VOL. 2 ISSUE 4
Winter Edition
THE OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF TEXAS
EXCELLENCE, EMPOWERMENT, SERVICE
INSIDE: Celebrating Christmas Around the World
MCALLEN
SAN ANTONIO
DALLAS
HOUSTON
“ BRIDGING FILIPINO AND AMERICAN BUSINESSES ACROSS THE SEAS. ”
PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TEXAS BUSINESS CHRONICLES EDITORIAL BOARD GUS MERCADO
OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF TEXAS
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
RYAN TEJERO ASSOCIATE EDITOR
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS Website: www.pacctexas.org www.facebook.com/paccfilam
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pacctxregion1dfw
CELEBRATING OUR STATE OFFICERS Gary Ilagan, State President Gus Mercado, State Executive Director Rowena Watters, Regional VP Greater Dallas Bobby Reyes, Regional VP Greater Houston Rhodora Elizondo, Regional VP Rio Grande Valley Robert Sibug, Regional VP San Antonio/Central TX
www.facebook.com/paccrgv
Tess Tuazon, State Secretary
www.facebook.com/pacccentraltexas
Elna Mallari, State Treasurer
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Hon. Ethel R. Mercado, Pres. Emeritus/Founder
PACC-TEXAS 8315 Navisota Drive Lantana TX 76226 Phone: (940) 728-2222 Fax: (940) 725-0798 Email: info@pacctexas.org PACCTX BUSINESS CHRONICLES PHILIPPINE-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF TEXAS is in no way responsible for the loss of any unsolicited materials. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts or art. PACC TX is not responsible or liable for any misspellings, incorrect dates, or incorrect information in its captions, calendar, or other listings. The opinions expressed within the fair confines of Business Chronicles magazine do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the magazine or any of its agents, staff, employees, members, interns, volunteers, or distribution venues. Bylined articles and editorial represent the views of their authors. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters may be edited for style and libel, and are subject to condensation. Business Chronicles accepts advertisements from advertisers believed to be of good reputation but cannot guarantee the authenticity or quality of objects and/or services advertised. As well, Business Chronicles is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers. As the publisher, PACC TX reserves the right to accept or to reject any editorial or advertising matter. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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To inspire the spirit of entrepreneurship among Filipinos, Filipino-Americans and their business associates to promote the growth of business and professions, and to be of service to our communities. To support and promote trade, investments, tourism and other economic relations and activities between the Philippines and the United States.
PACC TEXAS OFFICERS Gary Ilagan, State President Gus Mercado, State Executive Director Rowena Watters, Regional VP Greater Dallas Bobby Reyes, Regional VP Greater Houston Rhodora Elizondo, Regional VP Rio Grande Valley Robert Sibug, Regional VP San Antonio/Central TX Tess Tuazon, State Secretary Elna Mallari, State Treasurer Hon. Consul Ethel R. Mercado, Pres. Emeritus/Founder 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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Top Filipino Organization in the U.S. Celebrates 10th Anniversary with well-attended State Dinner and Awards for 10 Outstanding Filipinos in Texas Greatness is achieved when motivated people perform extraordinary things. Powered by the drive to succeed, the desire to help and the passion to serve, people who achieve greatness sustain it by a constant pursuit of excellence. While most Chambers of Commerce focus only on business and how their members can become better business people, the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce (PACC) Texas also excelled in their business mission, but they went the extra mile and dared to be different. They made a big difference in the lives of countless people that they served. This is the reason why they unquestionably gained recognition as the “Top Filipino Organization in the U.S. for Community Service, Trade Development and Aid to the Philippines” from the NAFFAA National Federation of Filipino Associations. Cover Photo of Souvenir Program Book
“Classy and elegant,” “visually stunning,” “spectacular show,” “expertly-planned and orchestrated.” PACC Texas successfully rolled out its “Decade of Excellence” with a State Dinner and Awards Night on October 18, 2019 at the Marriott Quorum in Dallas. This event was a celebration to honor the special achievements of 10 Most Outstanding Filipinos in Texas in their respective fields of Entrepreneurship, Professions, Humanitarian Work and Public Service. The Philippine Consul General in Houston Jerril G. Santos and his senior staff, along with about 400 guests from all over the state graced this one-of-a-kind event in the state of Texas. PACC Texas is based in Dallas with more than 600 members altothe four region chambers in Houston, Rio Grande, San Antonio and Dallas. It takes pride in its many high impact, community building projects that include trade, investment and humanitarian missions to the Philippines, sponsoring Consular outreach projects, organizing numerous business seminars, and rescue and repatriation of homeless Filipinos who were victims of human trafficking and mailorder-bride exploitation and violence.
“I congratulate PACC members and volunteers for their hard work and sacrifices in the 10 last years. He also thanked PACC Founder and Honorary Consul Ethel R. Mercado for her 6 years of personal sacrifices and commitment as Honorary Consul, performing official consular duties without salary before the Houston Consulate was re-opened last year.”
ROTC Color Guards
Addison Deputy Mayor Lori Ward welcomes the 400 guests to her city.
