Cebu City was the vibrant setting for two significant celebrations recently, blending international diplomacy with corporate milestones in a series of high-profile gatherings.
Japanese Emperor's Birthday Reception
At the Radisson Blu Cebu, Japan Consul General in Cebu Yudai Ueno hosted a grand reception to commemorate the 66th birthday of the Emperor of Japan. This annual event, organized by the Japanese Consulate, drew a distinguished crowd of local and international dignitaries.
Distinguished Guests and Diplomacy
Consul General Ueno was flanked by key figures including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Councilor Nice Archival, alongside Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro. The diplomatic corps was well-represented, with South Korea’s Consul General in Cebu Yim Jeanhjuk and Dr. Vicente Avanzado also in attendance. The guest list extended to members of the Japanese community, business leaders, and friends, highlighting the event's importance in fostering cross-cultural ties.
In his address, Consul General Ueno emphasized the enduring 70-year friendship between the Philippines and Japan, underscoring ongoing cooperation between the two nations. He also made an exciting announcement about the forthcoming Green Expo scheduled for Yokohama in 2027, pointing to future collaborative efforts in sustainability.
Cathay Pacific's 80th Anniversary Celebration
Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific Airways marked its 80th year of operation with a special Trade Kick Off and Top Producers Appreciation dinner held at Spiaggia of The Reef Island Resort Mactan. The event was a tribute to the airline's industry partners and top-performing travel agents.
A Night of Recognition and Nostalgia
Cathay Pacific country head Vishnu Rajendran, supported by his commercial team including Chingkee Bayaborda, Hazel Tagimacruz, and Juvy Cosejo, led the festivities. The evening honored the airline's top producers, with Aida Uy of Cebu Fortune Travel recognized as the number one producer, followed by Angelita Dy of Grand Hope Travel and Jeanne Teh of Global Link.
Special awards were presented to Angelita Dy as Top Producer for Hong Kong, Aida Uy for Mainland China and Group Revenue, and Rachel Cobar of Travelservices for Most Improved Group Revenue. Other awardees included Sheila Colmenares of Leisure Travel, Fairlie Uy of Royal Prince, and representatives from Travelservices Inc., Destination Specialists, UniOrient Travel, Sun Travel, and Travelways.
The celebration took a nostalgic turn as guests were encouraged to bring Cathay Pacific memorabilia and share personal stories. Rose Tubod of Blue Horizons recounted her first Business class flight experience with an old boarding pass from the early 1990s, while Marget Villarica shared photographs from past Cathay events. The Cebu team, led by Hazel Tagimacruz, created a standee displaying images from previous award ceremonies and familiarization trips, making it a memorable evening filled with camaraderie and reflection.
Seda Central Bloc's Green Milestone
In a separate but equally notable event, Seda Central Bloc celebrated its sixth anniversary with a soirée titled "Moving Forward" at its 17th-floor poolside. Cluster general manager Ron Manalang, accompanied by cluster communications manager Antoinette Ansing and director of business development Thrina Dela Calzada, hosted media friends for an easy, breezy affair.
Pioneering Sustainability in Hospitality
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the hotel's EDGE Advanced Certification. EDGE, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation. Seda Central Bloc has achieved the distinction of being the first hotel in Cebu to attain this advanced level under the EDGE framework, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in the hospitality sector.
