Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Emil Fernandez shares a toast with Lieutenant Governor Luke and Lieutenant General Sklenka in honor of the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and the United States (photos courtesy of Mr. Mark Salondaka).

HONOLULU 19 June 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu hosted a reception at Cafe Julia in Honolulu last June 11 to mark the 126th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. Among the distinguished guests at the reception were Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, Deputy Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command,  General Charles Flynn, Commander of the US Army Pacific, General Kevin Shneider, Commander of the US Pacific Air Force, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, and Brigadier General Anthony Mastalir, Commander of the US Space Forces Indo-Pacific.

In his remarks, Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Emil Fernandez highlighted the deepening relations in various spheres between the Philippines and the United States, specifically with the State of Hawaii. He extended his appreciation to government and military officials, as well as representatives of the private sector, academe and Filipino community leaders who have contributed to the heightened pace of engagement between the two countries and helped foster deeper understanding and people-to-people ties.

Representing the State of Hawaii, Lieutenant Governor Luke conveyed her gratitude to the Consulate, for its work in attending to the needs of Filipinos in the state and emphasized the important role of elected Filipino American officials in improving the lives of their constituents. Representing the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Lieutenant General Sklenka underscored the strength of the Philippine-U.S. alliance and the bonds of friendship between the two countries. He cited the participation of over 20,000 soldiers during the recently-concluded Balikatan exercise, as proof of the two countries’ iron-clad partnership.

To showcase Philippine culture, guests were treated to Ilonggo cuisine and entertained with a medley of Filipino songs performed by the Hawaii Rondalla. END

Consul General Fernandez highlighted the deepening relations in various spheres between the Philippines and the United States, specifically with the State of Hawaii. 

Lt. Gov. Luke emphasized the important role of elected Filipino American officials in improving the well-being of their constituents.

Lt. Gen. Sklenka underscored the strength of the Philippine-U.S. alliance and the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Ms. Samantha Bulos and Mr. Jaymari Reyes lead the singing of the national anthems.

Consul General Fernandez receives a certificate of recognition from the Hawaii State Legislature. He is joined by Mrs. Cristina Fernandez, State Senator Brandon Elefante (leftmost) and State Senator Henry Aquino (rightmost).

For more information, visit https://www.honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinHonolulu/, https://twitter.com/PHinHonolulu or https://www.instagram.com/phinhonolulu/.