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gether from
Hon. Jerril Santos
Philippine Consul General in Houston Keynote Speaker
DFW Host Chamber Chair
Rev. Primitivo Pagayon gives invocation
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This special event was graciously hosted by two high profile coemcees, Rose Ann Aragon from Houston who is an award-winning NBC Channel 2 news anchor, and Camille Buensuceso of Dallas who is the reigning Miss Filipina International. Topnotch features of the event include the performances of local musical talents by Vicente “Enteng� Villanueva from Houston, Misha Panares, Liana Angelica Stoval and the Sanlahi Rondalla from Dallas. Other highlights of the event was a fashion show featuring world-renowned Filipino designers, artwork exhibit by local young artists, a Philippine history mural prepared by the UNIPRO group of young Filipino professionals, and a video showing of PACC Texas Decade of Excellence. The parade of colors was provided by the ROTC Honor Guards from RL Turner High School. Deputy Mayor Pro-Tem Lori Ward of the City of Addison gave the warm welcome to all attendees. Lovely co-emcees Rose-Ann Aragon and Camille Buensuceso
PACC Founder and Consul Ethel R. Mercado introduces Keynote Speaker
Other luminaries and distinguished project partners of PACC Texas sent in their video-recorded congratulatory messages from the Philippines. They were L.A. Consul General Adelio A. Cruz whose consulate served Texas during the 25-year absence of the Consulate in Houston, and partnered with PACC Texas in organizing 10 years of Consular Outreach in the state; Former Philippines Secretary of Tourism and Trade Dr. Mina Gabor who, for 10 years, hosted and partnered with PACC Texas in their successful Trade, Investments and Humanitarian missions to the Philippines; and Gerry Palon, President of the Coalition of Filipino-American Chambers of Commerce who recently signed an Alliance Agreement with PACC Texas.
VIP Table with Distinguished Hosts, Consular Officers and out-of-town guests 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
Dr. Rolando M. Solis Outstanding Professional Award
Bhong Zausa Outstanding Entrepreneur Award
Air Force Fighter Pilot Major Monessa Catuncan Belzhiser, Outstanding Public Servant Award
Flor Guinhawa, Outstanding Humanitarian Award
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The following were the recipients of the Finalists’ Awards: Buen Arago (DFW), Joel Bamba (Houston), Marevi Bishop (DFW), Dr. Maria Danet Bluhm (SA), Annalyn Borja-Freese (RGV), Melissa Cunanan (DFW), Annie Marie Esguerra (RGV), Jose Yuri Gonzales (DFW), Councilman Art Hall (SA), Susie Jennings (DFW), Rowena Manubay (RGV), Rev. Herman Martir (DFW), Rev. Joseph Modesto (RGV), Farida Minner (DFW), Cheryl Piccio (Houston), Dr. Arlene Sanchez (RGV), Leah Theys (RGV), Dr. Nelson Tuazon (SA). Outstanding Region Chamber of the Year – the RGV Chamber
Big Houston Delegation with ConsGen Jerril Santos and the Founders
The Founders’ Awards were given by PACC Founders Gus and Ethel Mercado to six outstanding young leaders, and the recipients were: NBC Channel 2 News Anchor Rose Ann Aragon of Houston, Miss Filipina International Camille Buensuceso of Dallas, Miss Dallas Averie Bishop of Dallas, San Antonio Jaycees President Dominique Liu, UNIPRO Young Professionals leaders Josh Garcia and Mark Sampelo. Gus Mercado extolled the credentials of the young leaders and also paid tribute to the organization’s founder Consul Ethel R. Mercado whom he described as the quiet and humble but powerful driving force behind the Chamber’s 10 years of special achievements including the trade and life-saving humanitarian missions, the consular outreach to 40,000 Filipinos in the state and the 2019 State Dinner and Awards Night. The Outstanding Entrepreneurs awards went to Rene Isip Jr. of Dallas, Bhong Zausa of Houston, Engr. Prescilla Calara of the Rio Grande Valley and Dr. Melinda Rodriguez of San Antonio. The Outstanding Professionals awards went to Cardiovascular pioneer Dr. Rolando M. Solis of Baylor Dallas, renowned Architect Manolo DePerio of Houston, Dr. Jayson Valerio of the Rio Grande Valley and Angelica Docog of San Antonio.
DFW Chamber Officers with ConGen Jerril Santos
Central Region Officers with ConGen Jerril Santos and Dallas Consul Mercado 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
Receiving the first major state award for Outstanding Humanitarian was a humble philanthropist Florencio Guinhawa from Houston. He was instrumental in graduating 338 engineering students through personal scholarships in prestigious universities in the Philippines mostly from his salary and other personal resources, and without the benefit of a tax-deductible Foundation. Flor is still working at age 75 to sustain his noble mission of supporting bright and needy college students whose number could reach 400 in a few years. The second major state award for Outstanding Public Servant went to war hero and veteran of Middle East wars Major Monessa Catuncan Belzhiser from Mesquite, Texas. She was the first and only Filipino to fly the most modern, fastest and deadliest combat plane, the F-16 fighter jet crossing enemy lines at supersonic speed, attacking enemy airfields, missile sites and troop formations over Iraq.
