"Do all things
with love. " ~ Og Mandino
Although I left Manila
in 1984, it has taken over 20 years for me to be involved with the Filipino
American community. This door was opened for me by someone who is both an
inspiration and who now, I consider a friend.
When my book, "Out of
Status", was published, my sister-in-law's sister, Heidi Gutierrez-Pagaduan,
suggested I visit the Philippine Embassy in New York to promote it. She happens to be
close friends with the Consul General's daughter and thought this would be a
great idea. I put it on my to-do-list though seriously doubted if it would
materialize because I am kind of shy when it comes to introducing myself.
However, like everything else in
my life, things happen for a reason. I believe in the magic of circumstances
and that paths cross for a purpose. In launching "Out of Status",
Dave Brodsky of Dasbro Enterprises, got me an appointment to meet with Philippine
Consul General of New York (PCGNY) Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr. It was inevitable
somehow that we would meet.
(at my initial meeting with Philippine Consul General of NY, Mario Lopez de Leon, Jr.)
Interestingly, that was the first
time I've ever set foot in the Philippine Embassy. Maybe, because of what my
family went through, I never had a warm, fuzzy feeling when it comes to interacting with people in government or
people of authority. I also somehow believed one had to be a celebrity or
someone of high importance before you get to meet someone like the Consul
General of New York!
Needless to say, I was astonished
by the warm reception by Consul General, or ConGen as he's fondly called by
most ( I call him "Tito Mario"
now) . The PCGNY and his staff not only opened the facilities but welcomed
me with wide open arms as if I was a member of the family. I couldn't believe
the hospitality and support. Even though I've known growing up that Filipinos
have the bayanihan characteristic, I
never imagined it would extend to the competitive, fast-faced concrete jungle
of New York .
Blessed surprise.
From the beginning, ConGen was
supportive. He wisely recommended I incorporate an immigration forum with my
book launch. With that, I met a group of lawyers and professionals whose main
goal is to defend, serve, and educate -- the Filipino American Legal Defense
and Education Fund, Inc (FALDEF). Unbeknownst to me, my world was paradoxically
about to get smaller and immensely larger. My hitherto somewhat quiet life was
about to change.
This year has been a banner one
for me, one that I wouldn't have learned so much about the Filipinos in America , their
varied and challenged lives, were it not for ConGen.
Consul General Mario de Leon,
Jr., is an aggressive, progressive and charismatic leader of the community. He
is passionately committed to making a difference. One can tell he loves what he
does. He is not there simply because of the title or the glory that comes with
being the PCGNY. He does what he does because he genuinely believes in every
Filipino’s rights, their unique voice which needs to be heard, and also, their
inherent power to change, not only their own lives but others.
As ConGen said in one of the
forums held at Kalayaan
Center
When I attended the singing
ceremony between the Philippine Consulate and the Department of Labor - Wage
and Hour Division, I mentioned to Consul Bong Carino, that ConGen is a true
leader of the community. ConGen's leadership
at PCGNY has been fruitful and focused on helping other people. I am humbled and
overjoyed to be a part of it. In a year and a half, he has accomplished much.
He managed to get various individuals, communities and organizations to be
engaged in the betterment of the Filipino-American community.
Early this month, I attended the Panunuluyan. It is the first ever
revival of the Philippine Christmas tradition. My heart was filled with the
pride being a Filipino in New York .
Faith, tradition and love -- all in one night. ConGen himself played the one of
the humble shepherds seeking the blessed child.
Like the quiet shepherds, in the
back doors of the Consulate, amazing things transpire unbeknownst to many.
Lives are saved especially those who are victims of labor trafficking or
involuntary servitude. Who would have thought that no matter what your status
is in the USA ,
the Philippine Consulate is there to look after the welfare, rights and well
being of every Filipino? All one needs to do is ask.
So if you want to have another
reason to beam with pride at being a Filipino in the East Coast then I say,
attend any event at the Philippine Center in New York . It will be another reason to say I
love New York .
This year though I've added a few
"titles" in my resume making it looking sparkly and stellar, the
thing which stands out the most are emails from those whose lives I've been
blessed to touch and serve. They've called me "angel of hope". I am
humbled by this. I am however, fully cognizant and appreciative of how I
wouldn't have been able to extend my heart, hands and spirit in the breadth and
width that they have were it not for ConGen’s remarkable leadership.
As the year ends, calendars are
filled with various award ceremonies. If an award were to be given for
excellence in leadership for their unique and encompassing vision, tenacity in
pushing through challenges and the ability to serve members as diverse and
complex as the Filipino community, it is none other than Consul General Mario
de Leon, Jr. who deserves such an award.
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