Close to 3 decades ago, a piece of coal entered what was then the Chamber of Dept. Stores (precursor of the PRA). I say coal not because it was black or it dirtied its surroundings but because it was capable of producing diamonds within. It was so they say, Evelyn was a diamond in the rough.

I was fortunate to have represented PAGASA as its VP during the early years of the PRA. The Phil. Amalgamated Supermarkets Assn. has matured through the years holding the hands of Kuya PRA.

Through these years, the diamond within Evelyn Balmeo-Salire was developed and polished as its color shined through brightly, carats of initiated activities turned priceless into retail tradition, clarity of her purpose at the PRA became national as well as global and cuts of her diamond grew into a Team of honed staff ready to carry out PRA's thrusts for any given year.

Coal no more, we salute the diamond that in one way or the other propelled the PRA into what it is today. Of course, the Officers coursed the PRA through good times & bad but Evelyn carried out their decisions & made things happen for the PRA. Rest well, my friend...until we all meet again.