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The PACC President’s MVP awards were given to past and current Region Chairs: Myrna Carreon and Rowena Watters (Dallas), Ricky Guinhawa, Bobby Reyes and Tito Refi (Houston), Merpu Roa and Rhodora Elizondo (RGV), and Robert Sibug (San Antonio). The recipient of the Outstanding Region Chamber of the Year was the Rio Grande Valley Chamber for its outstanding humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey that affected cities in South Texas which included Filipinos, their humanitarian, tourism and trade mission to Boracay and Aklan, their last Consular Outreach in McAllen, and their all-out support of the immensely successful State Dinner and Awards Banquet in Dallas. After closing remarks from State President Gary Ilagan, the event ended with the drawing of winning raffle tickets for valuable prizes by State Executive Director Gus Mercado. The two round-trip tickets to the Philippines were won by Robert Rodriguez and Robert Sibug of San Antonio. Other prizes drawn from the raffle included the 50,000 miles rewards from American Airlines, local airfare and hotel package in Boracay or El Nido, giant screen TV, Lenovo laptop and HP printer, Canon camera set, Apple watch, autographed Manny Pacquiao memorabilia, $300 Visa card, and a large Christmas Parol. The October 18th event was flawlessly organized by the host DFW Chamber led by Region Chair Rowena Watters, her program co-chairs Jil Lasaca and Monalisa Amidar and many volunteers. It drew rave reviews from the guests who expressed words such as “classy and elegant,” “visually stunning,” “spectacular show,” “expertly-planned and -orchestrated,” “hands-down the best gathering of Filipino -Americans and friends in Texas we’ve have ever attended.”
Fashion Models of Famous Filipino Designers
Young violinist Matthew Guck
Works of art by gifted local young artistsng artists
NBC Anchor Rose-Ann Aragon receives Founders’ Award from Consul Ethel Mercado
Founders’ Award Recipient San Antonio Jaycees President Dominique Liu
Consulate’s Cultural Officer Jane Mariano draws top raffle prize winner
Program Co-Chair Jil Lasaca summed up the tremendous success of the historic PACC event as a fitting tribute to the Chamber’s 10 years of outstanding achievements. “The event also highlighted the solid accomplishments of outstanding Filipino-Americans in the state, while showcasing the best of what we have - from world class Filipino entertainers to well-crafted fashion, arts, cultural and historical exhibits. And lastly, the evening witnessed the coming together of two generational leaders - the founding leaders and the young leaders - as they reflect on important past accomplishments of the founding leaders, as well as the potentials of young people to take on the mantle of leadership.”
Remarkably, this “Decade of Excellence” event best showed the unparalleled and excellent character and achievements of the men and women behind the PACC Texas and the continuing legacy of building PACC Texas truly as a top Filipino-American organization in the nation. Sanlahi Rondalla regales audience with classic Filipino music 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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Pictorials
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Combining modern ideas with ancient traditions, holidays
are expressions of religion, culture, history, creativity and spirit. Holidays are human creations that, like humans, twist and vary over time from the forces of changing viewpoints and the circumstances that surround them. The period between November and January seems, on a worldwide scale, to be a time of renewal, goodwill, of hope and magic, regardless of race, nationality or religion. Christmas, Hanukkah, Loy Krathong, all represent distinct world views and customs that are unique to each region or ethnic group. A journey around the world during this joyful season provides a fascinating view of the vast array of traditions. by Gus Mercado
CHRISTMAS
On no other holiday is the idea of cultural identification more evident than in the celebration of Christmas. This universal tale of a family facing great hardships during the birth of a child is complete with miracles, wise kings, evil forces and lowly shepherds. Marking the beginning of one of the world’s major religions, the birth of Christ was an occasion that for many became a turning point in the history of the world. Throughout the history of Christmas, local customs intertwined with religious significance to bring extraordinary depth to the holiday. Individuals learned the colorful customs of previous generations, but added innovations through the years. After Martin Luther first introduced the Christmas tree to reflect his ideological correlation between God and the beauty of nature, people around the world have molded and changed Christmas as they examine their relationships with family, friends and community.
ITALY What has become a traditional part of the Christmas holidays for many Italians was once part of the ancient Roman celebration of the Winter Solstice. Laurels of green holly and ivy which decorated Roman homes were of great significance due to their ability to thrive in wintertime when nothing else could. Holly and ivy symbolized for the Romans the promise of renewal and fertility in the spring. Although later Christian leaders frowned on the old Roman pagan traditions, by the 4th Century A.D., they “resurrected” the use of holly and ivy as they searched for ways to bring new meaning to old customs. This ancient symbol of new life seemed to fit well with the young religion. Continued on next page.
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GERMANY The Christmas season starts early in Germany. On the night of December 6, children place shoes on the windowsill, in hopes that the next morning St. Nicholas has left candies, fruits and nuts for them. Germany also has a long tradition of observing Advent which dates back to the 6 th century A.D., when Roman Catholic leaders designated the four weeks before Christmas as a time of worship and fasting in honor of the coming of the birth of Christ. To commemorate Advent, a wreath displaying four candles is set up in a prominent place in the home. The candles are lit successively, one each week, at Christmas, the candles form a circle of ascending heights. The wreath used around the advent candles has its origin in the same ancient reverence of green life which thrived with the onset of winter in Roman celebrations.
THAILAND On a full-moon night in the twelfth lunar month, the Thai people gather at water’s edge to celebrate the festival of Loy Krathong, or Floating Lotus cups. As the story goes, one of the wives of a Thai king, Nang Nophames, sought a way to please both her husband and the Lord Buddha as they rode by boat, visiting temples. The idea occurred to her to make a paper lantern in the shape of a lotus flower, which for the Thai people symbolizes the flowering of the human spirit. She filled the lantern with carved birds and a candle, and cast it afloat for all to see. The king was so pleased that he declared that on this night of every year all his subjects should follow the same custom. Since then, each year the Thai people cast their sins to the water on the Lotus cups, and begin anew. The best luck is had by those who watch their cups glow until they are lost in the distance.
