Latest networking event is best; VIPs in attendance

If we were to rate the monthly networking events organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Michigan (PCCM) in the last one year, we would give the latest one the highest rating.

This is so because the event sponsored by Maple Manor and held in the elegant Petruzzello’s Banquet and Conference Center in Troy is the best so far. PCCM and the management of Maple Manor, which is owned by the Evangelista family, saw to it that the networking affair held last Nov. 12 was both a productive business gathering and a  well attended social event.

It had the trimmings of a great party as indicated by, among others, the list of participants and guests, many of them VIPs.The VIPs in attendance included Iqbal Singh, marketing director of DTE Energy; Dr. Jose Evangelista, honorary Philippine consul general; Suk-Kyu Koh, president of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Ron Colter, Business Acct Executive, Comcast; Van Ong, president of the Filipino- American Community Council (FILAMCCO); Willie Dechavez, chairperson of the Michigan chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); and Janice Huffman, multicultural marketing director of State Farm Insurance.

      Dr. Jose & Stella Evangelista - Maple Manor Rehab Center 

 Iqbal Singh - DTE Energy Marketing Executive 

PCCM Members - Cora Gatchalian, Cris Deluna & Betsy Henry

The VIPs together with the other guests and PCCM members enjoyed a night of music and good food and wine. The food provided by the Petruzello’s included roasted turkey served hot and different kinds of appetizers. And it was an open bar, courtesy by Maple Manor.

       Atty. Marcus Evangelista - Maple Manor Rehab Center CEO

The business portion of the event was highlighted by a presentation by Attorney Marcus Evangelista, Maple Manor chief finance officer, of a report on the operations of the first-class, assisted-living facility in Westland. He announced that Maple Manor will be opening a new nursing home in Novi in January, next year. 

 Marcus drew laughter with his made-up acronyms such as “OMG” which means “Oh My God”, and “SOO” which means “son of owner” (referring to himself as son of Dr. Stella Evangelista who owns Maple Manor). His clincher was “BTS” which means “better than sex.”

Glenn Penaranda, Philippine trade representative, informed the audience of the latest business developments in the Philippines and asked support by Filipino-Americans for a bill on “save the US-Philippines textile garments industries.” The bill is pending in the US Congress.