Consul General Jimeno delivers his remarks at the Annual Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Executive of the Year Recognition Night

Before an audience of around 300 business executives, entrepreneurs, government officials, innovators, philanthropists and members of the Filipino American community at the Annual Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Executive of the Year Recognition Night, Philippine Consul General to Hawaii Joselito A. Jimeno, offered his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing that in order to succeed, one “must not give up when faced with challenges and adversities, but instead, to rise above these challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.”

Held on 27 April 2018 at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu, the annual event, organized by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH), acknowledges the successful Filipino individuals who exemplify the true spirit of entrepreneurship through hard work, resilience and a desire to give back to the communities.

For 2018, Ms. Margie Berueda, owner of Residential Choices Inc, a case-management company, and Ms. Maria Borje Bonkowski, Regional Compliance Officer of Kaiser Permanente, were awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Executive of the Year, respectively.

In addition, through the FCCH Foundation, outstanding high school seniors were also recognized for their academic excellence and potential as future community leaders through awarding of scholarships.

In his remarks, Consul General Jimeno also extended his congratulations to “Hawaii’s Filipino American entrepreneurs who have the perfect combination of innovation, determination to build new businesses, and compassion for their communities.” He also commended the FCCH for its innovative and proactive approach and its success in Hawaii through giving back and demonstrating how the success of one business can be the success of all within a community.

Hawaii Governor Y. Ige was the evening’s Guest Speaker, who, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Filipinos in Hawaii, noting that they form the backbone of Hawaii’s economy and culture, and contribute largely to Hawaii’s progress. (END)

L-R: Mr. Brandon dela Cruz, President of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (FCCH); Dr. Nancy Walch, Recognition Night Event Chair; Consul General Jimeno; Ms. Maria Borje Bonkowski, Business Executive of the Year; Hawaii Governor David Ige; and Ms. Kim Scott of Argosy University