888 News Forum celebrates 9th anniversary
The 888 News Forum was established in 2006 by eight driven individuals who yearned to host a Cebu-based program that would take on domestic issues as well as national interests and concerns. They included tourism advocate Bobby Joseph, former DOT regional director Dawnie Roa, broadcast executive Malou Apalisok, publisher Eileen Mangubat, tour specialist Jenny Franco, columnist Ricky Poca, hotelier Rey Fuentes and author Honey Jarque Loop.
As part of their advocacy, the 888 News Forum has recognized through the years certain individuals and institutions that have shown leadership and provided exemplary service to the community.
During the 9th anniversary celebration held recently at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel where the forum meets regularly everyTuesday, recognition and plaques of appreciation were given to one exemplary individual and two outstanding organizations.
Jaime Picornell, a passionate writer who has devoted 52 years of his life to journalism. In 1963 he made his public debut as a novice society columnist for the Morning Times and stayed for 20 years.
Aside from his writing career, he served as Honorary Consul of Spain with consequent institutional duties for 18 years. King Juan Carlos 1 awarded him with a knighthood in the Order of Isabel la Catolica, the highest an ordinary Spanish subject can receive. In May 2012, the King gave him another award: Spain’s Order of Civil Merit whose motto includes “Patriotism, perseverance and optimism
The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs. (OSCA) Under the administration of Mayor Michael Rama, the senior citizens are encouraged to play an important role in the community. He has supported their being active in governance both in the public and private sectors, contributing to the welfare and development of the city. The OSCA has implemented measures to make it easy and convenient for the senior citizens to receive their benefits and financial assistance from the city government.
The Cancer Institute of the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center was recognized for providing accessible and affordable medical care and treatments to patients afflicted with cancer. They continue to strengthen their advocacies by conducting regular forums on health, disease prevention and perform periodic medical examinations.
The group renewed its commitment of service to the community and pledged to continue the 888 News Forum with renewed energy and dedication.
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Philippine Airlines Cebu, in tandem with the Office of Travel Subsidy by Aichi, Japan and the Gifu Prefecture Tourism Federation, recently hosted an afternoon gathering at the Radisson Blu Hotel to introduce Japan’s Sightseeing Tour Subsidy Program to the city’s top travel specialists.
The program with simple guidelines was created to attract foreign tourists to Aichi and Gifu prefectures by reducing the fiscal burden on participants through subsidies for tour expenses during the visits. With this funding, tourists will be able to visit World Heritage Sites and experience the unique and diverse culture of the heartland of Japan which has been fostered by the prefectures rich yet diverse natural landscape.
Before the end of the lively interaction between invitees, Harry Inoferio, PAL senior assistant vice president for Philippine sales, shared the good news that starting March 16, 2016, PAL will commence direct flights to Los Angeles from Cebu.
