Davao’s tourism pillars relive 4 decades of DATA

By Kenneth Irving Ong
THE PILLARS and nostalgic members of Davao’s travel and tourism industry reminisced the glorious days they had of four decades of eventful existence of the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) during a glittering night of the group’s 42th founding anniversary celebration at the ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel last February 19.
The fete was led by no less than Department of Tourism (DOT) assistt secretary Arturo Boncato Jr., and former Miss Universe Ma. Margarita “Margie” M. Floirendo, both past DATA presidents.
Asec Art briefed stakeholders on the Aquino government’s plans for the industry, including a well-funded aggressive advertising campaign promoting the country’s tourist destinations.
Newly-assumed DOT 11 Regional Director Roberto “Robbie” Alabado III took advantage of the evening to egg players to offer new destinations and lures taking advantage of the region’s abundance in exotic food, fruits and vegetable.
Ms Ma. Felisa “Liset” Marques, head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), also announced Davao City’s initiatives and projects designed to enhance the attractiveness of the island-to-highland destinations, including the CTOO’s transfer to a more spacious and presentable office in the newly-refurbished Pasalubong Center.
At least nine of DATA’s more than 17 past presidents, a few of them deceased, graced the rare occasion. Present were Boncato, Mary Ann “Baby” M. Montemayor, whose Konkordans was the night’s event organizer, Ms Floirendo, George Misa, Angel Puentespina, Joji Ilagan-Bian, Paul Borromeo, Doy Lopez, and Claude L’endre, the only foreigner to head the iconic group. (Ms Sally San Jose of Chippens is DATA’s current president)
An entertaining part of the night was the choice of the best dressed woman and best dressed man attending the affair.
A team of judges picked by Konkordans selected Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon was the best dressed lady of the night and international couturier Alfonso “Boy” Ginoo as the best dressed gentleman.
Gift certificates and goodies were raffled off to lucky guests.