US Philippines Society




  Raising the Philippines' profile in the US

QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
APRIL-JUNE 2015
HIGH LEVEL TRADE & INVESTMENT MISSION
Senior Officials, Business Leaders Confident in PH Economy

The US-Philippines Society co-sponsored a June 24 conference at CSIS on the, "Dynamic Philippine Economy: Growth, Reform and Looking Ahead."  The forum cited reforms instituted by the Philippine Government to make the country attractive to business and sustain strong growth trajectories through 2016 and beyond.





The forum featured high profile panelists, including Department of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima; Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo; Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson; US officials, and private sector leaders from both countries.







2015 CARLOS P. ROMULO AWARD



C.V. Starr Co. Inc Chairman and CEO and US-Philippines Society Honorary Chair, Maurice R. (Hank) Greenberg received the 2015 Carlos P. Romulo Award in recognition of "his indispensable support for the US-Philippines Society and his exceptional service in strengthening ties between America and the Philippines." Presenting the award is Society Co-Chair Amb. John D. Negroponte with Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., who participated in the Economic Forum.
GLOBAL MARITIME AFFAIRS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Society Co-Chair, Amb. John Negroponte, fourth from right, with members of the delegation. In the picture from left, Society President Amb. John Maisto, Chamber of Shipping of America CEO Joe Cox, Representatives Jonathan De la Cruz, Jesulito Manalo, Gwen Garcia, Cesar Sarmiento; to Amb. Negroponte's left, Society Directors Gerardo Borromeo & Henry Howard and Executive Director Hank Hendrickson
   
The Society sponsored a maritime affairs delegation visit to Washington of four members of the Philippines House of Representatives, plus Philippine Transmarine Carriers CEO Gerardo Borromeo to exchange views with US Congressional counterparts and meet at executive agencies and non-government organizations involved in international shipping, April 27-30. Members of the delegation also participated in a well-attended public forum entitled Philippines Role in Global Maritime Affairs co-sponsored with CSIS that was keynoted by Society Co-Chair John Negroponte. 


Delegation at the office of Chairman Matt Salmon of the House East Asia Subcommittee.


 



Society Directors Henry Howard and Roberto Llames hosted social events. Amb. Cuisia briefed the delegation. CEO Joseph Cox of the Chamber of Shipping of America assisted the program and served as a panelist during the forum. Society director Borromeo was instrumental in organizing the delegation.

The visit fostered dialogue between PH and US legislators on improving operating standards, enhancing cooperation on training and student exchanges, and exploring commercial opportunities, including ship repair and maintenance.
BENEFIT GALA | PHILIPPINE DESIGN, TEXTILES & FASHION
Featuring Philippine Fashion Icon, Patis Tesoro

The US-Philippines Society and the Embassy of the Philippines showcased the Philippines rich cultural heritage through a benefit gala fashion show that featured the creative works of the country's fashion icon, Ms. Patis Tesoro, on the eve of the 117th Anniversary celebration of Philippine National Day.

Held at the Atrium Ballroom of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on June 11, the evening displayed Ms. Tesoro's stunning collection of innovative "piña" designs. Ms. Tesoro is a longtime advocate for the piña weaving industry.

Ambassador Negroponte and Ambassador Cuisia welcomed guests that included members of the diplomatic corps, top USG officials, international and local dignitaries, the FilAm community, and Society members. Special guest was IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

Proceeds from the Gala are assisting workers in Aklan's piña production industry recovering from Typhoon Haiyan.


EXHIBIT OF FURNITURE DESIGN ICON KENNETH COBONPUE 

On May 11, the US-Philippines Society with the Embassy of the Philippines' Trade Office sponsored a reception for buyers and design enthusiasts at the launch of a "Design Philippines" exhibit featuring the furniture of Kenneth Cobonpue.


The series is a branding initiative that positions the Philippines as a sourcing destination for finely crafted products for the world market and fosters local and global awareness of the creativity and design capability of Filipinos.


TIME Magazine has called featured designer Kenneth Cobonpue "rattan's first great virtuoso."


 

AIA Architecture Week
From left, US-Philippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickon, Paul Bertram, R. Denise Everson, Amb. Jose L. Cuisia Jr., and Lira Luis

REBUILDING AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER

The US-Philippines Society and the Embassy of the Philippines in a first time collaboration with the American Institute of Architects-Washington DC Chapter hosted a special event on the occasion of DC ARCHITECTURE WEEK on April 23. 


 

Prominent Chicago-based Filipina architect, Ms. Lira Luis, led the panel of experts that discussed case studies and insights into current rebuilding efforts in "New Discoveries for Reconstruction after Typhoon Haiyan." 


The program addressed plans for building resiliency beyond traditional materials, design, and construction paradigms. Special focus was given to the Leapfrog Project's Living Ball installation and how its implementation symbolizes the vision for future city development in the Philippines through creative use of biotechnology and biodesign. 

GETTING TO PEACE IN MINDANAO
Lead government peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer at SAIS Philippines Roundtable

On April 22, the SAIS Philippines Roundtable, a partnership of US-Philippines Society and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), featured Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Chair of the Philippine Government's Negotiating Panel for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at a roundtable on "Getting to Peace in Mindanao."

For spearheading peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Prof. Ferrer received the 2015 Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security. The award was presented by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security to recognize the role of women in promoting peace through global, political and cultural borders.

Professor William Wise, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and Amb. John Maisto in discussion.


From left, Executive Director Hank Hendrickson, Columbia University School of Journalism Dean of Academic Affairs Sheila Coronel (sister of Prof. Coronel-Ferrer), Society President Amb. John Maisto, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and SAIS Professor William Wise
STATUS OF THE PEACE PROCESS IN MINDANAO
Abraham Rasul at American University Forum

Dr. Abraham Rasul, of Filipino Muslim heritage, was guest speaker at a forum sponsored by the US-Philippines Society and the Philippine American Coalition, a student cultural organization at the American University. 

Dr. Rasul provided a rich historical overview of the Southern Philippines and observations on the current situation there.

Attending the forum were US-Philippines Society President Amb. John Maisto,  students from AU  and other metro-DC universities.


US-Philippines Society President Amb. John Maisto 

Members of the Philippine American Coalition with Executive Director Hank Hendrickson, Amb. Maisto and Dr. Abraham Rasul
DISRUPT | A Book Reading

The Filipina Women's Network, a San Francisco based non-profit professional organization for women of Philippine ancestry, launched its first book, "DISRUPT" at a book reading sponsored by the US-Philippines Society and the Embassy of the Philippines on June 26.

DISRUPT is a collection of stories from influential FilAm women leaders in the US who have met the challenges of living in modern multi-cultural America.

In the photo, FWN Founder Marily Mondejar, President Susie Quejada, editor Maria Africa Beebe, Colonel Shirley Raguindin, and White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford.