CHRISTY CLARK HOBNOBS WITH FIL-CAN LEADERS

CHRISTY CLARK HOBNOBS 
WITH FIL-CAN LEADERS


'Being the first premier to talk to Filipino community is an honor'

By Alex P. Vidal


VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- B.C. Premier Christiana Joan "Christy" Clark considered as "an honor and privilege" the time she spent with leaders of the Filipino-Canadian community on February 3 even as she took pride in being the first premier to mingle with prominent characters in the third largest ethnic group in Canada at the Josephine's Restaurant on Main Street.
"We all feel equally Canadians and we care about a couple of things that matter," said Clark of B.C. Liberals.
Sworn in as premier on March 14, 2011 after she won the leadership of the BC Liberal Party in the 2011 leadership election on February 26, 2011, Clark, 46, was awarded with plaque of appreciation by organizers of Damayan concert led by Reyfort Media Group chairman Rey Fortaleza for donating $25,000 to victims of recent typhoons in the Philippines via International Red Cross.

CHARACTER


She exhorted Filipino community leaders to continue instilling good character to their children "so we can produce great citizens and build a great country."
"We depend on our uncles and aunts, our sisters and brothers and our parents in instilling characters and you all represent your family," said Clark, who served as minister of education, minister of children and family development and deputy premier prior to re-entering the legislature after winning by election on May 11, 2011 in Vancouver-Point Grey, the riding vacated by her predecessor as premier, Gordon Campbell.

Philippine Consul General Jose Ampeso led those invited to join the Premier in a three-hour program. Others were Edmonton Honorary Consul Emelinda Abbulos, Consul Anthony Mandap, Elena Agala (Waray Canada Association), Tomas Avendano (Multicultural Helping House Society), Carmelita Tapia (Asean Federation/Philippine Canada Trade Council), Narima Dela Cruz (Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society), Rene Bahena (Philippine Festival Association), Freddie Bagunu (Filipino Seniors Club of B.C.), Bobby Refol (Ati-Atihan Festival), Ferdinand Salangga (Philippine Veterans Association), Soccoro Laurel (FCCHS/MV-PACES), Romeo Mercado (Forever Young Seniors Group), Laarni Liwanag (Philippine Canada Trade Council), Alan Coo (Philippine Airlines), host Socorro "Babes" Newland, Jackie diy, and Debbie Arkoncel (Maxi-Pro Entertainment), Perla Peralta (Seniors Association).


SOCIETY


Also invited were Lita Nuguid (Richmond Society), Ray Songco (Palengkeng Pinoy Business Group), Haydee De Pedro (Circulo Ilonggo Association of B.C.), Elsie Edillor and Bert Parungao (Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants), Maria Javier (Godmother's Agency), Luisa Marshall (International Entertainer/TV producer), Alan Yong (Times Telecom/Philippine Canadian Inquirer), Alvin Relleve (FCCHS/MV-PACES), Dr. Marina Roma-March (Third World Eye Care Society), Joselito Palencia (FILCO-OP), Michael Cayetano (MHHS) and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, among others.
Clark was first elected to the legislature in the 1996 election, representing the riding of Port Moody-Burnaby Mountain. During the next five years, she served as the Official Opposition critic for the environment, children and families and for the public service. She also served as the campaign co-chair for the BC Liberals during the 2001 election, in which the party won 77 of 79 seats in the legislature.