Networking Event @ Petruzzello's

The networking-social event held last Wednesday (April 21, 2010) was a lively, merry affair.The PCCM (Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Michigan) membership committee chaired by Betsy Henry saw to it that the event was pleasantly different from those in the past. Although it was heavy on the “social” side, it was still productive in terms of its principal purpose – which was business networking. So it was business with clean, simple pleasure.The luster of the affair was greatly enhanced as it was held in a ritzy place – the upscale Petruzzello’s Banquet and Conference Center at 6950 Rochester Road, Troy.The impeccable service provided by the properly attired waiters, the superb hors d’oeuvres, the ambiance of the place and the well prepared program all combined to make the event an affair to remember.The guests also enjoyed different kinds of drinks, including free San Miguel beer.

For entertainment, the all-Filipno Isang Binhi choir regaled the crowd with great blending of voices and well rehearsed numbers, including a Tagalog song. The PCCM members and guests were welcomed with the wonderful performance of violinist Jonas Pascua of the Panache Group, who is WDIV 4's winner of "Vote 4th Best for Best Music" and Wedding Wire's 2010 Bride's Choice Award.  Ryan Rosario, PCCM president, spoke to open the “networking introductions”.  Then the attendees formed a circle and introduced themselves and the businesses in which they are engaged. Later, the sponsors, who were the special guests, were called to deliver brief speeches. They included Frank Petruzzello, top honcho of Petruzzelo’s; Archie Mojares, financial advisor of the Mojares Capital and Management, LLC; and a representative of Frankie Daiek, mortgage loan officer of Bank of America.A raffle with valuable prizes at stake followed. Percy Antonio of the Filipino Star News bagged the top prize.

The presentation of membership certificates by Betsy’s committee capped the evening affair.The event drew 76 attendees, a record in the history of the PCCM networking events.Kudos to Alvin Joseph Tibudan of Lead Collaboratory for preparing the PCCM members’ certificates and name badges.President Rosario also thanked the following members: Nadine Ong, Cris Deluna, Jeffrey Vedua, Jiji Fernandez, Jack Regala, Nina McCaulley, David and Aida Vink for helping in the registration of guests, sale of raffle tickets and preparation of door prizes and giveaways.  

It was also graced by Filipino-American community leaders who included Van Ong, FILAMCCO president; Willie Dechavez, chairman of NaFAA-Michigan; Fred Porte, PACCM executive director; and Carmen president, outgoing president of PNAM.