A philanthropist, an esteemed chef, and a world-renowned violinist lead this year’s outstanding Cadizeños, according to a press release from Cadiz City PIO.
Ian Manuel Lo, a known philanthropist in Negros Occidental, esteemed chef Antonio Escalante, and world-renowned violinist Gil Lopez Kabayao top this year’s 10 outstanding Cadizeños, and will be feted at an awarding ceremony at 5 p.m. today in line with the city’s 57th Charter Anniversary to be held at the Cadiz Arena.
Lo, whose parents are certified Cadizeños – the late Dr. Manuel and Corazon – is a prominent figure who poured significant assistance in the city during the height of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019.
As owner of the Negros Grace Pharmacy chain and president of the Dr. Manuel Lo Foundation Inc., Lo will be honored as an outstanding Cadizeños for corporate excellence category.
Escalante, popularly known as Chef Anton, is also laudable with his expertise in producing high-quality and savory food menus, being the founder of one of the country’s well-known food chains, the Antonio’s Group of Restaurants (AGR).
Exhibiting his God-given talent not just in the local scene, but also in the international stage, world-renowned violinist Gil Lopez 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 three defunct Cadiz’s local theaters – Showbiz Cinema (1983-1985), Rico Cinema (1996-2000), and Sampaguita Theater (1996-2005).
Former president of the United Architects of the Philippines-Bacolod Azucar Chapter, Architect Rolem Basiya, also joins this year’s band of outstanding Cadizeños.
His expertise and selfless services rendered to his home city are truly worthy of praise, making him qualified to be awarded in the Academic Achievement category.
Cadiz’s 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.
This “literary genius” also has an upcoming book titled “A Monsoon Rising.”
In the field of sports, taekwondo ace and 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games front runner, Dex Ian Chavez, was chosen because of his international exposure that made Cadiz known in the international arena.
Cadizeña Atty. Virma Gay Zymons, who is currently working/living 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 the COVID-19 quarantine period.
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 environmental stewardship in leading the Cotcot Upland Farmers and Farmworkers Association (CUFFA) 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 recently.
Summing up the list of awardees is the Girl Scout of the Philippines-Cadiz Chapter for its exemplifying dedication to social and community services that truly embodies the spirit of compassion and selflessness.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said he is so proud of this year’s pool of outstanding Cadizeños.
Their “great successes” in their chosen fields of endeavor are reflections of how Cadiz City is able to mold its constituents not just to become better but, perhaps, to be outstanding citizens here and abroad, Escalante said, adding “May their tribes increase for the sake of Cadiz.”*
