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OFWIE’s
“A Humble Tribute to Mothers”
“To be a
great mother, one should be a great individual. For us to be
a great mother, we should instill love, respect and teach
good ethics and moral values to our children.”
This was the message conveyed by Mrs. Elma Pagdato,
winner of Outstanding Mother 2007 award at the Search for
the Greatest Mom during the 5th
anniversary/culmination exercises of the Overseas Filipino
Workers’ Investors and Entrepreneurs (OFWIE) last May 20,
2007.
The event
was a tribute to OFW mothers who in their own special way
made outstanding contribution not only on their family but
also to the Filipino community here in Hong Kong and was
held at the Community Hall, Caritas Centre, Caine Road,
Central, Hong Kong.
“It’s about
time for us to give honor to our OFW mothers. It is our way
of recognizing their tremendous effort and perseverance just
to provide high-quality, decent and the most excellent
future to their family especially their children”, said Ms.
Dorie Nieva, OFWIE president and an excellent mother
herself.
The
spectators experienced a wonderful and magnificent afternoon
as the candidates showcased their talents and ability in
dancing and modeling. Out of thirteen candidates for the
search for outstanding mother, Mrs. Elma Pagdato,
vice-president of Passi City (Iloilo) Assn. HK was
proclaimed, Outstanding Mother 2007, followed by Mrs.
Cecille Aguinaldo and Mrs. Florenda de los
Santos as 1st and 2nd runner-up
respectively.
In the
search for the Greatest Mom out of six candidates, Mrs.
Herminigilda Escultura, has garnered the highest
score and was crowned, the Greatest Mom 2007 and got the
following minor awards; Best in Interview, Best in Talent
and Ms. Photogenic. Ms. Jennifer (Sky) Rodriguez came
in 1st runner-up and crowned as an Exemplary Mom
followed by Mrs. Elma Pagdato, 2nd
runner-up and being crowned as Role Model Mom. Mrs. Pagdato
also got the Best in Filipiniana Gown and the Darling of the
Crowd awards. The Best in Executive Attire as well as the
Best in Production Number was awarded to Mrs. Alisa Joy
Pamintuan.
Vice
Consul Noel M. Novicio delivered an inspirational
message and he was a little bit emotional for attending the
said event was his last to attend to here in Hong Kong
because he will be leaving for Beijing as he assumed his
next assignment. “Sa pagkakataon pong ito gusto kong
pasalamatan ang Filipino community sa pagsuporta sa ating
konsulado lalong-lalo na sa akin. After two and a half years
here in Hong Kong, I consider my stay here a very memorable
one. Hong Kong perhaps is so far the best part ng aking
maigsing paninilbihan sa ating foreign service. Hong Kong is
in the heart at mananatiling mahalaga sa aking puso and
hopefully kung ipahihintulot ng ating Poong Maykapal ay
hindi po ako magdadalawang-isip na bumalik dito sa Hong
Kong”, he said.
The event
was also graced by the presence of the newly appointed OWWA
Welfare Officer, Ms. Maria Teresa Olgado. She
mentioned that she salutes to all OFWs especially mothers
who sacrificed themselves to be away from their family just
to give them bright future.
Ms.
Dorie Nieva, president of OFWIE expressed her gratitude
to all the participants, guests, judges & adjudicators
especially to all donors and sponsors for without their
support, OFWIE’s anniversary was not as successful as it
was.
By:
Noemi P. Paniza
mimippaniza@yahoo.com
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