'Mabuhi' composer among city's Charter Day awardees

The composer of Sugbuano song "Mabuhi" is included in the list of awardees who will receive recognition from the City Hall during the 70th Charter Day awarding ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center this evening.

Paul Melendez, who composed "Mabuhi (Ka Sugbuanon)", along with 14 other individuals and 15 groups/companies was chosen by Mayor Tomas Osmeña to receive recognition from the city government for his significant contribution to the city's development in the field of music/entertainment.

Melendez' inclusion in the list of special awardees was approved by the City Council on Wednesday through a resolution sponsored by councilor Arsenio Pacaña.

On top of the list of awardees is industrialist Norberto Quisumbing, Jr., head of Norkis Group of Companies, who would be recognized as adopted son of Cebu City and outstanding individual for business leadership.

Manuel Rodriguez Jr., the father of Philippine printmaking, was supposed to receive the Rajah Humabon award for his lifetime achievement, but the award was omitted from the list because he is out of town and could not attend the awarding ceremonies.

The awarding of plaques of recognition would be led by Osmeña, to be assisted by Vice Mayor Michael Rama, north district Rep. Raul del Mar and south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco and the members of the City Council.

The awarding ceremony was supposed to be held last February 24, simultaneous with the other Charter Day activities but the city government postponed it to give way to an international boxing event.

Awarding rites today will start at 6:30 p.m. and would be open to the general public.

Prior to the activity at the sports center, the awardees together with the city officials will have a fellowship dinner at the Casino Español.

At the end of the awarding ceremony, spectators will be entertained by a fireworks display and the restaging of the Sinulog finale.

Contemporary gospel singer Gary "Mr. Pure Energy" Valenciano is also expected to render performances to entertain spectators for the rest of the night.

Cebuana singer Maria Donna is also set to perform during the awarding ceremony tonight. - Wenna A. Berondo