Businessman Ian Manuel Lo, a known philanthropist in Negros Occidental, esteemed chef Antonio Escalante, and world-renowned violinist Gil Lopez Kabayao led this year’s 10 oustanding Cadizeños to be feted at an awarding ceremony in line with the city’s 57th Charter Anniversary to be held at Cadiz Arena on July 4.
Lo, whose parents are certified Cadizeños – the late Dr. Manuel, and Corazon – poured significant help on the city during the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
As the owner of drugstore chain Negros Grace Pharmacy and president of the Dr. Manuel Lo Foundation Inc., Lo will be honored as an outstanding Cadizeño for corporate excellence category.
Escalante, widely called as Chef Anton, will be hailed for his expertise on producing high-quality and savory food menu being the founder of one of the country’s well-known food chains, the Antonio’s Group of Restaurants.
Exhibiting his God-given talent not just in the local scene, but also on international stage, world-renowned violinist Kabayao’s great influence in music was superbly acknowledged in the world of performing arts.
Also to be honored is Zarex Onatin in the visual arts category.
Onatin used to be an excellent visual artist of Cadiz’s three defunct local theaters – Showbiz Cinema (1983-1985), Rico Cinema (1996-2000) and Sampagueta Theater (1996-2005).
Former president of the United Architects of the Philippines-Bacolod Azucar Chapter, architect Rolem Basiya, will also join the band of outstanding Cadizeños.
His expertise and selfless service rendered to his home city were truly praisable, making him qualified to be awarded in the academic achievement category.
Cadiz’s excellent writer-turned-book author Thea Guanzon is also included in the list of awardees.
Guanzon’s book titled “The Hurricane Wars” impacted readers – young and old – around the world.
This literary genius also has an upcoming book – “A Monsoon Rising”.
In the field of sports, taekwondo ace and 30th South East Asian Games front runner, Dex Ian Chavez, was chosen because of his international exposure that made Cadiz known in the international arena in this kind of sport discipline.
Cadizeña lawyer Virma Gay Zymons, who is currently living and working in Australia, will also be cited for her exemplary deeds in aiding Filipino seafarers, among other notable charity works in various hospitals and hotels in Canberra during Covid-19 quarantine moments.
In 2021, Zymons was also chosen as among the 75 outstanding Filipino-Australian women by the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia.
Named environmental achievement awardee is Mary Jean Tanaya, whose stewardship in leading the Cotcot Upland Farmers and Farmworkers Association has caused notable positive changes in Cadiz environment and vegetable production.
Such a role also led her to be honored as a recipient of the provincial government’s Abanse Babaye Para Sa Dunang Manggad award just recently.
Summing up the list of awardees is the Girl Scout of the Philippines-Cadiz Chapter for exemplifying dedication to social and community services that truly embody the spirit of compassion and selflessness.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said he is proud of this year’s pool of outstanding Cadizeños.
Their great successes in their chosen fields of endeavor are reflections of how Cadiz City molds its constituents not just to become better but, perhaps, to be outstanding citizens here and abroad, Escalante said. ||
