The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) in Cebu hosted its 79th Philippine-American Friendship Day Celebration at the Nustar Resort Cebu.

The occasion marked the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and the United States, celebrating shared cultures, values and aspirations.

The guest of honor was newly elected Cebu Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro. In her concise yet impactful speech, Gov. Baricuatro highlighted the numerous similarities shared by both countries, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural, historical and economic connections that continue to strengthen the bond between their peoples.  

She spoke passionately about how these enduring ties foster mutual understanding, cooperation and friendship, underscoring the importance of maintaining and nurturing this close relationship for the benefit of future generations.

Former Amcham president John Domingo served as the distinguished guest speaker at the event. During his address, he took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the organization’s history, reflecting on the many remarkable milestones and initiatives that have defined its legacy. He also paid tribute to the numerous esteemed guests and influential figures who have graced the organization over the years, highlighting how their inspiration and leadership have motivated and shaped the members commitment and growth.

Concluding his heartfelt speech, Domingo was honored with a plaque of appreciation in recognition of his invaluable contributions and dedicated service to the club. The award was presented by Ebb Hinchliffe, Amcham Philippines executive director; and Brian Connelly, president of Amcham Visayas, who both expressed their gratitude for Domingo’s enduring impact on the organization and its community.

Toward the end of the evening, special awards were presented to Maite Marques and Eric Segovia recognizing them as the Stars of the Night. They were honored for their vibrant and eye-catching outfits which beautifully showcased the colors and symbolism of the Philippine and American flags.

No Amcham event would be truly complete without the eagerly awaited raffles, which have become a tradition among members. These raffles generate a buzz of excitement as attendees eagerly anticipate the chance to win fantastic prizes. This year the grand prize, a coveted round-trip ticket to the United States, generously sponsored by United Airlines was won by Maripaz Perdices.