THE HOLY LAND Faithful followers from the numerous branches of Christianity: Greek and Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and other Protestant groups arrive yearly here, despite threats of religious conflicts, to celebrate the birth of the Child Christ. In spite of ideological differences, the branches of Christianity share this region’s holy places not only with other Christians, but with Jews and Muslims as well. The historical convergence of ideas makes the Holy Land a crossroads of religious history, development, and, unavoidably, conflict. The Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem is the focus of Christmas celebrations. Built in 325 A.D. by the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine, it lies over a series of caves which are considered to be the place of Christ’s birth. Roman Catholics march in midnight processions to the Grotto to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25. Three distinct cultures and lifestyles coexist here, but out of the contrast a timeless norm shines, in which both modern tourists and women in traditional Arab dress seem at home.
RUSSIA Historians divide Russian holiday celebrations into three categories. Old Russia, Soviet Russia and Renaissance Russia. During the 70 years labelled Soviet Russia, laws prohibited the open celebration of Christmas; however, in the Russia of today, people are now free to practice the religion and customs of their choice. In Old Russia, costumed carolers called mummers accompanied the feasts and celebrations. Travelling house to house by troika, or sleigh, mummers disguised as bears, donkeys, and other animals performed Christmas stories and antics for their neighbors. Russia once had a legendary figure called Father Christmas, but the figure was banned during the revolution for its relation to the Christian holiday. Russia soon developed its own version of Santa Claus called Father Frost. Father Frost has a female counterpart that is unique to Russia. The Snow Maiden is a young girl who long ago sprang to life from a beautiful snow sculpture. Today, these two characters form an integral part of the Christmas celebration at Red Square, where they can be seen dressed in blue, fur-trimmed suits. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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WEST AFRICA In the Christmastime and New Year traditions of Gambia and Senegal in West Africa, street celebrations are quite spectacular. The Wolof and Mandinka tribes create these traditional celebrations by forming clubs with neighbors, and great competitions are staged between these rival groups. As survival in Africa has depended for centuries on agriculture and the elements, most celebrations have their origins in the reverence of natural and spiritual forces. Two beautiful celebrations are the Kan Korang dancer competition, where a colorfully-dressed “boogie-manspirit” dances for onlookers, and the traditional Fanal boat festival where intricate handcrafted wooden-stick boats are lighted with candles and placed in boats and paraded .
MEXICO Mexico is by nature colorful and lively, and its people spare no enthusiasm for their celebrations. Christmas actually begins nine days before December 25, when the Posadas begin. The Posadas are a series of nightly processions in remembrance of Mary’s and Joseph’s nine day search for shelter. On each of the nine evenings, neighborhood singing groups carry a nativity scene from house to house. Then, on Christmas Eve, the nativity finally comes to rest in a nearby home, and the Child is added to the scene. Later hours bring the piñata, a brightly decorated papier mache shell in the form of a star, animal or cartoon character, which holds candies, fruits and nuts. It is suspended from a ceiling or tree limb and blindfolded children gather round and excitedly try to “bash” happiness and goodwill, represented by the candies and goodies. The poinsettia flower has an ancient and important history in Mexican celebrations. La Flor de Noche Buena (flower of the Holy Night) blooms in December, seemingly just for the occasion. Legend has it that a young boy wished to give a gift to the newborn Christ Child, but was poor and had nothing to give. He had the idea that the child might enjoy a bouquet of green leaves which he picked up from a bush nearby. As his friends laughed, red star-shaped flowers suddenly appeared atop each green leaf. It was these bright red flowers which were given to the Christ Child on his birth night and now brighten millions of lives worldwide in December.
BAHAMAS On December 26 and January 1, English Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, respectively, Bahamians celebrate what they call the festival of Junkanoo. Passed down from generation to generation since the days of slavery. Junkanoo originated when African descendants created their own “secret” year-end celebration that proclaimed their heritage. Today, Bahamians literally work year round to build elaborate costumes and displays that show off their creative passion. Then, twice a year in the pre-dawn hours, hand-made drums and cowbells summon everyone out of their homes and into the streets. Costume contests give way to frenetic street dancing and revelry which culminate into a funky, exotic festival that leaves everyone exhausted.
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JAPAN In Asian countries, the New Year brings the greatest celebration. Stemming from Japanese ancient wisdom, the season is a time for renewal and preparation for the year to come. Ancient rituals are followed in the hope of shaking off the past and welcoming in the future. Houses are ritually cleaned, characters are reassessed, personal changes are made. Decorations have intricate significance. The kumade is a bamboo rake hung with lucky gods and other images which must be bought new each year in order to ensure its potency. On the Last Great Day, families gather to await the midnight tolling of the temple bells which according to custom, must toil 108 times. After paying respect to the shrine, everyone enjoys a meal and exchanges gifts. In Japan, only 1% of the population is Christian, but many western Christmas customs are amazingly popular. In urban areas, Christmas shopping is a highlight of the season. During the week of December 25, many exchange gifts and indulge in large Christmas cakes, which traditionally hide small surprises for lucky eaters. As for music, on the holiday streets one hears both Japanese hymns and western Christmas melodies sung in Japanese.
