09 November 2005 – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that San Francisco-based Filipinos were acknowledged for their contributions to San Francisco and the United States in general during the “Celebration of Filipino Culture and Traditions” event on 27 October 2005 at the famous Rotunda of City Hall. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who opened the event, made special mention of the Filipino war veterans some of whom were present and extolled them for their bravery and valor which they displayed during World War II.

Mayor Newsom also announced the centennial of Filipino migration next year in 2006. He even handed a plaque proclaiming the month of October as Filipino American History Month in San Francisco to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.

Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez had a message for the crowd of Filipino-Americans and other persons gathered at last night’s event. In her remarks she cited “the significant contributions made by early Filipino-Americans such as Philip Vera Cruz, Carlos Bulosan, and Victoria Manalo Draves who paved the way for today’s current crop of leaders which include Dennis Normandy, Agnes Briones, Rodel Rodis, and Jacqui Lingad Ricci.”

“You are our Ambassadors of goodwill, through you and your successes you have managed to project all that is good about the Philippines and its people. Because of you there is now this unbreakable link between the city of San Francisco and our homeland,” she added in her speech  which was read by Vice Consul Raphael Hermoso.

Aside from the remarks from the Mayor, the Consulate and leading Filipino-Americans such as Dennis Normandy, Rodel Rodis, and Rudy Asercion there were several cultural presentations carried out by various Filipino-American art groups. Filipino cuisine was also aplenty at last night’s gathering. The food and the entertainment were thoroughly enjoyed by all those gathered at the event. END