What was intended to be an intimate gathering to welcome LA’s top public official from the Philippines turned out to be not so with Pinoys from various parts of Southern California coming in force for the event.
Newly installed Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz, turned out to be a “crowd drawer” with some attendees coming from as far as San Diego to meet him at the Original Lapid Filipino Cuisine in Bellflower known for its delicious Filipino food fares.
OC Fil-Am Chamber and Congen Cruz: The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County extended a warm welcome to the newly installed Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz at the Meet and Greet event at the Original Lapid Filipino Cuisine in Bellflower led by (from L-R): Current President Edwin Baloloy, former presidents Elena Salonga Lapid and Edith Andres (flanking Congen Cruz) and Faccoc Board member Andy Edralin.
Two city mayors were also at the event to “meet and greet” him – Cerritos Mayor Pro Tempore Mark E. Pulido and former Carson City Mayor Jim Dear.
It was not actually the first time that the members of the Filipino community had the honor of meeting the Consul General Cruz as many in the crowd already met him at the Consulate-sponsored introduction event held at the Consulate very recently.
Only this time, the meet and greet event attended by members of the business, professional and political sectors within the jurisdiction of the Consular Office had a less formal atmosphere and was an occasion for the Consul General to enjoy Filipino cuisine and the warm welcome of an expanded crowd.
A Milestone for Susan C. Paguio: Susan Paguio (4th from left, seated) basks in the company of her fellow Torres High School batch-mates and friends at the celebration of her 60th year held over the weekend at her Corona residence. Susan and her husband, Realtor, Fred Paguio (4th from L, standing) are active supporters of Torres High School Alumni Association in humanitarian activities in supporting her alma mater.
The trio of Elena Salonga Lapid, Mutch Carino and Andy Edralin, Jr. of Fil Am Press Club of California responsible for putting up the event in place which showed how hospitable and accepting the Filipinos are in this part of California.
Consul General Cruz is the “face” of President Rody Duterte’s much vaunted image of change outside of the Philippines. Already those familiar with the Consular Office are beginning to notice the changes that had taken place courtesy of the existing personnel in the interim period before Consul General Cruz formally assumed his post from his assignment in Tripoli. And more changes are forthcoming according to the Consul General.
Buena Park Tennis Circle: Buena Park Tennis Circle scored another ace as it concluded the summer season with a doubles tennis tournament, the fourth in the club’s history. Winners of the tournament held at Boisseranc Park tennis courts are doubles partners Buddy and Ebiong with Mario and Monching settling for the 1st runner up trophy. BTC is one of the most active sports club in the Buena Park area with its members playing regular leisurely rounds for camaraderie and physical fitness. Cesar Reamico, Rico Taruc, Bing Dalde and Rudy Malilim are the club’s coordinators.
In his brief remarks Congen Cruz reiterated his commitment to improve consular services and optimize his effort at touching base with the Filipino community is his jurisdiction which includes Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.