Never have I witnessed an event so elegant and empowering as the one at the Mahogany Room of Oakridge Executive Club, Oakridge Business Park in Mandaue City. The event? Passing of the torch to new leaders—the installation of the Zonta Club of Cebu 2’s incoming officers and board members for the Biennium 2022-2024. What a night that was!The invite strictly stated Dress Code: Black or Black and White, and the venue was designed with a profusion of dramatic greens, to match the event.After the super-emcee of the evening, Grace Paras, gave the welcome, another Zontian star, Mary Rose Maghuyop, rendered a delightful dance number!A warm welcome was then accorded to the guests by Mariter Klepp. Unfortunately, the distinguished installing officer, District 17 Governor of Zonta International, Bangkok-based Chavali Pamela Osathanugrah, could not attend, so lieutenant governor Ofelia Bautista did the honors with “Setting the Direction for the Next Biennium.”A formal dinner followed, and with that emerged high-powered singers—the Oyayi Quartet—who entranced the guests with Broadway and “oldies” hits!A sentimental video tribute honoring the late Zonta Club past president Elena Chiongbian-Young, was next on the agenda, presented by doctor Vivien Seno.The most awaited portion, the installation, had lieutenant governor Bautista at the helm after being introduced by Margot Larrañaga.Here are the new leaders: President: lawyer Mae Elaine Bathan. Vice president for internal affairs: lawyer Regal Oliva. VP for external affairs: Marietta Malinao. Recording secretary: doctor Chona Tremedal. Corresponding secretary: Edwina Wu. Treasurer: Daisy Kokseng. Assistant treasurer: Irene Uy. Auditor: Cita Chan. Public relations officer: doctor Elsa Basubas. Directors: Marilou Cañizares, Lucy Carcel, doctor Flor Miel, doctor Vivien Seno, Myrna Cruz Tan and Nonie Uy.It was now the turn of outgoing president Petite Garcia to deliver her stirring saga in “My President’s Journey,” where she chronicled her term. We considered her time as a sterling performance unbeatable and incomparable, in spite of the many disasters that shook the country. Kudos, Petite!An acceptance speech was then given by incoming president, lawyer Mae Elaine Bathan, who will now lead her team to greater heights!Congrats, all!