Six years ago over coffee, Eileen Mangubat, Jenny Franco and Malou Apalisok got together to consider the possibility of hosting a program that would discuss and possibly deliberate on domestic issues as well as national concerns.
Further talks with Consul General of Latvia Bobby Joseph, a passionate and committed tourism advocate, resulted in the organization of 888 News forum. Founding members included Ricky Poca, Dawnie Roa, Rey Fuentes and author Honey Loop.
Individuals who have contributed to the promotion of tourism and have given exemplary service to the community were recognized and awarded with plaques of appreciation. They are:
Ceby City Mayor Michael Rama, forhis remarkable support to the tourism industry through his long chairmanship of the Sinulog Foundation and the Cebu Tourism Commission, the concreting and repair of major streets and the preservation of historical and heritage structures in the city.
Rep. Pablo John Garcia, for concreting over 100 kilometers of provincial, municipal, and barangay roads in his district and his generous fund assistance in the development of the Bojo River Nature Park in Alonguinsan, which has become a community-based tourist destination in Cebu.
Mayor Valdemar Chiong
For transforming Naga City from a sleepy town to a bustling industrial city through his remarkable efforts of attracting investors thereby generating employment for its people.
Valeriano Avila
For his achievements in journalism and remarkable contribution to the tourism industry through his insightful columns in the Philippine STAR and The Freeman, for his interviews of personalities in his Straight from the Sky talk show and My TV television production, thus promoting Cebu and the Philippines in general as a premier tourist destination.
Elias Baquero
For his exemplary achievements in journalism and as an outstanding overall coordinator of 888 New Forum, in charge of inviting guests that include tourism personalities, businessmen, political and civil society leaders and leaders of marginal sector.