---

PHL AMBASSADOR JOINS GARDEN STATE COMMUNITY EVENT IN NEW YORK

18 December 2015 – In celebration of its 46^th founding anniversary, the Garden State Filipino American Association (GSFAA) held a Fashion Fun Fundraiser on December 12 at the Renaissance Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. was present during the celebration, and congratulated the GSFAA for their anniversary and the charitable projects they have undertaken in the past.

The Ambassador underscored the strength of Filipinos in the “Garden State”, with more than 110,000 Filipino-Americans calling New Jersey their home. He expressed his pleasure at the imprint that the community is leaving New Jersey – the flourishing Filipino restaurants and stores; the “Philippine Heritage Sites” such as Manila Avenue and the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal in Jersey City, and the Bataan Death March in Cherry Hill. He also noted the four Filipino-American elected politicians in their respective City Councils Councilmen Rolando Lavarro, Arvin Amatorio, Jonathan Wong and Pete Mendonez.

He as well reported to the audience some developments from the Philippines at the successful APEC hosting, and bilateral meetings between President Aquino and President Obama.

The community was heartened with the Ambassador’s presence, as it is the first time a Philippine Ambassador to the US has graced their occasion since their inception. The Ambassador was recognized for his graciousness with a Plaque of Appreciation awarded by GSFAA President Mr. Francis Sison.

Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon was also in attendance, and together with the Ambassador and Madame Eleanor De Leon, crowned the winners of their Mrs. GSFAA Pageant.

PHL CONSULATE GENERAL IN LOS ANGELES HOLDS CONSULAR OUTREACH IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

16 December 2015 - A team from the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles conducted a two-day consular outreach in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 12 and 13.

The consular outreach program was undertaken in cooperation with the Filipino American Foundation of New Mexico (FAFNM).

The consular outreach team was composed of Consul Mary Joy Ramirez, Clarissa Limpin, Salvacion Georgina Omaga, Deborah Palado, Edmunda Gidaya and Mindaradat Mamad.

The team also attended the Christmas celebration and induction of the Board of Directors of FAFNM. Rio Rancho, New Mexico Mayor Greggory Hull graced the event wearing a Philippine barong and guests were entertained with Filipino cultural presentations.

This is the 16^th in a series of mobile consular outreach programs done by the Consulate General for 2015 in an effort to bring its various services closer to its constituents. 

There are about 8,535 Filipinos in the New Mexico area.