CEBU, Philippines – The night of October 13, Tuesday, was memorable. Not only that it showcased the famed Filipino hospitality to the energy ministers from around the Asia Pacific region, it was also an extravaganza of Visayan talents, particularly Cebuano talents. The spectacle all took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.
The beats at the main entrance of the hotel were irresistibly enticing, truly welcoming. The Lupon An Duyo Percussion Ensemble set the mood for a celebration. And top Cebu fashion models – garbed in Cary Santiago creations – were at the doorway of the St. Maria Ballroom to usher in the guests. Triple Fret, a classical contemporary guitar trio that won first prize in both last year’s Tarrega Malaysia International Festival and in this year’s 27th Japan Guitar Ensemble Festival, were playing inside.
As the ballroom filled up, Philippine OIC Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada welcomed everyone to the dinner affair. And then dinner was served, with the Radisson Blu team lead by GM Nishan Silva seeing to it that everything went smoothly – which it did. The fare featured culinary treats from Asia Pacific countries, to the great delight of the guests.
Just as dinner was ending, entertainment began. It was a superb, tightly packed production number without a lull from beginning to end, themed around the music of the Beatles and featuring top local talents in music, dance, fashion etc. From Tacloban’s REO Brothers to the internationally renowned Mandaue Children’s Choir, to the consistent winners Cebu City Dancesport Team and Tribu Basakanon cultural group to champion vocalists and beauty queens, the presentation – and the whole event – no doubt enthralled the APEC ministers and made the local guests proud.