CEBU, Philippines - On the 11 day celebration of Samar Day, one of the highlights was the Awarding Ceremony for the Most Outstanding Samareños who have been the source of pride to the Province of Samar because of their achievements in different fields of endeavor to which they have contributed significantly. This was held last August 7 at St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan (SMCC) Auditorium in Catbalogan City.
One of the awardees is the noted ballet artist Bro. Odon Sabarre, Artists in Residence of Region 8, Dance Scholar to Russia and the United Sates sponsored by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos through the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Julie Borromeo Dance Foundation, respectively.
Sabarre was conferred also the Most Outstanding Samareño by the Province of Samar through the late Gov. Tomas Ricalde and by Kasale (Katig-uban Han mga Samareños Ha Leyte) through its Pres. Commissioner Aurel Menzon.
He was awarded also as Most Outstanding Taclobanon given by former Mayor Alfredo (Bejo) Romualdez on their 50th Charter Day Anniversary. Other awardees include former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, Leyte Dance Theater Director Jess de Paz and Leyte Kalipayan Directress Teresita Pil.
In 1997, Sabarre was nominated as National Artist of the Philippines and was endorsed by former Pres. Joseph Estrada, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senator Ernesto Maceda, Senator Raul Roco, Sen. Freddie Webb, Sen. Orlando Mercado, Cong. Raul Daza, Cong. Catalino Figueroa, Cong. Wilmar Lucero, Cong. Jose Tan Ramirez, Gov. Remedios Petilla, Mayor Uldarico Mate, and Tourism Director Norma Morantte.
Other awardees are Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Congressman Romero Federico Quimbo, Atty. Cesareo Singzon (2011 Bar topnotcher), Director Chito Roño, Tessie Tomas, Bibeth Orteza, Lucien Letaba, Michael Cinco, (international fashion designer) Rosario Nabong Cabardo, Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ, Dr. Lilia Arteche, Dr. Dominadro Cabanganan, Dr. Jesusita Arteche, Atty. Rodrigo Lope Quimbo, DILG Director Marivel Sacendoncillo, Former DOTC USEC Pax Maghacot, Dr. Heildegardes Dineros, Prudencio Miel Jr, Florencio Cinco, Raul Isidro, Lt.Gen. Romeo Tarrayo, Perfecto Arteche, Rafael Reyes, Emma Bermejo, Edmond Sultan, Mayor Melchor Nacario and Sis. Rafaela Singzon.
The Samar Day Celebration culminated last August 11 with theme “Sustaining a Culture of Peace, Unity and Development throughout Samar.”
The award-giving committee was headed by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan.