The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, Hawaii actively supported and participated in three (3) major events of the 21st Filipino Fiesta held from 05 to 11 May 2013 in Honolulu, Hawaii
For the first time since its inception 21 years ago, the Filipino Community (FilCom) Center, in partnership with the Filipino Junior Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, expanded the annual Filipino Fiesta to a week-long celebration to launch its second decade of service. Called Flores de Mayo, the festival brought to Hawaii the joy and celebrations of the month of May, the traditional fiesta time in the Philippines.
Consul General Julius D. Torres (second from right) leads the Santacruzan Parade,
together with Honolulu Councilmembers Ron Menor (leftmost) and Kimberly Pine
(rightmost), and Ms. Jean Jeremiah, President of the Oahu Filipino Community
Council.
1. Santacruzan Parade and Pageant, 05 May 2013
The 21st Filipino Fiesta kicked off with the Santacruzan Parade, where beautifully-dressed reynas and princesas and their escort representing biblical characters paraded under colorful flower-decked arches to commemorate the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great.
Consul General Julius D. Torres led the Santacruzan Parade together with Honolulu Councilmembers Ron Menor and Kimberly Pine and Ms. Jean Jeremiah, President of the Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC)The Santacruzan Parade was followed by a pageant, replete with music, entertainment and cultural show at the FilCom Center’s Flores-Casamina Ballroom.
The Philippine Consulate also rendered mobile consular services during the said event.
2. Doing Business in the Philippines: A Business and Trade Forum / Workshop, 07 May 2013
Consul General Torres was one of the guest speakers during the Business and Trade Forum/Workshop entitled “Doing Business in the Philippines” on 07 May 2013 at the FilCom Center.
Consul General Julius D. Torres conveys the good news about the recent positive
strides in the Philippine economy and the Aquino administration's good governance a
nd anti-corruption agenda.
In his remarks, the Consul General emphasized that the best time to invest in the Philippines is “not in the next 10 nor 5 years, but NOW” in view of unprecedented growth and upheavals in PH economy.
The country’s nearly 100-million population, natural resources, strategic geographic location, improved peace and order situation in the Southern Philippines and the current administration’s no-nonsense attitude and strong commitment to good governance and transparency contribute to a favorable investment climate in the country.
Philippine Trade Representative Archimedes C. Gomez gives a presentation on
PH's economic performance and investment opportunities in the Philippines.
The Forum also featured plenary sessions with Special Trade Representative Archimedes C. Gomez of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Los Angeles who made an excellent presentation on the positive and improved economic performance of the Philippines, as well as the investment climate and opportunities in the country.
3. 21st Filipino Fiesta and Parade, 11 May 2013
The day-long, 21st Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade began with a lively morning parade along Kalakaua Avenue through Waikiki and ended with a fiesta at Kapiolani Park. Consul General Torres led the Parade which included six (6) floats from various Filipino community organizations and the two main statewide organizations, the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (UFCH) and the Congress of Visayan Organizations (COVO). Street dancers, marching bands and student marching groups also participated in the Parade.
Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu at the Consulate's booth.
The Fiesta at Kapiolani Park, which attracted more than 10,000 local and tourist visitors, showcased various aspects of Filipino culture with Filipino food booths and an all-day entertainment featuring Hawaii-based and visiting GMA Kapuso stars Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica, to the delight of their Filipino fans in the state.
Sponsor, business and community booths complemented the lively atmosphere of theFiesta with games, surprises, raffle prizes and giveaways.
The 2012 Fiesta was organized as a fun-filled day and meaningful event for Filipinos in Hawaii, who comprise the largest ethnic group in the state. (END).
