Athlete, artist feted in Lapu

Three persons who have done great achievements were recognized by the Lapu-Lapu City government during the city’s 52nd Charter Day celebration on Monday.

John Rex Tongco, 21, of barangay Tingo, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, received a plaque of recognition for winning the  long boarding competition in Southeast Asia.

The city government pledged to support him as he flew to Malaysia yesterday for another long boarding competition.

Another awardee, Lhee  Isabel Taneo, 19, also from barangay Tingo, is a visual artist on shell mosaic who just graduated Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines.

Taneo uses “nasa” shells (small shells) that can be found in the shores in Olango island in her artworks.

She spends around 25,000 pieces of nasa shells to complete a single artwork in few weeks.

During the Kadaugan sa Mactan last April, Taneo showcased her artworks in the exhibit, one of the highlights of the week-long festivities.

Some of her artworks were purchased by the Lapu-Lapu City government.

Taneo also won several times in school exhibits and other occasions.

“I am very grateful and honored that the city recognized my work. Ever since I am very proud to be an Oponganon,” Taneo said.

The third awardee, Satoshi Toyoda, is a Japanese scuba diver.

Toyoda was recognized for his great concern for the conservation of marine habitats. He uploaded a video in youtube regarding a yellow submarine that rammed into coral walls. The video became viral in the Internet and was brought to the attention of the Lapu-Lapu City government, which then made an investigation and eventually suspended the operation of the tourist submarine on April 26.

Toyoda, who had already gone home in Japan, was represented by Japanese Consul Shoji Otake during the recognition ceremony. “I don’t know this man but I think Japanese people will be proud of him,” said Otake. /CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA