10 June 2014 - The audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG in Montvale, New Jersey featured the Philippines in its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration last May 28.
The newly formed KPMG Montvale chapter of the Asian Pacific Islander Network (APIN) organized the event attended by about 50 KPMG employees. The celebration was part of KPMG’s diversity program to bring awareness of diverse cultures and perspectives within KPMG, promote better understanding and professional and leadership development, and create an inclusive environment. There are about 40 Filipino Americans among the 1,800 employees in KPMG’s Monvale office.
Speaking at event were Philippine Consul General in New York Mario De Leon who talked about the economic resurgence of the Philippines, Deputy Consul General Zaldy Patron who discussed Filipino business culture and ettiquette, and Seton Hall University President Dr. Gabriel Esteban who shared his personal success story as a minority who became the first Filipino American to serve as president of a major university in the U.S.
One participant said, “It was interesting to hear how the Philippines is doing economically.” Two attendees remarked that while they have read about the emergence of the country, they were impressed with the facts and figures presented.
Another found Dr. Esteban's speech “very inspiring and thought provoking.”
Two KPMG employees from Short Hills, New Jersey, who made a special trip to Montvale for the event commented that “they learned a lot about the Philippine culture and how and why Filipinos act in certain business situations.” One of them said, “ I found the event relatable for everyone and made me very interested in attending future events, although at first I thought that I would not be able to relate as I have no Filipino background.”
“All three speakers were fantastic. I knew very little about the Philippines and found the entire program educational, informative and fun. Overall, I thought the level of coverage was spot on for the event,” said one participant.
The event’s finale was the dance performance of Pandango sa Ilaw and Tinikling by Ligaya Cultural Group, which are composed of Filipino Americans.
Filipino food and drinks were served during the event as part of introducing Philippine culture to non-Filipino KPMG employees.
The KPMG Montvale APIN chapter led by Ting Chin (champion lead), Deborah Gomez (chapter co-leader) and Mayu Yagihashi (chapter co-leader) expressed their gratitude to Consul General De Leon, Deputy Consul General Patron and Dr. Esteban for speaking at the event and networking with the KPMG Montvale employees. END