PHILIPPINES Of all the countries, it is in the Philippines where the ceremony and festivities of Christmas are longest and most religious. For many years, the celebration of Christmas started in early December through January 6, their Feast of Three Kings. But in recent years, Filipinos’ celebration of Christmas has gotten longer, starting as early as September in some parts of the country. There is even a place in Central Luzon called the “Paskuhan Village” where Christmas is celebrated year-round. The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian country in Asia. In the Christian section of the Philippines everyone prepares for the world’s most elaborate celebrations. For nine days before Christmas, most Filipinos rise at 4:00 a.m. to attend Mass, the “Simbang Gabi” at the Catholic churches throughout the islands. After the religious ceremonies, families enjoy morning snacks of “salabat”, “bibingka” and “puto-bumbong” with neighbors and friends and stroll through the bazaar of small shops which line the streets. The ubiquitous Christmas “parol” or lantern is present in almost every home, church, business and commercial building. The very colorful “parol” is either home-made or commercially and intricately made with dizzying kaleidoscopes of moving lights. Filipinos have adopted many of the western ways of celebrating Christmas, from singing of “Winter wonderland” and “Dashing through the snow” tunes to the paunchy Santa Claus at every Christmas gathering. While fir trees are not plentiful in the tropics, people in the Philippines decorate palms, dry or artificial trees with bright ornamentation including tiny star lanterns, candies, and fruits tied with ribbons, small wood or bamboo carvings, small baskets, glittered items like garlands and icicles. To give trees a cold-weather climate look, people make snow from shaved and melted soap bars or cotton. No other country beats the Philippines in imagination, creativity and pageantry. On Christmas Day, young Filipino children, welldressed in their best church attire, are brought to the homes of elders to pay respect, kiss their hands and receive “Aginaldos” or gifts of food, clothes or money. This is one of many endearing cultural traditions and values that have been passed on from generations to generations of Filipinos. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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UNITED STATES – The Melting Pot Christmas in the United States is a conglomeration of elements of every Christmas celebration mentioned here, and many more. As each ethnic group assimilates into the “melting pot”, in its own unique and special way, leaves a mark on the community through its expression of song, dance, decoration and traditions.
With the growing appreciation for the variety of cultures which are part of the American tapestry, individuals from various heritages and grassroots organizations have formed a new collective effort to recognize the traditions of all peoples and to celebrate together. The project is called H.O.P.E. (Holiday Observances of People Everywhere). The goal of the Dallas-Texas based group is to bring together diverse cultural groups and traditions (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Shintoist and others) throughout the country in order to better understand the global community in which we live. Also based in Dallas, Texas is a unique fellowship group called “The Cousins Club” which is composed of Christians, Arabs and Jews who dine, pray and celebrate the holidays together in a spirit of unity, friendship and harmony. Common traditions and customs can always be found, even in a world of conflicts and strife. Through the study of holidays, the views and practices of other cultures become clear. And we move one step closer to global peace and understanding.
University of Houston receives historic $13 million gift for its entrepreneurship program By Natalie Harms, InnovationMap Reprint
University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business has received its second-largest donation to benefit its entrepreneurship program. The Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, which was recently ranked the top undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the country, received the $13 million gift from its namesake foundation — The Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation — and the state of Texas is expected to match an additional $2 million, bringing the total impact to $15 million.
UH's business school just received its second-largest gift ever. Photo courtesy of University of Houston 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
"Our family is deeply committed to the ideals of entrepreneurship," says Cyvia Wolff in a news release. "Our business personified everything that it means to be an entrepreneur. The skills, the thinking, the mindset are fundamental to success for business leaders today and in the future. On behalf of my late husband, we are truly honored to ensure the entrepreneurial legacy not only endures but remains accessible for students. We are truly honored to be part of this program and university." 13
Houston No. 1 in U.S. for residential construction permits in 2019, report says By Jeff Jeffrey – Reporter, Houston Business Journal Reprint
The greater Houston area continues to lead the nation in the number of residential building permits issued to developers, according to a recent report by Apartment Guide. Year to date as of July 2019, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas saw 36,073 permits issued — nearly 20 times the 1,843 permits issued in the average metropolitan area. The report included both multifamily units and singlefamily homes in its calculation of residential building permits. Greater Houston has routinely been among the top permit -issuing cities in the country this year. In the Apartment Guide report, three Texas cities topped the list. The Houston area edged out the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, which came in at No. 2, with 34,523 residential building permits issued through July. The AustinRound Rock-Georgetown area was No. 6, with 17,848 permits issued. The other top construction boom towns, according to the report included New York City (3rd), Phoenix (4th), Atlanta (5th), Washington DC (7th), Los Angeles (8th), Seattle (9th), and Charlotte (10th). In all, the 360 major metro areas included in the report issued 678,300 building permits from January through July 2019. The report attributed the nation-leading number of permits issued in greater Houston and DFW to a spike in job growth in both metro areas. Regarding single-family homes, the report noted that greater Houston had among the lowest-valued new homes in the country and those values dropped off this year. The average new home built in greater Houston built in 2019 was $181,100, the report said. That’s about $65,000 less than the national average home value of $245,853. Greater Houston actually saw the nation’s largest decline in the estimated value per new single-family home, with new builds dropping 66.1 percent in value this year. For comparison, the largest increase was in urban Honolulu, where values jumped 69 percent. The report said that unlike Honolulu's increasing population of billionaires, pricey neighborhoods in Texas have seen a decline in sales, which might have led builders across the state to construct affordable homes. “These changes aren't reflective of cities' entire housing markets, but they could indicate increases in the construction of lower-value or even smaller-sized housing units,” the report said. The Apartment Guide report was based on data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau for the monthly Building Permits Survey. ApartmentGuide.com is owned by RealPage, a Richardson, Texas-based real estate software firm.
