A LUNCH AND A LAUNCH

Ambassador Francisco Benedicto hosted a lunch on February 22 at the Tsay Cheng restaurant to bid farewell to Korea's Consul General, Oh Sung Yong who has completed his tour of duty in Cebu. He has been here for over three years and leaves with many happy memories of his assignment.

Any Cebuano word he learned during this period? He spoke several and smiled broadly when he said "mingaw." His Cebu friends will miss him too. He promised to return as a tourist, knowing as how many Koreans come to Cebu to enjoy its attractions.

In attendance at the luncheon from the Korean Consulate General were young consuls Yong Hun, Ha Sunhi, and Tae Haeseok. Also present were Honorary Consul of Israel Emily Benedicto Chioson, Kenneth and Lilian (nee Benedicto) Huan, Mila Espina, Nelia Neri and Honey Loop.

The high quality of the menu was praised and toasts were repeatedly made, led by Ambassador Benedicto who is a most gracious host.

Dessert was a fruit platter of which someone said "tutti fruti." Mila Espina countered, "Oh rooty," and gave the rest of the Elvis Presley 1950s hit.

Did any of the young Korean consuls know Elvis? There were giggles, and even more when Mila started enumerating old faves, livening up the conversation all the way until it was time to say goodbye and drive off.

Consul General Oh Sung Yong left in a sleek black Hyundai limousine, while Ambassador Benedicto followed in a gleaming silver Mercedes Benz. Hours later the Mercedes was back with Ambassador Benedicto on board to attend an important function in the upper level of the Cebu Grand Convention Center.

That was the launch of The Freeman newspaper's centennial. It will be a whole year of celebrations, said a breathless program host, and this was just the beginning!

At the launch of The Freeman Centennial, seated from left are Tricia Gullas; Jose "Dodong" Gullas, Chairman of the Board; and society columnist Flor Ynclino. Standing, same order: John Vincent Gullas, Vice Chairman; Miguel Belmonte, President and CEO; Milet Belmonte, Jiji Gullas, Marissa Fernan, and Eva Gullas/ Photo from Robby Alugar

I managed to find a table strategically situated; near the door, that is. There was Flor Ynclino who has been writing The Freeman's society column for 38 years, and counting.

Beside her was Cookie Newman who once had a stint with The Freeman Lifestyle pull out, years back. With them was Dr. Nestor Alonso who writes The Freeman's food coverages. He was in a suit, complete with natty neck tie for as he said, this was a significant occasion.

Joining us were Anna Marie Conejero of Graphic FX, Joel Garganera, and Edu Rama with his wife Jaja, fashionable as always. Cary Santiago drifted by in a cloud of French perfume.

To proffer hand shakes and occasional beso-besos were VECO's Quennie Bronce, Seda Hotel's Frances Alfafara, the Marco Polo's Lara Scarrow, Manna Alcaraz and Febe Compañon, Benny and Aaron Que of the Golden Prince, Cerwin Eviota and the handsome Mike Rama.

Archie Modequillo, editor-in-chief of The Freeman and its Lifestyle editor as well, came by to say hi, as did Eileen Mangubat, former editior of the Cebu Daily News. She said traffic was almost at a standstill along Pope John Paul II Avenue, formerly San Jose de la Montaña. So near yet so far.

The horrific Friday night traffic also delayed Jose "Dodong" Gullas, The Freeman's Chairman of the Board who finally made it to the venue. Dressed in a pink shirt, and gripping a walker, he progressed through the hall as everyone was urged to sing the birthday song. He had turned 85 on February 1. Someone said 86, but what does it matter?

Wreathed in smiles, Dodong stood athletically erect while posing for photos as cameras blindingly flashed for a while. The University of the Visayas Chorale sang, and the dance company performed even as the program host reiterated that this was just the first of year-round events to mark The Freeman's 100 years.

We were taken back to 1919 when The Freeman was first published by Dodong's uncle Don Paulino Gullas, brother of his father Don Vicente Gullas. It stopped publication in 1932. Dodong revived it in 1965 as a weekly news magazine with (everything must be told) Pachico Seares as editor.

Lifestyle writers were Conching Briones, Lily Ferreros and Lina Quimat. I started contributing articles with pictures in 1968, while I also wrote the society column at The Morning Times since 1963. Offset printing at The Freeman made it possible to illustrate the news with photos.

The Freeman became a broadsheet that came out weekly on Mondays, a day the other newspapers did not have an issue. By 1970, it became a daily as the banner said "including Mondays." I wrote the society news three times a week.

I stopped writing for the Freeman in 1972 when Martial Law banned society columns. At The Morning Times, I was just asked to shift to Art & Entertainment. I returned to The Freeman in 1986, covering cultural events. I moved to the Cebu Daily News in December 1998 and there stayed for 20 years until December 2018.

I have many fond memories of the Freeman as well as of the University of the Visayas which this year also marks 100 years. I was a teacher there for 11 years. That's quite a chunk - a little over 10% of UV's existence. It's a wholly different story to tell.

These remembrances were woven into the general conversation at our table. I glanced at my watch; it was way past 9 PM. I had been sitting for some three hours and it was taking effect on my back, my knees and everything else.

Time to go, I told myself. I limped my way to the lobby with Jaja Rama with whom I promised to sit down one day for more stories.

"Good evening, Mr. Belmonte," Jaja greeted the gentleman in a dark suit, no less than The Freeman President Miguel Belmonte on his way to the bathroom. Yes, that is how you call it even if your purpose is not to take a bath.

On my way to the elevator Raquel Choa came into view. Cebu's Chocolate Queen had been dispensing "sikwate" all the while. We agreed to spend some afternoon sampling bon-bons.