Filipinos in Hawaii Celebrate 119th Independence Day with Gala, Cultural Show
Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Gina A. Jamoralin (1st row, center) with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General
19 June 2017 HONOLULU — The Filipino community in Hawaii, the largest ethnic group in the state, celebrated the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence with a gala and a cultural show on June 10.
The Independence Day Gala, organized by the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCCH) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, was attended by 450 guests, filling the Tapa Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel in Waikiki.
Hawaii Governor David Ige was the Guest of Honor at the Gala. Other distinguished guests include US Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris and spouse Mrs. Bruni Bradley, Coast Guard 14th District Commander Rear Admiral and Mrs. Vincent Atkins, Philippine Senator Francis Joseph Escudero and wife Mrs. Love Marie Escudero, Taytay, Rizal Mayor George Ricardo Gacula II, Japanese Consul General and Mrs. Yasushi Misawa, Korean Consul General Young H. Kang, and Australian Deputy Consul General Teena Browning.
Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin recalled the significant milestones of the Philippines and the major accomplishments of the Philippine Consulate General, noting the contributions of Filipino organizations in the fulfillment of its objectives and thrusts.
Consul General Jamoralin and Governor Ige led the toast for the occasion, offering their well wishes for continued partnership and enduring relations between the United States and the Philippines.
A cultural show followed featuring performances and a fashion show of Philippine regional attires by Hawaii-based artists and members of the Filipino American community, highlighting the vibrancy of Philippine culture.
Filipino-American-Chinese businessman and founder of L and L Barbecue Mr. Eddie Flores, and celebrated international chef based in Hawaii Mr. Alan Wong, were also honored during the program for their contributions in uplifting the image of Filipinos through their advocacies and businesses.
During the Gala, Mr. Tante Urban of Tante's Restaurant in Maui was awarded for his "braised adobo veal shank" which won as the 2017 Best Adobo in Hawaii during the Great Adobo Cook-off" held at the Philippine Consulate June 8.
For more information, visit www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippineshonolulu.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHConsulateHonolulu. END
Consul General Jamoralin and Hawaii Governor David Ige leads the toast to mark Philippine Independence Day.