Charles Schwab to move HQ to Texas from California after TD Ameritrade acquisition By Brian Womack – Staff Writer, Dallas Business Journal Reprint
Charles Schwab Corp. is set to make Dallas-Fort Worth home after its massive acquisition of TD Ameritrade closes. The corporate headquarters of the combined company will eventually relocate to Schwab’s new campus in Westlake, northwest of Dallas. Schwab, which is based in San Francisco, said Nov. 25 it is acquiring TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: AMTD) in a deal valued at about $26 billion. “Both companies have a sizable presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” the release said. “This will allow the combined firm to take advantage of the central location of the new Schwab campus to serve as the hub of a network of Schwab branches and operations centers that span the entire U.S. and beyond. Any additional real estate decisions will be made over time as part of the integration process.” The process to combine the companies will take between 18 and 36 months after the close of the deal, the statement said. Schwab (NYSE: SCHW) said it’s not saying goodbye to California, though. Continued on next page. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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“Schwab was founded in San Francisco and has maintained a longstanding commitment to the Bay Area, which will continue,” the statement said. “A small percentage of roles may move from San Francisco to Westlake over time, either through relocation or attrition.” The “vast majority” of Bay Area-based roles are not anticipated to be affected by the move, it said. Schwab expects to retain a sizable corporate footprint in the city. The companies expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2020. Schwab already has sizable operations in North Texas. As of November 2018, the company reported about 1,200 employees currently working in the Dallas area and 145 job openings in the region. A company representative told the Dallas Business Journal the approximately 1 million-square-foot Westlake campus, once completed, will be able to house up to 7,000 employees. The company has about 20,000 overall. Earlier this year, Charles Schwab, chairman of the company, spoke with the San Francisco Business Times, a Houston Business Journal sister publication, about challenges for companies in the Bay Area as some seek corporate relocations. “Look how congested we are here in San Francisco now,” Schwab said. “We certainly need infrastructure investments to make sure traffic moves well (and) people move well.” When asked about staying in San Francisco, he said, “We’ll continue looking at that as a possibility as taxes go … and the cost of doing business here are so much higher than some other (places), we’ll have to move there.”
Apple’s new Mac Pro will be made in Austin, not China By: Kate Winkle and Yoojin Cho (Austin Chamber of Commerce) Reprint AddThis Sharing Buttons
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The newest generation of Apple’s Mac Pro computer will be made in Austin, the company announced Monday. The company didn’t specify when the new computers would start to roll out, but said in a release it will “begin production soon at the same Austin facility where Mac Pro has been made since 2013.” As recently as June this year, the Wall Street Journal and others had reported Apple planned to manufacture it in China, as it does many of its other products. The company unveiled the redesigned Mac Pro at its Worldwide Developer Conference in June with a price tag of $5,999. The computer includes components from more than a dozen American companies. Apple said it can build its computer in Texas because it was given a federal product exclusion, so it can import certain parts without paying tariffs. In July, President Donald Apple Mac Pro manufacturing plant in Austin, Texas Trump tweeted that he might reject the exclusion, adding (Apple photo) “Make then in the USA, no Tariffs!” He later said “A man I have a lot of liking for and respect is Tim Cook, and we’ll work it out, I think they’re going to announce that they’re going to build a plant in Texas, and if they do that I’m starting to get very happy, okay.” “The Mac Pro is Apple’s most powerful computer ever and we’re proud to be building it in Austin. We thank the administration for their support enabling this opportunity,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We believe deeply in the power of American innovation. That’s why every Apple product is designed and engineered in the US, and made up of parts from 36 states, supporting 450,000 jobs with US suppliers, and we’re going to continue growing here.” In its release, Apple said it was “on track” to invest $350 billion in the U.S. economy by 2023. Average salary for manufacturing jobs in Central Texas nears six figures “Manufacturing, especially advanced manufacturing, is growing in Central Texas,” said Drew Scheberle at Austin Chamber of Commerce. According to the chamber, about 62,000 people work in the manufacturing industry in the Austin area. Continued on next page. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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Scheberle said, expect the number of available manufacturing jobs to grow. “You have folks from all over the world who’ve been investing in Austin, who’ve been investing in our talent, so this is going to continue to keep that at the forefront as people look at where they put their best manufacturing presence in the world.” Austin Community College’s Laura Marmolejo said, “There’s a job for everyone if they’re interested.” The Manufacturing Technology Department Chair said it takes about four weeks to learn the basics, and you can build your skills over a couple of years. She said she gets calls all the time from local employers who’re looking to hire. “Every time I turn around, I see companies saying we don’t have enough people,” Marmolejo said. “I just want to grab people off the street and say ‘come over here, let me teach you something that you can get a great job in.'” Marmolejo said ACC recently consolidated manufacturing-related programs into one department. It’s an effort to make it easier for people to come and learn and for companies to recruit. “We want to do what we can to bridge that gap, so that more people will have the opportunity to work in a really good field, the one that’ll help sustain them and their families,” she said. Scheberle said Austin competes against cities like Seoul, South Korea, Albany, New York and Denver, Colorado to get companies to either move here or expand here. He said the industry offers entry-level jobs, as well as highly-skilled, well-paying jobs, so the chamber is constantly working hard to bring more manufacturing opportunities to the region. “We are a free trade chamber of commerce. We believe, you should have as low barriers and free and balanced trade as possible,” he said. “We’re working hard to make sure that we’re going out and talking to the manufacturers that are here in Austin and in the region about what they need to grow, and we’re also making sure that we’re advocating for things that are going to continue to expand manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, in the region.”
Study: 660 companies moving facilities out of California with many bound for Dallas-Fort Worth
By Bill Hethcock – Senior Reporter, Dallas Business Reprint
A record number of companies are leaving California for states with a better business climate, and a new report shows that Texas remains their No. 1 destination, and it’s not just because of taxes. The departures from the Golden State between January 2018 and now involve corporate headquarters, manufacturing facilities, data centers, research hubs, software and engineering centers and a few warehouses, according to business relocation expert Joe Vranich, president of Spectrum Location Services. “Obviously a lot of them are going to Texas,” Vranich said in an interview with the Dallas Business Journal. “It just makes sense.” California companies large, midsize and small are shifting their regional or corporate headquarters to North Texas because of the DFW area’s generally lower taxes, more affordable housing, lower expenses, central location, access to an international airport and other factors. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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Immigrant Friendly World Class City Dallas Becomes First Texas City To Earn ‘Certified Welcoming Status’ Regarding Immigrants Reprint
View of Downtown Dallas DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas is the first city in Texas to earn the Certified Welcoming status in recognition of inclusiveness and integration of immigrants, the city announced Tuesday.
“Cities are the economic engines of Texas, and I am proud we have passed the selection criteria to be recognized as a welcoming certified city,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. “Dallas has a global economy and a vibrant culture highlighted by our diverse communities. We absolutely will leverage these assets to further grow our economy and advance inclusion in our City.” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Welcoming America, a nonpartisan, national nonprofit organization, evaluated local efforts to establish an inclusive community through government leadership, civic engagement, equitable access, education, economic development and connected and safe communities. “The Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs was established to ensure we as a City are accessible, responsive and equitable to the needs of immigrant populations in Dallas,” said Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “This certification acknowledges the work we have done to become a model city for being inclusive and promoting the engagement of immigrants and refugees.” “Welcoming America congratulates Dallas as the first Texas city to become Certified Welcoming, recognizing the community’s outstanding efforts to create an inclusive community for everyone, including immigrants and refugees,” said Welcoming America Executive Director, Rachel Peric. “Dallas exemplifies the kind of leadership our country is looking for at a time when Americans are eager for solutions that advance economic vitality and ensure all Americans belong and thrive.” Dallas’ Office of Welcoming Communities and Welcoming Affairs was established in March 2017 to promote the successful inclusion of immigrants into the social and economic fabric of the Dallas community, the city said in a news release. “The welcoming plan unanimously adopted by the City Council in 2018 includes seeking welcoming certification as a way to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of efforts to break down barriers, increase access, and leverage key contributions made by immigrants,” said Chief of Equity and Inclusion Liz Cedillo-Pereira. “We are grateful to our community for being such a significant part of this work.” Continued on next page. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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Schoolchildren in Mexico sing “Lupang Hinirang” to mark the ManilaAcapulco galleon trade anniversary Source: goodnewspilipinas.com Schoolchildren in Barra de Navidad in Mexico sing the “Tierra Adorada” to mark the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade anniversary. As “Lupang Hinirang”, the Philippine National Anthem, continues to be sung in medal ceremonies at the ongoing 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), the same song is being circulated online in its Spanish language version, “Tierra Adorada”. Schoolchildren in Mexico are seen singing the “Tierra Adorada” in a video posted on Facebook by Ting Caedo on December 3. The video has since gone viral raking in over a million views as of this writing. Spanish galleon ship used in Acapulco-Manila Galleon Trade circa 1564 The Philippine National Anthem was first performed on June 12, 1898, during the Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite, as the Marcha Nacional Filipina composed by Julian Felipe. The Spanish lyrics of “Tierra Adorada” were written by Jose Palma. In 1963 the title was changed to “Lupang Hinirang”. Caedo captioned his post that the Philippine National Anthem was sung to mark the 455th Anniversary of the Mexico-Filipinas Galleon Trade at Barra de Navidad in Mexico. Barra de Navidad is where shipyards built the galleons for the Spanish fleet that set sail on an expedition to the Philippines following the order of King Philip II of Spain in 1559. Today, the main Guadalajara-Barra de Navidad road is still known as The Philippines Way. The date November 21, 1564, is the date when the expedition under commander López de Legazpi set off, marking 455 years of commercial and cultural exchange between Mexico and the Philippines.
