11 November 2005 – Consul General Marciano A. Paynor Jr. reported to the Department the launching of a media promotion blitz on the 23rd SEA Games that will be held in the Philippines from 27 November to 5 December 2005. In attendance were consular officials from the ASEAN countries with presence in Los Angeles, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Filipino media representatives, the Filipino-American athletes participating in the SEA Games and the Philippine Overseas Olympic Development Committee (POODC) and leaders from the Filipino community in Southern California were also present during the occasion.

In his remarks, Consul General Paynor acknowledged the important role of the POODC and Filipino Athletes International for their commitment and support to train more Filipino athletes, as demonstrated by the growing number of Filipino American youth athletes participating in the SEA Games. The Consul General also noted that the Philippine Gymnastic Team that arrived the same day is training in Los Angeles with the help of the POODC. Consul General Paynor expressed confidence that the gymnastic team and the Filipino-American athletes would bring the same glory and victory as much as the renowned Filipino world boxing champions recently.

Through the assistance and courtesy of the Department of Tourism Representative in Los Angeles, the Consulate General took the opportunity to showcase the scenic tourism destinations in the Philippines for those who will be visiting the Philippines to join the athletes during the two-week event. END