Driven by the theme “GO Cebu!” with the tagline “Realign, Reinforce, Rebuild”, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), through the organizing committee of Cebu Business Months (CBM) 2022, set things in motion with an exhilarating Kick-Off last April 28, 2022 at Il Corso Lifemalls and the newly-inaugurated Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
Spearheaded by CBM 2022’s Tourism Chair Kate Dychanco-Anzani, the event was a timely gathering for local tourism stakeholders and CBM partners. This months-in-the-making vision came to life with the goal of holding a two-pronged event: 1) a symbolic jumpstart for local tourism, and 2) a prelude to this year’s CBM Grand Opening Salvo. The Kick-Off started with an Opening Ceremony at the South Parking of IL Corso Lifemalls, with speeches from CCCI President Charles Kenneth Co, CBM 2022 Overall Chairperson Brigitte Carmel Lim and DOT-7 Regional Director Shahlimar Tamano. It was then followed by a successfully-mounted bridge ride over the iconic CCLEX, showcasing 16 classic cars from Tour de Cebu and over 100 big bikes from local clubs Harley Owners Group, Motor7, The Brothers and Triumph. The afternoon ride was led by no less than DOT-7 Regional Director Shahlimar Tamano, who signalled the start of the drive with a vibrant and optimistic message of support: “Let’s have a good ride! For two years, we were not allowed to celebrate our 500 years (of Christianity in the Philippines), which ended yesterday (April 27). But in spirit, I think we should continue to celebrate our 500 years the whole year of 2022. So everyone, let’s ride!”
In his welcome remarks, CCCI President Charles Kenneth Co fittingly expressed that the timing of this kick-off could not have been better, as it “echoed the pace of an ongoing economic recovery as CCCI heightens the vision of CBM to inspire beneficial results despite these challenging times.” In an equally inspiring message, CBM 2022 Overall Chairperson Brigitte Carmel Lim highlighted the significance of the bridge ride, saying that “This historic event reminded me that bridges had always been among the most powerful and important symbols of connection, of cooperation, and of harmony. And as we open up the region to new developments and improved prosperity through this engineering marvel, may today’s CBM 2022 Kick-Off also symbolize our common goal of giving Cebu the chance to experience further its economic growth and enhanced productivity.”
Following the now-historic bridge ride, CCCI and CBM partners and guests regrouped at the event area of IL Corso Lifemalls, where Mr. Boler Binamira, President of BLB Philippine Access Network, delivered the event’s Closing Remarks. The gathering was capped off with refreshing drinks and cocktails by Quest Hotel and Conference Center, complemented by ambient music from a local DJ.
The CBM 2022 Tourism Kick-Off was made possible through its Partners: Tour de Cebu, Harley Owners Group, The Brothers, Motor7 and Triumph; Sponsors: IL Corso Lifemalls by Filinvest and Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway; and Digital Media Partner: BizHero.
CCCI and the dynamic working team behind CBM 2022 are gearing up to unveil exciting programs and activities on its milestone 26th year. Keep posted for a series of hybrid events under Tourism, ICT-BPM, Entrepreneurship and Creative Entertainment spread out from June to November 2022.
For more information, visit www.cebuchamber.org, and CBM’s official Facebook and Instagram pages: facebook.com/CebuBusinessMonth and instagram.com/cbm.ph.