Mexican schoolchildren sing Philippine national anthem
The 455th Anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade was commemorated in Barra de Navidad in November with the Parangal Dance Company of California representing the Philippines in the celebration from November 20 to 21 that featured art, music, dance, folklore, gastronomy, and history of the two nations. The Academic Program of the 455 Anniversary of the Mexico-Philippines Expedition and the II Forum of Studies on the Manila Galleon in the Mexican Pacific was organized by the Government of Cihuatlán, Jalisco, in coordination with the University of Guadalajara, La Benemérita Geography Society and Jalisco AC State Statistics the Secretary of Culture of the State of Jalisco and the Thematic Network of Multi and Transdisciplinary Studies of the Manila Galleon. The Philippines marks the 500 years anniversary of the Mactan, Cebu arrival of the Spanish fleet by Ferdinand Magellan that will be celebrated worldwide as the first circumnavigation of the globe. To watch the Mexican schoolchildren sing the Philippine anthem, click here: https:// www.goodnewspilipinas.com/watch-mexicos-schoolchildren-sing-lupang-hinirang 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
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Philippine Tourism is up!
World-famous Boracay Island
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MANILA, Dec. 11 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the continued upward trend of Philippine international tourist arrivals tallying over 6.8 million visitors for another double-digit increase for the first ten months of the year. According to the monthly report released by the DOT, the country recorded a total of 6,800,052 visitors from January to October 2019 equivalent to an impressive 15.04 percent increase from the 5,911,161 arrivals for the same period last year.
PH records 6.8M international visitors from Jan-Oct; up 15% vs 2018 Reprint
October visitor arrivals also revealed an affirmative year-on-year arrival growth for eight of the top ten source markets. For the first ten months, Korea still tops the list with a total of 1,609,172 arrivals (+21.75%), which is expected to further improve following the signing of the tourism cooperation program between the Philippines and Korea. China came in second with 1,499,524 (+41.13%) followed by the United States of America (USA) at third place with 872,335 (+2.53%) for the ten-month period. Japan remained fourth in the list with 569,625 (+7.43%), followed by Taiwan, with a record of 282,220 (+36.77%) completing the top five markets.
PACC Texas lady officers promoting 2020 VIP Trip to Boracay. Watch for the trip headline in the Spring Issue of BC. 2019 WINTER EDITION PACCTX Business Chronicles
DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat attributed the encouraging figures to the improved air connectivity, intensified marketing promotions including the refreshed "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign, budding relations with other countries, as well as the growing recognition of the country’s sustainable tourism advocacy. 19
PH is king of Southeast Asia Games! By Jean Russel V. David
Source: The Manila Times, December 12, 2019 CAPAS, Tarlac: The Philippines regained the title King of Southeast Asia for harvesting the most number of medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the biggest edition in history. Home advantage proved golden for the Filipino athletes who hauled 149 gold, 117 silver and 119 bronze medals. The previous best for the country was a total of 112 golds achieved when it hosted the games in 2005, followed by 91 in 1991 — also in Manila. This year’s performance was the best since the country joined the SEA Games in 1977.
UNTIL THE NEXT GAMES Fireworks light up the New Clark City Stadium where athletes and spectators gathered for the last time to mark the closure of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Vietnam, the next host in 2021, placed second with a medal tally of 98-85-105 followed by Thailand (92-103123), Indonesia (72-84-111), Malaysia (55-58-71), Singapore (53-46-68), Myanmar (4-18-51), Cambodia (4-6-36), Brunei (2-5-6), Laos (1-5-28) and Timor-Leste (0-1-5). Arnis, the national martial art and sport, delivered the most number of gold medals — 14. Olympics-bound Carlos Edriel Yulo emerged as the most bemedalled athlete with seven medals. Filipino arnisadors racked a total of 14 gold, four silver, and two bronze medals and emerged as the best performing national sports association. The Philippine athletics team duplicated its 11-gold feat in the 1983 edition to cap off an impressive 11-8-8 showing at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. The country grooved its way to 10 gold medals while taekwondo grabbed eight golds, boxing and wushu with seven golds each, skateboarding with six, on top of a six-gold sweep in the obstacle course. Triathlon and duathlon combined delivered four golds, jiujitsu, five golds, billiards, four golds,and kickboxing, cycling, eSports, judo, muay thai, rowing, sailing, and soft tennis delivered three golds each. The basketball-crazy nation also bagged all golds up for grabs as the Gilas Pilipinas finished with four golds, sweeping the 3 by 3 and 5 by 5, both in men and women’s events. First Filipino gymnastic world champion Yulo showed a prelude to his Olympic stint after flexing two golds and five silvers. “It is a happy day for the Philippine Sports Commission, Team Philippines and the country as we celebrate our return to SEAG supremacy. We all worked hard for this. The Philippine Olympic Committee, national sports associations, the organizing committee, the government, the private sector, and the Filipino people all came together to show our team that they have the whole nation behind them. Salamat po sa lahat,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and Chef de Mission William Ramirez. “I am overwhelmed by the performance of our athletes in the 30th SEA Games. They showed us that with proper support and encouragement, they will deliver. I am proud that they proved that my faith in them was well-placed. But this is just the beginning,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino. “These Games are not only about medals. It is about character, resilience, love for one another and shoring up the faith of the person next to you,” Ramirez said. By virtue of Republic Act 10699, winners of the SEA Games are set to receive P300,000, P150,000 and P60,000, respectively for gold, silver and bronze medalists.
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AMBASSADORS TRIP FLYER
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