Story by Ryan Tejero, Editor-in-Chief of One Philippines
The Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Houston had made a historic landmark when select leaders in the Filipino American community had set foot for the first time in Houston’s City Hall on January 29, 2025, for an exclusive, closed-door meeting with Mayor John Whitmire.
The initiative to meet with Mayor Whitmire was made possible by One Philippines executives. Publisher Bhong Zausa said that “this is by far the biggest accomplishment we have in the community. With this meeting, we were able to connect with the mayor to introduce ourselves and inform him about our FilAm community. Our exchanges with the mayor gave him an idea of our business activities, our non-profit leadership, and community engagement.”
In his social media post after the meeting, Mayor Whitmire said “On Wednesday afternoon, I welcomed One Philippines News Texas and a group of Filipino American business and community members to City Hall. For many, it was their first visit, and we had a good conversation and exchange of ideas. As Mayor, I am committed to strengthening our partnership with our diverse Houston communities.”
Representing various sectors in the community to meet with the mayor were led by Bhong Zausa, Jay R Zausa, Ryan Tejero, from One Philippines, Atty. Nimmy Narvios and Atty, Christian Strong from the legal industry, Maria Emee Nisnisan from non-profit leadership, Dina Javier and Radney Gellier from food business, and One Philippines support by Darlene Reyes and Jeffrey Atienza. For everyone in the group, it was their first time to meet the mayor at the closest contact. Mayor Whitmire warmly welcomed everybody at the round table. He was excited talking about his priority projects and his goal of keeping everyone safe in a diverse City of Houston.
This initial contact of Filipino Americans with Mayor Whitmire had sparked so many impactful experiences and positive insights.
Young and very promising FilAm lawyer, Atty. Christian Strong shared his thoughts and said “Our visit with Mayor Whitmire was a significant milestone in establishing a connection with the office of the Mayor of Houston. This engagement has created an opportunity for meaningful partnerships and future discussions that will help strengthen the Filipino American community, particularly in the Greater Houston area, where a large population resides. Connecting with the Mayor's office is crucial to ensure that our community is seen, heard, and included in key decisions. It is especially important for the Filipino American community, which may be underrepresented compared to other Asian American groups in Houston, to have a voice in shaping the city's future. Meeting the Mayor for the first time was both exciting and inspiring. It provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the future of our community, leaving me feeling hopeful and energized. I’m confident that this is just the start of a meaningful partnership with Mayor Whitmire and the City of Houston!”
Representing the non-profit organization as one of the founders of Houston Royal Oaks Lions Club, Maria Emee Nisnisan said that “I feel positive that this will be a wonderful start of a great partnership between the FilAm community, the Mayor and the City of Houston. Being connected with Office of the Mayor not only will promote our visibility but will also strengthen our ties with the City Officials and connected with the resources available for building our communities. The tie up will also give FilAm the opportunity to take active part on the programs and projects of the Mayor towards a better, safe and progressive Houston.”
Celebrity host of One Philippines and a member of the Filipino nurse’s community in Houston, Darlene “Maimai” Reyes shared her thoughts and said, “It is very important to build a relationship and establish a connection. Also to let him know that the Filipino Americans are actively supporting his objective to improve the quality of life of the Houstonians and that we are good team players. It was a privilege to meet the mayor. I'm grateful to be a part of this tremendous team who are so eager to continue to elevate the Fil-Am community in Houston.”
Outstanding business owner in the food industry, Rodney Garriel said “The impact of our visit to the Mayor of Houston is important especially to the Fil-Am community because it gives us a chance to relay to the mayor the contributions in the medical fields, technology and engineering business partnership etc. with the City of Houston. I am hoping that this visit can build a relationship with the local city officials. Meeting the Mayor of Houston for the first time is an honor especially with only 10 people were invited. I am grateful with One Philippines that I am one of your choices to join the meeting.”
Another well-known and successful business owner, Dina Javier of Godo’s Restaurant and Bakery, expressed her thoughts about the impact of Mayor’s visit. She said “I felt very honored and excited in meeting with the mayor for the first time. It was a memorable experience for me. The visit will strengthen the FilAm connection with the mayor’s office that will result in recognizing us as a vital part of the community. We have made the mayor aware of our significant contributions and roles in the city.”
Just before the wrap up, Mayor Whitmire expressed that his office is open to anybody. He said that he welcomes anybody in the community who wants to bring their concerns. One Philippines reassured the mayor that his statement will be read in the newspaper and in social media. He graciously thanked everyone in the meeting and photoshoots followed!
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