On May 1st 2021, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia (“CMT”) celebrated its 8th anniversary and 41st year of combined legal practice that began in 1980. The community quarantine notwithstanding, CMT held a special online celebration that began with the celebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Father Arnold Eramiz. It was followed by a program where name partners Avelino “Nonong” Cruz, Jr., Simeon “Sonny” V. Marcelo, and Joe Nathan “Joey” P. Tenefrancia addressed its 150 lawyers and staff, who have not physically gathered together as a firm for more than one (1) year.
Atty. Tenefrancia opened the program by tracing the beginning of the legal practice of the original partners Cruz and now retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio on Labor Day in 1980 and, with the establishment of CMT in 2013, the current partners’ commitment to an enduring legal practice based on the values of integrity, professionalism, meritocracy, and mutual respect.
Atty. Marcelo expressed profound gratitude to all the hardworking members of the firm and their unwavering belief that CMT would weather last year’s unprecedented lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
CMT’s Chairman Manuel “Jun” L. Manaligod, Jr. delivered an inspiring message in Filipino that reminded all members of the firm to continue adhering to the its core values, and with its professional responsibility to its clients, and to remain steadfast in their faith as they all deal with the challenges of the times.
CMT’s anniversary celebration was also an opportunity for its members to take partake of food delivered to their homes prior to the program. Many also participated in quiz shows, games, and raffles.
After 2.5 hours of reminiscing and celebration, Atty. Nonong Cruz’s closed the program with a short address, advising everyone to be kinder to one another, to count their blessings however small they are, to remember the people they care for and who care about them, and finally, to remember to pray.
Pandemic or no pandemic, CMT endures and looks forward to another year of excellent service to its clients. Happy 8th anniversary, CMT!