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HEADLINERS GMA Heads RCBC Plaza Inauguration The much-awaited formal inauguration of the RCBC Plaza took place last February, with no less than President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo as guest-of-honor and main speaker. The RCBC Plaza, dubbed as the finest and most modern edifice in the Philippines, mounted a three-day inaugural celebration focusing on the theme, the Global Filipino. The President was greeted by a ceremonial dance from the Bayanihan Philippines. The Ahwag, an adaptation of an ancient Filipino tradition, centers on conveying good wishes through offerings to receive an overflowing blessing of life, color and abundance. Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin led the invocation while Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco delivered the opening remarks in front of the distinguished guests from the government diplomatic corps, business community and international affiliations. This was followed by messages from Ambassador of Japan Ara Yoshihisa and Ambassador of Singapore Jacky Foo Kong Seng. One of the highlights of the evening was the ceremonial lighting of the "The Spirit of EDSA," a monument of renowned world-class sculptor Ed Castrillo. Located at the courtyard, the monument commemorates the Filipinos during the historical People Power Revolution of 1986. A musical repertoire by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra capped the night with soprano Andion Fernandez and tenor Nolyn Cabahug singing selected Filipino and classical masterpieces. The second day marked the inauguration of the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, considered to be the first Global Filipino, served not only the Philippine government but in the international scene by being the first Asian president to the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. Mrs. Beth Day Romulo was on hand for the tribute to her late husband. The Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, located at the fourth podium level of the plaza, has a seating capacity of 450 and boasts of state-of-the-art facilities that will serve as a conventional multi-purpose venue for corporate activities and cultural presentations. The three-day inaugural celebration culminated with a book launching entitled, "Dragon in the East." Part collection of memorabilia, part corporate history and part socio-economic history, the book narrates the story of the Yuchengco Group of Companies’ development in the context of the economic, social and cultural history of the Philippines from the 1930s to the beginning of the 21st century. RCBC Corporate Vice Chairman Cesar EA Virata co-edited the book with Victorino "Ino" Manalo. The third day also featured a musical program on the YGC story as performed by Repertory Philippines. This was followed by a kaleidoscope of songs culled from the best of Broadway and the West End. The RCBC Plaza consists of two towers, a three-level podium and seven levels of basement parking with a total area of 50,000 square meters. Besides the office spaces and the 450-seat auditorium, it will house a cultural museum, a 150-seat chapel, several banking chambers, a VIP lounge, a gym and health spa, a shopping complex, a food court and an open-air courtyard.

HEADLINERS  GMA Heads RCBC Plaza Inauguration  Yuchengco Appointed Special Envoy  RCBC's e-Age Enterprise Banking  Honda Yuchengco Leads All Dealers  EEI Receives POEA Award of Excellence  Bankard Bares Card Protection Measures  La Funeraria Paz at Manila Memorial  Isuzu Manila Tops Awards Night  RCBC's Araneta Likes Loose Setups  EEI Corp Formalizes Philrock Merger