28 July 2016 - Consul General Mario De Leon and Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian welcomed the Filipino community during the 7th Annual Ocean City Tribute to the Philippines festivities held last July 23 at the Exhibit Hall of the Music Pier along the Ocean City Boardwalk.
During the morning kick-off ceremony, Consul General De Leon and Mayor Gillian addressed the crowd led by Filipino community leaders Ms. Ruth Luyun, President of the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia and immediate past President Ms. Hermie Aczon, Mr. Rene and Ms. Mary Ann Sese of Ocean City, and Mr. Mark Soifer of the Ocean City Organizing Committee.
In his remarks, the Consul General conveyed that the Consulate is honored to co-organize with Ocean City this “Tribute to the Philippines” which is now on its 7th successive year. He thanked Mayor Gillian and his wife Michelle, and other stakeholders like Mark Soifer and Rene Sese, who ensured its success and continuity through the years. “The Tribute undoubtedly showcases the strong ties between our people, particularly in the Southern New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia area, and is further meaningful this year as it coincides with the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-US diplomatic relations,” he added.
He further conveyed that with the inauguration of the country’s 16th Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines will continue to enjoy and expand in its economic and social renaissance because of public confidence on the economic and social reforms by the Government. “Filipinos and Fil-Ams in the US can participate in community and nation-building, through local tourism such as bringing family and friends in Ocean City, and also promoting Philippine tourism among their American friends, resulting in benefit to our two economies”, he underscored.
Lastly, the Consul General expressed his pride at having been part of the growth of the “Tribute to the Philippines” in 6 of the past 7 years. “This year’s will be the last Tribute which I will witness and participate in as Consul General, as my tour of duty will officially end in September,” he disclosed.
Mayor Gillian thanked Consul General De Leon for his contribution in the last 6 years where he ably represented the Philippine Government and co-organized this event. He also acknowledged Consul General De Leon’s noteworthy role that paved the way for the continuity of the unique cooperation between the Filipino community and Ocean City, a fitting tribute indeed to the warm and friendly relations between the two countries and its people.
The Mayor also took the opportunity to thank Mark Soifer for having steered the “Tribute” to success in the past seven years. “It started with the idea of a sister city relationship between Ocean City and San Jose, Mindoro Occidental in the Philippines,” he remarked. Aside from Mr. Soifer, one of the pioneer organizers of this event was Rene Sese who hailed from San Jose.
The opening program was followed by a cultural presentation featuring Philippine folk songs and dance numbers, a native crafts and food fair, and a medical wellness mission by the Philippine Nurses Association of America.
This year’s cultural show featured an array of cultural talent courtesy of the Rowan University Fil-Am dancers, the Philippine Community of South Jersey-Modifyd Group performing Hip-Hop, the Philippine Folk Arts Society, Inc. Rondalla, Rene Sese, Mr. Mature America 2016 reminiscent of Hawaii’s Don Ho, and the Air Circus Yoyo performers. Philippine Airlines led by its New York Head Ms. Michelle Narvaez, was one of the main sponsors
The Consulate General is working towards unifying the 20,000-strong Filipino community members living in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia area, through cultural and economic activities that can make a contribution to the local community and the Philippines. END
