By Ryan Tejero
The Board of Trustees of People Caring for the Community Inc. (PCCI) graciously held a luncheon to formally welcome the Philippine Consul General in Houston Gunther Sales and the Vice Consul Tanya Gaurano at the Royal Oaks Country Club. Hosted by PCCI’s Trustee President, Dr. Norma and Ernie Mendoza, the gathering turned to be an intimate moment shared by friends to PCCI and media, as represented by One Philippines Texas News.
The special lunch menu consisted of Royal Oaks house salad with crisp greens, applewood-smoked bacon, teardrop tomatoes, candied pecans, shaver parmigiano-reggiano, topped by aged balsamic vinaigrette. The main entrees are crispy skin salmon with lemon butter sauce and petite braised short ribs. The side dishes are the delicious, sweet chili Brussels sprouts with orzio pasta alfredo. Desserts were the colorful sweet assorted French macarons.
Dr. Mendoza opened a short introduction on the purpose of the luncheon. She also moderated the light and comfy interaction as Consul General Sales talked about their transition to Houston, and addressed some of the questions on the operations of the Consular Office. Ryan Tejero from One Philippines pointed out the significant social media presence of the Consulate. ConGen Sales and Vice Consul Gaurano explained that they are try different ways to respond to public inquiries via telephone or social media. ConGen Sales also noted the need for him and his staff to open more opportunities to get closer to Filipinos and Filipino Americans to deliver their consular services.
In an interview after the event, Dr. Mendoza informed One Philippines Editor in Chief Ryan Tejero that the luncheon was a very timely and important event as PCCI can be a venue for consular services. She also said that PCCI welcomes anybody to collaborate on projects that would benefit the Filipino American community.
Publisher and CEO of One Philippines Bhong Zausa, although not present during the event, stated that “This a very kind gesture of PCCI under the leadership of Dr. Norma Mendoza, as PCCI has been the haven of Filipino events in Houston. It also hosts educational programs that benefit the seniors in the community. I am positive that the new Philippine Consul General Officers and staff will continue to be responsive to the needs of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Texas and other neighboring states.”
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