PHL Consulate General NY, Fil-Am press beef up partnership in networking event

Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. hosted the 2nd Annual Dinner Reception for networking and community building of the Filipino-American Press Club of New York (FAPCNY) at his residence on Friday, January 16, 2015.  The evening’s special guest was national boxing champion and congressman from Sarangani province, Manny Pacquiao.

After arriving guests were served with drinks and appetizers, Consul General De Leon officially greeted the FAPCNY members and highlighted some national news that made headlines in 2014 and gave an optimistic overview of the programs to expect in 2015.  He further noted the support that the Fil-Am press has given in helping propagate the agenda of the Philippines and promote the activities of the Consulate General in the US Northeast.
 
Consul General and Mrs. Mario De Leon, Jr, along with officers of the Philippine Consulate General New York, Fil-Am Press Club of New York members celebrate their partnership during a reception at the ConGen’s residence. Photo by Renie Tomas
Another guest for the evening was Filipino-American filmmaker Ryan Moore, who directed the new documentary “Manny” which chronicles the life and career of Pacquiao, who to date is the first and only eight-division world boxing champion in which he has won ten world titles, and then going on to become elected congressman. 

Moore discussed his motivations behind his film documentary project, which took him 5 years to make, and his hopes of how it will help shed more understanding behind Pacquiao’s rise to prominence from his very humble beginnings in the Philippines. 

He also shared how his grandmother’s life story of devotion to family and fearless determination inspired him to commit himself to the “Manny” project, and with hard and endless work, he eventually enlisted the aid of famed Hollywood celebrities such as Liam Neeson (narrator of the film) and Mark Wahlberg in completing the documentary.  

When Pacquiao finally arrived together with his entourage, he was greeted by Consul General De Leon and his wife Eleonor, and the congressman addressed the guests in his signature soft-spoken and humble demeanor. In his first time as a guest inside the Consul General’s residence, he mentioned that he was in town to promote the release of the film “Manny,” which hits theaters nationwide on Friday, 23 January.

Seeing the opportunity for some stories on his current roles and activities, members of the FAPCNY went on to fire questions to the Pound-for-Pound King and an impromptu press conference ensued.

Pacquiao addressed matters concerning his duties as a congressman at the Philippine House of Representatives and his foreseeable plans as a legislative figure, as well as the much touted bout between him and boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and whether or not it would actually happen.  He also encouraged young children to focus on their academic studies and even advised against pursuing a boxing career, citing how it was very tough for him to attain the celebrity athlete position he now holds.  He mentioned spiritual faith in God as the source and basis for a strong family and community structure.  He concluded his short visit with several photo ops and selfies with the FAPCNY members as well as staff of the Philippine Consulate General.

Founded in 2011, the FAPCNY is a private association working for Filipino-American journalists and media professionals within the New York Tri-state region.  It addresses issues, concerns and advancement of professional Filipino-American journalists.  — Press Release from the Philippine Consulate General New York

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