his proud family led by his uncle, Dr. Cesar Chan, hosted a thanksgiving dinner at the Cebu Country Club for family and close friends. Chief organizers were Doc Cesar's wife, Doc Mila and cousin-inlaw Chorie (wife of Doc George Chan who was the evening's emcee). Also present were his US-based sister Atty. Paz Lao and husband Tony, cousins Dr. Virgincita Cortes and Milagros Lao with daugher Honey. Other relatives around were Dr. Maria Chan, Miljoy Lao and hubby Ken King, Menchu Martinez and Joan Dogondon.
Director Butch, as he is fondly called, is the son of the late Judge Ceferino Chan and Mercedes Echaves of Camiguin. He was previously director of DOT Region 10. He narrated his journey in the tourism world, starting out as a tour guide and inching his way to the top through hard work, dedication and innovative ideas. By the way, he was one of the founders of Camiguin's Lanzones Festival.
○○○ It was an easy and relaxing afternoon at Rica's Cafe along the Maria Luisa Road in Banilad, Cebu City when Marget Villarica of Destination Specialists invited friends to a tea party to update them on the latest offerings of Insight Vacations. Here for the presentation were Aileen Clemente, chairman and president of Rajah Travel Manila (GSA of Insight Vacations) and Evon Ler, president of Asia Insight Vacations. What was underscored during the Insight video was the message: Insight goes the extra mile for its passengers with well-planned itineraries, experienced and efficient tour guides, well-chosen hotels etc. The new Luxury Gold packages are even more impressive with luxury hotels, fine dining, exclusive VIP experiences on the menu.
A lovely tea party it was with a yummy spread of delicate sandwiches, savory finger food, crunchy nuts and cheeses galore along with coffee, tea and a selection of cold drinks personally selected by Rica Deen herself.