By Sarwell Meniano
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BEST IN THE CITY. Froilan Celeste (2nd from right), named Entrepreneur of the Year, receives a plaque from Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez during the awarding ceremony on Monday night (Oct. 20, 2025) at the Ormoc City Stage to mark the city’s 78th Charter Day celebration. The city government also recognized 44 outstanding small businesses based on consumer choice, highlighting local excellence in food, services and retail, during the event. (Screengrab from Ormoc City government)
ORMOC CITY, Leyte – As part of its 78th Charter Day celebration, this city on Monday night recognized 44 outstanding small businesses based on consumer choice, highlighting local excellence in food, services and retail.
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, who led the awarding ceremony at the Ormoc City Stage, emphasized the importance of showcasing homegrown businesses that have earned the trust and loyalty of residents and visitors alike.
“When people come to Ormoc, they often ask where the best places are to eat or stay. Now, you know where to go — whether you’re happy, sad, or celebrating,” Torres-Gomez said.
“These are brands that are proudly Ormocanon, and they’ve served us for years. They are the lifeblood of our city, and we must continue to support them.”
Of the 44 awardees, 27 were recognized in the restaurant category; 10 were in services category, including accommodations, salons and catering; seven were honored in the retail sector category.
A crowd favorite during the ceremony was the unique “11 Feelings” category, which recognized businesses based on how they connect with customers’ emotions and experiences.
Categories included breakup song, breakup food, comfort food, date food, date place, favorite dessert, hangover recovery food, happy birthday cake, happy food, heart break food and make-up food.
Beyond consumer favorites, the city also honored five enterprises and two individuals for their innovative contributions to local business.
Among them was Froilan Celeste, named Entrepreneur of the Year and owner of Yoyi’s Cakes and Pastries, a family-run business founded in 1996 that has since expanded to six branches across Leyte and Southern Leyte.
The event marked not just a celebration of Ormoc’s charter, but also a tribute to the resilience, creativity and heart of its small business community. (PNA)
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