PRESS RELEASE ASC-046-2018

PHL CONSULATE GENERAL HOSTS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF KALAYAAN 2018

Photo above shows Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and Madam Catherine Cruz with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, 18 June 2018 – The Philippine Consulate General hosted a reception on the occasion of the 120th Anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence on 12 June 2018 at the Centennial Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. The celebration was graced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Sombillo Binay and attended by Los Angeles County and City Officials, Filipino-American community leaders, heads of various business enterprises in and around Los Angeles and members of the Consular Corps. All in all about 450 guests attended the event. In his speech, Consul General Cruz read the independence day messages of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. After his speech and cutting of the Independence Day cake, Consul General Cruz received proclamations honoring the 120th Anniversary of Philippine Independence from the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti presented by LA Deputy Mayor for Budget and Innovation Mr. Miguel Sangalang, the LA Board of Supervisors presented by LA County Deputy Chief of Protocol Ms. Lourdes Saab and from the City of Cerritos presented by Mayor Mark Pulido himself. The guests were treated to a sumptuous feast of flavors of the Philippine inspired fusion cuisine and the Philippines’ liquors courtesy of Tanduay Rum. The celebration also showcased the couture collection of Las Vegas-based Filipino fashion designer David Tupaz. The fashion show featured Filipiniana-inspired gowns and other contemporary creations worn by 25 models from various fashion institutes. Mr. Tupaz is an accomplished Filipino fashion designer who has dressed various U.S. celebrities including Hollywood A-Listers. END.

Left photo Los Angeles County Deputy Chief of Protocol Ms. Lourdes Saab presenting a proclamation from the LA County Board of Supervisors to Consul General Cruz. Middle photo Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido present a proclamation from the City of Cerritos. Right photo (L-R) LA Public Works Commissioner Joel Jacinto, Consul General Cruz and LA Deputy Mayor for Budget and Innovation Miguel Sangalang presenting the Plaque of Congratulations from LA Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Consul General Cruz addressing the audience. Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Sombillo Binay addressing the audience

(L-R) Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, Senator Binay, Consul General Cruz and LA Deputy Chief of Protocol Ms. Saab cutting the

Independence Day cake. .

(L-R) Cerritos Mayor Mark Pulido, Senator Binay, Madame Catherine Cruz, Consul General Cruz and LA Deputy Chief of Protocol Ms. Saab.

Models featuring designs of Filipino Fashion Designer David Tupaz (L-R) Madame Catherine Cruz, Designer David Tupaz and Consul General Cruz.