Putting PH’s best foot forward
Teresa Chan, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (far left) leads a toast for a successful APEC. She’s joined by Ombudsman Conchita Morales (2nd from right), Gov. Hilario Davide III (in white barong) Trade Regional Director Aster Caberte , and SM City Cebu mall manager Van Aberia.
After a whole day of meetings, delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) were treated to an evening of Cebuano music, art and culture at the SM City Cebu’s Northwing Atrium.
About 15 exporters and designers from Cebu and the Visayas showed their goods in “Exquisitely Filipino,” a joint exhibit of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with SM City Cebu and the Cebu provincial government.
Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting, it opened with the banging of gongs and drums representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Gov. Hilario Davide pounded on “Sinulog drums,” while Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales struck the “agung” or Mindanao gongs.
The exhibit runs until Sept. 8 and features exclusive creations made by homegrown designers from all over Central Visayas.
“We want to put our best foot forward. This is the message we want to convey,” Regional DTI Director Aster Caberte said.
Variety
On display were fashion accessories, decorative lamps, furniture and home decor made of wood, shell, rhinestones, glass and indigenous materials as well as perfumed candles, paintings and a variety of local products.
The Mandaue Children’s Choir serenaded guests, opening with the Cebuano theme song of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress. Then the University of Cebu Dance Company performed in Mindanao tribal finery and Filipiniana costumes, using musical instruments in the different regions.
Maria Teresa Chan, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, led a toast for the success of the APEC meetings in Cebu.
The choir sang foreign tunes and well-loved Filipino pieces. Ombudsman Morales was the guest of honor.
Also in attendance were Capitol officials, directors of national government line agencies and Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., APEC director general of the national organizing committee.
Morales earlier welcomed APEC delegates in the plenary meeting of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency (ACT) Working Group, which she chairs, at Marco Polo Plaza in Cebu City. /With Ador Vincent Mayol
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