The Philippine Institute of Architects Cebu Section celebrated 32 years of existence with a dinner affair dubbed “Lapis Lazuli” at the roof deck of Harolds Hotel. It was also Recognition Night for the organization mainstays led by charter president, architect Isabel “Chabeng” Garcia who founded the section in 1990. She got the Presidential Award along with architect Eric Nacorda who was cited for “sharing intellect and wisdom” to the younger generation of architects.Recipients of Leadership awards were architect Eleazar Lipang (the first PIA Foundation scholar) who is now the city architect of Cebu; architect Ferdinand Marquez, the city architect of Toledo; and architect Mario Ocleasa, the City Planning and Development Coordinator of Mandaue. The late architects Cris Cyril Abbu and Efren Muaña Jr. were honored with Posthumous Awards.It was a merry evening of songs and dances and lots of laughs!***As the culminating event of the International Women’s Month of March, Zonta Club of Cebu 1 headed by president Gina Atienza conducted an Orientation on the Protection and Empowerment of Girls held at “My Bonita Home for Girls” in Talamban. Discussed were the laws for the protection of women and children conducted by lady lawyer Evelyn Nuñez. The affair ended with the turn over of books and hygiene kits led by president-elect Jane Panganiban. Time well spent for everyone!***Over at Plantation Bay in Mactan, there’s a newly opened bar by the sea, Hurricane Bar at the end of Hurricane Wharf. Yes, this latest addition to the resort amenities is named after that devastating December typhoon. Resort top honcho Manny Gonzalez said that the modest bar hopes “to provide refreshments to people returning from their island-hopping excursions and (in the evening) to courting couples.”***In celebration of its 16th anniversary, Marco Polo Plaza offers “Sweet Sixteen” treats from April 23 to 30. These include discounted room rates for Deluxe mountain-view rooms; a promo of 4 + 1 at Cafe Marco’s lunch and dinner buffet; happy hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Blu Bar & Grill with a buy 1-take 1 offer on select drinks; and the Sweet Sixteen anniversary cake at the Lobby Lounge.