THE grand opening on September 6, 2008 of the Olivan SEAOIL Mega Station located at Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City was well-attended and well-organized.

        Despite the drizzle and cloudy sky the long motorcade jumpstarted the day-long activity by going around the major city streets. Mr. Apeng Olivan said the rain is a blessing sent from heaven on this momentous day. The motorcade was participated by family members, friends, tricycle drivers, customers, and the Naga City business community. Pretty models in their attractive outfits waved their hands, and a school band played lively music while mounted on cars and trucks. They were joined happily by executives and guests from SEAOIL Philippines, Ford San Pablo, Ziebart, BDO, and suppliers of the Olivan Home Depot like Davies, Bostik, Firefly, and many others.

        Adding color to the event were the Long See Dy Association acrobats from Legazpi City with their stupendous performance of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance. The SEAOIL models stayed at the gas stations in welcoming motorists avail of the One Peso per liter special discount for the day, and in giving away prizes to the lucky raffle winners. Meanwhile the Ford models assist those who wanted to test drive the latest Ford SUVs, while the live band provides the festive mood as guests and well-wishers continue to arrive.

        The highlight of the grand opening of the Olivan SEAOIL Mega Station is the blessing officiated by Fr. William Tan, and the inauguration of the Olivan Home Depot, the Total Smile Dental Center of Dr. Wenny O. Villegas, the Ford San Pablo, and the BDO-Magsaysay Branch. SEAOIL Marketing Head explained that SEAOIL considers gasoline stations as a Mega Station when there are other business locators within its premises.

        Important guests who graced the occasion were Naga City mayor Jesse M. Robredo and his wife Atty. Leni, Vice-mayor Gabby Bordado, City councilor Badette Roco, DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada, Pasacao mayor Asuncion V, Arceno, architect Warren Yu of G &W Architects who designed the buildings of the complex, Metro-Naga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MNCCI) President Abet Bercasio (who was also the emcee), Mr. and Mrs. Felipe Dy Sr. of Graceland Food Inc., Naga College Foundation president Carlo Villanueva, University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) EVP Lourdes S. Anonas, BDO Bicol Area head Jovy Alvarez, Ford Branch manager Constantino D. Jael, Ziebart Marketing & Operations Manager Joel G. Beato, SEAOIL Philippines Marketing head Rey Jimenez, and Bicol Mail publisher Nilo Aureus.

        MNCCI officers who were around are Allied Bank manager & former president Jun Amaro, Directors Fidel Yu, Mario Wong & Ceferino Adviento, and many businessmen that include Mr. Boy Abella, Marcelo Co, Nelson Imperial, Rodrigo Claveria, Judy Lee, Bryan Cu, Bank of Commerce Manager Albert Tan, BDO Branch Manager Tony Camalla among others.

        Veteran Broadcaster & DZLV Station Manager Joel Buena, RMN-DWNX Station Manager Al Ubaña, Philippine Inquirer correspondent Johnny Escandor, PNA stringer Jason Neola, Weekly Informer publisher Maico Julia, TV reporters from ABS-CBN, and DJs from FM stations were among those who were around to extend congratulations and well wishes to the Olivan family.

        In his short message, Mayor Robredo lauded the Olivan family for boldly embarking into this new kind of investment that opens new frontiers in the business landscape of Naga City. He said Mr. Olivan is the kind of entrepreneur who brings growth and progress and generate employment to the people of Naga City.

        On the other hand, Mr. Olivan thanked the City Government for providing the business-friendly environment where local businesses thrive. He also thanked SEAOIL, and all their suppliers for their continuous support. He also commend his exemplary employees, and thank the thousands of invaluable customers and clients who patronized their businesses though the years.

        And of course Mr. Apeng Olivan is thanking God for his sons Donald and Howard, daughters Dr. Wenny, Christine, and Aileen, and his beloved wife Rose for being with him in all these endeavors. Joey Co


Photo shows the cutting of ribbon of the Olivan SEAOIL Mega station led by Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, (l-r) Mrs. Rose Olivan, Mr. Rey Jimenez SEAOIL Philippines Marketing Head, DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada, and Mr. Apeng Olivan while Fr. William Tan officiates the blessing ceremony.